The Nihei's: Our Story

On April 1, 2008, our 4-year-old daughter, Lauren, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After her biopsy on April 8th it was determined that she had a bithalamic anaplastic astrocytoma with extension into her brain stem.

In the beginning of March we noticed a personality change in Lauren who normally is a very outgoing and happy-go-lucky kid. She became very clingy and shy. She didn't want to talk on the phone anymore, or play on the slide with the other kids at pre-school. By mid-March, Lauren started complaining about headaches. Her pediatrician thought it might be a sinus infection or that she may need glasses. He put her on antibiotics and we made an eye appointment.

A few days later when she started holding her head funny and her headaches returned we insisted on a CT scan. That's when her pediatrician sent us to the ER at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) for a CT scan, and when our world was turned upside down and our nightmare began...

Story continues at bottom of page

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Short day at CHLA (yesterday). Lauren just had to pop in and get labs drawn, she didn't even have to wait for the results. Even though it was a long way to go for such a quick appointment, it was good since this allowed girls (Hilary, Lauren, Marissa, and Granny) time to go to dinner with Nurse Tina. Nurse Tina, btw, will be going to Lauren's school to give a presentation to Lauren's class on germs and the importance of washing their hands. Lab results revealed that Lauren's counts continue to recover. While still elevated, her pancreas and liver enzyme levels improved 50% from last week.

This weekend we've decided to take a nice wholesome family trip/vacation to…, Las Vegas! It's for our friend Debbie McGowan's 40th birthday! 40! Wow! For the people that know her, it's hard to imagine she is turning 40! 40 even looks older when you write it out. While I don't anticipate doing much gambling, it will be fun for the kids to see all the lights and sights. Also, I hear the Monte Carlo has a nice pool and lazy river so that will be fun for the kids. Hopefully, Bill will be able to get a cabana (we're on the waiting list, since, the high-rollers get first dibs. Obliviously, the don't know Bill yet). Oh yeah, if you see her, try not to mention anything about her 40th birthday to Debbie, I hear she is very sensitive about turning 40. 40? Wow!

Next weekend we are planning on going to the Bay Area over Labor Day weekend, since we never did make it out in July, at which point summer will be officially over for us. Also, this will be the last chance for us to go since the new baby is due early in November. Also, Marissa will be starting pre-school the next day after we return. They are growing up so fast.

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