A long slow sigh of relief.

We were at the hospital today to review the results from Isabella's latest MRI. They have decided that there is no increased growth to the tumor. We have been on tenterhooks for the past three months as the previous  scan seemed to indicate a slight increase and we were preparing ourselves for further treatment. There is a high probability that at some point in the future there will be further treatment but, not for now. What they can see is a cyst that is attached to the tumor which has increased in size, however there is no change to her vision or any other neurological change that leads them to recommend intervening to relieve any pressure at this time. This is good news and so we will continue to monitor the situation every three months.

So we will be back at the end of June for another MRI and beyond that we are busy making our summer travel plans. We will move forward with our dreams and plans until we are told otherwise. This latest MRI Isabella completed without sedation - a first and, let me tell you, an impressive feat. She lay still in that cool room for over two hours. The banging/buzzing noise is loud and relentless and I wasn't even in the tunnel. We are very pleased that she is now capable of doing this  - less risk and no preparation required.

The MRI was just the start of the Easter holiday fun. Emma has come to stay and provided great entertainment for the Eggtravanza holiday camp. There has been much activity and creativity culminating in this evening's Asian restaurant. We've also had a lovely trip down to Charlottesville to visit Jefferson's home, Monticello. The thing that I was most pleased to see in the beautiful gardens were the daisies at the edge of the lawn. No I am not smirking at them having daisies on the perfectly manicured lawn, but rather I haven't seen daisies in the US, ever. And we had a fun afternoon tasting wine at a local winery run by Italians. After a delightful Easter sunday lunch complete with Emma's hit: summer pudding we rounded off the Easter celebrations participating in the Easter Egg roll at the White House.

Back to school on Monday. We have a busy term  ahead of us and I am sure we'll be updating you with our news. In the meantime we are gearing up for the Race for Hope on May 6th. We are gathering eager runners and walkers to join Team Impavido and help us raise awareness and much needed support in the fight against Brain Cancer. Please seek out our team at:  www.curebraintumors.org  and consider joining us or making a donation. We are grateful for all contributions, however big or small.

Lots of love,
Emma, Gregorio, Isabella and Matilde. xxx