Lundi Gras

Guess where we are.

We flew out of Los Angeles this time, because St. Jude has worked out a favorable arrangement with Northwest Airlines, and Northwest thinks that Minneapolis is on the way from San Diego to Memphis.

Northwest also feels that the best way to get from Los Angeles to Memphis is to take the direct route with no stops.

At this time of year we were concerned that we might get to find out what it's like to spend the night in the Minneapolis airport to wait out a winter storm, so we opted for LAX this time even though it's 100 miles drive from our house.

Steven and Zach

Today's main topic was growth and endocrine issues. They measured his height and weight and confirmed what we already knew, that he's growing and has lost some weight since August, which is a good thing.

His bone age today (measured by an X-ray of the hand) was 13 years. A year ago he was age 10 years 3 months, and 6 months ago he was age 12.

This rapid change in bone age means that he may be near the end of his puubertal growth spurt. We are hoping that's not the case, we're hoping he has a bit longer to grow, but radiation to the brain of a child can wreak havoc with growth and maturation.

Steven and Dr. Khan

Steven's and his friend Zach were both scheduled to see the neurologist, Dr. Khan, today, so we got to see both of them.

Rayley Kocurek

We met Rayley Kocurek, an almost-9-month old baby from San Antonio with a very aggressive and hard-to-cure brain tumor today.

Rayley is beautiful and Steven was captivated with her. To see her it is impossible to believe there is a monster living inside her head. She's got scans coming up Friday, we are praying for good results.

The St. Jude Pavillion

Lundi Gras weather this year in Memphis was picture-perfect, clear and windy and warm, nicer than California from what we've heard.

Tomorrow morning is Steven's MRI, if you are inclined, please keep him in your prayers and hold a good thought.

- Kathleen