Emily

Shortly after Emily's 2nd birthday in April 1996, her mother saw a milky white spot in her left eye. No one else saw the spot for several weeks and we had no idea what it might be. When the spot appeared more obvious, Emily was taken to an optometrist. He had a difficult time examining Emily and suggested that she be taken to a pediatric ophthalmologist. It was there that we first heard the word "retinoblastoma" and our roller coaster ride with Rb began. He referred Emily to Dr. Murphree, a leader in the treatment of Rb.

Dr. Murphree confirmed the diagnosis. Her left eye was full of tumor. He recommended an enucleation. The following day however, he examined Emily under anesthesia and found a "surprise". Emily also had a small tumor in her right eye. He then explained our options. Chemotherapy gave us the best opportunity to eradicate the tumor in her right eye and minimize the damage to Emily's face. Dr. Murphree hoped that the chemotherapy would do the same for the left eye.

Emily began 9 cycles of chemotherapy consisting of 2 days each. With a 1 year old at home and a baby on the way, the family scrambled to make endless appointments and treatments. Thanks to our friends and family who offered their time, support and prayers, we made it through. Although she lost weight, (and her hair), she never missed a cycle. Emily's only complaint was that, as she was losing her hair, her sister Anna (13 months younger), was getting more hair. We assured Emily that her hair would grow back even prettier than before. And it did!

A week after her last treatment, Emily's baby sister Grace, was born. A few weeks later, we received more good news. The tumors had shrunk and laid dormant. We began patching Emily's good eye in an attempt to strengthen her weak eye.

Emily had 6 months of good check-ups and we breathed a sigh of relief. However, at her next check-up, Dr Murphree said the cancer had returned to her left eye. Again, he carefully explained our options.

Mom wanted enucleation. Dad pushed for radiation. Decisions such as these can pull a family apart. We ultimately decided that if we tried radiation, we could tell Emily we had done everything possible to save her left eye.

Dr. Lavey and his staff were wonderful. Emily had to be put to sleep for 19 of the 20 daily treatments because she was too scared to lie still and have her head bolted to the table during the treatments. But she handled these treatments just as well as she did the chemotherapy treatments. On her next to last treatment, Emily had a bald head and a swollen eye. She had a bone marrow test that day and an IV in her arm but she still wanted to go to the zoo. Emily is a remarkable little girl.

Once again, all the tests looked good and we continued to patch her right eye. The EUA's stretched to every 3 months.

After the radiation treatments, Dr. Murphree saw something that concerned him. He wanted to see Emily back in 3 weeks to confirm his findings. Our worst fears were realized. The cancer had returned. This time enucleation was the only answer. We fought the good fight and knew we had done everything humanly possible to save Emily's eye. It was a relief to finally be off the roller coaster. Emily was cancer free for the first time in her life.

Emily is now 10 years old. She sees Dr. Murphree in his office once a year. There has been no sign of a tumor in her right eye since her 2nd or 3rd chemotherapy treatment, so we feel somewhat safe. We marvel at the wonderful person Emily has become and are proud to be her parents. She recently completed the 4th grade and is an honor student. She plays soccer, takes dance lessons, and is a Junior Girl Scout. She also sings in her church and school choirs. Emily enjoys traveling with her family and has already visited 43 states. She also traveled to Sacramento last year with her class. Emily is a terrific big sister to Ann and Grace and has many friends.

Strangers sometimes question her about her "pretty eye". However, she is able to handle these questions with the same courage and strength with which she handled the countless treatments. Emily is an inspiration to her parents and all who know her.