On Tuesday an MRI revealed that Isabella has a brain tumor. Tests over the summer had confirmed that she had the condition precocious puberty and the MRI was merely a formality to rule out any tumors on the pituitary gland. Statistically the chances of finding any tumors were extremely low.
As the week progressed the news did seem to be going from bad to worse, but as we write this on Friday evening we have just learnt that there are no other cells in the spine. The blood work. done yesterday would strongly indicate that we are dealing with a low grade glioma, with possibly another small tumor in another part of the brain. The experts say it is treatable. We will be doing a biopsy next Friday - this is still major brain surgery - and will then know for certainty what type of tumor we are up against and what treatment we should then be following.
We are in extremely good hands at Children's hospital here in DC. We cannot describe the care and attention we have had in the past 3 days. And her pediatrician has also been extremely supportive. We shall seek a second opinion at John Hopkins in Baltimore on Monday but will almost certainly go with the surgeon at Children's hospital. She inspires great confidence and has done this type of surgery many times.
How is Isabella doing? She is amazing. She hasn't quite realised what is going on yet, despite the two MRIs this week - with sedation and the numerous doctor visits. She laughs in the waiting room, she is happy to be going for another MRI (as she might get another soft toy) and she barely kicked up a fuss at being woken at 6 am this morning to be given breakfast and then not allowed to eat until 7 this evening. Not to mention all the blood tests. This afternoon, she was telling the doctors what to do, "yeah, yeah give me the mask, I've done this before. I'll wake up later!" She is truly amazing and gives us strength to fight on.
This is only the beginning but we'll take it a step at a time and we will fight on. Isabella is a strong girl. We are truly grateful for all the support from the doctors, family, friends, work colleagues and the girls school. We will update you on her progress.
Love
Emma and Gregorio xxx
43 comments:
Dearest Impavidos
I cannot imagine what this week must have been like for you, but you have our deepest sympathy and support.
Thank heavens the Princess herself is taking this in a stride.
Please, let us know if there is even the smallest thing we can do to help; taking the girls off your hands for a couple of hours, cook dinner or anything else.
I will be back in DC tomorrow, but Jeppe and the kids are home. We will continue to follow your blog.
Regitze xxx
vi pensiamo ogni istante della nostra giornata per infondervi tutta la forza necessaria.
vi abbracciamo forte
michela e beatrice, sabrina e fabrizio
Dear Emma & Gregorio,
I can't really imagine how you must be feeling.
Yanni and I want you to know that we are thinking of you all and sending all our love and support to give you courage for the days ahead.
I know we are a long way away but if there is anything we can possibly help with, or you just want to talk, call me. Any time!
Anna and George send all their love to the girls, as do we.
Emma & Yanni xxxxxxx
Dearest E&G,
We were so hoping that you would have a glimmer of good news from the scan. Do now try and get some rest, you are going to need it. We have not rung you because you can't keep going over such emotional news but it does not mean that we are not thinking about you constantly. If there is anything we can do no matter how great or small just say.It is a hopeless place to be - the otherside of the pond- difficult to give you a hug.
Bella is amazing but then she takes after both of you!
All our love MPHB
Sono veramente senza parole se non per dire che vi siamo vicini e che siamo certi tutto si risolvera' per il meglio.
Un bacino ad Isabella anche da noi e se ce niente che possiamo fare, non esitate a chiedere, ci sono aerei per Washington tutti i giorni.
Un abbraccio forte
Samantha e famiglia
Impavidos all
My dearest souls. You are very much in my thoughts and I am poised to the sky to ask the big man upstairs to put his protective arms around you all. I send you all my love and if there is anything I can do albeit from this ghastly distance, please shout.
Keep as strong as you can, petals.
Huge kiss.
Suze
xxxx
Dear Emma and Gregorio
I caught my breath when I started to read about Isabella, started to smile as I read of her matter-of-factness and your strength and courage and now my eyes have filled with tears as I just try to imagine what you're going through.
I'm glad you have such good medical expertise available and so much love and support coming your way, of course, from both near and far. Take every bit of help you can get and every chance you can for rest.
I will be thinking of you all constantly, with much love Sarah, England
Carissimi Emma e Greg,
Ale, i bimbi ed io vi siamo vicini e vi pensiamo.
Sto pensando di venirvi a trovare a Washington.
Seguiremo ogni giorno il blog.
Un abbraccio forte.
Ale, Luca Sara e Gigi
With a ring-a-ring-a-ring-aring-aringringring. Hello Issy. I think I hear my name. Hello Issy. I think I hear it again. You're wanted on the telephone...
Lots of love Impavidos. Keep singing. XXXX The newlyweds
Dear Emma and Gregorio,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Isabella is indeed an amazing young lady -- her spirit shines through your words and the beautiful picture you've posted of her.
and Matti -- we think of her too at this time, and what all the doctor appointments and running around mean to her.
Bon courage a vous tous. Je sais que votre gentillesse et generosite envers les autres vous sera rendu en ces temps difficiles.
Amities des Lohiers.
Cant begin to imagine what you're going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let me know if I can help -happy to pick up Matilde from school any time..
Lauren x
My Dear Emma and Gregorio
Like everyone else, I cannot imagine how terrible this time has been(and is)for you and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
What wonderful spirit your little Princess has! Children are truly amazing!
I cannot be of any practical help from this side of the pond but hope that all the messages of love and support are of a comfort to you. Keep smiling for your bautiful daughters.
With much love
Sally xxxx
Dearest Emma and Gregorio,
Got back from a few weeks away to get this news about Isabella and we were shattered. If we could wrap up some love we would send you the biggest parcel imaginable. Really pleased to hear that the Children's Hospital is so wonderful - that alone is so important for you all. We will be thinking of the four of you, all the time, and especially Isabella with her resilience and humour. Aren't children amazing? We send you lots of love. Peter and Lynn.
Cari Emma e Gregorio
sono senza parole. La pelle mi si accappona. Penso a voi, ad isabella e a mati. La speranza e' piu' forte dell'angoscia. Noi vi siamo vicini. Qualunque cosa qualunque cosa abbiate bisogno, veramente qualunque cosa, non esitate a farci sapere. Noi vi siamo vicini, e vorremmo esserlo ancora di piu'. Un bacio alla principessa che ha coraggio da vendere e forza per tutti noi.
Un'abbraccio...
Emanuela
Dear Emma and Gregorio
It has been a while since we last were in touch. I have thought of you and the girls often always thinking we should get together and be in touch. I am sorry to do so in such a moment but really hope that we can be helpful in any way you consider useful. Please let us know what we can do. We will closely follow Isabella's progress and through this message send you lots of love and strength. You are a beautifull family, please do count on us for anything you may need.
Denisse and Maurizio
Dearest Em and G
Words fail us in being able to express what you must be feeling other than God Bless you all and we will keep you all in our hearts.
If Bella is as strong as Mummy and Daddy, and i suspect she is...she will get this thing licked without batting an eyelid!
It's a long way from us to you but, if there is something we can do then just ask.
Bryan and Caroline send their love.
Susie, James, Charlotte and Sophie
Dear Emma and Gregorio,
Besides my English difficulties, I don't know how to explain the way I was feeling while I was reading this, and it became worse when I try to figure out what you are going thought.
I just wanted to let you know that I believe in God, and I know she is going to be just fine, because he has a generous objective by sanding Isabella to the world, she is extraordinary.
We all are praying for your beautiful angel, and for all of you. Let me know if I can help with anything, I’ll be more than glad to do it.
Sending to you my love and support,
Adriana
Carissimi, dire che siamo sotto shock non rende veramente l'idea. Ci sara' una ragione per tutto questo. Isabella e' sempre stata una bambina eccezionale e lo dimostra in questa situazione reagendo da par sua. Vi vorrei chiamare ma esito per non aumentare gli impegni che sono gia' gravosissimi. Teneteci informati. IL blog e' un' idea fantastica. Vi siamo tutti vicini veramente e facciamo tutti il tifo per la nostra Isabella. Un abbraccio forte. Andrea
Dear Emma and Gregorio:
We really do not know which words to use in order to express how are we feeling now that we read your blog.
We want to let you know that we are praying for the Impavido family, but this time, specially for Isabella.
You have been part of our lifes, and during two years we had the chance to know you, and specially the girls. Isabella is a strong girl and we are pretty sure that she will be fine.
If you need something, just let us know, we would be more than glad to help you through this circumstance.
We send you all our support and love.
Pamela & Roberto
Dear Emma and Gregorio,
We are just speechless. In these moments, words are often unnecessary. We just wanted to let you know that we keep you close to our hearts. Isabella is a wonderful girl and what you wrote about her reaction confirms it. Distance is what it is, but, trust us, we are here for you. If there's anything you may need, or if we could be of any help with the nonni here in Rome, just let us know. Also, let us know when you feel like hearing our voices.
With lots of love, Massi, Mireille, Yago and Noah.
Dear Emma and Gregorio,
We are thinking of you and send you all our love. We asked Alfie yesterday what he remembered about Tenleytown and he immediately said "Isabella!".
With love to you all,
Sarah, Gabe Alfie & Stanley
Emma and Georgio,
As you know I live in Baltimore. If ever you need a bed and breakfast you have it. I am about 12 minutes from Hopkins.
My heart is with you, in all the ways you can imagine. There is nothing on this earth like worrying about the health of one's child.
My love to the four of you,
Nancy Holder,
David's mother
From the moment we first met Isabella at BSW (singing to her for her 4th Birthday at her induction day) we knew she had a great spirit. From all accounts she is going to use this in her current battle. Now, from teaching Matilde I see that she has that same strength of character that must be an Impavido trait.
Please take strength and courage from your amazing girls, as well as all the friends and family around the world that are supporting your family at this time.
As a united front- anything can be beaten!
With much love to you all
Miss East xxx
Dear Emma and Gregorio,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Isabella.
Con todo el corazon, les deseamos que Dios les acompañe y que la princesa mantenga el buen humor que nos platican.
We will keep looking for more good news posted on your blog.
Un fuerte abrazo amigos,
Alejandra y David Madero
Cari Emma e Gregorio,
in un momento così duro, l'idea del blog è l'ennesima conferma della straordinaria forza che avete (oltre che della presenza di tanti amici che, benché lontani, vogliono esservi vicini, senza scocciarvi troppo per avere notizie...).
Siccome Isabella è della stessa "pasta", e lo sta dimostrando anche in questi giorni, non abbiamo dubbi sull'esito della battaglia!
Un bacio grande grande alla Principessa Isabella e a Matilde.
Nicola, Giulia e Irene
Dear Emma & Gregorio,
Emma Down called me earlier this evening to tell me this news. It is devastating. To hear of another friend having to go through the diagnosis process of this magnitude with their child... we are thinking of you.
If it is of any comfort, George is now 2.5 years into his treatment and can't remember the hideous times at the outset. Children are amazingly resilient.
Isabella's attitude reminds me so much of George, who still begs to be taken to hospital because the toys there are so much better than they are at home. She will be fine - and it will be because you have given her such a grounded upbringing that she can cope so well - don't forget that, and remember to look after yourselves too.
The next few weeks will be hard, but keep strong.
With all our love Sally Rik George & Iona xxx
Sending big hugs and good thoughts your way. Lots of love, Dana and Sam
Queridos Emma y Gregorio,
Os enviamos nuestro mayor apoyo, fuerza y amor.
Un fuerte abrazo a todos, y un beso
gordo para Isabella.
Con todo cariño,
Milena y Manolo
Hello Emma
My Emma rang me yesterday morning to tell me the dreadful news, hardly able to tell me, as she was so shocked.
I am so very sorry Emma that grave illness should take hold of your family again and I can only wish you all the strength and courage to deal with the hours, days and months ahead.
I can see from the comments posted that you have a wide circle of loving friends and family to support you but wanted you to know that you will be also in our thoughts.
With lots of love Bridget and Martin
Carissimi Gregorio ed Emma,
I piú bravi vengono sempre confrontati alle prove piú dure; Isabella, con voi, la supererá.
Questo è quanto chiedo a Chi sempre ascolta, ci vede e ci ama.
Un forte abbraccio.
Francois, con Patricia
Carissimi Gregorio ed Emma,
Da ieri, non riusciamo a pensare ad altro che alla vostra Principessa! la cosa che ci dispiace di piu' è di essere cosi' lontani. Ma col cuore vi siamo vicinissimi! Isabella, con la forza e il sostegno del vostro amore...impavidamente sconfiggerà questo mostro! Vi vogliamo bene
Barbara e Francesco
Cari Emma e Impavido
Sono atterrito e non so bene cosa dirvi per cercare di darvi il giusto conforto e un po' di affetto. Vi riporto però 2 casi :
un'amica anni fa mi confidò di avere un cancro , non dei più facili e mi disse : " stavo per lasciarmi prendere dallo sconforto, ma poi ho pensato che l'approccio giusto fosse: ammazza il bastardo! " Beh,lei sta ancora lottando, ma il bastardo arretra.
Un amico 5 anni fa mi disse che la figlia maggiore di 4 anni aveva una grave forma di leucemia. Hanno vissuto 2 anni e mezzo davvero difficili ma la bimba ora ha 9 anni ed è perfettamente guarita. Nel frattempo hanno fatto altri due figli. Pazzi !! Molti, ancora oggi anche dall'italia, vengono in USA a curare mali analoghi , credo quidi che siate davvero ben assistiti, ma se c'è qualsiasi cosa che possiamo fare dall'Italia ditecelo e saremo felici.
Intanto cercheremo informazioni di cure per casi analoghi.
La Principessa ha uno sguardo davvero da tosta e gli occhi non tradiscono mai. Daltra parte con un papà e una mamma così non poteva essere da meno.
Vi abbracciamo . Max Laura e c.
hi, emma,
principessa isabella, what a beautiful photo, what incredible strength, a real impavido, people grow into their names they say, so i have no doubt that the bravery will pull you all through
same thing as what the others said, if i can be of help to come babysit for a few days, just say so
baci,
ale
718-916-7339
How very poignant. Clearly Isabella is a remarkable young lady and has a loving family. John and I continue to send you our warmest wishes and thoughts and virtual hugs.
xx,
Janet Deiner
Dear Emma and Gregorio,
Sending you boundless love and strength and optimism and wisdom, even though you are already rich in all of these things. This blog is evidence of how many people you have in your corner.
Dear Emma and Gregorio:
I am back in DC now so please let me know if you are ever in need of a babysitter or assistance of any kind... I'll be there! We're all thinking of you and hoping for the best.
Much love and good thoughts,
Kit
202-905-8466
Dear Emma, Greg, Matilde and of course Princess Isabella,
Having heard your news I worried that I wouldn't know what to say so I am going to keep it simple.
I am thinking of you all and am sending all of my hope, wishes and love every day. When I was lucky enough to have Isabella as part of my class at BSW, she made me smile every day with her infectious giggle and constant affection.
It sounds like she is being a trooper! I will continue to think of you all and follow her progress closely,
Much love, Kat Jago
Dear Emma and Gregorio
I was so sorry to read your news, but pleased to hear that the medical care where you are is so good. Isabella is a beautiful child who sounds as though she has amazing strength of character - just like her mum.
You are all in my thoughts, prayers and in my heart.
With much love, Charlotte and family - England
Carissimi Emma, Gregorio, Isabella, Matilde,
Em ed io abbiamo saputo poco fa da Alessandra di Isabella e siamo rimasti senza parole.
I nostri pensieri e le nostre preghiere vanno a lei e a voi.
Chiamateci a qualsiasi ora/giorno se vi serve qualsiasi tipo di aiuto. Avremo ovviamente voglia di parlare con voi, ma capiamo che e' un momento difficile, quindi proveremo domani o mercoledi'.
Un grosso abbraccio a lei e a tutti voi.
Piercarlo & Em
thanks for posting the new blog
i loved the metaphor and the description of your lunch
vi sto pensando
Cari Emma e Gregorio,
vi abbiamo sempre nel cuore e più che mai, in questa difficile prova, vi siamo vicini con la preghiera.
Un bacio alla Principessa Isabella ed alla splendida sorella ed un grande affettuoso abbraccio a voi,
Silvia e Emanuele
Adding my voice to the throng of positive energy, good wishes and love flowing to you all from every point on the compass, hoping that these bring you strength and see you through. Love, Sandra (former ATA-er).
Hello,
Just thinking of you and amazed at everyone's resilience... and I am so happy that Isabella is doing so well and can be back home!
Lots and lots of love!!
Alessandra
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