THE NEXT STEPS

Ashley has a couple of clinic visits scheduled within the next couple of months, at which time her VP-16 prescription will be refilled. She is scheduled for an audiogram (hearing test) on October 18. She has experienced a significant loss of hearing in recent weeks, and hopefully the audiogram will help us figure out exactly what the problem is. Her next MRI is scheduled for Saturday morning, November 24. That will be the "moment of truth" when we find out if two months' worth of chemo has had any effect on the tumors. If so, we will probably continue on the same protocol. If not, we will probably talk about some different options in terms of treatments.

One thing that we have learned is that the treatment plan doesn't seem to be nearly as "cut and dried" this time around as it was the first time. We have not been told anything about an expected time table, which makes me think that this is going to be a "play it by ear" process. If we find something that works, we'll keep doing it. If we find something that doesn't work, we'll try something else. And I guess we'll just keep moving forward with treatments until the tumors are gone. How long will that be? I have no clue at this point.

SCHOOL

Ashley has not attended school for the past couple of weeks. We are in the process of getting her set up on "homebound" status, like she was during the original battle back in 1997 and 1998. Ashley is a freshman at Waxahachie High School this year, and her teachers have been absolutely wonderful to work with. They are very concerned about Ashley, and realize that our top priority right now is Ashley's health. We are so thankful that she has such wonderful, caring, compassionate teachers. That makes all the difference in the world!

PRAYER REQUEST

Once again, thank you for your prayers. We fervently solicit your continued prayers on behalf of Ashley and our family. There is so much uncertainty, but we will take life one day at a time, and look to God for the strength to make it through each day. God bless each of you.