Diagnosis: Keeps going...and going...

We're back in Los Altos after a few days at home. It's been an exhausting roller coaster. Monday I received a phone call from the doctor saying that her white blood cell count was up, and the most likely diagnosis was going to be leukemia. This news hit me like a ton of bricks (and I would have updated you all, but we didn't have internet the entire time we were in SLO- curse you AT&T!). I had been feeling optimistic that the fact that they couldn't find anything so far meant that she didn't have leukemia. So we schlept ourselves and our car full of stuff back up here on Wednesday. We had a really good dinner with Auntie Katie, Uncle Marc and the incredible Sam and Elle. Tessa LOVES her cousins so much, she kept asking us when they were going to come to her house! It was wonderful hanging out and having such a relaxing (and delicious) dinner.

Today we spent another day at the hospital. It started out with Tessa having to fast until 1 (which is tough for a 3 year old, do not doubt it). They did an ultrasound on her tummy, which was a rather pleasant experience for Tessa-laying on a bed sucking on a lollipop and watching Dora while a handsome radiologist massages her tummy with warm goo. From there Tessa had some more blood workups done, and then a long consultation with the Oncologist (the fabulous Dr. Krysta), her fellow, a geneticist, his fellow, and the social worker. It was very crowded. We were extremely grateful to have the indefatigable Papa there to listen, ask questions and help us translate.

The message was this: Tessa does NOT have leukemia. Right now. If you are scratching your head, join the club. This means that it (whatever it is) could become leukemia, but the tests have confirmed that she doesn't have it at this time. Beyond that her hemoglobin levels have dropped (anemia), which explains her extreme fatigue lately. Otherwise, they still don't know what's going on. They have one of the top bone docs in the country coming in on Tuesday to look at her x-rays, they want to do some DNA testing, but we're just in for a long wait. We'll be heading back to SLO with the expectation that we'll be visiting the pediatrician weekly to monitor her blood levels and keep an eye on her. The docs at Stanford all know who Tessa is, and her case is making it's rounds through experts of all fields.

Thank you all for your prayers, perhaps that is what is keeping her from getting worse. We are all grateful for your support and love, and I am awed by what a demonstration of good will has come pouring out of this experience. We will keep you all posted as we find out more.

Thank you "Uncle" David and Auntie Emily for the elephant (and mints ;) ), and Uncle Eric and Uncle Jack for the super cool camera! Tessa is now a budding photographer and loving it!