Update as of June 28, 2007 @ 3:00 pm

As some of you might have heard the news already, Cassidy has been sent home again this afternoon due to inavailability of a hospital bed. She is now on a waiting list to be called back as soon as they have a space for her. Nevertheless, Mama Carmen has met with the Oncologist and the other doctors and all the scans and tests were all yielding desirable results. Especially regarding the tumor, the doctor says although it has not shrink in the actual size of the tumor but it has not grew bigger either. And there are signs that the tumor cells are dying off thus calcification is found around the tumor. Doctors are still deciding about the blood thinner shots, so we shall continue to pray for God to grant extra wisdom to the Thrombosis Specialist as he is facing the dilemma of Cassidy's blood clot problem.

If God's plan is for Cassidy to enjoy the long weekend at home with family and friends, then let's all pray that she really gets to have fun and cheer wherever she goes and pray that everyone stay safe and healthy and recharged to be ready again for the treatments to come.

Cassidy & Dr. Jesse wishes everyone a safe and happy long Canada Day weekend!

A Beautiful Prayer Day!

Check out these new pix of Cassidy at the Edwards Garden where she was rolling herself in the wheelchair. Also see the shots taken by Cassidy where we get to see the beauty of God through her eyes.

Dr. Jesse had a car problem yesterday : ( and was running around to get the car fixed, so couldn't get to post this earlier, sorry for making you all wait to see CaCa's happy face. In any case, CaCa has gone down to the SickKids for some tests yesterday and again has gone down very early this morning for her final check up before the next Chemo treatment, which we hope can start tonight. She has been doing great, even the doctors said hard tumors rarely shrink, her leg has visually shrunk and Mama's tape says by a good 2cm when Dr. Jesse saw her on Tuesday. So as faithful as God says, nothing is impossible in God's hand.

Let us all pray for CaCa's smooth tests today and for a bed available for her to start Chemo today. Also especially pray that her respond to this combination drug is good and won't be like last time that she was sleeping almost straight through for 3 days and was throwing up. So while we go outside to bathe in the warmth from the sun, let us remember to pray a prayer of blessing for Cassidy, GorGor Aaron, Mama Carmen and Papa Andy as they all run back and forth for CaCa's treatment.

Home Sweet Home

Mama Carmen asked Dr. Jesse to hold off new posts for a few days so you can all stay on the prayer requests at this special time when they are facing new challenges. And they are thankful for all your prayers. Mama Carmen and Papa Andy want to let you all know that Cassidy is doing great and she has came home this afternoon.

Cassidy is due back next week to see a couple more specialists and to have a kidney test to get ready for her next dose of Chemo of the combination drugs just like the first dose she ever had. It will be a 48hrs drip and hopefully they can start that on Thursday if the hospital has the bed for CaCa. This combination Chemo is the one that made CaCa throw up and didn't want to get up last time, let us pray fervently that God will again help CaCa endure this round of treatment and to minimize the side effects.

On the other hand, the doctors are facing a dilemma about her blood-thinner shots. The blood clot in CaCa's leg is still there and the blood thinner should gradually remove the clot, however the blood-thinner will worsen the bleeding inside the tumor. Let us pray at this crucial moment that God would grant wisdom to the doctors to make the best decision on this matter.

The nurses did say that any kind of shrinkage in the tumor area is good and Mama Carmen told Dr. Jesse that she measured CaCa's tumor and it went from 40cm to 38cm tonight. This is encouraging and we praise God for this great progress. Let us continue to pray for good progress such as this and for God's amazing healing in Cassidy.

Update as of June 20, 2007 @ 10:00 pm

Praise The Lord! Cassidy has been admitted for her 3rd round of Chemo yesterday afternoon. She has also been seen by many specialists and some updated medical information is available for some of you who are interested.

The oncologist found that the actual size of CaCa's tumor has not changed so the 1 centimetre shrink was probably the shrinkage of her swelling. In any case, the oncology nurse says any kind of shrinkage in her leg is good. The doctor also said that since the tumor is a hard tissue tumor, it is very rare that it would get smaller, even with chemotherapy. (But we all heard at the beginning that the chemo was to make the tumor smaller, so we are all a little confused here!!??!!) But in any case, the doctor explained that Cassidy would still had to go through Chemo anyway because that would kill off all the small amount of cancer cells in other part of her body and also prevent the tumor from getting stronger or spread. Recent MRI also showed that there are calcification around the tumor and that is mostly the dead tumor cell dying off around the tumor, which is actually a good thing. Blood thinner shots for Cassidy's blood clot problem seems to be not helping with the bleeding inside the tumor so the doctors are facing a catch 22 situation. Also the doctors were telling us that the tumor is not responding the way they had hoped to be, they are now considering an earlier surgery rather than waiting till after all 10 weeks of Chemo. Further tests such as Ultrasound and PET scans are ordered before the doctors can come to a conclusion or decision. Mama Carmen was taken by surprise when the doctor suggested an earlier surgery because she is not yet prepared emotionally for that to happen. However she does understand that it may in fact be better for Cassidy's medical condition.

So at this time, let us support Mama Carmen and Papa Andy by prayers and pray for God to give extra wisdom to the medical team to decide for the best for Cassidy. Also pray that Mommy and Daddy experience the peace from God despite the complicated situation they have to face. Pray that when it's time for them to make certain decisions for Cassidy, they would hear God's voice and submit to God's ultimate best purpose in their lives together. Pray that God would prepare not only mommy and daddy, but also Aaron and especially Cassidy herself to be ready for another big step ahead of them. Let us pray that, if it is God's will, that Cassidy would have a successful limb-saving surgery. No matter what life brings, we are confident that God already has the greatest plan in all our lives and we are to take it step by step, one day at a time onto God's path and see His purpose in our lives revealed to us by God Himself.

1 cm Smaller!

Papa Andy is pleased to announce that the tumor in Cassidy's leg has shrunk by 1 centimetre. Seems like the Chemo has started to take effect, and when it's time for surgery in about 10 more weeks, we are hoping that the tumor will shrink even more. So let's continue to pray for God to make good things happen for CaCa.

CaCa Jue has been very busy these couple of days. Auntie Ivy and Uncle Gary went on a field trip with Mommy and Cassidy yesterday to a bookstore where CaCa read a FEW books. And then we all went out for DimSum today. Cassidy ate a whole bowl of noodles and a crunchy fish in a boat plus some other stuff. Then we took some nice pictures before CaCa went home for her music lessons with Auntie Rebecca.
The next Chemo is scheduled for tomorrow so let's pray that CaCa gets a good night of sleep tonight and then a bed will be ready for her at the hospital so there is no more delay on her treatments.

A Great Weekend for CaCa

Dr. Jesse found lots of good eats down in Michigan for Cassidy this past weekend. And Mama Carmen also told Dr. Jesse that Cassidy had a great weekend. CaCa was doing great from Chemo and came home on Saturday afternoon. Then her friends rushed in to celebrate her healthy homecoming. Then Papa Andy went off to fellowship in the evening. But then 10 minutes after daddy left, Cassidy begged mommy to bring her to the fellowship too so she can see her friends. So brave Mama Carmen took CaCa to fellowship all by herself!! And CaCa had a great time!

Cassidy says she really wish to go to church on Sundays and Mommy and Daddy are thinking to bring her to church when she's off Chemo. They are praying for God's guidance in this so let us join hands in prayers and ask God to show them how best to coordinate things so CaCa's wish to come to church may come true.

Cassidy thanks her friends.....

Cassidy is doing great, Mama Carmen says Cassidy was picky at what she eats so that means she has the appetite to eat something she likes, praise God for that.

Here're some nice pretty sun visors that CaCa made to thank her friends and the nice Thank You card from Cassidy to all those who love and pray for her during her fight against the "bad guy cells".

Dr. Jesse is down in the U.S.A. this weekend to search for great things for CaCa, see you all when we're back on Sunday night. Cheers!

Update as of June 14, 2007 @ 7:00pm

SMS from Mama Bear says CaCa is doing splendid today. They have gone down to see a play where there were some very nice singing and a meaningful message. Ultrasound is scheduled for tomorrow, then hopefully just a few more tests to make sure CaCa is all fine, then the huggy bears should be homebound by Saturday.

God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good. He hears our prayers and carries us through all the way. God has promised to open a way for us in the the wilderness, let's cling onto His promise and tag along Him all the way. Dr. Jesse wishes to share with you this song of comfort - God will make a way

It's only the 2nd dose of Chemo and CaCa bear is already like a veteran enjoying all the time she spends at the hospital. Let us continue to pray for her treatments and recovery, and let us all witness the goodness of our Almight God.

Update as of June 13, 2007 @ 2:00pm

After a night of IV hydration, Cassidy started her Chemo drip around 10am this morning and had just finished now. Nurses explained that Methotrexate is a rather strong drug and that they need to complete 3 rounds of 24hr tests before they can let Cassidy home. That means CaCa won't get home till about Saturday if all goes well. But that's all okay coz then CaCa gets more time to make her 3 new friends and perhaps introduce our Best Friend Jesus to these new little friends.

Mama Carmen says Cassidy is feeling a little dizzzy and is now sleeping. Let us pray that Cassidy has a good rest and recuperates quickly to Eat Well and Play Hard.

The Mama Bear had to crunch up in a folding bed in a tight corner last night and will be for a few more nights. Let's pray for Mama Bear to be able to sleep well despite the small spaces and the heavy traffic in a 4beds room. Pray also for Papa Bear's health and strength to run back and forth between hospital/work/home and caring for both CaCa Bear and Aaron Bear.

Update as of June 12, 2007 @ 7:30pm

Praise The Lord!! He heard our prayers for a bed for CaCa to start Chemo, the hospital called this afternoon and told Mama Carmen to bring Cassidy in after 8pm this evening. Although it is going to be a 4-beds room shared with other children, but Cassidy is so excited and said that she might make a friend this time. Dr. Jesse told her that she might even make 3 other friends. Cassidy was not really looking forward to go back to the hosptial and the needles again but she is such a courageous trooper knowing that it's all for her own good. So she especially picked 2 DVDs to bring down and is trying her best to make the most enjoyable stay at the hospital this time.

If all goes well, she can expect to come home before the weekend and go back next week for the 3rd Chemo dose. Let's all pray that CaCa starts her Chemo tonight smoothly and have a good night sleep. The 4 hr drip should be all over by the time she wakes up in the morning. Let's sing a lullaby in our hearts to send CaCa to the SweetDreamsLand tonight and pray that God keeps her well and strong during this dose.

Update as of June 11, 2007 @ 6:00pm

Cassidy was back at SickKids today and was seen by her surgeon again. The doctors are recommending to start her Chemo as quickly as possible but after a long day's wait, CaCa was sent back home due to the lack of beds at the hospital.

So while we all have our soft fluffy beds to sleep in tonight, before you jump into it, please remember to especially pray for a bed to be available for Cassidy to start her 2nd round of Chemo REAL SOON.

The doctors are a bit worried by the enlarging tumor in CaCa's leg and Mama Carmen is also very worried by the delay of Chemo. The doctors said that the bone in CaCa's leg is at a very fragile condition and that she is not allowed to use that leg at all until further advice. Let us pray for God to protect Cassidy from any fall or injury and to make a way that is best for Cassidy in both treatments and care.

Gor Gor Aaron's home.....

Cassidy was so happy to see Aaron home from Music Camp yesterday. Especially when she saw GorGor's new hair cut. Dr. Jesse has gathered up some new pictures for everyone to see, check this out!!

Again, due to the size of pictures, it will take a few minutes to load, so be patient, pretty things are worth the wait. Enjoy!!

Tx Postponed...

Cassidy was seen by doctors this morning and they have postponed treatment to at least next Monday. The tumor in CaCa's leg seems to have changed shape and calcium deposits accumulated around the tumor, doctors are ordering MRI for the weekend to yield a better look of the tumor before they administer further chemo. Cassidy has gone home this evening and will return to SickKids for MRI over the weekend.

Everyone please continue to pray for the medical team to have wisdom to decide on the best treatment for Cassidy.

Getting Ready for Tomorrow...

Tomorrow is the day for Cassidy's 2nd dose of Chemo, and this time is a new drug called Methotrexate. It will be a 4 hours drip and if Cassidy is feeling well enough, they will let her come home to rest after treatment and then go back for another dose of the same drug next week.

Let's all pray for Cassidy to have a good night sleep tonight that she has great strength to endure treatment tomorrow. Also, let's pray for Mama Carmen and Papa Andy to also get a good night of rest ready for tomorrow. Pray that God grant the wisdom to the medical team to provide best treatment to Cassidy and that all goes smooth and well. Pray that Cassidy will do well enough so she can come home soon to rest where she is most comfy.

The Carpet at Cassidy's home is being removed tomorrow while Cassidy's away at the hospital, pray that Uncle Kenneth can fix the new floor nice and quick, so the home is all cleaned up by the time Cassidy comes home. So pray also for Uncle Kenneth to have a safe and quick and smooth day tomorrow.

Un Grand MERCI à Cliffwood Public

Soooooooo much blessings and soooooooo many presents were poured onto Cassidy from teachers and friends @ Cliffwood Public School.Lots and lots of crafty gifts were brought in by all the loving teachers and a Gigantic Card was made by friends from Gr.3 & 4.Cassidy has already started her many craft projects to make gifts to all her teachers and friends, so stay tuned and we'll show you one by one.......be patient, CaCa is surely one busy artist.

A Weekend with Friends...

It was a very hot weekend, Cassidy stayed away from the sun and played inside with her friends who came over to visit.And when CaCa wraps up a busy week on Sunday night, she tells mommy that there are lots of things she needs do, here's her self-made "to do" list to share with you.

The drawers are filling up.....

The latest addition to Cassidy's Pretty Hats Collection is a Pink Strawberry Shortcake cool weave hat from Auntie Joan and Uncle Lawrence. Mama Carmen will take some nice pix of that and other hats and Dr. Jesse will put out another photo link soon. And Cassidy says Thank You to all those who went all out to get her the nice hats and scarves and bandanas.

Cassidy's fever has gone down a little bit and is staying just under 38c. A bit more hair had shed but her little face is still pretty with the nice bandana over her head today. Let's pray for Cassidy's strength to accept this temporary change with her hair and stay happy throughout treatments so that it gets done as soon as it can be and her hair grows back even more pretty and long.

Cassidy needs to pick your brains.....

Praise the Lord! Cassidy has been seen by doctors this evening and has returned home safe and sound. The doctors said her white blood cell counts are good but she might be suffering from an unknown virus that she has came into contact with during the week. Cassidy is still having a fever and for the meantime, doctors want us to try our best to find out the type of virus that Cassidy might have contracted.

THEREFORE, Dr. Jesse wants to ask you all to help Mama Carmen and Papa Andy out to find out the type of virus Cassidy might have contracted. And this is how you can help.

For those who have seen Cassidy in the last week, please think back if you have came into contact with anyone who was or might have been ill with either a cold, flu, rash, chicken pox, red eye infection or sinus or any kind of infection. If you have seen anyone with the above listed symptoms or any sign of illness, please notify Mama Carmen or Papa Andy immediately so they can in turn notify the doctors.

A slight fever has broke...Pls pray...

Just heard from Mama Carmen that Cassidy is having a slight fever at 38.5. We suspect that it is from the stopping of her White BloodCell Boaster Shots since Monday. Mommy and Daddy is now getting ready to bring CaCa down to SickKids as per the nurse advice.

Let's pray together that this fever goes down and CaCa can come home to rest more before her next Chemo on the coming Thursday. Also pray that traffic and everything else go smoothly as Carmen and Andy go downtown with Cassidy and back.

Update as of June 1, 2007 @ 2:00pm

Dr. Jesse was busy with homework yesterday, just like Cassidy is. And Dr. Jesse went to see Cassidy for a bit today and found her still busy with her homework. "Une Chien" was one of the vocabulary Ca Ca was writing today and she thought of Dr. Jesse right away, because that is what Dr. Jesse is......une chien!!!

Cassidy is feeling pretty good today and Mama Carmen baked her a Pizza made with soy cheese. CaCa's friend Valerie will be visiting her on Sunday and everybody is so excited about that. Here's a pix when CaCa was feeding "RedBeanPaste" cookie to Dr. Jesse!