Updates on Shannon

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" background="044d4c03.jpg"> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Updates on Shannon"><IMG SRC="8ce96e20.jpg" border=0 width="150" height="226" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></A></div> <div> <B>Thank  you</B></div> <div> for Praying for Shannon. The hundreds of good wishes and prayers that were received through the NF chat room, bulletin board, and emails really made a difference. It has been great hearing from others in the NF community and I know that your support will help us get through this very difficult time.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.pbgs2.com/cgi-bin/guestbook.cgi" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.pbgs2.com/cgi-bin/guestbook.c"><IMG SRC="0597a1f0.jpg" border=0 width="122" height="31" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC33" FACE="Arial" ><B>NF TEAM</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#333399" FACE="Arial" >   |     <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="NF TEAM">home</A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="id119.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Introduction">Introduction</A>   |   <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Mission">Mission</A>   |   <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What is Neurofibromatosis?">What is Neurofibromatosis?</A>   |   <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact me">Contact me</A>   |   <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Help find a cure!">Help find a cure!</A>   |   <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Latest Research">Latest Research</A>   |   <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Event Sponsors Page">Event Sponsor's Page</A>   |   <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Related Links">Related Links</A>   |   <B>Updates on Shannon</B>   |   <A HREF="id53.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Upcoming Events">Upcoming Events</A>   |   <A HREF="id110.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Photo Gallery">Photo Gallery</A>   |   <A HREF="id121.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="NF Heroes">NF Heroes</A></div> <div> Updates on Shannon</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="14605ef00.jpg" border=0 width="94" height="240" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> <IMG SRC="145e40f00.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="240" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> <IMG SRC="14605ef00.jpg" border=0 width="94" height="240" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> December 19th 2007</div> <div> <B>HAPPY 11th Birthday Shannon!!!</B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#330000" FACE="Arial" >December 19th 2006  </FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" >   </FONT><A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Updates on Shannon"> <img src="HTMLobj-4045/aniGif.gif" border="0" align="bottom" width="100" height="100">  <IMG SRC="fcc7abb0.jpg" border=0 width="122" height="187" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></A> <A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Updates on Shannon"> <img src="HTMLobj-4046/aniGif.gif" border="0" align="bottom" width="100" height="100">  </A></div> <div> <B>HAPPY 10th Birthday Shannon!!!</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" >November 22nd 2006 </FONT>Shannon saw her neurologist on 11-8-06. She is doing fine overall and will have her next MRI and/or CT sometime in '07. She also saw the Optometrist last month and she stated that nothing had changed. Shannon has been accepted to participate in the <A HREF="http://www.nfteam.com/pone.pdf" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.nfteam.com/pone.pdf">Phase I Clinical Trial of Lovastatin</A>. She will turn 10 on December 19th. She is still battling many tumors but she has been cancer free since October 25th 2002, very good news.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <div> <IMG SRC="ecebc340.jpg" border=0 width="700" height="564" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" >01-20-2006 </FONT><A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Updates on Shannon"><IMG SRC="8c497710.jpg" border=0 width="151" height="113" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></A> I am very pleased to report that all of the results are in and Shannon is doing well. Most importantly, her cancer has not returned. Her para-spinal tumor appears not to have grown any further. No change in her optic gliomas but she is complaining less frequently about the headaches. Shannon still complains about the tumors in her right leg/ankle but overall this is terrific news. THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS....We know that God is Listening </div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >12-19-2005</FONT>   <img src="HTMLobj-2234/aniGif.gif" border="0" align="bottom" width="85" height="152">   <img src="HTMLobj-2231/aniGif.gif" border="0" align="bottom" width="75" height="84">   <img src="HTMLobj-2233/aniGif.gif" border="0" align="bottom" width="85" height="152">  <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#FF00FF" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B><B>HAPPY BIRTYDAY SHANNON!!! </B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> 12/16/2005 Shannon's MRI ~ Waiting for results...</div> <bR> <div> 12/10/2005 Shannon's next MRI is scheduled for Friday December 16th 2005</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> 11/25/2005<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Shannon was scheduled for an MRI today, unfortunately it was canceled and will be rescheduled for sometime Mid December. The plexiform on Shannon's right foot/heal area has been causing her pain recently. The MRI will check on it and other existing tumors especially the Para spinal one. </FONT></div> <div> *********************************************************************************************</div> <div> <IMG SRC="78763320.jpg" border=0 width="355" height="306" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> 5-20-2005 Shannon's visit to Michigan for the 2005 NF Team<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>F</B></I></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#33FF00" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>u</B></I></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FF6600" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>n </B></I></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>R</B></I></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#CC0066" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>u</B></I></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#9966FF" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>n</B></I></FONT></div> <div> *********************************************************************************************</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="68f9cbf0.jpg" border=0 width="156" height="191" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></FONT>  <A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Updates on Shannon"><IMG SRC="68d61bf0.jpg" border=0 width="97" height="191" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></A>  <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="68e74bf0.jpg" border=0 width="116" height="191" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">  <IMG SRC="67f1bbf0.jpg" border=0 width="283" height="191" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></FONT></div> <div> <B>1-9-2005 Walt Disney World Marathon - Time to say goodbye after a great weekend! We love you!</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>12-19-2004</B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>  <img src="HTMLobj-1250/aniGif.gif" border="0" align="bottom" width="129" height="142">  </B></FONT></div> <div> <B>HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY SHANNON!</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>11-21-2004</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >I am very pleased to report that we have good news. It appears that the cancer has not returned and Shannon's optic nerve tumors have shrunk. She still has some concerns but overall this is great news. Thank you for all of the supportive emails and prayers.</FONT></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="4ac1ac50.jpg" border=0 width="282" height="453" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>11-03-2004</B><B> </B></FONT>Shannon's MRI and CT scans have been rescheduled for November 11th. The CT scan will recheck the area where the cancerous tumor was removed (neuroblastoma). The MRI will check on a Paraspinal tumor that her doctors are concerned about.  Thank you for keeping Shannon in your prayers.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Update: 10-14-2004 </B>The tests were CANCELLED temporarily due to health insurance problems. The tests should be approved and rescheduled very soon.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Update: 10-10-2004 </B> Shannon is having another MRI and CT this Wednesday 10-13. The main focus will be to check on a Paraspinal tumor. Your prayers are very much appreciated. Thank You.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Update: 03-17-2004 </B> Shannon has been struggling in school but she is doing well all things considered. She is participating in one clinical trial and her doctors will continue with the MRI's and CT scans to monitor the growth of her tumors. Thank you for keeping Shannon in your thoughts and prayers.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Update: 12-19-2003</B><IMG SRC="256c5740.gif" border=0 width="197" height="116" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B>Update: 12-15-2003</B> Good News: Shannon's MRI and CT Scan results show no signs of any new internal tumors or the return of the cancer. The doctor's are concerned about Shannon's <A HREF="id41.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Optic Glioma">Optic Gliomas</A> and the large tumor on her ankle/heal area. The plan is to continue with the MRI's and CT Scans.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Update: 6/12/2003 </B>Great News! Shannon had MRI and CT scans today. The primary focus was to check on a tumor that was growing into her spinal cavity. The tumor appears to have suddenly stopped growing! Also there are no signs of any new tumors, cancerous or otherwise. The <A HREF="id41.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Optic Glioma">Optic Gliomas</A> are still a concern but overall everything looks great and Shannon is doing well. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Update: 3/20/2003</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>Shannon went back to her ophthalmologist today. Her Doctor stated that Shannon's vision is still very good and seems unaffected by the tumors on her optic nerves. He has ordered a follow up scan to closely monitor the growth of the <A HREF="id41.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Optic Glioma">Optic Gliomas</A>. This is in addition to the regularly scheduled MRI's and CT scans which her other Doctors use to monitor the tumors in her torso and legs.  Thank you for keeping Shannon in your thoughts and prayers.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Update: 2/2/2003 </B>So far the tests have been favorable. Shannon will continue with  MRI's and CT scans to keep a close watch on her condition. </div> <div> Thank you again for all of your prayers. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Update: 12/19/2002  <IMG SRC="4a5d4100.jpg" border=0 width="212" height="272" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Update: 11-7-2002 </B>Shannon's histology report came back as an unfavorable stage- 1 <A HREF="id44.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Neuroblastoma">Neuroblastoma</A>. The good news is that the tumor was completely encapsulated.  Shannon also had a <A HREF="id46.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="MIBG">M.I.B.G.</A> scan and the results were negative. These new results are encouraging and the team has decided to hold off on Chemotherapy for now. They said that the biological markers are fine but they will closely watch the areas around her abdomen and her spine. The plan is to follow up with an MRI and a CAT scan in two months.  Shannon is home resting and doing much better. Thank you again for keeping Shannon in your prayers.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Update  11-1-2002 </B>Shannon has been home for a couple of days now and she is doing well under the circumstances. Her <A HREF="id45.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PET Scan">PET SCAN</A> came back "EXCELLENT" and she has another test next week. Thank you very much for all of the prayers and supportive emails. They have made a big difference.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Update: 10-29-2002 </B>We just received the pathology report on Shannon's tumor. I really don't understand everything about it yet but it was bad news. As I mentioned earlier, they originally told us that Shannon had a Ganglioneuroblastoma but today they said that the tumor was a <A HREF="id44.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Neuroblastoma">neuroblastoma</A>. Something about the count of mature and immature cells??? The doctor referred to it as an "unfavorable neuroblastoma" and said that it was worse than a Ganglioneuroblastoma. I still have a lot to learn about all of this. They also said that Shannon now has Optic glioma's on both eyes. They are planning on starting Shannon on Chemotherapy in a week or two. They want to give her a chance to heal more from the surgery. The good news is that they are considering letting Shannon go home for a while so she can be with her family. She may go home as early as today.</div> <div> Thank you to everyone that has been praying for her. She is in God's hands now.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Update: 10-27-2002</B> Sorry for the delay but as you can imagine things have been very hectic. I finally got a chance to get on my computer and I was very happy to see all of the e-mail that was waiting for Shannon and our family. </div> <div> The surgery was very long but Shannon pulled through like a champ. I know that all of your good wishes and prayers helped her along and I can't thank you enough for your support. The surgeons were able to remove the entire tumor that was pressing on her kidney, unfortunately it is cancerous. The doctors called it a <A HREF="id43.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Ganglioneuroblastoma">Ganglioneuroblastoma</A> and it was slightly larger than a baseball. The surgeons also removed bone marrow and bone chips from both of her hips. The plan is to leave the other tumors alone (due to their location) and start her on Chemotherapy. Shannon is the bravest 5-year-old that I know. It sickens me that she has to go through this but I am counting my blessings. Shannon smiled today and she is very much alive. Please continue to keep Shannon is your prayers. Thank you.</div> <bR> <div> <B>UPDATE: 10-25-2002 </B>There is a tumor the size of a baseball near Shannon's left kidney. The doctors are very concerned and they say that it must be removed immediately. Shannon is scheduled for surgery <B>Today</B> at 5pm. The surgery is expected to last 3 to 4 hours. They are concerned that the tumor that is near her kidney may be cancerous. PLEASE pray for her. </div> <bR> <div> <B>UPDATE: 10-23-2002</B> We found out tonight that Shannon has more tumors. There is one near her left kidney and one near her spine. She also has an <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="id41.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Optic Glioma">Optic Glioma </A></FONT>on her left optic nerve. Tomorrow she will be admitted into the hospital and she will have surgery. PLEASE KEEP HER IN YOUR PRAYERS. <I>Thank You.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>7-1-2002</B> Shannon was diagnosed with a condition called Neuro-fibroma-tosis. Currently there is no cure or effective treatment. It started with just a few cafe-au-lait spots (light brown spots similar to birthmarks) on her skin, but now tumors have developed throughout one leg and on her head. The tumors have formed on the nerves and cause her pain. The doctors have recommended against surgery at this time for fear of nerve damage. She will struggle with this pain until a cure can be found. There are hundreds of thousands of people suffering from NF and they need our help. Together, I am confident we will find a cure.</div> <bR> <bR> <div>    </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> *****************************************************************************************************************</div> <bR> <div> Below is a picture of Shannon having a <I>good day </I>at Disney World. (1-11-2003)</div> <div> <A HREF="id109.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Disney"><IMG SRC="085b7810.jpg" border=0 width="439" height="641" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="NF TEAM"><IMG SRC="05257250.jpg" border=0 width="87" height="37" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></A></div> </td> </tr></table></body>