MRI, TV Filming and Stretches

First things first, the MRI indicated the tumour is stable! Praise God. Thank you to everyone who prayed for this result, and that Victoria could again to the MRI without the General Anesthetic. This result means another three months treatment free. It means that Victoria will be able to complete an entire year of school without being on treatment. The next MRI is scheduled for 3rd November 2014.

Such is the diversity in Victoria's life, an MRI in the morning, and then filming at Swansea Library for a segment on the Today Show, about the BaRK reading program in the afternoon! The library phoned a couple of weeks ago, wondering if Victoria would be part of the promotion for the program. Of course she said yes, as BaRK is such a great program.

We were so proud of Victoria as she read so clearly and with so much expression! With the help of extra reading support at school and the BaRK program, Victoria's reading has improved by almost 10 levels since the beginning of the year.

Being able to complete the year of schooling with minimal interruptions will position her so well for next year.  We are so grateful that this prayer has been answered.

Alexandra and I had the privilege of attending the book launch of 'Dogs that make a difference'. A book published by the Delta Society Australia. It is a collection of stories from the volunteers about "the people they have come to know, lessons they have learned and the ways they have seen firsthand how a bundle of soft fur, a wagging tail, and a wet nose can make a difference to someone's life." The dogs that Victoria has had interactions with both in hospital and through the BaRK program, all did an autograph dog style (paw print) in the book! Alexandra enjoyed catching up with Zac.

In my last blog post I asked for prayer for Victoria's left leg, as the plantar fascia muscle, calf muscle and hamstring muscles had all tightened substantially, giving Victoria considerable pain when she walked. Anyone who has suffered from plantar fasciitis will know exactly what I mean. Speaking from personal experience, it is painful! 

Victoria's physiotherapist gave her some stretches to do each day; a 20 minute sustained stretch of the hamstring combined with a foot massage, followed by a 20 minute sustained stretch of the calf muscle. The photo above is Victoria standing on a 'wedge' which helps to give a better stretch of the calf. 

Thankfully a combination of iPad games and home-reading helped to pass the time. Also, a lovely teenage girl has come to help out with the stretches for a couple of afternoons, which has made a huge difference to me and given Victoria a bit of variety. We are so blessed by the community we live in.

The prayers and stretches have worked, another Praise God! When we visited the physiotherapist this week, she advised that the muscles were just in the acceptable range, so casting would not be required. However, we do have to continue with the daily stretching routine for at least another month. We have now set up a reward chart for both Victoria and myself! I have already chosen my reward.

We are very grateful for these excellent results regarding the tumour and Victoria's leg muscles. The 'havoc' of the two weeks leading up to the scan has once again been proven to be nothing other than mind-games and an attempt to steal our peace. Thank you again for your prayers and support as we continue on and Victoria Grace continues to live out her name - Victorious, Conqueror, Favour and Blessing.

Finally, as for me, the mother who feels so deeply for all her daughter has overcome and will have to overcome in the future, this scripture sums up my heart and mind:

But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28 AMP