Update on Cass

Cass is still having difficulty to move her right arm, and the pain and the stiffness on her neck are still bothering her a lot. The doctors know the problems yet we are unable to do anything to improve the situation for the time being, we can only wait. To prepare for the new chem drug, pending on our final decision, Cass went through a series of tests and a bone scan again yesterday. Then, another MRI will be followed prior to the chemo. Her neck, shoulder and right arm are so stiff that some simple bodily movements, which were easy for Cass to do with no problem before, have become a hurdle for her now. These simple movements are painful. The medical team cared so much that they got the physio group to help Cass perform some simple stretches in an attempt to loosen up her neck, shoulder and the right arm. Seeing Cass bearing such pain in her day-to-day routines and given that she has still been trying hard to keep up with her life, including her school work, without a sign of giving up, I really feel proud of her on one hand and feel a pinching in my heart on the other hand. She has been so courageous since day one in facing her challenging health condition, in taking on all the medical treatments including surgeries, in bearing the side effects from most of the medication, blood work, injections through the veins for scans . . . . . . . .  very often, I found myself to be too scared to see needles and blood . . . . . . not even dare to watch during the medical processes. But now, I think I should watch them to have a sense of Cass’ feeling, to identify with her, to sense her pain as well.

So far, neither chemo drugs could induce positive effect on the tumours nor could radiation or surgery help because some of the tumours are at the inconspicuous locations. The doctors still think that we should let Cass try the study chemo drug, which can be scheduled at the soonest next Thursday (Oct. 16/14) upon Cass’ consent. We may end up accepting such new drug reluctantly; however, at this moment, we are still not so comfortable with the drug since it is so new and there is too few past cases to confirm the potential side effects that may cause. We have been praying fervently for God's guidance on Cass’ next treatment. Could you continue to pray along with us?  Thanks!