Beautiful Bella Girl

I know it has been awhile since I've posted. So much has been going on these past few months, but I hope to catch you up now. Back in October Bella fell at school and hit her head. This led to her speech becoming slurred. After a few scans we discovered that Bella's tumor had started growing again. The fall had nothing to do with the slurred speech, rather it may have sped up the onset of symptoms relating to the growth. We tried a new chemo drug with no success. In addition, Bella's shunt began to fail. So on December 1st Bella was admitted to have surgery to fix the shunt followed by the continuation of a chemo plan that has worked in the past. Well, four surgeries and eight days later the shunt was finally fixed.

While recovering from surgery, Bella started showing more signs that the tumor was growing. The MRI showed that Bella's tumor had become agressive and chemo was no longer an option. We could have done radiation, but at best it would have prolonged her life a few extra months. After many discussions, Bella's father and I have decided to end all treatments. We love our daughter so much and don't want her to go through more than she needs to. This has been the hardest decision we have ever had to make and it is one that has been very painful. We have fought so hard and had so much hope. It's hard to put down your weapons that you have carried so long. Your heart says, "Keep fighting!" but your head says, "It's time to let her go. She needs her rest."

So Bella is at home with us. Most of the time she is just resting quietly, though she has her Bella moments of giggles. And she still manages to boss us around. She wouldn't be Bella if she didn't do a little bossing around.

Please keep our family in your prayers.

Jennifer and Bossy Bella