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"Big Papi" (David Ortiz) & Canan's
March 1, 2009, Boston Red Sox Spring Training Practice
Will was diagnosed with a third relapse of medulloblastoma (brain tumor) on 1/28/09. He was scheduled for surgery on 2/11/09 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester to remove a 3 mm tumor in the left ventricle of his brain. Tom and I went into the OR with Will, kissed him goodbye and he went off to sleep. We were called down 10 minutes later by the neurosurgeon. A triple contrast MRI for stereotactic surgery was performed and found microscopic disease in the opposite ventricle. Surgery was not done. Will has started on a new regimen, Avastin & CPT11 (Irenotecan), and is tolerating it well. An April 13, 2009 will be done to see if the chemo is working. Please pray that it is. Other treatment options will be determined after MRI results.
Will's Story
Will was first diagnosed in March, 2004 with medulloblastoma. On April 17, 2006, he relapsed for the first time. He had chemo from 9/06-2/07. On December 11, 2007, he relapsed a second time. He was treated with Gamma Knife and then for the first 6 months of 2008, he had four I3F8 treatments at Memorical Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSCC) in New York City.
Will had clear MRI's in March, July, & October 2008.
A 1/26/09 MRI showed another tiny spot at the top of in Will's left ventricle. A triple contrast MRI for stereotactic surgical planning revealed additional disease in the opposite ventricle. Surgery was planned but not done due to this new finding. Will is currently receiving additional chemotherapy and further options will be evaluated after his 4/13/09 MRI.
Journal
Saturday, July 4, 2009 12:50 AM CDT Happy Fourth of July to all of you!
The past two nights we have been outside until about midnight, enjoying the beautiful weather and catching up with neighbors who we really haven't seen over the long winter.
Thursday night the kids roasted marshmellows and sat around a firepit in the Bahn's backyard. I enjoyed a glass of wine on the deck with Mark and Lucy. And, we're ordering a firepit today just like theirs!
Tom left later on Thursday for his kayaking trip in the San Juan Islands which are off the coast of Washington and further north. Tom and I vacationed there over 15 years ago and absolutely loved it. I'm glad he could go back again but hope he's being careful kayaking among the Orca whales, sea lions and other creatures!
Yesterday, Will and I went to the indoor golf center and found him a new set of clubs and a bag. You are actually able to try out the clubs inside and this was the one and only set he tried. I hope we can get out and golf some over the next several days as he's anxious to try them out! I tried several oversized drivers and hope to get one before the Dells and Colorado so I can use it in those places.
The kids and I also bought a fireworks pack at Sam's Club and tried some out last night. The kids are responsible and careful now so I thought it would be fun to enjoy some firworks of our own this year. The neighbors came out in force and we enjoyed setting some off until about 11:00 last night. We will finish the rest tonight, if it doesn't rain. Will said it was an awesome day yesterday, getting new clubs and setting off fireworks and that warmed my heart.
Since Tuesday, Will hasn't had any of the bad side affects of the increased doses and for that I am thankful. We're just having a low key day so far but plan to go to the fireworks at Silver Lake and have friends over later today.
My parents are now in Colorado at our cabin. They arrived yesterday. Mom said they've had alot of rain so it is very green and beautiful. I can't wait for our week out there with my parents and my brother and his family. It will be wonderful to all be together again and my brother is arranging for a family photo session on a photographer's ranch which has as a background, Pikes Peak.
We are also looking forward to celebrating Tom's parents 50th wedding anniversary by all gathering at Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells later this month. The kids (and adults) will have great waterparks to choose from as well as championship golf courses. We already have tee times for Thursday and Saturday during our stay.
Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend with family and friends.
the kids and I bought a fireworks pack at Sam's Club and
Read Journal History
Links: http://www.brainstogetherforacure.org Oct. 25th Brain Tumor Awarness Walk - Please register and/or donate!
http://www.humortofightthetumor.org Will's being honored at this 9/27/08 event at the Depot in Minneapolis.
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1012995007497 Photos from 8/6/08 Animal Planet filming
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