The Monster Calls

Mindy and Landon would like to share their devastating news. People are beginning to slowly start asking questions, and they are worried that they will continue to see an increase as people tend to do, meaning well, but still overwhelming at a time like this. Please, no matter how well meaning you are, try to understand that this is a really hard time, they know people care and love them and Taylor, but they just would prefer to avoid being bombarded. I will try to keep everyone up-to-date via this blog and link it into our Facebook account. If you have questions you can message me, I will get back to you.

So Taylor has been feeling unwell, progressively worsening and Landon's spidey (not a "real" word, but I think you will all understand what I am saying) senses were going berserk. Landon took Taylor to the Stollery on Tuesday October 31st, 2017. They gave Taylor a CT scan, which showed some "stuff" (I am using my most excellent medical terminology here). They then decided they needed to do an MRI. There is generally a wait but the Stollery and the team there are AMAZING, and got our girl in quick. Seriously, these people are so wonderful.

So the MRI showed a large mass growing in her brain stem, the Pons,  roughly the size of a golf ball, the same size as her last tumour so long ago. Taylor had an MRI 10 months ago that was clear, so this tells us it's fast growing. The tumour is pushing on her brain and causing her to feel sick (throwing up, headaches, off balance).

Let us just say that due to the location of the tumour its not looking positive, although I haven't lost hope, as we wait for further answers. Taylor had an MRS scan today that was more focused into the area of the tumour, but we wont't know anything until they actually open up her head and see. They plan to TRY to take a biopsy on Tuesday. The biopsy will let us know if its the same cancer, or a different one. Why I emphasize TRY is that the Pons are an area you don't fart around with as it can be fatal.

At this point Taylor has been given steroids to help decrease swelling and the ease the pressure on her brain. She is feeling better, however, this is temporary bandaid as the tumour continues to grow it will require something different.

I think that is enough for all of you now until we know more. I will update as I get information. Please DO NOT CONTACT MINDY OR LANDON! When I know how people can help, I will let you know. They would also appreciate people saving advice on all the various methods of alternative therapies, or natural things to try, etc. To say we feel like a freight train has run over us does not even begin to illustrate how this feels. Please prey for Taylor, send her your hope, your strength and your energy.