Drs. appointment and Red Shoe Gala!

Hi all. Sorry I haven't been back with an update from Sierra's neuro appt. Been a crazy busy couple weeks.

The neuro testing that was done raised a few concerns over Sierra's health. While he still thinks the tumor is probably stable, there are some changes seen in the neurological assessment.
1. One pupil is larger than the other. Not sure what is causing that. Could be from the original tumor, or it could be something different, or it could be nothing at all.
2. Her balance was a bit off. Had a hard time keeping her balance while walking with one foot in front of the other. (like on a balance beam).
and 3. had a harder time tracking--touching her finger to her nose, then to his finger as he moved it around in different distances and heights.
All things that probably wouldn't be much of a concern in most patients, but because she has had the tumor, and her symptoms of migraines and dizziness have come back on intensely and quickly, he wants her to have an MRI as soon as possible. She is also to see the neurosurgeon, and then back to him. All those appointments coming up. Lots of traveling again for a bit.

Friday night was the Reno Ronald McDonald House Charities Red Shoe Gala. The kids were performing, and have been practicing for months. While they've done performances in the past, they've never performed to crowds this size. (And the little ones first time performing at all!)
It was a beautiful night, and the kids did great! Attaching some recent pics and videos from the past week.

Hope everyone is doing well! Thanks for the continued prayers!

The video is an interview we did about a month ago. Watch till the very end!

 

 

 

 

A little dress up fun.

"I'm a princess, Mommy!!"

Sierra was feeling well enough to go to her first Home Coming! So thankful.

 

Loving the snow!

 

 

 

Rehearsal at the Red Shoe Gala

Star treatment before performance.

Princess and little Spider Man with Mrs. Rachel. Rachel made the night possible, and made it so special for the whole family. We are truly thankful for all that she does.

 

 

I wasn't able to get very much clip on my camera of the actual performance, but here's a piece of it. (We will get more video later from the event)

 

Rehearsing.

 

Rehearsing of the second song.

 

Update.

Hey all! Hope everyone is doing well.

It's been a crazy month here for us. Thought I'd post a quick update.

From what we know, Sierra's cancer remains stable. But her health on the other hand, is anything but. School started mid August, and by the end of the first week, her migraines were back, almost daily. She has since switched meds, and been pulled from regular school, and is being set up for home bound. Her migraines have continued despite the meds, and her most recent symptom is suddenly blacking out. We head back to Oakland in the morning to see the specialists again. Hoping it's something as simple as med adjustments/changes again, but nothing seems to be simple, or long lasting with this damn disease. We're thankful for no major changes with the tumor. But the residual effects are awful, and finding a medicine that will bring relief, and not have side effects worse than the actual symptoms have proven to be a challenge. Please keep her in your prayers, and pray for the doctor--for wisdom to know the best next step.

Ken was offered a new job about a month ago. The pay raise was great, and he would be local, for the most part. Unfortunately, that job did not come with insurance, so we quickly signed up for new insurance. Only, most the specialists didn't accept the new insurance. Then this past week, Kirkwood called and offered him a promotion, new job class as an onsite plumber, and a decent raise. After a lot of prayers, he's decided to take it. The good....we'll have our old insurance again. Kind of important when you have a couple dozen appointments each month, and meds well over $1000 per month without insurance. With the new position, there will be opportunity for growth and trainings. The bad....well, it's Kirkwood. In the middle of the mountains with passes that are un-passable a good portion of the winter. So, more of the same. But the insurance stress, or lack of it, will be worth it, I hope. It's all a lot to take in, really.

The kids are preparing for a big performance in a couple weeks for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The newspapers and a magazine have written articles about them, and a bit of Sierra's story. Will attach them here, for those who haven't read them yet.

Carson Valley Times:
http://carsonvalleytimes.com/2016/09/27/terhune-siblings-to-perform-at-red-shoe-gala/

Record Courier:
http://www.recordcourier.com/news/23895880-113/girl-with-brain-cancer-remains-strong

Bliss Babe Magazine
https://issuu.com/lmccarrollbb/docs/bliss_babe_magazine_september_octob/30

 

Phoenix, side line ref for soccer.

CC Meneley Walk A Thon

Sierra is hosting a Winter Coat drive for the homeless in the Tahoe area. This was the first delivery. For the locals who want to still donate, she's still taking donations of coats and blankets. :)

 

First rehearsal at the Atlantis Ball Room.