Genetic Testing

All of you know Tess is our little Brazilian. We got her when she was 12 days old and all we know of her genetic background is that she is Brazilian and German. The German part being pure German because that crowd did not intermarry and generations after arriving were still speaking German and running German schools in all the neighborhoods. The Brazilian part is mostly Portuguese and Italian with who knows what else mixed in here and there as happens in the New World.

Because of her age, type of cancer, and I suppose a few more factors, Dr. Spiro wanted her to participate in a study being done at the Cleveland Clinic trying to identify genetic factors in cancer cells. So she went Friday for the first testing and profiling. It took quite a lot of time and blood but was very interesting and will be very informative. I don’t know many of the details yet, but am so glad she is going to be tracked by the genetic scientists. Tess was enthused about the quality of the people and the program. The short term results of whether or not she has one of the genetic genes they are studying will have an affect on her treatment, so it is important for that reason also. That result will be back in four to six weeks.

She is now getting herself geared up for Chemo. She looks adorable and that hair could not be more beautiful. I want her to get it cut and make a fall out of it before it starts coming out on her pillow and will be lost. I know she will look darling with a short haircut. The only time she has ever had short hair was when I cut it all off when she had lice (age 2) and I could not get those little nits off the hair strands. Even at age 2 she wailed and cried and was furious with me for ages for doing that. In fact, she cried every time I cut her hair, even if it was half an inch. So she probably is not going to give it up unless and until she has to. The chemo combo she gets might not kill the hair follicles and God help me if I urge her to get it cut and then she kept her hair anyway. I’d never hear the end of it.

There is a growing collection of cute hats and scarves and pajamas!! Everyone is sending her pajamas! They must know she doesn’t get dressed until noon if she doesn’t have to.

Jamie and Tess have an opportunity for a few days in Florida at a nice place in St. Petersburg with his company. Gavin is going to stay with Jamie’s parents and I know they can’t wait to get their hands on him. Chemo starts a few days after they get back.

I’m trusting that all your prayers and positive thoughts will make Tess one of the lucky ones who gets through the chemo easily. She’s young and healthy and has bounced back from the down feelings of the other day. As Karen said, “Wait a minute. You got on the wrong page back there. Let’s get your attitude back where it belongs!” And it is.