Gregory's Page

Welcome to Gregory's Web Page. It has been provided to keep people updated about his experience with Cancer.

Gregory was diagnosed with a Stage III Rhabdomyosarcoma on February 23, 2004. He was 17 months old at the time and the tumor completely filled his pelvis. His team of doctors at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital proposed a treatment protocol of 42 weeks of chemotherapy, 6 weeks of daily radiation to his pelvis, and (possibly) surgery. After the first 12 weeks of chemotherapy, the tumor had shrunk enough to determine that surgery would not be necessary. What a blessing! He continued with chemo and completed the radiation treatments during the summer of 2004. In July of that year, Gregory became a wonderful big brother. Zoe adores him and tries to do everything he does which keeps us very busy because he is a very active 5 year old. Gregory had his last round of chemo on December 3rd, 2004. We returned to St. Jude in February to see if the CA was in remission. After 3 days of scans, his doctors told us that the original tumor site looked good but there was something in his lung that could be a new tumor. They scheduled repeat scans for the following week and were able to tell us on Friday, February 18, 2005 that his lungs were clear (the suspected tumor was only atelectasis). Angel Flight got us home the next day and we celebrated with a Nemo cake and lots of balloons. His central line was pulled in August of 2005 after several clear scans. As of March 2008, Gregory has 3 years of no evidence of disease (NED). We still go to St. Jude every 6 months for check ups and PT evaluations. He still needs his braces for his feet but otherwise is healthy. His blood values (even iron) have returned to normal!! We're praising God for the healing that has occurred and praying that He will continue to protect Gregory and heal his body.

2004 and 2005 were very difficult years but I hope they made me a better person. Their trials renewed my belief in daily reliance on God. My perspective on life has changed and I try to live and love each and every day as if it may be the last. We do not realize just how precious life is until we almost lose it.

Some of the best advice I ever read was on another Caring Bridge page. It was written by the daddy of a little boy who has since gone on to heaven where there is no cancer. This daddy said to hug and hold your children every day, to tell them you love them and make sure they know it to be true.

God blessed us the day he sent Gregory into our lives and I thank Him each and every day for the honor of being Gregory's mommy. Our blessings continue with Zoe; she is awesome!

Thank you for taking the time to visit Gregory's page. Please take another moment to sign the guestbook. He likes Mommy to read "his e-mail" to him. :-)

Journal

Saturday, December 13, 2008 8:03 AM CST

Apologies for the lack of updates; it is proof that time passes swiftly, especially when all is well. Gregory and Zoe are thriving. We are enjoying preparing for Christmas. It has become a tradition to go to a local Christmas tree farm together to pick out trees. Grandpa Doug hauls them home in his truck. That is always fun. Thursday Gregory's kindergarten class sang Christmas songs for the parents. Sarah and I got to attend. It was awesome of course and a packed house. Next week Zoe's Christmas program promises to also be a hit. She was disappointed that she didn't get a "microphone part." Sarah managed to convince her that she is singing due to her awesome singing voice. Also, next week will provide Christmas lunch with the parents/grandparents of Gregory's class. He is so proud when his "people" show up and I can't wait. We are praying for a peaceful and blessed Christmas for all.
Grandma Rose

Hospital Information:

Gregory at Home in Monroe
1703 Lexington Ave
Monroe, LA 71201

Links:

E-mail Author: sarahhayes7@comcast.net