Dakota's Ophthalmolgy Appointment

Dakota had her annual exam with Dr. Scott Larson, Ophthalmologist, last Thursday (January 21st).  We were lucky enough to visit his new office (that he has been in for a whole 2 weeks) at the new Riverton Hospital down the street from us.  The purpose of this visit was just to make sure that Dakota's eyes are still healthy and that no Optic Glioma (tumor on eye nerve) is growing.  We are very happy to report that her eyes are still good.  Her vision is great.  No Lische Nodules are visible (the asymptomatic marks that show up on the pupil).  Dr. Larson didn't see a need to dilate her eyes because he was able to get a really good look at them with other methods.  (Dakota was glad that she didn't need the drops that make her eyes so sensitive to light.)  He could not access her last MRI scans, but could read the radiology report that made no mention of abnormal findings in the orbital/head scan (safe to assume that their was no optic tumor growth) but he'll access the actual image when their new computers/equipment are more up and running/cooperative.

Again, we have been blessed with good news and know that the continual prayers and thoughts in our little Dakota's behalf have been heard and answered.  Thanks again to all of you for that.

This next Saturday, I will attend a Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Symposium at Shriner's Hospital with other parents and providers of children with NF 1.  I will get to learn about the latest research being done with this disease from five different specialists, including a Pediatricians, Neurologists, Physical Therapists, Geneticists, and Counselors, including her own Dr. David Viskochil (Geneticist who runs the NF Clinic at PCMC).  We feel so blessed to live in a place where we have easy access to so many specialists that know this disease.  They are our heroes.  It will be a very interesting, educational, and eye-opening experience for me.  (Darin, unfortunately, will be out of town on business.)  I will post more later about the things I learn.

Until then...I express gratitude again for YOU and to our Heavenly Father who continues to guide us and comfort us through this journey.