Exam details

Here is a little bit more of what we learned on Friday after Anya's exam:
The tumor in her right eye is completely calcified, which means it is not viable.  Dr. O still needs to be able to see her eye well enough to detect any potential new tumors, and for now he can.  The tumor in her left eye is likely still viable.
He treated it with laser because it is still responding to the laser.  She has now had five laser treatments on that tumor, and from what I am hearing and reading that is more than usual.  I have to remember, though, that this tumor has been unusual from the start.  The fact that the laser is still working is a good sign - I think.  Dr. O is planning on using the laser at least two more times.  Originally we thought her next exam would be in March, but the new plan is to have EUAs in both February and March.  As the doctor said, "let's get this done."  Since he anticipates needing to use laser a minimum of two more times, there is really no reason to wait, nothing is gained by spacing out the treatments more.  Once he can feel comfortable that the tumor is not viable, Anya will be able to go back to EUAs every 8 weeks.

Overall, it was an easy day compared to others.  Anya was the doctor's first appointment of the day, which is always a nice position to be in as things are usually running on time in the mornings (and usually not in the afternoons).  We are such regulars there now that we knew all of the staff that we saw before her exam.  One OR nurse asked if we worked there, and he wasn't joking.  We even had a brief chance to chat with some friends we have made whose daughter also has retinoblastoma and is being treated by the same doctor.  Seeing the familiar faces helps to put us all at ease.
Anya woke gently from the anesthesia, and we were glad that she had a nurse that didn't force tylenol on her.  In the past, some nurses make her take tylenol just after she wakes up and it can be the hardest part of the day - Anya now despises tylenol.  She never took any, and she did fine - no pain.  She was groggy much of the drive home and was afraid to open her eyes.  By evening, she was running around and feeling normal.  At her request, we all went out to sushi for dinner.  With the day we had, it felt a little bit like a celebration.