Update

Hi Everyone,

Since Leah is too busy and feels there isn't much for her to report, I figured I would post a little update. Landon has posted new pictures on our website www.landonandmindy.com

Taylor is doing AMAZING, she is enjoying being at home with Landon during the day. They usually go for a sled ride with the beagles - they pull her on her sled, and she loves it. As soon as she sees the sled she gets excited and climbs in - grabs her snow suit and hat and tries to put them on. She will also bring you shoes and a coat if she can reach them.

She is saying more words lately, she says puppy, daddy, mommy, yucky, hot, uh oh, and alot of other words that we don't know - she talks all day.

Things have been plugging along, I have been busy being back at work, spending some time with friends, and trying to go to the gym a couple of days a week. Taylor has a check up on February 5th to get her central line flushed, and get some blood work done. She only has to go in once a month now. She also is going to meet her new Paediatrician that we were referred to from the Stollery. Other than that, she hasn't had to go to the doctors or for any hospital visits since Leah's last post.

While we were in Banff two weekends ago, we met up with an old friend of ours - Kat Yeomans - she is shaving her head for cancer in Taylor's honor. She has a facebook group set up that I sent to all of my friends, as well as you can find her name on the following link to make a pledge. We will be going to Canmore on the weekend of June 8th to watch Kat shave her head for this wonderful cause.

http://www.kidscancercare.ab.ca/kccf/sylfak.htm

http://secure.csfm.com/kidscancer/events/profile.php?participant_id=214850501263783591

My aunt Ruth is also doing the ride to conquer cancer for Taylor and other family members and friends that have been impacted by Cancer, as well as Enbridge, my work, is one of the sponsors of this event, they have a large team riding this year.

So, if you have a bunch of money burning a hole in your pocket, or are looking to make a donation to a good cause, there are a couple that are being done that are close to home. You will get a tax receipt, so you can claim it on your taxes too!

We are getting closer to April, when Taylor will have her first MRI post radiation, and we are getting a little nervous, the MRI is April 9th, and we will get the results on April 15th, so keep on praying and sending your positive thoughts, as we aren't free of this nightmare yet, even though Taylor doesn't let on that there is still a fight going on.

Hope everyone is well, take care.

Landon, Mindy & Taylor

taylor had her "End of Treatment" release!

Well now that Radiation is done the doctor's rounded up the small Thiessen family for the "end of treatment" meeting (just a technicality). The meeting was to forecast a potential plan of action for the upcoming months and years for Taylor. So I would like to share what may happen:

• Taylor will continue to have tests monthly that test blood and flush her line for the next 3 months.
• In April the i-vad should be removed (another surgery to remove it)
• April 5th MRI, GFRI (Kidneys), hearing tests, etc...basically see that everything is working and functioning as it should after all the Chemo and radiation.
• MRI's will be every 3 months for a year. After 2 years (not her age, I think after a year after treatment) it will be every 4 months, after 3 years every 6 months and 4-10 years every year. This could be age, but I am thinking it is after treatment...I will correct when Mindy laughs at me for screwing up the information.LOL

So everyone was very pleased with Taylor. The remarks tended to be towards the amazement that Taylor has done so well through all of this as well as thrived. That it is crazy she is exactly where she should be for development, etc. Taylor has not shown any mental development issues as of yet, she is top of the class! (LOL that was more my opinion, but she is above average in her development). All her nurses were around to see her and cooed over how big she is (they have known her pretty much from birth).

Compliments went out to how amazing Mindy and Landon have been through all of this...They are proof that this can be done!

I know Mindy is wanting to get a party together so I will update when I get some news. Remember this is a forecast if things stay perfect. Things will change quickly if anything happens.

Happy New Year!

Well Taylor has been officially discharged from Radiation! Yeah never again will she get radiation (she has had the max they can give her). So I keep the hope that the cancer will be gone this time. Mindy will be trying to organize a celebration for the end of treatment so I will let you know when I know. Apparently the nurses and doctors have said they have never seen anyone take all these treatments so well as Taylor has! She is such a miracle.

Keep sending out positive Karma, prayers hopes and wishes.