Welcome to Doug's webpage!

Doug being hugged by his brothers, January 2009, left to right Dustin, Rich, Robby

(Scroll down past the bold print for the latest update)This site has been provided so that you, our family, friends, and community may be easily updated about Doug's health during his ongoing cancer treatment and following the years beyond treatment. Doug's family consists of Mom(Debbi) Dad (Nick) and 3 brothers: Rich,23, twin Dustin,21, and Robby,15. Doug is now 21 years old and had surgery to remove a brain tumor(medulloblastoma) on May 4, 2004. Next, he had 6 weeks of radiation therapy. He has gone through 9 six week cycles of chemo over the year 2004-2005. Cycle 9 treatment was given 6-17-05! He is now in 100% remission. Doctors visits follow for a long while...MRI's must be done every year, and will continue until he's 20.

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:1-2

Treatment Complete June 5, 2005


Thanks again to those of you who have added us to your family prayer lists and had your kids praying for us at bedtime or dinner...those of you who have said a prayer for Doug whenever you thought of us...etc.

We want to be available to other families who have kids with cancer. (2 Corinthians 1) So, if any of you come to know of others suffering from childhood cancer or life-threatening diseases that could use a connection with someone who has traveled a similar road let us know.






PLEASE SIGN OUR GUESTBOOK WHENEVER YOU CHECK ON US!!!!!

Journal

Monday, September 5, 2011 4:31 PM CDT

Doug had his annual check-up in the Spring and ALL WAS WELL. It was good to see Dr. Hajjar & get the great news.

Doug has decided to quit the "Baking and Pastry Management" program. He's now taking only one class, looking for a job, and trying to decide what he wants to do. He is considering a tech program to get a certificate to work in pre-k programs. He enjoys working with kids.

Today, Doug was outside with his dad working in the back yard. He was using the shovel to dig up roots & clear a big portion of the yard. It was so good to see him out there doing that kind of physical labor.

I realized that we didn't even notice the anniversary of the end-of-treatment this year, nor did we notice the anniversary of his diagnosis and brain surgery. Doug decided not to do the Relay for Life walk this Spring either.He had other plans. I think that all these things add up to the fact that much of the pain & trauma of his journey with brain cancer is fading and life is going & looking forward much more than back finally.

I'm not saying that Doug is not still living with the long term effects of brain cancer. He is. But, it was just different this year.....6 years out from end-of-treatment & 7 years from diagnosis.

Thankful.

Read Journal History

Hospital Information:

Patient Room: Home!!!!!!!

Florida Hospital Orlando
601 E. Rollins St.
Orlando, FL 32803
407-303-5600

Links:

E-mail Author: debbi.decola@uscm.org

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Note: The foregoing information was authored by the patient, parent or guardian, or other parties who are solely responsible for the content. Such announcements or their content are not necessarily endorsed by CaringBridge, Inc. or any sponsoring agent.  This information does not confirm that anyone is or was actually a patient at any facility.