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Sunday, February 9, 2014 11:32 AM CST
Missing you today. Almost at 5 years. I just wish I could hug you one more time. Hear your voice again. I love you my son.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014 1:57 PM CST
It has been so long since I have looked at this site. I go back and read what Ryan wrote and it is still so painful. The family is planning a trip to Florida this summer. We will be renting a car to drive to the last place Ryan lived and the school he went to. Ryan will be gone 5 years on March 11. Our hearts will forever be broken. He was such a wonderful person. He never judged anyone by the way they looked. He was a great son, uncle, brother, and friend. We miss him so but we talk about him all the time so the little ones will get a sense of who he was.
I still feel like the phone will ring, or he will walk in the door looking for something to eat.
Hugs to all who have lost a child, there is no greater pain.
Missy
If you are on Facebook there is a site created by his friends. In memory of Ryan Vodicka.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013 1:51 PM CDT
Missing you today. It is hard with your sisters upcoming wedding. It will be the first family pictures without you. It breaks my heart that you wont be there. I know you will be there in spirit but it is not the same. I long to hear your voice and see your face. God how I wish your story could have ended differently. I will love you always.
Monday, February 11, 2013 7:56 PM CST
Oh how I miss him. Just one more word, just a little more time. It has been almost 4 years and yet your last moments seem like a nightmare from yesterday. I wish with all my heart I could have traded places with Ryan. He was such a wonderful person, so full of love and laughter. My heart hurts every day thinking of what might have been. I love you my Son.
Thursday, January 3, 2013 9:21 PM CST
We made it through another holiday without our Ryan. Now we have his little sister getting married. I am so happy for her and still this part of me wants to scream. First family pictures without our son. I wish with all my heart he could be here with us. We will make it through with the help of God. My heart breaks for all of those who have lost a child. It is a pain that never goes away.
Monday, October 29, 2012 8:26 PM CDT
Just having a moment tonight. I hope Ryan is helping to protect all of his friends on the east coast. I tried to read back in the journal but it is still so painful, if just seems to open my wounds. I really hate that Ryan is not here with us.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012 1:58 PM CDT
I can't believe it will be Ryan's birthday next week. This time of year is so hard. Birthday, football, golf tournaments, and just change of seasons. Another Fall without him. We still miss him so, our lives will never be the same.
Friday, June 15, 2012 8:39 PM CDT
We were so glad to walk in the curesearch walk in memory of Ryan. We would like to thank everyone who walked with us. It is painful but worth it to think maybe even the little bit we raise may find a cure. We loved seeing Ryan's friends there! It is so nice to know they still miss him too. Our hearts are forever broken, we miss him so.
Ryan's little friend Peter will be having surgery soon. Please pray for a complete success and total pain control. This family is so special to us.
Thanks, Missy
Saturday, February 4, 2012 8:58 AM CST
I can't believe you have been in Heaven almost 3 years. I sure wish it were me so you could have stayed. So many people miss you. I HOPE with all my heart that you will continue to be with your family and your friends when they need you. I love you now and forever...Mom
Sunday, November 20, 2011 12:50 AM CST I know it has been a long time since I updated. We are doing O.K. We still miss Ryan every hour of every day but the tears only come and go occasionally. As Thanksgiving approaches we remember Ryan and his huge helpings, his pumpkin pie, watching football and hanging with the family. I still can't believe he is gone. I sat with Owen yesterday and we looked at pictures of him and Ryan. I think it was good for both of us. This year Robin will not be with us. They do grow up. It is not like Thanksgiving has been normal for a long time anyway. I keep waiting for a sign like a picture falling or a bright light to tell me that he is thinking of us. I know in my heart he is just fine although we will not be fine again until we are together in our Father's house. Hold your families close, cherish each moment. Pray for all the families that are just starting their cancer journey and for those who like us are missing their children. Sunday, September 18, 2011 10:09 AM CDT Ryan's Birthday is tomorrow. I still can't believe he is gone. Gone from earth but never gone from our hearts. I am convinced that healing is a lifetime condition. Some weeks are great then we have a few days where it is hard to breathe again. Ryan was such a special person. His birthdays always came with a "mom I don't want anything" then after a few hours he would mention a few things that would be nice. I cherish every moment we had and I can't wait to be reunited in heaven. Wednesday, August 24, 2011 8:51 PM CDT And September is almost here again. Ryan would be 32 this year. Oh God how I miss him. It seems that things are going along O.K. and then bam it hits you again, he is really gone. It is so painful to realize the horrific battle Ryan went through. He was always optimistic, always trying to be normal. Sorry just a bad night and I needed to vent. I miss my son. I wish I could end on something positive but I just don't have it in me tonight. Friday, July 29, 2011 6:15 AM CDT Oh how we miss our son. When we experience new things we always feel Ryan should be with us because he never had the chance to see and do all he wanted. It is so comforting to know how many lives he touched. One of the children we met in NYC has decided to stop treatment and 2 more DRSCT young people have earned their wings this week. It is so frustrating that they can't find a cure. Saturday, June 11, 2011 5:24 PM CDT Even in all of our sadness we must smile through the tears every time we think of Ryan. We miss him so and we always will. It is so hard to learn how to live without our complete family. There is always a missing link. We are so proud of our son. He such a remarkable young man. Loving and caring, Always there if you needed him. He never loved anyone half way, he loved with his whole heart. I am so glad others remember how wonderful he was. I hope his memory stays alive in all he touched. April 9 It is another season change. This is one that is real hard for Dan. He misses his golf buddy. I even miss him making fun of me! We have come to the conclusion that when you lose a child a part of you will always be gone. It doesn't get better it is just a empty hurt. We are enjoying looking at pictures. I hope we will be able to look at video soon. We love you son with all our hearts.
Sunday, March 6, 2011 2:29 PM CST It is the beginning of a rough week. This time two years ago you were still with us. You were is so much pain and you were so scared. It breaks my heart that you had to go through any of that. I so wish I could have taken on your burden. I hate that we have to go on without you. We miss you so much every day. They say time heals but I have not felt that yet. My heart has such a hole in it. I still remember how you used to live each day to the fullest. Ryan, you will always be my hero. You were so brave and you fought so hard. Until we are together again my one and only son. I love you, Mom Tuesday, January 18, 2011 6:44 AM CST We survived the holidays! It will never be the same and we just have to get that in our heads. I have also come to realize that the pain of losing a child doesn't go away. There are good times and bad times. What our son went through no one should have to. I can't help feeling that some mother is going through that right now. My heart breaks for her. We still have several friends fighting Jack, Raymond, Megan and Daniel to name a few. Please continue to remember them in your prayers. Monday, December 6, 2010 12:18 AM CST Well here we are again. This will be our second Christmas without Ryan. We are going to decorate his and my brother Mike's graves tonight. The pain is still unbearable sometimes, others just numb. How we miss his laughter, his teasing and his hugs. Ryan always knew how to take a tense moment and make us laugh. Ryan will always be our hero. He fought so hard. I wish with all my heart that no other family will have to go through this. We so need a cure. Thursday, November 25, 2010 11:57 AM CST Happy Thanksgiving everyone. This was Ryan's favorite holiday. He loved to eat and pumpkin pie was always his favorite. We miss him so much. I hope he is having Thanksgiving with Jesus and all of his friends. Life will never be the same but we will continue to talk about Ryan to all of the grandkids. We don't ever want them to forget what an amazing person he was. Our hearts are forever broken, losing a child is an unbearable loss. Thanks to all who have been there for us. We truly consider you family. Thursday, November 4, 2010 6:45 AM CDT Every day is a challenge without you. Sometimes I like to think you are still here on earth just so the pain ends for a little while. I understand why they have no name for us now, we are not orphans, nor widows. We just must go on as hard as that is. As the holidays approach we miss you more and more. You will always be present in our hearts even if you are not at the table eating pumpkin pie. We talk about you constantly to your nieces and nephews. I can't believe you won't be here for them to know. I see young men your age with children and I know you would have loved being a dad. Monday, October 4, 2010 2:20 PM CDT Your birthday has come and gone once more. We are filled with such saddness. Life is different and we will not know normal ever again. Friday, September 17, 2010 6:14 PM CDT Well it is almost here, your birthday. I can't tell you how hard life is without you. We talk about the good times. I just wish I could forget the bad. I hate you had to go through what you did. You were so brave. We are so proud of you. I pray for a cure so no one has to go through what you did. We love you so much. Happy 31st Ryan Sunday, August 15, 2010 8:17 PM CDT Our hearts ache daily. We miss Ryan so much. Dan and I took Lucas with us on Ryan's boat. As I looked up to the clouds I could almost see his healthy face smiling. Especially when Dan hit the wakes while I yelled slow down! Dan and I talk about him all the time. The memories of when he was healthy are coming back. I wish I could erase the memories of his final days. They truly haunt me. It just seems that he shouldn't have had to suffer after what he had been through. I still have my moments when I feel I failed. A mom makes it all better and I couldn't do that. We are healing slowly. Monday, July 12, 2010 8:39 PM CDT We survived another holiday. It was an emotional day. Ryan's sister Rachael and her husband Scott had a new baby girl.She is amazing. Ella Morgan Greder was born on the 4th of July! She is happy and healthy. It was so hard going to the hospital and even harder leaving it.We have had 3 Angels come into this world in that hospital and one Angel leave us in that hospital. You never know when the emotions are going to come out. Ryan lived with Rachael and Scott when they brought their other babies home from the hospital. I hope he is with Rachael at those late night feedings. We will always long to have Ryan with us here but we know we will be reunited some day again.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010 8:12 PM CDT We went to the cancer walk and it was as painful as the year before. Releasing the balloons to our angels. I miss him so much. His jokes his smile and most of all his hugs. I have read all the books on grief and no where does it talk about when the pain ends. It is truly like an open wound that keeps bleeding. Sometimes I think that we are healing then the night comes and I crash again. I no longer ask why this happened but I do ask why a cure cannot be found. No one should have to say goodbye to their child. I hope someday that I will be able to reconnect with old friends right now it is just to hard. I try and sometimes I can get through a conversation and sometimes I just can't. Please forgive me. I will continue to go one each day and try to find the good things in life. Pray for a cure... Wednesday, May 5, 2010 2:15 PM CDT The clock still keeps ticking. I just wish sometimes we could stop it. My heart aches for Ryan. The girls are doing fine. Rachael will have a new baby in July. Pray for no problems...Rhonda is doing great with baseball season and 4 boys... Robin will graduate with her second degree at the end of this week. Now pray she finds a job, she will be a great teacher. This journey has taught us all so much. My family has learned patience with me as greiving is so hard. We will go on at the ball fields with grandsons playing. We will have a home cooked Mother's Day brunch this year. I love having everyone together but there is always that empty spot at the table and in our hearts. Monday, March 29, 2010 5:50 PM CDT I have received a few emails wanting to know how we are. Sometimes it is just to painful to update and sometimes I end up pouring my guts out. We are doing O.K. work is like therapy for both Dan and I. Our house has taken a beating the last 5 years we have been concentrating on Ryan so the house fell apart. We will be trying to get some things done this spring. We do have some days that we are just O.K. other days it hits us and we can't stop crying. Ryan will always be a part of our lives, we will continue to talk about him on a regular basis. He was so wonderful how could we not. Thursday, March 11, 2010 6:55 AM CST On the 1 year anniversary of Ryan's death I can honestly say the pain is just a fresh as the day he took his last breath. Time makes no difference, we will miss him always as much as we do now. I am so grateful that we had 29 years together. Wednesday, March 3, 2010 8:10 PM CST Life continues, no matter how much you want it to stop. I can't believe it has been almost a year since we had our Ryan here with us. I ache to hold his hand or rub his feet. Cancer took him away however it gave me a closeness with my son that most moms never get. I think of our lives just one year ago. Ryan was in so much pain but he would have endured anything just to live. How many people take their lives for granted. It will continue to be a hard month...week...day...minute. We must go on until we are together again. Saturday, February 6, 2010 1:13 PM CST Today is just one of those days. We have not seen the sun for some time and it is snowing again. I miss my Ryan. This time last year he was here. He was having trouble breathing and he was scared some of the time. I couldn't make it better. As a Mom I should have made it better. Dan and I go through times of pure pain filled sadness. We went to dinner last night and we couldn't help shedding tears. What strangers must think. I found out that Conagra has the article of Ryan on the wall and it made me feel so happy that they think of Ry. I am still finding things in his old coats or in a box I put in the closet. It seems so long since I held him close or heard his voice. Sorry like I said it is one of those days. Monday, January 25, 2010 1:14 PM CST We went to the grave yesterday. Ryan's tree had some beautiful ornaments on it! Thanks girls. Also the cup that says they will miss him forever and ever and ever was so beautiful. We miss him so much it is nice to know he is missed by others also. We will save the tree and put it up every year along with the candy cane lights. The pain of missing him is still unbearable at times. Sunday, January 10, 2010 6:11 PM CST The holidays are finally over. It will be 10 months since Ryan earned his wings. We are doing our best to go on. We miss him so much. There are times when it hits you like a ton of bricks. I will see a show or hear about a new movie that is coming out and I know he would have loved it. My friend Flo said a few months ago that it is like a wound that tries to heal then it breaks open or you pick at it and it bleeds all over again. Sometimes I think of his death and it is so brutal. I wish he could have had a family of his own. He wanted that so much. My wishes were not meant to be. I will be patient until I am with him again until then please know that we are so grateful to have all of you in our lives. Thank you.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 9:34 AM CST Holidays are hard. Sometimes someone wishes you a Merry Christmas and you just want to scream. Ryan loved Christmas from presents to the food. i miss his hugs. Grief is exhausting. I start to feel like I am getting better then it hits again and it is so painful. His smile and even rubbing his feet. Last New Year he was too sick to go out. We spent it just him and I watching movies. I know he would have rather been with his friends but I cherish that we had that night. Cancer is horrible but taking care of Ryan let me get to know him again. Our talks our walks our prayers. I remember at Sloan that he took the pillow off his bed and knelt down to pray with me. God we miss him Sunday, December 20, 2009 4:35 PM CST We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. Thank you for all of your kindness and support. We are so grateful to have made so many friends and we are overwhelmed by the kindness of people. We will continue to update when we find the strength. Ryan is so missed. I miss his face, his hugs, his words and even his teasing. Never will our lives be the same. As hard as it is we must go on. We have been told to change things so after getting the girls and their families together on Christmas Eve at our house, Dan and I will be leaving for Branson MO on Christmas day. We will be gone for a few days and I hope this will make things bearable. Monday, November 30, 2009 1:44 PM CST And time goes on. Thanksgiving was painful just as we thought. Ryan so loved to eat and especially the pumpkin pie. We made it through with tears and hugs. I took a walk after dinner just like Ryan and I did last year. I tried to remember all of our conversation but I couldn't. I wish I had a video tape of each moment. We miss his so. Tuesday, November 17, 2009 1:22 PM CST Sadness surrounds me lately. I think it is just because the holidays are going to be here soon. I remember Ryan and his love of pumpkin pie. My heart aches, I miss him so. The last days in the hospital were horrible. those visions creep up on me quite often these days. I wish I could just forget the bad and remember the good. My hope is that he is with everyone else we have lost in the past 5 years having a great Thanksgiving and working on a cure for everyone else. Happy Thanksgiving Ryan. Friday, November 6, 2009 7:03 AM CST I can't believe how hard it is to look at pictures from last year. Ryan was such a fighter. Even at the end he did not want to give up. I can't imagine the pain he was suffering each day. I miss taking care of him. I am struggling with what am I to do now. I pray that God will send me an answer. Saturday, October 24, 2009 7:02 PM CDT This was sent to us from TCF. It explains a little of how we feel. Today was a day for many tears. I miss him so much. Sometimes as a mom I think I failed. A mom should be able to protect her child and make them better. It was just not meant to be. Saturday, October 10, 2009 9:16 PM CDT Time is so precious. We are still living day to day. Grief is hard and exhausting. I went downstairs to get my winter coat out and it was hanging next to Ryan's. There are reminders everywhere. God we miss our son. We will go on with our daily activities and our jobs. We will put on fake smiles and try to talk about normal things but inside we will always be broken. The wound that never heals. God Bless all of you that have supported us. We love you and Ryan did too.
Friday, September 25, 2009 4:15 PM CDT Ryan's 30th birthday... No one should have to visit the grave of their child. Joy and a few more of Ryan's friends put down a Chiefs towel, flowers and balloons. It looked so beautiful. I cried the moment I saw it. Ryan was such a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend. I will forever have a hole in my heart. Thanks to all who wished him a happy birthday and for those who visited him. We are so grateful. Missy Friday, September 18, 2009 10:38 PM CDT Happy Birthday Ryan. We so miss having you with us. Our hearts are forever broken without you. I can't imagine the future without your wit and your hugs. I am so proud to be your mom. You fought so hard for what many people don't realize is so precious, life. Your journey was so long and brutal but you never gave up. You are a hero now and forever. I love you, Mom
Friday, September 11, 2009 6:44 AM CDT 6 months. It has been six months since Ryan left us. What I wouldn't give for one more hug. Dear God, I miss him so much. Friday, September 11, 2009 6:29 AM CDT 6 months...Ryan has been gone 6 months. It seems like a lifetime. What I wouldn't give for one more hug. God I miss his so much. Wednesday, September 9, 2009 1:12 PM CDT We are still trying our best to go on. I was doing great until I thought of the future. I can't imagine 5 years from now without Ryan. My heart still aches to hold him and talk to him once more. I am starting to go through pictures. It is painful but I get through a few every day. Simple tasks seem to be so difficult. Work gets me out of bed and the grandkids keep us busy on a few nights of the week. Not a day goes by without talking about big Ry. Thanks for the prayers and support. Missy Friday, August 28, 2009 7:33 AM CDT We are still surviving. We think we are doing fine and then it hits again. We miss him so much. This gieving process sucks. September is Ryans birthday and Mike will be gone a year. I can't believe how much these two great men are missed. Pray for all of us, Thanks, Missy
Friday, August 28, 2009 7:05 AM CDT We are still surviving. We go through times that we think we are doing just fine and then it comes back again. Ryan taught us many things, stay positive, never judge a person by what is on the outside and have a laugh every day. I miss his talent for taking a tense situation and finding a way to make it funny. Time passes and his burthday approaches in September. Thursday, July 16, 2009 6:56 AM CDT We are still just O.K. Dan and I struggle a little each day. We miss him so much. His grave stone is finished and should be installed soon. I hope it is what he would have wanted. I seem to go through the day until I see a picture or hear a phrase he used to say and then a little cry escapes me. I hope that someday I will not hurt so much and will be able to think of all the wonderful things and smile. Until then I will exist.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 8:21 PM CDT I have received many notes and emails wanting to know how we are doing so I will try to update more often. It just seems so strange not telling you how Ryan is or what the next treatment will be. There is not a day that I don't think that he is just out of town and he will call soon. Then the reality hits. We all miss him so much. The children mention him often and I hope that will continue. We ordered his gravestone. i hope it is what he would have wanted. We tried to incorporate all of the things he loved Family, Friends, Chiefs, Golf and art. A cross he drew will be on the right side while the arrowhead and a golf ball will be on the left. Friday, June 26, 2009 6:47 AM CDT Well here I am. I don't really have much to tell. We are doing O.K. Life goes on even if you want it to stop. Our youngest grandchild turns 2 tomorrow. Happy Birthday Jace. We are going through the motions but some things are harder than others. Day by day the pain will lesson however, we will alway hold Ryan in our hearts. I am looking into a place for the family to go for Christmas week this year. It will be too painful to stay here. Thank you for all the support and the prayers, Missy Monday, June 8, 2009 2:43 PM CDT The walk this weekend was beautiful. Thank you to all who were there. Dan and I made it on stage to release a balloon for Ryan. Every year balloons are released for the children who died, we just hoped it would never be us. It was very hard to be there without Ryan physically by our side. He looked so good last year and was so optomistic. Monday, June 8, 2009 1:15 PM CDT The walk this weekend was beautiful. Thank you to all who were there. Dan and I made it on stage to release a baloon for Ryan. Every year baloons are released we just hoped it would never be us. It was very hard to be there without Ryan physically by our side. He looked so good last year and was so optomistic. Wednesday, June 3, 2009 6:50 AM CDT Thanks Joy and all who visited the grave over Memorial Day. I know how hard it is. We are still struggling with the reality. Wednesday, May 20, 2009 6:45 AM CDT Time passes so quickly yet the nights continue to be very long. We are doing O.K. Missing Ryan has become part of our life. We are starting to go through his things so it is like saying good-bye all over again. Friday, May 8, 2009 6:51 AM CDT I can't believe it has been almost 8 weeks since Ryan received his wings. I have come to realize with the help of a few friends that the searning pain will never go away. I visited his grave yesterday and found several things that have been left by friends. Thank you for being a part of his life. I know how much you miss him and my heart aches for you all. Monday, May 4, 2009 6:56 AM CDT Well I guess it is time for an update. I would like to say we are all doing fine but the truth is we are all getting by. We have our days where we just can't controll the pain. We miss Ryan so much. Our arms ache for one more hug. Monday, April 20, 2009 1:01 PM CDT Yesterday was Robin's birthday. It was the first one Ryan has missed. Every day seems to be getting harder right now. The reality that our son is not with us here on earth anymore is breaking our hearts. We wait for him to call or we try to call him before we realize that he is gone. I keep thinking spring will be hard but every day is hard. I found a list of things Ryan had to do at Joy and Wilson's place a last year. I wish I would have gotten him to work around the house like that. We are so grateful for the time we had. Ryan showed many how to live with cancer. Monday, April 13, 2009 1:08 PM CDT I hope you all had a blessed Easter. We spent the day together and it was O.K. We all miss Ryan so much. We missed his smile and his little way of making every situation funny. Owen keeps asuring me that he will be back to play Mario with him. People say time heals but we are not there yet. Following is an email I received from Joe. I hope he doesn't mind me sharing it. Their son was a Ryan also and was 10. Joe called me about a year ago asking for advice on treatment. They are a wonderful family and I would like you to pray for them. We so need a cure for this disease. We so miss our boys. Love, Missy Wednesday, April 8, 2009 3:40 PM CDT Jace is fine. His tests came back today and they show that his sinuses are backed up and it is his adnoids that are causing the pain. Thank God. Monday, April 6, 2009 3:56 PM CDT I would like to ask for prayers today for our grandson Jace. He has to have a CT for pain in his head. Monday, April 6, 2009 1:47 PM CDT I would like to ask for prayers today for our grandson Jace. He has to have a CT for pain in his head. Sunday, March 29, 2009 5:44 PM CDT I really don't know what to say for an update. We miss Ryan so much. Sometimes we can't move and others we try to be normal and it hits us. We have pictures that we talk to often. We also go in his room just to sit and cry. Ryan was back and forth so much that it is hard to believe he isn't comming home soon. Dan had Chiefs news the other day and picked up the phone to call Ry. I hated to see him in pain like the last 2 months but I really just want him back. It is amazing how many cards and donations we received for Ryan he touched so many live and we are so proud of him. I apologize for the thank you notes not being more personal but with working full time and grieving over the loss of our child I just couldn't. We have received over 400 cards. Thank you all for being a part of our son's life. He cared deeply for each and every one of you. Thanks, Missy and family
Thursday, March 19, 2009 8:31 PM CDT A week has gone by since Ryan took his last breath. Our hearts still ache and always will. It seems the shock is wearing off and the memories come flooding in. Ryan was such a wonderful person. I wish I could see with his eyes. In his sketches and in the people who he called friends. He never judged he just loved. We are using Ryanisms quite often. We are making picture albums for the grandkids and cherishing photos for ourselves. Last Sunday we had a small bonfire in the backyard to burn a few medical things just as Ry would have wanted. Our daughters went to the cemetary to purchase the 2 plots on the other side of Ryan for us so that we will be near him. We were so blown away. We are so lucky to have great kids. Ryan will always have Uncle Mike on one side and his parents on the other. Each day is so hard without him. Missy
Sunday, March 15, 2009 7:07 PM CDT The day after... We miss him so much. It was so nice to see so many people who were a part of Ryan's life. The stories were endless. Our hearts will have a hole forever. It is hard to say Ryan Vodicka without smiling even knowing he is gone. We have already had little signs that we know are Ryan's way of letting us know that he is O.K. If you have a little story you would like to share we would love to hear it. Day by day we will heal. Our son is finally cancer free. Thanks to everyone who has supported us in this battle, we are so grateful. Love, Missy Thursday, March 12, 2009 12:48 AM CDT It is with a very heavy and peaceful heart to inform you all that Ryan earned his wings.
Thursday, March 12, 2009 12:25 AM CDT It is with a very heavy and peaceful heart to inform you all that Ryan earned his wings today. Wednesday, March 11, 2009 8:28 PM CDT It is with a very heavy and peaceful heart to inform you all that Ryan earned his wings today. Wednesday, March 11, 2009 4:41 AM CDT Good morning, Wednesday, March 11, 2009 4:33 AM CDT Good morning, Monday, March 9, 2009 10:47 PM CDT Good evening, Sunday, March 8, 2009 12:46 AM CDT Another wild weekend. Ryan is inpatient. He had quite a bit of trouble breathing on Friday so we took him into Thursday, March 5, 2009 7:12 AM CST Sorry for the lack of updates. Ryan is still calling the shots and he makes me be very careful of what I say on the caringbridge. Ryan has finished radiation. He is still on low dose chemo and 50 other pills a day. He is such a fighter. His legs are causing him discomfort and his abdomin is distended. He had a appointment with the pulmanologist yesterday. He said that the lungs are wet again and if we have to drain them it will be inpatient. So we will wait and see. We ordered a hospital bed so that Ryan can sleep more elevated. His oxygen is up to 2.5 because he can't breathe. He just keeps saying he will either die an old man or die trying. How did I get so lucky to have this kid as my son? He is amazing. Thanks for the prayers and keep them comming. Love, Missy
Monday, February 23, 2009 2:00 PM CST Ryan continues to do a little better. He is eating again which is great! We are trying to get him to move a little more each day. He has the lymphadema clinic 3x per week and radiation 5x. We will know more next Monday how the radiation is going. Thank you for all the prayers we are sure feeling them. Tuesday, February 17, 2009 8:29 PM CST Ryan is OUT! They discharged him on Monday afternoon and his dad took him to radiation. It is so good to have him home. I can't believe how much I wanted him home. He is going to continue treatment consisting of a low dose chemo and radiation, along with a few other drugs. We are doing all we can to get him to eat. I have always loved my son but as this journey continues I love him more each day. Please pray that God gives him a miracle. Sunday, February 15, 2009 3:33 PM CST Ryan was unable to go to the fundraiser because he is inpatient. We took him in last night for breathing problems and pain. Today they drained a liter and a half of fluid off his right lung. They would have liked to get more but he was having pain so they stopped. His pain seems to be under control however, he is still not eating. I sure hope our miracle is soon. Thursday, February 12, 2009 2:05 PM CST I know you are waiting for an update, it is just that Ryan gets upset when I post too much so I have to be careful. Ryan is still receiving an oral chemo and radiation once a day. His therapy seems to be helping with his legs which is a great relief. There is no therapy to offer at this time other than what we are doing. We are taking things one day at a time. We are so proud of our son and the courage he has. It has truly been a gift to be his mom. Thursday, February 12, 2009 7:04 AM CST I know you are waiting for an update, it is just that Ryan gets upset when I post too much so I have to be careful. Ryan is still receiving an oral chemo and radiation once a day. His therapy seems to be helping with his legs which is a great relief. There is no therapy to offer at this time other than what we are doing. We are taking things one day at a time. We are so proud of our son and the corage he has. It has truly been a gift to be his mom. Tuesday, February 3, 2009 7:31 AM CST UPDATE! Canon has had questionable scans. Please pray for him. They are such a great family. Our time in NYC was so hard and I truly bonded with Trent Missy and our wonderful Canon. Friday, January 30, 2009 12:51 AM CST Here is a post from the guestbook. I hope everyone can help Joy get this together. Thanks Joy straight from our hearts. Ryan is so lucky to have you as a friend. Love, Missy Monday, January 26, 2009 4:20 PM CST Ryan is doing O.K. He started at the clinic today and has his legs bandaged. He has a meeting with the doctor on Tuesday and they want to do radiation and low dose chemo. We will get the details tomorrow. Wednesday, January 21, 2009 7:25 PM CST Ryan is holding his own. He had tubes put in his ears today. It took most of the day. He did fine and is able to talk normal now. It has been so long since he has had fluid in there he says it feels good! He is eating a bit better although he is so skinny right now. He goes in tomorrow to see if there is anything that will work on those legs. The right is more swollen than the left because the tumors are more on the right. We are still waiting to find a treatment. Thanks for the prayers they are working on all of us. Tuesday, January 20, 2009 6:44 AM CST I wanted you to remember Peter today as he is scanned. Pray the cough is under control so he can be scanned without being under, and great results. We expect him to be clear but there is always that little part of you saying what if... www.caringbridge.org/pa/peter Sunday, January 18, 2009 8:09 PM CST Well it is time to get over it and go on again. Ryan is in a great deal of discomfort. He has edema in his legs and the tumors are making it difficult to move. I am going to make an appointment for him in the morning to see what we can do with these legs. He also hopefully will see Dr. Langdon to see what the plan will be. Dr. Mackall called from the NIH. It was so good to see Ryan talk to her. He really trusts her. They however, have no trials right now but she is going to call Dr. Leu here to see what they can come up with. Texas is also on the line waiting to see if the edema gets under control, counts to come up and a total on what this will cost for treatment. So we wait and we PRAY again. I have gone back to teacing CCD. I have not done that since we left our old parish but when Fr. Pat asked I had to respond. Do you think I am trying to stay on the right side of the Lord? Please continue to pray for Ryan and keep Jack in your prayers also (www.caringbridge.org/visit/jackdemers) Tuesday, January 13, 2009 6:59 AM CST The scan results are in and they are not good. Ryan has had growth in the area of the lung and the liver. He meets with the doctor today. I will let you know if we find a plan. Missy Sunday, January 11, 2009 1:08 PM CST Scan day has arrived. Ryan has scans starting at 8 a.m. Monday. He has not had scans in Omaha for a very long time. I don't know if we will know the results right away or not. Please pray for him. My heart breaks when I see him like this. God grant us a miracle. Thursday, January 8, 2009 6:53 AM CST Ryan is still hanging in there. Yesterday he had to get blood and he was so tired afterward. Scans are the 12th so pray that this cancer is more tired than Ryan and is giving up. Ryan is still having trouble with the fluid in his legs, if anyone has suggestions let me know. One day at a time. Thanks for the words of encouragememt, you all mean so much to us. Love, Missy Friday, January 2, 2009 4:15 PM CST Happy New Year! Saturday, December 27, 2008 4:09 PM CST Thank you everyone for all the well wishes! Tuesday, December 23, 2008 6:42 PM CST Merry Christmas Everyone! I didn't send one card this year, I just couldn't get it together. So this is it. We wish you and your families the best Christmas ever. Wednesday, December 17, 2008 9:56 AM CST We will be home for Christmas. Ryan has decided to go ahead with another treatment at home. His stomach is distended because of an increase in fluid in his abdomen. He is in pain because it is pressing on his organs. We took him to the ER on Saturday night because of pain and we now have it under control. We went in at 2 and it was warm out, when we came out the cold front had moved in and it was COLD! We will keep the pain drugs going to keep him as comfortable as possible. One day at a time. Tuesday, December 9, 2008 6:43 AM CST Ryan seems to be feeling a little better. Those prayers are working. He actually went out once on Friday and again on Sunday and Monday. He goes in today for blood counts. We still have not made a decision. I would love to be home for Christmas. I guess we just leave it to prayer and go with the answer we are given. Tuesday, December 2, 2008 8:20 PM CST Sorry for the lack of an update but we don't have much news to share. Texas has not called to schedule and appointment. Ryan saw the sarcoma specialist in Omaha today and she said the reason for his stomach problems is the water retention in his stomach and legs. She would like to do another treatment before we take Ryan off the trial. His blood counts are still to low to do it currently. Ryan of course would love to stay home. We were gone and isolated for so long I can't blame him. Being together at home is wonderful. We are keeping Ryan comfortable and doing our best to get him to eat and drink. Pray the right decisions are made. Love, Missy Saturday, November 29, 2008 5:27 PM CST Thank you so much for all the prayers and help. Ryan is feeling a little better today. He did not even go in for fluids. Thanksgiving dinner consisted of him filling his plate and eating 4 bites then spending time in the bathroom. He is really trying to eat but his stomach is not cooperating. The last trial he was on was very harsh on his system. Ryan has been fighting for so long that it is hard to tell how his body will react. DSRCT becomes chemo resistant. That is where we are so we have to look for a new drug. We had Ry in the ER last week and the CT said that the cancer was covering some of the organs so it was hard to tell if there was a blockage. His stomach is a little distending so we know we are needing to move quickly. The Start Clinic in Texas will hopefully call me back on Monday. I also put some emails out for other options. Ryan still is a fighter. He is staying focused Tina, thanks for all you do. He talks constantly about when he beats this. He is such a strong young man, I can't believe he is mine. Thanks for the prayers and the offers of points for flights and hotels. I will contact you as soon as we know what the next step is. We truly are blessed by having you all in our lives, Missy Wednesday, November 26, 2008 9:57 AM CST The clinical trial Ryan is on is not working. He is very sick. We are making an appointment to go to Texas. If anyone knows of someone he could stay with in San Antonio please contact me. He will have to go for 2 weeks and then off and on after that. Please pray we need strength. Missy Friday, November 21, 2008 10:14 AM CST Ryan is still having a problem with his counts. He can't seem to get them up even with shots so I am sure that chemo will be postponed again. He is not feeling well. He eats a little and I push him to drink. I wish this meant that the drug is working and the cancer is dying but the truth is that even when counts are down the cancer can still be growing. After the next treatment scans will be done to see what is going on. I don't even know if he should have another treatment but this is what he has chosen so we will support him. Tuesday, November 18, 2008 7:04 AM CST Thank you, Thank you for being at the annointing of the sick last night. Ryan felt all of the prayers. Fr. McCaslin did a wonderful job. He is an amazing priest. The bright light and the laying on of hands was amazing. It was so wonderful to have all of you support us. I know this is a long battle however, knowing you are beside us makes it so much easier. We had some letters from friends across the U.S. that were read by Pam, Chris, Scott and Father. We were so touched by your kind words. We are ever awaiting the miracle. Love, Missy Saturday, November 8, 2008 3:33 PM CST Ryan is holding his own. He seems to be a little better today. Eating is still a problem. We will be having a prayer service on Monday the 17th of November at our church St. John Vianney 5801 Oak Hills Dr. South of 124th and Q Thursday, November 6, 2008 6:53 AM CST Ryan is not feeling great. He is struggling with fatigue and nausea. I am encouraging him to go to the doctor earlier than him Tuesday appointment. He has been staying home and resting which is what he needs to get better. (along with a miracle) Thanks for the ideas about a fundraiser. I will see if we can get going on a couple of them. Also keep Hannah in your prayers she is headed to MN soon for scans. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahknudsen Tuesday, November 4, 2008 3:08 PM CST Ryan has started his new treatment last Thursday. He was a little sick over the weekend but managed to help his sister and brother in law move on Sunday. He is still going in for fluids but only time will tell if this is going to work. We are getting some ideas for a fundraiser. If Ryan has to go to Texas it will be very expensive and we may not have the time to raise enough if we wait. If you have any ideas let me know. Wednesday, October 29, 2008 2:07 PM CDT We got home last night. What a drive! Ryan has decided to go ahead with the trial in Omaha for now. We will try to do a fundraiser so that if this trial does not work he will still have the option to go to Texas. We are trying to be logical and I have to admit, it was hard to be gone thinking about a long stay is overwhelming but we will do what we have to do. Thanks for all your prayers, Missy Monday, October 27, 2008 7:47 PM CDT We met with Dr. Tolcher this afternoon. There are 2 trials available. One depends on timing the other Ryan can start right away. The problem is that Ryan would have to stay down here for the first 2 weeks and then once a week there after. This is a clinical trial but they do not pay for your travel or your hotel. We have a lot to discuss. There is one trial in Omaha that is available also. We will discuss all options on the way home. Pray for safe travel and a guided decision. Thanks for all you do, Missy Saturday, October 25, 2008 10:09 PM CDT Well we will be on the road in the morning. I want to thank everyone for all the words of support. Please pray for a safe trip with good results. I will update as soon as we decide what the next step will be. Thursday, October 16, 2008 6:38 AM CDT Ryan is doing fine. He seems to be tolerating the wait for Texas. It is hard to have him off all chemo during this time but they can't start a new trial unless he has. He is the toughest person I know. Going through chemo for one year is tough, 2 is amazing, our son has tolerated over 4 now. Ryan you amaze me. Friday, October 10, 2008 2:22 PM CDT Sorry for the lack of update. It has been a long week. Ryan had a CT on Tuesday and it showed a possible hole in his esophagus. On Wednesday they did a scope and found nothing. On Thursday they did xrays and an upper GI. They didn't find any hole. So the conclusion is that it must be tumor pushing on his stomach. We were excited about a hole thinking at least it wasn't tumor but as we know, never get excited about anything. Ryan is trying to stay off treatment until the Texas trip on Oct, 27th. We will see if that works. The clinic is located in San Antinio and we will have to pay out of pocket because Ryan is now on Medicaid but nothing matters when trying to save a life. Pray Ryan's discomfort is kept at bay, and that the clinic has a miracle. Thanks, Missy Tuesday, October 7, 2008 6:57 AM CDT Ryan is having a hard time this week. He tries to act normal and then boom it seems to hit him hard. He had to get a 5 hour infusion yesterday and fluids. He had an EKG and now they have scheduled a CT. We don't know if there is a blockage or if it is tumor. Thursday, October 2, 2008 6:49 AM CDT I wish I could say everything was fine but it is not. Ryan has lost more weight and has a grey look to his. He went to the Dr. yesterday and they took him off the Sutent. He is just having too many side effects and his blood count is dropping quickly. Pray that we find something else fast. Thanks, Missy Friday, September 26, 2008 6:44 AM CDT Well Ryan met with the sarcoma specialist in Omaha and she had 2 trials going. One is the R1507, we won't be doing that again. The other is a drug called Yondelis. It is a option if we choose. I pray that more options are comming soon. Yondelis is pretty hard on the liver and there is only 30 percent chance it would work. We will keep looking! Thanks to everyone for your cards and prayers, we know Mike is enjoying a game of golf with my dad in heaven. Tuesday, September 23, 2008 6:37 AM CDT Ryan is doing O.K. He had an appointment with Dr. Langdon yesterday. Weight is down again. Dr. L is refering him to a sarcoma specialist in Omaha who has some idea's. We will pray they are good ones. One day at a time. Thursday, September 18, 2008 5:37 PM CDT Thank you for all of your kind words. Trish and Flo suggested we hold Michael up in prayer tonight. So at 10 pm eastern 9 central say a prayer for Mike. The arrangements have been made and are as follows: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 9:31 PM CDT First of all Ryan is doing fine. He is a little tired but working through it. Wednesday, September 17, 2008 12:48 AM CDT Ryan is tired. He is doing fine and he says for the next few days to concentrate prayers for his uncle Mike. Sunday, September 14, 2008 9:24 PM CDT Ryan is tired. He is doing fine and he says for the next few days to concentrate prayers for his uncle Mike. Thursday, September 11, 2008 6:53 AM CDT Ryan had a good day yesterday. He was tired but still found a way to make us laugh. I have emailed several doctors about treatment. If anyone has suggestions please email them to me and have Ryan's name in the subject line. I have a busy job and it is hard to take care of children and listen to options at the same time. We will keep anothe gift that God has given us, positive attitude, and keep going. Ryan wants no sadness, no regets just keep going. Wednesday, September 10, 2008 12:43 AM CDT Ryan is home. I can't believe how much I missed him. He is going to start on Sutent. It seems like the only option right now. I really would like to stop time. Ryan says he doesn't care what he has to go through he just wants to live. He amazes me. I can't tell you how proud we are of our son. The amount of courage he has shown us in the past 4 years is amazing, his outlook and humor is what gets us through each day. Thanks for all the words of support we sure are blessed having you in our lives. Thanks, Missy Tuesday, September 9, 2008 3:44 PM CDT The update is not good. Ryan's tumors have grown quite a bit. I expected this since he has had no chemo for almost 2 months. He also has new cancer in his shoulder. We do not have a treatment plan because the NIH would rather talk to him about quality of life than to find a soulution. I am sending out some emails to find a sarcoma center that might be able to come up with something. Ryan is on his way home. Tuesday, September 9, 2008 6:58 AM CDT sorry everyone no news yet on scans. Ryan finished at 8:30 last night. He will meet with the doctors today at 10:30 to get results. Please pray this isn't as bad as I think it is going to be. Sunday, September 7, 2008 3:57 PM CDT Ryan is in NJ with the Stanley family. I sure do miss him. He will take a train early in the morning to the NIH. Scans start at 10:30 and will continue all day until the last one at 4:30. I tried to talk him into letting me come out but he refused. He will have a meeting with the doctors on Tuesday. I will be holding my breath. Please pray that God will grant Ryan a miracle. Wednesday, September 3, 2008 7:19 AM CDT Ryan is safe in NJ. He called last night to say he made it fine. The NIH didn't give him fluids. They said they would have to teach him how and they didn't have time. He will just have to force himself to drink and go into a local hospital if he needs fluids. I suspect he will be pretty drained by the time Sunday rolls around. He will be scanned on Monday starting at 10:00 eastern time. I am trying to keep busy so I can breathe. Please pray for Ryan he has been through so much. Also pray for my brother Mike. A cure for cancer and Pulmanary Fibrosis would be an answer to my prayers. Thanks, Missy
Saturday, August 30, 2008 8:22 PM CDT Ryan is doing O.K. He needs to have fluids everyday. He will leave for Bethesda on Tuesday. He is planning on checking in at the hospital before catching the train north to Jersey. He will stay with the Stanleys for a few days before scans on the 8th. Ryan will then head home the nineth. Please pray for safe travel, no pain and no problems. Ryan deserves a few days of fun. Thanks, Missy Friday, August 29, 2008 2:55 PM CDT Ryan, Scott, Lucas and Dan drove to KC last night to enjoy the game. Dawn and Dennis Zucca gave Ryan 4 tickets and a hotel room for the night. They had so much fun. It rained off and on all night so I am glad I wasn't there. I would have had to send Ryan home so he wouldn't get sick! They are drying out everything now. I am so glad they were able to make some memories together.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 6:54 AM CDT Ryan is haveing a good week. He is eating a little more and his spirits seem to be where they should be. Two weeks ago I didn't know what was happening. He was so sick I was sure that this was it. I am so thankful to God that the radiation side effects have passed and he is in less pain. Ryan is moving home this weekend. Then I can keep track of his eating! He is not excited. Thanks for all your support and prayers. God has sent us many angels and we love you all, Missy
Friday, August 22, 2008 10:43 AM CDT Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I am humbled by the people who check in on Ryan. It is so comforting to know that some one cares. This is a tough battle. People we have met along the way have been in remission for years and Ryan has not gotten there yet. It seems so unfair. We appreciate the prayers and support. Ryan is finished with radiation for right now. I hope he will be feeling better soon. He is so thin again. I want him to eat but he only eats a little at a time. Maybe I should eat the same things! We will call it the Ryan diet! Tuesday, August 19, 2008 12:26 AM CDT Sorry for waiting to update. Ryan is doing O.K. He has had some major GI problems. We have pumped him full of drugs and nothing seems to resolve the problem. Hopefully he will finish radiation this week and feel better. The schedule right now is that the next scan will be September 8th. I would like them to be this week just to find out what exactly is wrong. We don't know if it is radiation side effects or tumor causing his discomfort. Praying for the radiation side effects. Thanks to all even strangers for supporting us. It really seems that the longer this goes on the fewer supporters we have. Thanks to those who have been there for us. Missy Tuesday, August 12, 2008 6:35 PM CDT Ryan continues to get radiation on his back. He has been tired and sick to his stomach quite a bit. He has been so strong through all of this that seeing him like this is so hard. Pray they find something that will bring this cancer to hault. Thanks for the prayers, Missy Thursday, August 7, 2008 7:11 AM CDT If there is any doubt about angels amoung us let me tell you this they are there! Tuesday, August 5, 2008 7:09 AM CDT Ryan continues to amaze me. He gets radiation in the mornings then fluids. He remains positive. Ryan and his Dad went to the COX Classic on Sunday in the heat! Ryan then came home and took a nap on the floor while all of his nephews and his niece played around him. That kid can sleep through anything! We had our family dinner which we have not been consistant with since Ryan had to leave every Sunday. It is good to have everyone together again. Keep praying for that miracle. Thanks, Missy Friday, August 1, 2008 1:04 PM CDT O.K. Sue here is the update. Ryan is doing better. He had me really scared the last few days. He had a urology appointment today before the radiation. We still have not heard about the LFT levels. I will have to speak to the oncologist to see if we are all on the same page. I am working on getting his transmission in his car fixed, until then he is driving my van. I am sure it is cramping his style with all the car seats in the back. We are taking things one day at a time and I will let you know how things are going. Thanks for the prayers and if anyone knows a good mechanic let me know. Love, Missy Wednesday, July 30, 2008 7:25 AM CDT Ryan's radiation was postponed until today. The CT was not good enough so they did a MRI. He will have a CT on his liver today also his LFT's are up and they want to know what is going on with the liver. He is also going in for hydration every day. Pray now more than ever. Ryan needs his miracle. Monday, July 28, 2008 6:49 AM CDT Thank you for the kind words. Ryan is tired. He has slept most of the day Sunday. He has a visit with Dr. Langdon here in Omaha today and he will start Radiation on his back on Tuesday. He has not had radiation before so if anyone has any wise words? Tuesday, July 22, 2008 6:57 AM CDT Sometimes it takes a while for me to find the right words. On Sunday morning we got a call from the NIH that Ryan would not need to come for treatment because the ultra sound he had on Monday showed over 25% growth. This as Ryan puts it kicks him off the protocol. Tuesday, July 15, 2008 6:53 AM CDT It seems like I wrote this before. Ryan is home again. He is having some pain but controls it with drugs. Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:02 AM CDT Ryan has been back and forth once more and with minimal delays! The plan is still to wait for 18 weeks on the trial before radiating the tumor that is causing the pain in his back. Ryan's spirits are still great. He keeps us all going. God is with us in this fight and will continue to guide us. Thanks for all the prayers, Missy Friday, July 4, 2008 6:46 PM CDT Hi everyone and Happy 4th of July! Tuesday, July 1, 2008 6:36 AM CDT Ryan is back and forth once more. This time minimal delays! He is still having pain in his back so they are going to radiate however, this will kick him off the protocol so they are trying to wait a few weeks so he won't be kicked off. Week 18 seems to be the week we are waiting for. There are some new drug combinations comming in August so we are still holding strong for that miracle. Keep up the prayers! Thanks, Missy Wednesday, June 25, 2008 8:00 PM CDT Ryan is home! He is very tired. They have put him on Ritalin to see if it will help. The questions will have to wait for the doctors next week. Patience. We are so thankful for all of your prayers. Love, Missy Monday, June 23, 2008 5:33 PM CDT Results are in and they are calling it stable. There is growth compared to 2 months ago however, very little. We are thankful. I have a few questions for Tuesday, like can we go back, do chemo, surgery and radiation to remove it once and for all. I am getting weary of relying on a new drug to surface. r1507 seems to be keeping the growth in check but that can change. Keep up the prayers, and thanks for being there for us, Missy Monday, June 23, 2008 6:38 AM CDT Please pray for Ryan today. He has a MRI at 9:30. and a PET at 12:30. He of course had troble getting to Bethesda again. Stranded in Chicago for 4 hours. The travel is really getting to him. I don't know what is is store for him today. He is in pain most of the time. That tells me that the tumors are growing. We have lost so many to this disease recently. Pray that a cure is found soon. Thanks, Missy Monday, June 16, 2008 6:54 AM CDT Well it happened again. I last talked to Ryan and due to yesterday's storms United had him stuck in Chicago for 12 yes 12 hours! I can't believe how bad air travel is. Ryan has pain and hates to sit in a airport all day. I will update as soon as I find out what is going on at the hospital today. Pray they resolve his pain. No one should have to hurt every moment of the day. Thanks, Missy Tuesday, June 10, 2008 9:14 PM CDT Hi everyone. Ryan is home once again safe. He seems to be getting weary of the travel. The airline delays week after week are so hard on him. He has less energy and is how can I say this nicely, CRABBY! I can completely understand. I just wish there was more I could do to help. Right now we are going to do another fundraiser. Eventually I would like to raise enough money to pay his Sallie Mae loan. They have been calling him constantly and the excuse of cancer just isn't working. He is really bothered by these calls and just wants to pay it off so he can save for a house of his own. The future . . . he is still so positive he will beat this. So here we go! Shanna is an old neighbor of ours, and is so wanting to help. Here is the information if you would like to order Mary Kay
Monday, June 9, 2008 6:55 AM CDT Thanks to all who walked with us on Saturday, or donated to curesearch. We are so grateful. Omaha raised over $200.000.00! It is an amazing event. The baloon release in the memory of children who have their wings was so beautiful. I will post pictures soon of our team. Ryan looks great and still has such a wonderful attitude. He left Sunday morning and should be back tonight if all goes well. Keep up the prayers! Our friends in need are Hannah, Craig, Ryan, Meliza, Chris, Cole, Jason, Jordan and all the other DSRCT warriors. WE NEED A CURE. Tuesday, June 3, 2008 6:29 AM CDT Ryan is safely back and forth once again. He actually had no delays! The growth inhibitor is making him very tired. He was a little frustrated yesterday with the hospital. You would think things would go better since you have been doing the same thing over and over. We will all be there on Saturday. Please donate and come to walk with us. We would all love to see you. Love, Missy Tuesday, May 27, 2008 7:09 AM CDT Ryan flew out yesterday morning at 6 a.m. He would have prefered to stay for the day but flight arrangements were not cooperating. He is there safe without any delays. His infusion is today and he will hopefully fly home tonight. It has been hard on him to have to fly back and forth so much. He is a little fatigued. His back pain has moved to his side. He says he feels like it is badly sunburned. He is taking some pain meds to help. We did have a wonderful day Sunday. We had my family over for dinner. It was the first time in the new kitchen and the first time in a long time we have had company over. I guess it was one of those things that we stopped doing when Ryan was diagnosed. It was great to see everyone and to spend time just as a family. I am so thankful for everyone who has supported us for the past 4 years. This is a very long battle. I can't express my thanks enough. Keep up the prayers. Craig is not doing well right now, Adam, who Ry met in Bethesda will be heading into transplant soon, Jordan, Raymond, Chris, Meliza, Hannah, my brother Mike, and all others who are in need of prayer right now. We are all hanging by a thread and your prayers help us hang on. Thanks, Missy Wednesday, May 21, 2008 6:42 AM CDT Well Ryan is back and forth once more. He flew out Sunday and came home early Tuesday. It was one of those wonderful things he encounters during flying. The plane broke down, we will fly you to Chicago at 10 p.m. and pay for your hotel. It was a long day for him and when he arrived he was very tired. He is having some fatigue with this drug. I am concerned that it is not working because of the light up but we will be patient. Like we have a choice. It is all in God's hands anyway. Tuesday, May 13, 2008 7:18 AM CDT Hi all! Ryan just called and the PET scan still showed light up. It is still alive with little growth. The CT showed no new growth so he will remain on the study. I just pray this cancer gets week and moves on forever. Ryan will have his infusion today and be home tonight. Monday, May 12, 2008 7:35 AM CDT And he is off again. I was able to see Ryan for about 5 minutes yesterday. He caught a flight to Bethesda and was stuck in Chicago for 4 hours. We talked to him at 10 last night and he had just landed. Today they are doing restaging. PET and CT I think. Pray for good results. Thanks for all you do, Missy Tuesday, May 6, 2008 12:34 AM CDT Ryan is home safe. His flights home were uneventful thank God. He had accupuncture before he left the NIH to see if it would help him with pain control. His back is hurting a great deal. Monday, May 5, 2008 7:10 AM CDT Ryan was released from the hospital on Friday. He rented a car and drove up to NJ to see Sami's family. Sami is still away at school so Ryan hung with Corky and Mark and the girls. Thanks guys for giving him a home away from home. He drove back to Bethesda last night and will receive treatment today and then leave for the airport. HE WILL BE HOME AT 10:30 p.m. I can't wait to see him it seems like he has been gone a very long time. Thanks for checking in and remember to pray for a cure for all cancer. Thanks, Missy
Thursday, May 1, 2008 2:18 PM CDT Ryan is hanging in there. He is still in the hospital and looking to be released on Friday morning. He will then head to Sami's family again. They are such a wonderful group and he feels so comfortable there. We are so grateful that they are friends. Ryan will return to Bethesda on Sunday for another treatment of R1507 on Monday and then we hope he will be headed home. I miss his so much. He is anxious to get back to his life at home. He is still looking for a place to live. If you run into any millionaires that want to give him a small house please feel free to pass on our number. HA! Friday, April 25, 2008 7:07 AM CDT Ryan is still in Bethesda. He has to receive antibiotics for 2 weeks so treatment is halted. Ryan will be home May 3. Pray that the antibiotics work and that the cancer does not grow. Thanks, Missy
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 12:28 AM CDT Ryan got into Bethesda around 2 and was admitted to inpatient at 3. I have no news yet what they are doing besides antibiotics. I would really rather have him in Omaha where I can at least see him. Pray things straighten out soon. Thanks, Missy Monday, April 21, 2008 7:05 AM CDT Ryan is on his way to Bethesda. After much confusion he was discharged from the hospital, went to see friends, came home to eat, went to the airport, came home from the airport, and returned to the airport this morning. He is infusing himself with antibiotics at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. no matter where he is. Sometimes we just have to laugh. I will let you know what they will do today. Pray! Sunday, April 20, 2008 1:17 PM CDT Ryan is still in the hospital. He is going to be dismissed just in time to catch a plane at 5 p.m. He is so frustrated he only had one night home before being hospitalized. He did receive excelent care at Lakeside. Thank you everyone. Ryan will receive his next infusion on Monday and we are counting on him flying home Monday night... The doctors here think he has a form of ecoli. Great just what the kid needs. He is on antibiotics and feeling O.K. Thanks for the prayers. Friday, April 18, 2008 6:59 AM CDT Well it is finally Friday. Ryan is at Lakeside hospital. He was admitted yesterday for a fever. They did cultures and we are praying for no line infection. We are counting on him getting out this afternoon. Just in time to fly back again on Sunday. Like I said we have little faith the new trial will work. I have emailed the NIH but no response yet on the PET scan. Wednesday, April 16, 2008 1:14 PM CDT Hello everyone. It has been a long week and it is only Wednesday. Ryan received treatment on Monday and then had a PET scan on Tuesday at 4 p.m. We are still waiting the results. One other person on the trial had scans and they were not good. I am very anxious to see if they are going to continue this treatment. Sunday, April 13, 2008 9:36 AM CDT Ryan is on his way. It feels like we just got him home. I don't know why they are doing another scan on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ryan trys not to tell me everything so I don't worry. HA. My take on it is that their is growth and they want to stay on top of it. This is such an agressive cancer. If you don't keep on top of it it takes over. We will then get the news if they are going to continue the trial or not. Thursday, April 10, 2008 6:50 AM CDT Ryan is home! He is feeling fine. We installed a new windshield in his car (which was so cracked). So now he can see when he drives which I am sure you all appreciate. He returns on Sunday night. We did get a call that they want him to stay Monday and Tuesday night so they can run more tests. This is a surprise so I naturally think the worst. I pray it is just routine. After that Ryan will be staying every Sunday and returning home on Monday nights. Our routine of family dinner on Sunday nights needs to be reworked. I don't know if Ryan will give me a whole Saturday night!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008 7:01 AM CDT Ryan will be on his way home tonight as long as everything goes well today. They have decided to go ahead with the R1507. We just need to pray that it will work quickly. He had a great exhausting weekend. Thanks Stanley's for housing him. We miss you guys! Thanks everyone for ordering Pampered Chef. I have had several people contact me so we will have a fundraiser once a month with a different company each time. This will take care hopefully of the hotel and food expences. Thanks so much and most important PRAY! Missy Friday, April 4, 2008 5:44 PM CDT Ryan is on his way to New Jersey! I rented him a car and he is driving as I type. I dodn't want to talk with him on the phone because I was afraid he would wreak going through D.C. but he did tell me he would call later to give me the details of the day. He had scans yesterday and today. They are concerned about a tumor located near his spine. It is causing him pain. If they need to radiate to shrink it while he is on the R1507 they will kick him off the proticol. They did a MRI to find out if it is affecting the spine or not. We will know Monday. I am concerned if he does not start the trial will they hold his spot. It sounds like they are filling up fast. I just pray he has a great weekend visiting Sami and watching her preform in her play. We are so grateful for all of your prayers and help. Thanks, Missy Tuesday, April 1, 2008 7:22 PM CDT Ryan is doing good. He has a flight early in the morning. Scans start on Thursday and continue on Friday. He has the weekend off then he will be infused on Monday. Please pray hard. Ryan so deserves a break. There are some pretty bad side effects that can happen on Monday during the infusion. Pray he gets none of them! Thanks you all for supporting us during this long journey. Yes we are close to 4 years. It is so sad to think of the chemo Ryan's body has had to tolerate. Scarry to think of the damage it has done to his good cells. As we get weary we lean on God to get us through. Sunday, March 30, 2008 3:46 PM CDT Ryan is keeping busy and feeling good. He had a MRI here in Omaha because he was having some back pain on the Sutent. They decided the pain was chemo related. He does have some tumor near his spine and a disc looked slightly protruding.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 6:57 AM CDT Ryan is home! He is in a great mood. As we well know in this cancer world things change and they change fast. Ryan has been taken off the Sutent and all chemo until the next scan at NIH. He is entering the R1507 trial. This trial sounds very promising. They were going to wait but the NIH only has a few spots left for the trial and they wanted to make sure Ryan got on it. He will return on April 2 to stay a week and then he will have to travel once a week for an overnight in Bethesda. It would be nice if he could receive this in Omaha however, the proticol says it needs to be administered at the NIH. Pray this is the right drug for Ryan and all others with this horrible disease. Monday, March 17, 2008 5:41 PM CDT The scans show stable. One tumor looked smaller and one looked larger, however they say stable. They want him to stay on Sutent for the next month even though he is having pain and side effects. Can you hear my frustration! Ryan will be home tomorrow night. Thanks for the prayers, Missy Sunday, March 16, 2008 1:45 PM CDT Ryan is in Bethesda. I took him to the airport at 5 a.m. He arrived at 12 noon eastern time. He is on his way to the hotel. Monday starts with and exam at 9 in the morning then a heart echo. The CT is not until 1 or 2 in the afternoon. I will let you know the results as soon as we know. Please pray for Ryan and all others in this battle. Thanks, Missy Monday, March 10, 2008 6:43 AM CDT Hi Everyone, Ryan continues to look and feel good again. He has been told to stop the chemo because of the side effects. His hands are healing up quickly. I am a little scared with him on nothing until scans but scans are in one more week so I am glad he gets a break. Pray the scans are good. Ryan is such a wonderful young man and a great son. He so deserves a miracle. It is so wonderful to hear about the people that are fighting this terrible disease. They are such special people. Pray for a cure for all. Wednesday, March 5, 2008 6:46 PM CST Hi all! Ryan continues to push himself as far as he can. Make every day count. He has scans on St. Patrick's day! I am glad for this because everytime scans fall on a Saint's day good things happen. Ryan is still having some problems with side effects. One day at a time we handle whatever comes up. Thanks for all the prayers and support. Sunday, March 2, 2008 5:11 PM CST Well that was the end of the no side effects! Ryan is tired and has sores on his hands and feet. I think he should take it easy and rest. He continues to be a busy as possible. He goes in for blood counts soon so we will see if he is low. The rest of us continue to be as normal as possible. So many things have changed it is hard to remember what normal was like. Our kitchen is still a mess and neither of us feels like finishing! So it will remain on hold until we get inspired. The kids are comming over for family dinner in a few minutes and I so enjoy us all being together. Please pray for a cure. Love, Missy Thursday, February 21, 2008 3:58 PM CST Hi everyone! Ryan continues to do well. No side effects. He is keeping very busy. I talked to the doctors and they said that after the next set of scans they will know more. If the sutent is working he will stay on it if not he will be put on a clinical trial with R1507. This new drug sounds promising.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 6:42 AM CST Hi everyone, Ryan came home last Wednesday night with a detour to MN because Chicago was closed. He is doing great. Back into the swing of things. He is starting Sunitinib this week. Please pray it works with no side effects. Also keep in your prayers Nathan and Caleb who are home on hospice care, Hannah, Craig, Lily, and all others fighting cancer. " Wednesday, February 6, 2008 11:32 AM CST Not quite stable, but very little growth. More importantly no new cancer! Ryan is going to start on the Sutent. Which is an oral chemo that has been around for a while. He will be scanned again in 28 days to see if it is working. Thanks so much for all the prayers. They are working! Love, Missy Tuesday, February 5, 2008 6:02 PM CST We know NOTHING! By the time Ryan's finished with scans the doctors were in a meeting about the new drug. I hope they will call tonight but it may be Wednesday before we know. I told Ry I wouldn't sleep and he said "Mom I am O.K. today and that is good." He is such a great kid keep praying! Love, Missy Sunday, February 3, 2008 9:29 AM CST Ryan leaves on Monday morning for scans in Bethesda. He will hopefully be home by Thursday but they would not book his return yet which makes me nervous. I think they waited to long without chemo and that makes me so angry. Ryan is feeling great. This is the longest he has gone without chemo since diagnosis. His spirits are still good but I have noticed that it is getting to him. He always tries to hide it but mom knows. He will be scanned on Tuesday, please pray hard all day. Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:40 PM CST Ryan has had a call from the NIH. The trial has not been signed off on. They want him to go on a drug called Sunitinib. We need to find out if his insurance will cover it. I have information that is good and bad with this drug. We are praying for good. Thursday, January 24, 2008 7:05 AM CST Ryan has had a call from the NIH. The trial has not been signed off on. They want him to go on a drug called Sorafenib. We need to find out if his insurance will cover it. I have information that is good and bad with this drug. We are praying for good. Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:07 AM CST We still have not heard from the NIH. It is so hard to wait however, that is what the cancer world is all about. Wait for scans, for appointments, for meds, for nurses. The only things we are grateful for are God and our relationship with him, and the wonderful friends we now call family. Please pray a cure is soon to be. Also pray for a wonderful family we met last year at the curesearch walk. Hannah just relapsed. I am just sick for them. Their story is amazing.
Friday, January 11, 2008 7:26 AM CST Well in the cancer world you get used to things changing. That is an understatement. Ryan's scans for next week have been canceled. The clinical trial they wanted him to start has not been signed off on yet. They have advised him not to go back on chemo since you have to be off for 4 weeks before you qualify. Ryan has had no chemo for 3 weeks and this scares the hell out of me. He has had growth every time without chemo so we are very sick to our stomachs waiting for this new trial. Please pray they sign off on it very soon. Sunday, January 6, 2008 6:05 PM CST Ryan continues to do great! He starts chemo this next week and will be leaving for scans on the 14th. Please remember to pray very hard on the 15th that the scans show no growth. Stable is my new favorite word. I feel that with family members suggesting to me that there is a new wrinkle cream and hair dye that covers gray maybe tells me that the stress is getting to me. I guess working on the kitchen will have to be a stress relever. Ha!
Sunday, January 6, 2008 6:05 PM CST Ryan continues to do great! He starts chemo this next week and will be leaving for scans on the 14th. Please remember to pray very hard on the 15th that the scans show no growth. Stable is my new favorite word. I feel that with family members suggesting to me that there is a new wrinkle cream and hair dye that covers gray maybe tells me that the stress is getting to me. I guess working on the kitchen will have to be a stress relever. Ha!
Monday, December 31, 2007 10:43 AM CST Happy New Year! Ryan is doing fine. He is having some stomach issues and is at the doctor now getting his blood counts. The stomach issues do concern me. He eats little and that is not like Ryan. We did find out he does not have the marker they were looking for in his biopsy. We are focusing on family. Saturday, December 22, 2007 8:41 PM CST Merry Christmas! We wish you health, happiness, hope and love. Thank you all for supporting us through Ryan's battle. It has been life changing for all of us. We are closer to God than we ever had been. We thank God for all being together again this year. We will cherish every moment. Please keep Ryan and all people with cancer in your prayers this Christmas season. A cure in 2008 is our dream. Friday, December 14, 2007 10:39 AM CST It is sooo cold! We had one day of melting after the ice storm and now it is all frozen again. Ryan continues to do well. He is on chemo this week and next then off for Christmas! We are so glad he won't have to leave for the hospital. The next set of scans are after the first of the year. Wednesday, December 5, 2007 6:35 AM CST Christmas is in the air. I am amazed at what Ryan and the whole family has gone through in the past 3 1/2 years. My Christmas wish is the same as many people, a cure for cancer, soon please! Ryan has been doing great. He and his dad have been to 4 Chiefs games this year! Now we just need the Chiefs to win! Ryan is on his 2 week break from chemo. He always looks forward to not having to feel yucky for 2 weeks. He seems to rebound quickly. I don't think he has done much shopping. He just enjoys being around his friends. It is really hard on him to be in limbo for so long. Not being able to work or continue on with a real life until cancer is gone once and for all. His spirits are still up and I think that is half the battle. Saturday, November 24, 2007 1:55 PM CST We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! We celebrated on Friday since the girls were at their in-laws. Yes, I have learned to share. The family was together and we had a wonderful meal! We were thankful for so many things. For medical advancements that have helped Ryan to fight cancer, for our wonderful family especially those who have continued to stand by us during this long fight, for our friends who continue to pray and offer us support, and mostly for God who has been there for us every step of the way. Many of you know that I run a daycare in my home. We have 12 wonderful children, which we are privileged to watch grow every day. These families are part of our family. They pray on a regular basis for Ryan and all people with cancer to be cured here on earth. To hear the children pray every day for big Ryan is such a gift to me. We know that God couldn't ignore the children. Friday, November 16, 2007 8:00 AM CST Ryan started chemo on Monday. He will continue for 2 weeks. Yes that means chemo on Thanksgiving, however that makes us thankful Ryan is here with us. He is getting a bit tired of being taken care of I'm afraid. He has a cold and is running a temp but will take care of it himself. He did spring a leak in his line that will have to be watched. Thanks for all the prayers and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Love, Missy Monday, November 12, 2007 7:05 AM CST Ryan is home! He is walking a little slow with the help of a cane. He has made plenty of old man jokes and sounds. He is also finding it helpful to get baloons off the ceiling during Karli's 1st birthday party. Ryan will start chemo again on Monday. We know it is not a cure but it is keeping the cancer at bay. Pray for healing and most importantly a cure for Ryan and all of our cancer family. Thank you for all you do, Missy Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:53 PM CST Ryan is home! He is walking a little slow with the help of a cane. He has made plenty of old man jokes and sounds. He is also finding it helpful to get baloons off the ceiling during Karli's 1st birthday party. Ryan will start chemo again on Monday. We know it is not a cure but it is keeping the cancer at bay. Pray for healing and most importantly a cure for Ryan and all of our cancer family. Thank you for all you do, Missy Friday, November 9, 2007 1:14 PM CST Ryan is doing fine. He had a biopsy done yesterday and it went well. He is pretty sore and was kept an extra day in the hospital. Today they will finish up at the hospital and get ready to come home on Saturday. Please remember Ryan and all of our DSRCT family in your prayers. Thanks, Missy Tuesday, November 6, 2007 3:45 PM CST The news is stable. Dr. Mackel doesn't know if the chemo is keeping it at bay or not. The CT shows slight growth since the beginning. Dr. M seems to want to try something different. Ryan doesn't seem to be getting much results as far as shrinkage for the last 6 months. Thanks for your prayers and I will ask for more. Ryan will meet with the doctor doing the biopsy tomorrow. They will decide if the procedure would be safe. Then the treatment will be decided after that. Thanks again for the prayers, Missy Monday, November 5, 2007 9:07 AM CST Tuesday, October 23, 2007 5:45 PM CDT Happy Tuesday! Ryan seems to be feeling better. He doesn't complain so it is hard to tell sometimes. This is week 2 so he is looking forward to 2 weeks off. Ryan and his dad are leaving for Bethesda on the 5th. Ryan will have scans and a biopsy done. Pray for good results! We will take stable however, gone would be a miracle. Also keep in your prayers Ray, Raymond, Jordan, Caleb, Ryan H, and Jackson. Along with the families of Lisa P. she will be greatly missed. Thursday, October 18, 2007 7:23 AM CDT Hi all, Ryan is not feeling very well with this round of chemo. He keeps going pretending things are fine but if you look into his eyes you can see he is not well. We truly need to find a cure. Please write to the web address below and let them know we need some funds for childhood cancers. It is so frustrating that the children are overlooked. Thanks and keep up those prayers! Love, Missy Thursday, October 11, 2007 12:43 AM CDT An article was done about Ryan by Duncan Aviation. They interviewed us and the story has been released. Here is the web site. Sunday, October 7, 2007 5:02 PM CDT Well the house was not as noisey as it was last week. Ryan's Chiefs LOST! How dare they. It was probably because he wasn't there to cheer them on.
Monday, October 1, 2007 7:51 PM CDT Ryan has 2 weeks off! He is looking forward to less doctor visits and NO CHEMO! I am looking forward to seeing him feel better. He has lost a little weight. Sometimes he takes a bite of something and says this isn't going to work and then he goes in the other room. I think the hardest part right now besides the chemo, is that his life is still on hold. He wishes he could have a job. Saturday, September 22, 2007 10:08 PM CDT Ryan had a great birthday. He didn't want a large party so it was just family. His friends Joy and Wilson had a surprise party for him the night before. He was very surprised they pulled it off. He got a Tony G jersey from our connections in New York thanks Vacarro's! Ryan and his dad are down in KC for the game tomorrow. They are so excited. I hope the Chiefs can win one for Ryan (and Dan who will be 50 tomorrow) Tuesday, September 18, 2007 2:47 PM CDT Wednesday September 19 is Ryan's 28th BIRTHDAY! Leave him a message to know we are all still in this together. Thanks, Missy Monday, September 17, 2007 2:15 PM CDT Happy Monday! The Chiefs let Ryan down again! Cut it out! Week after week we sit with the blow up chief football player in the middle of the living room. Everyone in the chiefs gear. Maybe Ryan better walk up and down the sidelines and call the game. He does a great job from the couch. Baby Jace was baptised on Sunday also and it was such a wonderful ceremony. Fr. Pat is the greatest! We just love our new church. God works in mysterious ways. Friday, September 14, 2007 7:19 AM CDT Ryan is home and ready to cheer on the huskers on Saturday! He will resume chemo on Monday. We have had so many germs around the daycare I haven't even hugged him yet! So if you have time pray the germs go away right with the cancer! Tuesday, September 11, 2007 5:18 PM CDT STABLE! The news is good. The tumors have not grown at all. Ryan will continue with chemo 2 weeks on 2 weeks off. We will still pray for the miracle but we thank GOD for stable. Thanks for all your prayers! Missy Monday, September 10, 2007 7:09 AM CDT Another fly by weekend! Ryan looks and feels good. He is leaving today for Bethesda and will have scans at noon on Tuesday. PRAY the scans are good. Tuesday, September 4, 2007 9:06 PM CDT Calling for prayers. Peter Zucca is going to be scanned in the morning. He has fractured his back. They don't have many details. Please pray that this beautiful little boy has no complications during scans and that they find out it is something easily fixed. He deserves to go to preschool this year! His site is listed at the bottom, please let them know we are praying. Tuesday, August 28, 2007 7:08 AM CDT Hi! We have been living life as normal as possible. Ryan finished yet another round of chemo. He will have the next 2+ weeks off. NIH has called to say scans were postponed until the 11th. Ryan likes that idea because it means he can't have chemo until he returns. I on the other hand plan my life around these scans and try to prepare for every aspect. If they are good we will do more kitchen remodel and bad . . . oh, I forgot no planning with cancer. Everyone is doing well. New baby is keeping us busy along with the other 5 grandchildren. How did that happen so quick. Ryan is still house hunting. I am afraid he will end up in a bad neighborhood with what he could afford. He wants a fix it up house but Dan does most the major work around here like remodeling, I just get him started by taking down walls ! I guess Dan looks like he is having a good time NOT! Continue to pray for all with Desmos and other cancers. We need a CURE! Thanks for all you do, Missy Saturday, August 18, 2007 12:00 AM CDT Hello all! I just returned from a trip to CA. It was just 4 days for a child care conference. Ryan is still doing fine. I talked to him yesterday and he said he was a little tired but fine. He had more dental work done yesterday. This chemo is so hard on your teeth. I hope he will smile much more with clean white teeth! He has one more week of chemo then 2 weeks off. He has seemed to be dedicated to the new diet plan. We are all making some changes. I will try to get a picture of that boat on soon. Friday, August 10, 2007 11:42 AM CDT Ryan continues to do great. He is keeping active and changing his diet. Thanks to a friend name Deena. We are so blessed by the people who cross our path. Thanks to everyone for helping us on this long journey. Keep Praying! Missy Wednesday, August 8, 2007 8:27 PM CDT PLEASE CONSIDER BUYING A BLIZZARD AT DAIRY QUEEN ON AUGUST 9TH! ALL PROCEEDS GO TO CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IN OMAHA! NO MATTER THE SIZE OR FLAVOR, IT ALL GOES TO HELPING SICK KIDS! Thursday, August 2, 2007 6:56 AM CDT Ryan continues to do well. He is off chemo for the next 2 weeks and that will give his body time to recover. The boat is giving him some trouble so he has been spending time fixing it. He is researching diets to find out exactly what he should be eating. He still jokes about cancer. I don't know how he does it. Last night he and Robin were running around here and teasing each other. It was like they were 12 again. I don't yell any more, I just smile. How we have all changed. Keep up the prayers, Missy Sunday, July 29, 2007 3:51 PM CDT It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that Marlena has received her wings. She went to be with Jesus yesterday. Please pray for Jeff her husband and her family. She will be greatly missed. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 6:39 AM CDT I have come to ask for prayers. A wonderful young girl with the same tumor as Ryan is in critical condition right now. Marlena has written on the caringbridge guestbook and offered us friendship and support. This really breaks my heart. Sunday, July 22, 2007 2:52 PM CDT Hello all! Ryan is doing great. He started chemo last Monday and has one week to go before a two week break. He is a little tired but seems to have enough energy to GOLF! He and his dad played in a tournament yesterday and league today. He is keeping busy during the day and he never gets enough rest at night. Ryan looks great and you would never know he is on chemo. His stamina amazes me. Please continue to pray for Ryan and all the people with cancer. We need a cure. Thanks, Missy Thursday, July 12, 2007 9:13 PM CDT Ryan and his dad are home! I just picked them up at the airport and Ryan looks great. I always try to complain about something and he always has to win by saying that his cancer beats my worse day. He has not lost his sence of humor. The PET was close to stable. Very little new growth. I still hope for the miracle that they will call and tell me it is gone once and for all. Dr. Fry said there were some promising new drugs comming out in September so I guess we will wait and see. In the meantime Ryan will start chemo on Monday. His spirits are still high. People ask us how we get through this and I tell them that God, a lot of prayer and Ryan himself gets us through this. He goes on as normal as possible. He never backs out of anything even post hole digging over at his sister's house. I just wish we could make every one of his dreams come true. He is such a wonderful kid . . . O.K. young man. Thanks for all the prayers, and always remember our cancer family that is also in the battle. Love, Missy Tuesday, July 10, 2007 6:42 AM CDT We have the results of the CT and they are stable. We will take stable. They will do a PET scan today to see how much of it is alive. Continue to pray. Ryan has been through so much. I don't know what is worse having his life on hold for over 3 years of tests. Monday, July 9, 2007 6:51 AM CDT Ryan and his dad arrived safely. Ryan has a CT scan at 12:00. Pray for smaller tumors. We won't know any thing until Tuesday about the results and the surgery. I will let you know as soon as I do. Thanks for the prayers, Missy Saturday, July 7, 2007 2:37 PM CDT SCANS! It doesn't matter how many times we all go through this it doesn't get any easier. Ryan and his dad leave in the morning. I booked a hotel through hotwire and thought I screwed up because it is 5 miles from the train to the NIH but it turned out O.K. they have a shuttle to and from the train all day long. Whew! Ryan is alright with walking but 5 miles is a long way. PLEASE pray for Ryan on Monday and Tuesday. I will keep you posted as soon as I know anything. God please hear our prayers. Thanks to all, Missy Wednesday, July 4, 2007 11:25 AM CDT Happy 4th of July. Please pray for all that fight for our freedom. We are so grateful for them. Thursday, June 28, 2007 6:10 PM CDT Hi all! Ryan is doing fine. He is a little sick from the chemo but never complains much. I wish he would share more with his mom. We do have wonderful news, Rhonda and Dennis have a new baby boy. He was born yesterday and weighed 7lbs 13oz. His name is Jace and he is so beautiful. Ry will be going up tonight and I hope to get a picture of them both so we can post it. He will have a trail of nieces and nephews to keep him busy.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:08 PM CDT Time continues to fly by. Ryan is doing great. His nurse called to let him know that his wbc was down and he should be careful of germs. He has been doing this for so long I am sure he could have told her what to do. He is being careful and keeping busy housesitting. He and Anna a wonderful friend, went boating on Sunday. He is also on a new basketball league. He seems to be enjoying it. He will continue to amaze me. Friday, June 8, 2007 6:46 AM CDT Happy Friday! Ryan continues to do well. He looks great and feels fine. He is enjoying being busy and spending time with friends and family. He is helping his sister Robin on her job search, and hanging out with friends on the farm. Robin's graduation party is on Saturday night so I am sure it will be fun to have everyone together. We are so proud of her to graduate on time with a degree in P.R. and donate to her stem cells to her brother.
Monday, June 4, 2007 12:38 AM CDT Hi everyone! Ryan is doing fine. He is just a little sick from chemo but he has the next 2 weeks off. He has been keeping busy helping friends move and house sitting. The next time he has to go for scans is the 9th of July. They will possibly do surgery to remove part of the tumor to test for a certain protein. If he does have it there may be a drug used to stabelize the tumor. It is not a cure but I pray it will keep him alive until one is found. Friday, May 25, 2007 6:43 AM CDT I hope everyone has had a great week. Ryan is back on chemo with a new addition to the irino. It is a form of vincristine. He was sick on Monday but has been better since then. He either hides it well or is taking good drugs. We are a little disappointed that the weekend holds rain but maybe we will get lucky. The boat is Ryan's get away from cancer. It has been so good for him. Monday, May 14, 2007 7:29 AM CDT Ryan made me take this journal entry out when he found out Alese had died. O.K. I didn't tell him before scans because I was afraid the scans would be not so good and he would be devestated. He is so sad over Alese. She was such a fighter. I think she is the reason for Ryan getting good scans and a future plan. Alese will be a angel with a mission to fight for all kids with cancer. We were honored to have met her. Wednesday, May 9, 2007 7:54 PM CDT Wednesday, May 9, 2007 6:21 PM CDT
Wednesday, May 9, 2007 7:16 PM CDT Praise the Lord! Ryan's scans are stable!!! O.K. now that word is just wonderful! There are new options on the table and we are so happy. Thank you Dr. Fry and the NIH. Thanks Doug, Tim and Russ for praying with us. Thanks to all who prayed today. I can't tell you what it means to have you all in our life. Love, Missy Wednesday, May 9, 2007 6:21 PM CDT Wednesday, May 9, 2007 5:51 PM CDT Ladies and Gentleman, Wednesday, May 2, 2007 9:24 PM CDT Sorry but sometimes I don't have the words. Ryan is doing fine. A little tired but still fighting every step of the way. He is on his 2 week so he will finish chemo on Friday. He is in his cousin's wedding this weekend. Congrats Brent and Lindsay! I can't wait to see Ryan in a tux. He is so handsome! Thursday, April 19, 2007 7:17 AM CDT Things are pretty much the same. Ryan is off chemo this week. He is working on the boat! I just love to see him happy. Keep up the prayers!
Monday, April 16, 2007 7:33 AM CDT Thanks everyone for checking on us. Ryan continues to do great. He looks great and feels O.K. Yesterday he was just a little sick to his stomach. He had a nice surprise though he bought a boat. You know he really needed to have something to look forward to. My friend Sue told us about it and it was just right. Thanks Sue! I know now I will worry about him traveling on the river! Mom's never stop! We are still looking for a clinical trial. Until then Ryan will stay on chemo 2 weeks on one week off. Pray they find a trial soon! Love, Missy Wednesday, April 4, 2007 10:51 AM CDT Nothing much to update. Ryan is doing fine. He is on the same chemo as before this week. Please pray for a new clinical trial. Thursday, March 29, 2007 2:30 PM CDT Well the scans are not what we expected. The tumors are growing again. This chemo has stopped working. We are so sad. Ryan just says ok now what. Dr. Fry said they are looking for options. Another trial 1. Pray an option is found. Love, Missy Sunday, March 25, 2007 9:19 PM CDT Good Monday to all!!! Friday, March 16, 2007 6:57 AM CDT It's FRIDAY! Ryan is doing well. He is back on chemo this week and next. After that he will fly to Bethesda for scans. We will be praying that all the cancer is gone this time. They will continue with this chemo until it is gone then he will receive Robin's cells again. Every other time he has received her cells there has been active tumor remaining so they want to see what happens when there is no tumor remaining. I just want to see him cured. He really struggles with not being able to work and not getting on with his life. So if you know a millionaire who wants to buy him a small house to keep him occupied let us know.
Monday, March 5, 2007 7:09 AM CST What a weekend. Ryan finished chemo on Saturday. He is doing great. I can see he is a little tired and he has some sinus problems but other than that he is doing well. The plows finally came down our street last night so we can now drive without crashing into light poles. We are expecting nice weather today so I am sure much of the snow will melt. Ryan gets the week off so he will be catching up on some much needed sleep. Pray this chemo is working so he can be cured once and for all. His whole life is on hold, I think that is really making him crazy. Friday, March 2, 2007 7:02 PM CST BLIZZARD! We have had snow and more snow. Ryan was unable to get to the hospital for chemo yesterday so they added a day and he will get it on Saturday. We are all ready for a break in the weather. Ryan has a sinus infection but seems to be taking care of it. He will have at least one week off chemo. He is looking forward to the sleeping in. I am trying to get him to register for more classes. I think it would be good for him. Pray this chemo continues to work. Tuesday, February 27, 2007 7:28 AM CST Ryan continues to do well. He is on his second week of chemo. His liver function tests were high so they had to wait unil they dropped before they could continue treatment. That was a little scarry. When you hear the words "we may have to stop treatment" it makes you panic. Ry will have a week off then 2 more weeks of chemo before he returns to Bethesda. Thanks so much for all your prayers. We are truly blessed. Monday, February 19, 2007 9:23 PM CST Ryan is home safe. He had a few delays and was stuck in Chicago for the night but he is home. He had a busy weekend and now started chemo today. He will get chemo this week then the weekend off and next week chemo again then a week off. It is great that he is home. I hate it when he is so far away. Not that there is anything I can do here except cook an occasional meal and check on him often. Which makes him crazy. Things are going well. Thanks for all your prayers. Please pray for Marlena, Raymond, Tim, Alese, and Nathan. We want to all walk out of this dark hole together! Also a friend of mine, Patty could use some prayers also. Thursday, February 15, 2007 6:43 AM CST Scans look good! Ryan is on his way home today! THANK GOD! Wednesday, February 14, 2007 6:51 AM CST Happy Valentine's Day! Friday, February 9, 2007 2:38 PM CST O.K. it is Friday again! Ryan has had a O.K. week. His last day of chemo is today. He will stay home for the weekend and leave for Bethesda on Tuesday for scans on Valentines day. Here we go again. No this does not get easier. Every time scans roll around none of us can breathe. It is just like the first time so please support us by praying. Pray for this chemo to be working and all the tumors be dead. What a Valentines present that would be. I will update as soon as I know anything. Love to all, Missy Friday, February 2, 2007 7:22 AM CST Friday again! I can't believe how fast time goes. Must mean I am getting old. Ryan continues to do great. He has a few side effects that he wouldn't want me to list. He is house and dog sitting for some friends right now. He loves it. Chemo in Omaha is a little different. He says it is getting more organized as the week goes on. In Bethesda he is treated in Peds and that makes a big difference. Ryan is still playing with kids after school. He loves it. Monday, January 29, 2007 7:05 AM CST O.K. First of all I can't believe that someone would put an ad on a guestbook. I removed it. Monday, January 22, 2007 7:01 AM CST Ryan is doing great. He is a little sick but not too bad. We drove around yesterday looking at houses. We would love to get him a small house that he could fix up. I don't know how we are going to do this but God will direct us I guess. He has been living with his sister and her family for 2 years now and wants to be on his own again. I hope he won't mind mom comming over to see him on a regular basis. I am having trouble letting go. We are so enjoying having Ryan home. Take care everyone and don't forget to pray. Love, Missy Saturday, January 20, 2007 11:38 AM CST Ryan has arrived! He got home late last night. It is so good to see him. He looks great as always. His flights were a little long but he handled it as always. He had a little to snack on Thanks Beresh family! Ryan will see Dr. Langdon on Monday and then start chemo the following Monday in Omaha! Keep up the prayers they are working! Love to all, Missy Sunday, January 14, 2007 1:41 PM CST Things are going O.K. in Bethesda. Ryan's uncle Mike has arrived and they are on the move. Ryan is a little sick but tolerating this chemo pretty well. He has one more week and we hope to have him home on Friday night! Pray the rest of the week goes well and that he has safe travel home. We are in the middle of a snow storm so I hope things clear up before Friday. Thanks for everything you do, Missy
Wednesday, January 10, 2007 1:02 PM CST Ryan is on day 3 of chemo. I talked to him last night and he said he just sleep as much as he can. None of the side effects have hit him yet just a little sick to his stomach. My brother Mike will be going out on Friday and staying until Tuesday. Thanks Mike, it is such a relief to have someone there with him. Ryan sounded a little down last night so be sure to leave him a message. I know this has been a long haul but we still need your support. Thanks, Missy Saturday, January 6, 2007 5:14 PM CST Well the option that was choosen this time is high dose for 2 weeks in Bethesda, then a week off and 2 more weeks on hopefully at home if we can arrange it. That will be a change treatment at home. I talked to the doctor and she said that there has been slow growth every time Ryan was scanned and that it is time to hit it hard again. I am having a hard time being in Omaha as he is in Bethesda but we will see if he needs company. This disease is so difficult to battle. Pray this is the answer. Love, Missy Thursday, January 4, 2007 7:07 AM CST Growth. That is what the scan results are showing. V-P 16 did little to stop the growth so they have taken Ryan off chemo for now. They are going to let him know his options today. I will let you know what the next step is. Thanks for the prayers. We are trying to be patient waiting for Gods response. Please continue to pray for Ryan along with Marlena, Raymond, David, Tim and all others who are in this battle. Missy
Monday, January 1, 2007 9:58 AM CST Happy New Year! We wish you all a year of health and happiness! Please God let 2007 be the year of the cure for all cancer. Saturday, December 23, 2006 4:14 PM CST Merry Christmas! We have so much to be thankful for this Christmas. Ryan is doing good. He just had a doctor visit and the oral chemo seems to be keeping things under control. The tumor that he can feel has not grown! He has had a week off and started back on it yesterday. He still has hair on his face! I have never liked the facial hair but he loves it. When he was on high dose he wouldn't touch it so it would be the last to fall out. I think he got some satisfaction out of making mom crazy. Thursday, December 21, 2006 7:12 AM CST Merry Christmas! We have so much to be thankful for this Christmas. Ryan is doing good. He just had a doctor visit and the oral chemo seems to be keeping things under control. The tumor that he can feel has not grown! He has had a week off and started back on it yesterday. He still has hair on his face! I have never liked the facial hair but he loves it. When he was on high dose he wouldn't touch it so it would be the last to fall out. I think he got some satisfaction out of making mom crazy.
Thursday, December 14, 2006 2:37 PM CST Thursday, December 7, 2006 1:09 PM CST There are certain dates that stick in your mind. The day of the Immaculate Conception became one of them on December 8th. Ryan had his second surgery that day. The doctor didn't want to do surgery because he felt he wouldn't be able to get it all. With your support we prayed as one and God blessed us with a doctor who was able to remove everything. I feel the Blessed Mother was right in there with him. Even as the relapses keep comming Ryan is such a fighter. We will be praying as a one again in January that the tumors will be shrinking. No new growth. Here is the journal from 2 years ago. Thanks, Missy Monday, December 4, 2006 12:55 AM CST The cultures have not shown anything so far! Yeah it looks like Ryan gets to keep his line. Adding in the surgery with scans and Robin's donation was getting to be a little much for mom. Keep Praying! Love to all, Missy
Wednesday, November 29, 2006 12:58 AM CST Wow time flies! Ryan is still doing O.K. He has finished his antibiotics and will go to the hospital for cultures on Thursday. If the infection is still there they must pull his line they have no other options. He will then have a new one put in when he returns to Bethesda. I had a conversation with the doctor right before Thanksgiving and he said as long as Ryan does not feel any growth or any new problems he can stay home until Jan 3. We are praying this oral chemo will take care of the existing tumors. Robin will return with Ryan for scans and to donate more cells. Monday, November 20, 2006 12:39 AM CST Ryan is still being treated with an antibiotic. He went to the hospital for a treatment at 2 am on Sunday so he could make the Chiefs game. He is so devoted. Thanks Brion's for the tickets! They had a great time. Ryan will start chemo again after the staph is gone. Probably just in time for Thanksgiving. Our cancer family from Kansas is coming up on Thanksgiving night and will stay until Sunday. Canon is doing so well. It will be so great to see them.
Monday, November 13, 2006 12:40 AM CST Hi everyone! My take on the situation with Ryan is quite different than his. He first told me a tumor was growing on a vein and they may have to radiate if the vein was compromised. Then he told me he couldn't fly. The next time we connected the trip was OK and he would be arriving by train. I didn't even know where the train station was. I called him at 10 pm and he was very sick. We were trying to decide to let him continue or have him get off and go to an emergency room. I called aunt Bev and she talked to us both and thought he could continue. I am so thankful to Carrie and Jason for connecting with him in Chicago. I love you guys! He is home and his temp was 103!!! The emergency room and Lakeside was the next stop. He has bacteria in his line and is on antibiotics. He is doing OK now. Pray the chemo is working. He continues to amaze us. Friday, November 10, 2006 6:13 PM CST So here how the trip went... I was supposed leave from BWI on Tuesday on a plane, but first I had to do a CT so we could compare it when I return next month. But then when the scan came back they saw a small pnuemothorax between my heart and my right lung then we had to do an X-ray too, so they said I couldn't fly for the fear that it would collapse my lung. So then I had to take the freaking train, but I missed Tuesday's departure so I had to wait a whole day for the next one then I leave the train station in D.C. at 4 pm didn't arrive in Chicago until 10:30am then I had a great lunch with my cousin Carrie and her husband Jason (he's an Aussie) then I jumped back on a freaking train at 1pm and arrived in Omaha about 11pm. While I was on the first train I started to feel sick and my head was warm, didn't have a thermometer to check my temp, but I tuffed through it and on the second train I had the same symtoms so when I got home we went to the ER with a 101.2 temp was released at 3 am and went to the doctors today and they gave me prescriptions for some very expensive antibiotics and gave me a flu shot and a nuemonia shot. So there you go a fun filled couple of days to add to this fun filled trip down cancer lane. Things should be back to "normal" in a few days. So keep your head up and smile. Thursday, November 9, 2006 6:50 AM CST Well we are back in the cancer world full force. Ryan had a CT scan on Tuesday and the results showed a pocket of air below his heart. It also showed a growth behind his liver that was pressing on a vein. He had to stay for a ultra sound. The ultra sound showed the air was minor however, he is not able to fly. The tumor is not restricting the blood flow so he was released. He is comming home by train. He left yesterday at 4pm and will arrive home tonight. He called around 10pm to tell me he was sick. He has a fever, all alone on a train. He has been on the phone with the on call oncologist from NIH. It has been a sleepless night for all. He should be arriving in Chicago soon. Please pray... He gets home safely, the cancer goes away and that they find a chemo that won't make him so sick. Thanks, Missy Monday, November 6, 2006 5:46 PM CST Ryan had his PET this morning and it shows growth. The kidney and pelvic regin tumors have increased. The doctor and he discussed many chemo treatment options and he has decided to go with a oral chemo. After 21 days he will go back to Bethesda and be scanned. Pray it works. We need to catch this in time and not have any more growth. Thank you for all the prayers. Missy Sunday, November 5, 2006 10:13 PM CST Ryan is in Bethesda. He flew out today and will have a PET scan in the morning. Pray he is clean, and yes, this time even I will take stable. If God willing scans are good he will return home again right away. If however, the scans are not good he will be remaining in Bethesda for a new chemo run. PRAY! Thursday, October 26, 2006 7:00 PM CDT Ryan is still doing great. He received Robin's cells this time and no chemo so his hair is growing back and he actually has to shave? He looks great. He is very active throwing darts and helping with the school daycare. His classes seem to be going well. We went to Robin's homecomming parade and game in Northwest Missouri. We stayed in St. Joe on Friday and ate at Cracker Barrel. Sliding down the grassy hill instead of driving was not my idea but what a sight we were. The parade was cold and only the guys went to the game. Then we had a full week of work. Please pray Ryan continues to do well. I will so take stable for the next scans. Shrinkage will be the miracle arriving. Thanks for sticking with us for this long journey. Thank God for each of you. Love, Missy Tuesday, October 17, 2006 12:53 AM CDT Ryan is fine. He is keeping busy. He is taking some online classes which challenge his chemo brain. His new thing is throwing darts. He is working out and trying to be normal. He will return November 4th. Scans will be the 5th. He has not had chemo since September. The scans have been showing growth with no chemo but we are praying that Robin's cells are taking over and fighting this cancer. If her cells are anything like her they have a lot of fight. I am blessed with tough kids. Monday, October 9, 2006 7:07 AM CDT Well I had to update. I just don't like to remove Ryan's entry. They are home and safe. The trip home was wonderful. Ryan is in good spirits. He is grateful for not getting chemo. His hair is already fuzzy! I on the other hand am just praying this thing isn't growing again. The doctor said Ryan's options are wide open. He will be able to try another chemo or other treatment. I will still try to research all treatment to see if there is something new. In the month that we wait for scans Dan and I will continue to remodel the main bathroom. It is a good distraction. I think! Thank you for all the prayers. I can't tell you how much this has helped us all. I truly feel God right by our side. Love to all, Missy Wednesday, October 4, 2006 3:21 PM CDT Happy Hump Day to all!!! Tuesday, October 3, 2006 12:26 AM CDT After a very very long day of travel the boys are safe in Bethesda. The flights were canceled and they were rerouted. They landed at Dulles instead of Baltimore however, their luggage did not. Ryan is missing all his meds. I hope they find the bags soon. Ryan's PET scan was at noon. We probably won't know anything today. The CT scans are on Wednesday. Keep the prayers comming. Thanks for leaving a message it helps knowing we have so many prayer warriors on our side. Love, Missy Monday, October 2, 2006 6:51 AM CDT Today is travel day. Ryan and his dad will travel to Bethesda. Scans start on Tuesday and Wednesday. Please pray that this cancer is gone once and for all. Ryan will then receive more of his sisters cells. We still hope they will take over and fight off this cancer. Pray for safe travel, Pray for the scans to show that the cancer is gone. Please Dear God let it be gone. Love to all, Missy Friday, September 29, 2006 4:49 PM CDT It's Friday again! Ryan continues to do well. His Smallville started again last night and he has Chief tickets for Sunday. Life couldn't get better except to be cancer free of course. Scans start on Tuesday! Dan and Ryan will leave on Monday and scans are on Tuesday and Wednesday. They will decide from the results what to do next. If the scans are good he will get more of Robin's cells. If they are not the chemo will have to be changed. Please PRAY for clear scans. Ryan so deserves a break. God has blessed us so much with our 4 beautiful children, 2 1/2 grandchildren and a son in law. . We are so thankful. We are also blessed with wonderful extended family and the best of friends. Thank you, Missy Friday, September 22, 2006 7:48 AM CDT Yeah it is FRIDAY! Ryan has been going for blood test 3x a week. His count is down. He seems to have a little cold. Lets hope it stays little. Ryan is taking some classes online so he has been busy getting rid of chemo brain. I think it is very good for him to be busy. He is looking forward to the Chiefs game with his dad, sister and cousin. I am trying to get them a motel room for that Saturday night so they won't have to drive on Sunday morning. Keep up the prayers he is doing great! Wednesday, September 20, 2006 7:09 AM CDT What a wonderful celebration! Ryan is 27! We just went for pizza with grandparents, two sisters, two nephews, brother in law, Aunt Judy, Brent and Lindsey, and Dennis (Rhonda's friend). The only one missing was Robin who is away at school. We miss you Rob! It was good food and great cake. Friday, September 15, 2006 7:02 AM CDT Ryan is doing great! His blood count didn't drop yet which makes me think it won't at all this time. He is still helping out at the after school program. I hope he appreciates what his mother does for a living! His scans are on October 3rd and 4th. His dad will be going this time. Please pray they are clean so he can get more of Robin's cells. Wednesday, September 6, 2006 7:13 AM CDT We had a weekend away from home for Labor Day. Ryan's plane was delayed but they still drove 5 hours to the cabin for the weekend. He drove a boat and loved it. He really wants a boat! We watched the huskers at a nearby bar and they won! He will be going for blood tests this week and next. Then he will be scanned in early October. Maybe for my birthday my son will get clean scans?? The next step when he is clear will be more DLI from Robin. She will have to return to donate more. Ryan looks wonderful and is so much fun to be around. We laughed so hard into the wee hours of the morning. Pray for scans to be clear. Tuesday, August 29, 2006 12:49 AM CDT We had a weekend away from home for Labor Day. Ryan's plane was delayed but they still drove 5 hours to the cabin for the weekend. He drove a boat and loved it. He really wants a boat! We watched the huskers at a nearby bar and they won! He will be going for blood tests this week and next. Then he will be scanned in early October. Maybe for my birthday my son will get clean scans?? The next step when he is clear will be more DLI from Robin. She will have to return to donate more. Ryan looks wonderful and is so much fun to be around. We laughed so hard into the wee hours of the morning. Pray for scans to be clear.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006 12:42 AM CDT Ryan is safely in Bethesda. He started another cycle of EOCH yesterday. He will be returning on Friday night just in time for a long car ride. We are all going to a cabin for the Labor day weekend. I am very excited. The only travel we have been doing is chemo or scan runs. It will be very good to be together away from home, just for fun. Saturday, August 26, 2006 9:57 AM CDT Ryan is doing great! He is going to the gym, eating right, and spending time with family and friends! He will be leaving for Bethesda on Sunday afternoon. Pray for safe travel. He is going alone this time but a friend from New Jersy is comming to visit. Thanks, Sam! Chemo will start on Monday and end on Friday. Then he will fly home Friday night. We will be taking a little family trip over Labor day weekend and I am looking forward to it. Tuesday, August 22, 2006 6:50 AM CDT Ryan's wingman is clear! Canon had clear scans. We are so happy for all of them. Ryan has another buddy that needs prayers. Nate has complained of leg pain and will be going in for tests. Please pray it is something simple. Pray for his mom also Aliza is a wonderful mom. Wednesday, August 16, 2006 1:27 AM CDT Good Hump day to all !!!!! Tuesday, August 8, 2006 7:06 AM CDT Good Morning! Wow am I tired! Ryan continues to do well. He had to give himself his shot to help with his blood counts yesterday. When he used to do this on a daily basis he had no problem but now he has troble with the needle. One of my daycare dads helped out. Thanks, Chris! Ryan is working out on a regular basis. He will return to Bethesda at the end of August for more chemo. After 3 rounds I believe he will be scanned again. Then we don't know what will happen. Surgery? Doner cells? More Chemo? Experimental drug? This is such an agressive cancer that we can't let him go untreated because it will take over. I have been studying many sites to find out what worked for others then I discuss it with the doc. I am sure I drive him crazy. We will find a way to keep Ryan with us until he is a very old man. Thanks for the prayers, we love you all, Missy Monday, August 7, 2006 6:46 AM CDT We are home! Thank you for all the prayers for safe travel. We actually had very few delays. Ryan dashed out with friends soon after we arrived but that is good. He tolerated chemo well. He was sick on Saturday and didn't leave the room except to go to the hospital. He had hydration and cytoxin on Sunday right before we left. It was good going with him. I always find it a very spiritual trip for me. I go to mass as much as possible and talk to Father Dominic and Trez who have helped me so much during this journey. I know all your prayers will be the ones to pull Ryan through. We as a family are very grateful. Love, Missy Friday, August 4, 2006 11:14 PM CDT NG: Day 17 Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:08 PM CDT NG: Day 15 Tuesday, August 1, 2006 4:10 PM CDT Good news! The PET scan shows improvement! The tumors and lesions are dying, The CT and the MRI don't show much as far as tumors decreasing in size, His Heart Echo looks good so they will start him on another dose of EPOC in the morning. This has given us hope again. Ryan is doing fine even though he didn't eat until 5 yesterday and 2 today. We are tired from a long day at the hospital and a late movie last night. Six hours of sleep is not good for an old mom. After a nap we will get something to eat and get ready for the hospital again. Thanks for all the prayers and support, we love you, Missy Monday, July 31, 2006 11:02 AM CDT We have arrived safely. Ryan has a PET scan at 2 this afternoon. It makes it a long day because he has to fast and afterwords the day will be gone. The trip was uneventful except for a delay in Chicago. Please pray the PET is negative. CT scans are on Tuesday. We wil let you know the results as soon as we know. Please pray this cancer is gone, never to return. Tuesday, July 25, 2006 1:15 PM CDT Hope everyones week is off to a good start! Wednesday, July 19, 2006 1:59 PM CDT Good day to all!!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 7:12 AM CDT Hi all! Ryan is still doing fine. His Plateletts are down to 21 but the Wbc are holding. I will return with him for scans on the 31st of July. We will be there for a week. Please pray that Ryan's tumors are dead. We need to be able to have him clean before we go to the next step. Thanks for all of your support and prayers, Missy
Tuesday, July 11, 2006 7:11 AM CDT They are home! They look wonderful. Brother and sister bantering went on all the way home. I haven't heard from the doctor yet on how their behavior was while in Bethesda. Ryan is feeling good. He will have blood draws twice a week. Scans are in August. Pray this chemo is working. We need Ryan clean! Love, Missy Monday, July 10, 2006 7:06 AM CDT Ryan and Robin will be flying back tonight! I can't wait to see them. It has been a long 5 days. Ryan seems to be doing OK. He is a little run down. I would love to pamper him but he doesn't let mom do that too often. Pray for safe travel and for the chemo to do it's job once and for all. Love, Missy Thursday, July 6, 2006 6:59 AM CDT Ryan and Robin are safely in Bethesda. There were many delays right from the start which makes for a long day. They seemed to be handling it just fine. Thanks for all the prayers for safe travel, they worked! Ryan will have an exam this morning and start chemo. I will let you know how it is going. Scans will be in August. Then we decide from there. Pray this disease goes away and stays away. I think we are all getting weary. Love, Missy Sunday, July 2, 2006 8:40 PM CDT Hello everyone! Ryan is very busy living. He played golf this morning then ran to church. Now he is off with Courtney. It has been a busy week. Robin and Ryan will leave Wednesday the 5th and return the following Monday late. Ryan will not have scans just chemo. Please pray for safe travel, and for the chemo to take care of the rest of this cancer once and for all. Sunday, July 2, 2006 1:48 PM CDT Hello everyone! Ryan is very busy living. He played golf this morning then ran to church. Now he is off with Courtney. It has been a busy week. Robin and Ryan will leave Wednesday the 5th and return the following Monday late. Ryan will not have scans just chemo. Please pray for safe travel, and for the chemo to take care of the rest of this cancer once and for all. Friday, June 23, 2006 7:21 AM CDT Ryan is still doing great. His blood counts didn't drop too low. He is looking great and feeling good. Keep up the prayers they are working! Have a wonderful 4th of July! Love, Missy
Monday, June 19, 2006 7:06 AM CDT Well after a very busy week, we had a wonderful weekend. The kids came over for father's day and we grilled out. Ryan looks great. He is Owen's favorite right now so he was kept quite busy. Owen is in the stage where he wants you to hold him and he points where he wants to go. Then Ryan's other nephew Lucas talked him into playing catch for an hour. Ryan has been so good at showing up at his games and mom doesn't even have to remind him. Ryan is feeling a little tired. I am sure the chemo is working to rid his body of this terrible disease. Please pray it works quickly with little side effects. Thanks to all who ordered bracelets, it will sure help with the medical bills, and to buy food while in Bethesda. Thanks again, Missy Wednesday, June 14, 2006 6:40 AM CDT We are home! After a very long day on Sunday we arrived in Omaha at 12:10 a.m. We are very tired. Ryan tolerated chemo very well. He has his shot today so he can keep his blood counts up then he will see Dr. Langdon twice a week to monitor. There are a few new drugs that I have been researching lately. We will see what happens after 2 rounds of chemo. Thanks for all the prayers, Love, Missy Monday, June 12, 2006 3:51 PM CDT We are home! After a very long day on Sunday we arrived in Omaha at 12:10 a.m. We are very tired. Ryan tolerated chemo very well. He has his shot today so he can keep his blood counts up then he will see Dr. Langdon twice a week to monitor. There are a few new drugs that I have been researching lately. We will see what happens after 2 rounds of chemo. Thanks for all the prayers, Love, Missy Tuesday, June 6, 2006 10:10 PM CDT Ryan and I are in Bethesda. Peter, Dawn and Dawn's cousin Trish picked us up at the airport and took us to our motel. This was so nice not having to wait hours for a shuttle. We went out for a wonderful supper and crashed for the night. Ryan had to be at the hospital at 9 and his CT was at 10. After that he had an exam and by 2 Dr. Fry was there to give us the results. Saturday, June 3, 2006 1:08 PM CDT What a beautiful morning for a walk. In the Arms of Friends had a walk to raise money for CureSearch. An organization where 94% of the money goes to finding a cure for these beautiful children. It was a huge success! There were so many people there. I loved being able to put a face with the caringbridge. Thank you to Tami, Jack, Ryan and Joe, Marie, Pam and Phoebe, Missy, Katie and Anna, Amy and Haley, Rhonda and Lucas, Rachael and Owen for walkig with us. With our online donations we raised over 200.00! Thanks to all who helped. Thursday, June 1, 2006 1:55 PM CDT We have the plans for next week. Ryan and I will be leaving on Monday. Ryan will have scans on Tuesday. The results will tell us how fast this is growing. The doctors have not told me what kind of chemo Ryan will be starting on. Pray there is no growth. That will mean that Robin's cells are starting to work. Thanks to all of you for your support along the way. Missy Thursday, May 25, 2006 1:29 PM CDT Things continue to be OK here. Ryan is focusing on a new project. Flipping a house. What do you think? Now all he has to find is a backer and a house! See what happens when your mind wanders.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006 7:09 AM CDT Ryan is doing great. He is finishing the mural he started and golfing as much as possible. He still is going a little stir crazy trying to find something to do while he fights this terrible monster. Pray that the NIH will come up with the cure Ryan needs. Thanks to you all, Missy
Saturday, May 20, 2006 5:01 PM CDT Friday, May 19, 2006 2:00 PM CDT Hello to all!! Friday, May 19, 2006 10:23 AM CDT Hopefully Ryan will update soon. The results were not what we expected. The tumors that were there have grown and their is new tumors. Graft vs. Host is starting and our hope is that this will start to fight the tumors. Ryan is still as tough as always and will be home tonight. Thanks for the prayers, Missy Tuesday, May 16, 2006 9:24 PM CDT Ryan is safely in Bethesda. He had a MRI today and will continue with tests Wednesday and Thursday. I hope we will know the final results by Friday. Thank you all so much for praying. Missy
Monday, May 15, 2006 12:45 AM CDT Ryan is off to Bethesda. Courtney made the trip with him this time. His scans are the next three days. PET scan is on Thursday so we probably won't know results until Friday. Please pray he is clean or stable. Yes I will take stable. God this kid needs a positive step. Last week was a rough one. A 5 year old boy died Monday, a mother of a child that died tried to commit suicide, and a friend of mine was diagnosed with lung cancer. Lets pray that this week is nothing but good. Pray for a cure. Thanks for always being there. Love, Missy Wednesday, May 10, 2006 5:23 PM CDT As scans close in we all find ourselves scared. Ryan is doing great. He is feeling well and besides a lack of energy he dosen't complain. This is the longest he has been without chemo since diagnosis. I am scared to death. It is so difficult to exist in this cancer world. I pray every day for a cure. I appreciate all of your prayers for Ryan. I know they will be answered. Friday, May 5, 2006 2:28 PM CDT Well it has been 2 years today that Ryan was diagnosed. I am so glad he is here. He is such a strong person. He has delt with so much in the last two years. Thank you so much for supporting us this last two years. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. Here is the entry from last year. Tuesday, May 2, 2006 7:15 AM CDT Hey everyone. Ryan is still feeling fine. He did get the scan dates he will be leaving the week of the 15th. Pray he is clean. On the 5th will be 2 years. I remember getting him home from school and he was so sick. The heat was radiating from him because of the tumor. I sat and watched him sleep while he struggled to breathe. He is better now THANK YOU GOD! I hate to be so presistant but we need a miracle now. Ryan needs to be stable and receive more of Robin's cells. He is struggling with nothing to do. He tries but he needs a job he loves and to get on with his life. Thanks for all the prayers, Missy Tuesday, April 25, 2006 7:09 AM CDT The kid is busy! Ryan is doing great and has hair on his face. The kids were so excited! His scans are the 2nd or 3rd week in May. We will let you know when we know the exact date. The weather is beautiful here and we are all enjoying it. Ryan's anniversary of diagnosis is May 5th. Thank you all for supporting us for the past 2 years. He has come such a long way with your help and God. We are so grateful. Love to all, Missy Thursday, April 20, 2006 9:04 PM CDT I hope you are having a great week. Ryan continues to do well. We are so proud of the way he handles things. He is so positive most of the time. Easter was wonderful. Ryan helped both nephews hunt for eggs! I just cherrished every moment. We are all still feeling out of place. Ryan is having a harder time with finding things to do. He would love to get on with his life but who will hire someone who needs 1 week out of each month off to go to Maryland for chemo, or tests etc. I just want him healthy and happy! Pray things continue to go well. Ryan will return to Bethesda the first week of May to find out if the cancer is still stable. He has had no chemo for almost 7 weeks! God willing he will be stable and receive more of Robin's cells. Thank you everyone for the support, we love you, Missy Saturday, April 15, 2006 8:56 AM CDT HAPPY EASTER TO ALL! Ryan continues to feel fine. He is getting used to this no chemo thing. He is spending time with his girlfriend, friends and family. He returns to NIH in early May. Have a great Easter. We hope this blessed season brings miracles to Ryan and the other children fighting so hard to survive. Thank you God for everything!Love, Missy Tuesday, April 4, 2006 6:57 AM CDT Hello all, Ryan is doing great. He said it feels funny with no chemo. Can you imagine? He has to go back to the transplant specialist at UNMC because of the risk of GVH. They know what to look for I guess. He has such a bond with Dr. Fry from NIH that he still does what he is told.
Friday, March 31, 2006 11:31 AM CST Ryan and Courtney are home safe. Thanks for all the prayers. Ryan may have a chance for a little GVHD like he did after transplant, so pray that does not happen. He said he feels good! The next trip will be in early May for scans and more cells. PRAY that next time he will be clear. It is hard to hear stable but that is so much better than growing. Thursday, March 30, 2006 7:52 AM CST Scan results are in and they are not clean. I really don't know details. They are going to go ahead with Robin's cells and Ryan will return May 1st for another PET scan. If he is clean at that point he will receive more cells. Ryan and Courtney will return on Friday. I hope and pray that this will work. Pray for fighting cells, and safe travel. Thanks, Missy Sunday, March 26, 2006 2:48 PM CST Well we made it through the snow storm. What a mess we have now with all the mud. I hope spring is on the way. Ryan left for Bethesda today. They should arrive early tonight and his PET scan is in the morning. CT is scheduled for Tuesday. They must be expecting good results because he is scheduled for Robin's cells on Thursday. PRAY!
Friday, March 17, 2006 1:38 PM CST Good Week to All !!!! Monday, March 13, 2006 8:50 PM CST Good Week to All !!!! Tuesday, March 7, 2006 6:43 AM CST Hi everyone! Ryan and his dad are home. Ryan is feeling great. You would never know he had high dose chemo. We went to church together on Sunday and out to brunch. Yesterday was Lucas's birthday so we went out for Pizza and of course cake. It is so great having almost all of my family together. We miss Robin terribly. My kids have become so close it is wonderful. Thank you so much for all the prayers. I know that they are working. Thursday, March 2, 2006 11:41 AM CST Ryan and his dad are in Bethesda. Chemo was started on Tuesday and they seem to be doing fine. Ryan is a little tired and has the blahs. Dan is running around trying to find places that are decent to have fish. We try to be careful about the conditions of the places we let Ryan eat at but sometimes it is very difficult. It is hard to be at home knowing that chemo is once again running through our son. He has endured so much. Next time the PET will be negative I just know it. Keep praying! Love, Missy Monday, February 27, 2006 7:08 AM CST Ryan and his dad are leaving shortly for Bethesda. Chemo run as Ryan calls it. No tests this time. The next time they will do all the tests to see if he is ready for cells and surgery (if Dr. L. will consider surgery) Pray for safe travel, that Dr. L. will do the surgery and chemo that will not make him too sick. Thank you for all you do, we are so lucky to have all of you in our lives God has truly blessed us. Love, Missy Friday, February 17, 2006 1:43 PM CST Happy Friday to all, Friday, February 17, 2006 12:02 AM CST Happy Friday to all, Friday, February 17, 2006 7:13 AM CST Sorry for the lack of update. First I want you to know that Ryan is doing great. His blood counts have been great. He still has a little cold but is much better and no emergency room visits this time. He will return to Bethesda at the end of the month for chemo again. He is keeping busy doing some favors for friends. Still has hamster hours. Friday, February 10, 2006 10:14 PM CST I hope you had a great week. Ryan is feeling fine. A little tired but that is from staying out until the wee hours of the morning. Buying him a watch did not help. A new angel has contacted us recently thanks to Sylvia, Travis is with the Will Shields Foundation. Travis has arranged to have Ryan and a guest come to Kansas City to a Game this weekend. We are tagging along just to watch Ryan enjoy himself. Dan will go to the game with them while the rest of us hang out in the city. Canon and the gang minus dad are comming up to join us. It will be great to see them. Canon and a guest will also go to the game. Travis has a few surprises for them. I will bring the camera(Ryan's because I lost my charger) and we will share pictures when we get back. Ry is so excited it is so good to see him looking forward to something. Thank you all for prayers, we are so blessed to have you in our lives. Sunday, February 5, 2006 4:37 PM CST Ryan is home!! We picked them up at the airport last night. He looks great. Coloring off a bit but that is just a mom thing. Scott did a great job taking care of Ryan and the chemo was tough but not too tough. Dr. Fry met with Ryan on Saturday and said he was pleased with the scans and will be calling New York to see if surgery is an option to remove the tumors that keep reoccuring. We won't know until next month. Thanks for all the prayers keep them comming. Our friend Skylar needs prayers too. www.caringbridge.org/ne/skylarberry. I know I can count on our prayer warriors. Love, Missy Monday, January 30, 2006 8:18 PM CST Ryan had his CT and PET today. The results were OK again. The PET shows that their is still some light up (life) in the tumors but they have shrunk. I will try to have more details on Tuesday. Ry and Scott were going to get something to eat. A day of fasting is fine as long as dinner is good. Chemo will start in the morning. Pray that he tolerates the chemo and that it does its job. Thanks for all you do. Love, Missy Monday, January 30, 2006 7:02 AM CST Ryan and Scott are in Bethesda. They had a safe flight. Thanks for all the prayers. Today they will go to the hospital early to start tests. I will let you know the results as soon as I know. Please pray for a reduced CT and a negative PET. Ryan sure needs a break. Love, Missy Friday, January 27, 2006 6:22 PM CST Update on Friday night! It is a wonderful Friday. Nate's scans are clean and so are Canon's. How wonderful for these families. Thank you so much for all of your prayers. Thanks also to the Zucca's for the generous donation. It will help Ryan on his next trip to the NIH. Thanks Dawn for the caringbridge business cards they look great. We are so lucky to have you in our lives. Love to all, Missy Friday, January 27, 2006 6:42 AM CST Sorry just mom again. Ryan is doing great. His fever is gone and his cold is on its way out. Ryan and his brother in law will be headed to Bethesda on Sunday. He will have a CT and a PET done on Monday and Tuesday then start chemo again. Please pray the scans are clear. That would mean 2 more sounds and he gets Robin's cells. We need our miracle. Also Canon, Nate and Jack are being scanned at Sloan. Please pray for NED. Thanks for all you do to support us. Love, Missy Friday, January 20, 2006 11:56 PM CST Good Weekend To All, Monday, January 16, 2006 5:29 PM CST Wow it is good to be home. Ryan is doing well. He isn't sick but he is very tired. He had blood tests today and will see the doctor on Wednesday. The doctors in Bethesda are anxious for the PET to be done on the 30th. We will be praying for a negative then he will have two more rounds before Robin's cells. Saturday, January 7, 2006 8:46 PM CST Good weekend to all!!! Friday, January 6, 2006 2:21 PM CST Hello! We are in Bethedsda. The trip is always long and very boring. Ryan had his CT scan today and it was read right away. The cancer is still there but has not grown any. The important thing is that there is still no new cancer. The doctors are hoping that this is a sign that Robin's cells are stopping it from comming back. However, we cannot expect it to take care of the cancer that is already there. They have decided to do full strength chemo for 5 days. Then we will come home and the next visit will include a PET scan. If the PET is clear (please God) they will do 2 more rounds then give him Robin's cells. Ry is feeling fine and still very determined. I think we will catch a movie tonight to distract us a little. Love to you all, KEEP PRAYING, Missy Thursday, January 5, 2006 3:49 PM CST Hello! We are in Bethedsda. The trip is always long and very boring. Ryan had his CT scan today and it was read right away. The cancer is still there but has not grown any. The important thing is that there is still no new cancer. The doctors are hoping that this is a sign that Robin's cells are stopping it from comming back. However, we cannot expect it to take care of the cancer that is already there. They have decided to do full strength chemo for 5 days. Then we will come home and the next visit will include a PET scan. If the PET is clear (please God) they will do 2 more rounds then give him Robin's cells. Ry is feeling fine and still very determined. I think we will catch a movie tonight to distract us a little. Love to you all, KEEP PRAYING, Missy Tuesday, December 27, 2005 11:22 PM CST Happy Belated Christmas and Hanukka, and a Happy New Year to all!!!! Wednesday, December 21, 2005 6:50 AM CST Merry Christmas! May everyones day be spent with loved ones and enjoyed. Hug your families, ours has been such a special gift to us. Ryan continues to feel fine I hope it lasts through the Christmas season. Love to you all, Missy Tuesday, December 20, 2005 7:00 AM CST They are HOME! Safe but not so sound. We took them to the Hollywood Diner for dinner and they talked non stop. Ryan looks OK. He said he is a little sick to his stomach but feels alright. We had a surprise for him new tires for Christmas but the bad news is that his car needs about $900.00 worth of work. The fun never stops. We are looking forward to Christmas and being with family. We wish you all a Merry Christmas! Love, Missy Monday, December 19, 2005 7:34 AM CST Well it has been a very long week. I still have not heard from the doctor to get all the details. Ryan started back on a stronger chemo. He and Robin are heading back tonight. They have to have a check at the NIH first then catch a flight. It will be so good to have them back. It is so hard to be apart. Pray for safe travel. Pray for Ryan's miracle. We wish you all a Merry Christmas. Love Missy and Family Friday, December 16, 2005 4:30 PM CST Well it is Friday and I still have not heard from the doctor. Ryan is back on chemo. This is a little stronger because they want to make sure it is gone before he gets Robin's cells. They seem to be doing fine but if anyone sees fireworks from the Bethesda area it might be that they have had enough of each other. Thanks for your continuing prayers and support. We love you all, Missy Thursday, December 15, 2005 1:05 PM CST So far the news is OK. Ryan's scans show stable. I would prefer gone. I don't always get what I want. Dr. Fry is to call later so I will have more details. Thanks for the prayers, we are still in the fight. I know that with God at our side Ryan will win. I do hope that someday Ryan is blessed with children so he understands why I am such a wreak all the time. I will update as soon as he calls, Thanks again, Missy Tuesday, December 13, 2005 5:36 PM CST Well no news yet. Ryan had a PET scan on Monday. PFT's and blood work on Tuesday and will have CT and MRI's on Wednesday. We will know on Thursday what comes next. I am praying for NED so he can get Robin's cells. We need our miracle. Ryan never wants to hope for too much and I don't either but this time I am reaching my hand out to God. I want no more cancer. Please pray with us on Wednesday night at 9:00 central while Ryan is in his last scan. Thank you for all of your prayers and encouraging words. We love you all, Missy Sunday, December 11, 2005 2:41 PM CST Ryan and Robin have arrived in Bethesda safely. They are going to find a place to watch the Chief's game. Ryan was so happy they got there in time to catch the game. It is hard to be home while he gets his scans done but I know that he can handle it. I keep singing the song all I want for Christmas is ... how about NED. Ryan will have his PET scan on Monday afternoon. CT is Tuesday. Please continue to pray that the cancer is dead once and for all. Love to all, Missy Thursday, December 8, 2005 5:28 PM CST This is our journal entry from last year: Saturday, December 3, 2005 5:37 PM CST Another week flew by. Ryan continues to do well. Robin has moved all of her exams up a week so she can go with him to Bethesda. I wanted to go so badly however, when my kids want to go it makes me so proud. Ryan will have a PET scan on Monday the 12th. This will tell if the remaining tumor is alive. Then they may give him more chemo, stronger than he has had in the last 2 rounds. Keep praying for that miracle. No bad side effects of the chemo or better yet cancer gone. Christmas miracle? We continue to pray for all of our cancer family and friends at home that are in this terrible battle. Please God let there be a cure soon. Thanks for everything, Love, Missy Monday, November 28, 2005 1:40 PM CST I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We all had a wonderful dinner together at home. Ryan is doing well although he didn't have 2 helpings and he didn't eat more than one piece of pumpkin pie. It was so wonderful to be together, there was no fighting or even arguing! His blood count even held over the long weekend. Then Canon and his family arrived Thanksgiving eve. It was so great to have them here. Both Missy's and Rhonda, Rachael and Robin went shopping the next morning at 5:30 a.m. It was so much fun. We shopped until we dropped. We did get a little nap in and then we all went to Cheeseburgers in Paradise for dinner. Then we took the kids to Sheels where they rode the ferris wheel and shopped. We walked around the shopping center and talked to elves, carolers and the Christmas lights were beautiful. Saturday we visited friends (thanks Tami) while the guys watched more football. Then we grilled out and put up the Christmas tree. Canon put the angel on this year. What a joy to share these moments. Our children are fighters. Our families will forever have a special bond. We so enjoyed having them with us, even if Canon spent more time with Robin than with me this time. Thanks to every one for all of your prayers. Cherish every moment. Love, Missy Sunday, November 27, 2005 4:14 PM CST I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We all had a wonderful dinner together at home. Ryan is doing well although he didn't have 2 helpings and he didn't eat more than one piece of pumpkin pie. It was so wonderful to be together, there was no fighting or even arguing! His blood count even held over the long weekend. Then Canon and his family arrived Thanksgiving eve. It was so great to have them here. Both Missy's and Robin, Rachael and Robin went shopping the next morning at 5:30 a.m. It was so much fun. We shopped until we dropped. We did get a little nap in and then we all went to Cheeseburgers in Paradise for dinner. Then we took the kids to Shiels where they rode the ferris wheel and shopped. We walked around the shopping center and talked to elves, carolers and the Christmas lights were beautiful. Saturday we visited friends (thanks Tami) while the guys watched more football. Then we grilled out and put up the Christmas tree. Canon put the angel on this year. What a joy to share these moments. Our children are fighters. Our families will forever have a special bond. We so enjoyed having them with us, even if Canon spent more time with Robin than with me this time. Thanks to every one for all of your prayers. Cherish every moment. Love, Missy
Wednesday, November 23, 2005 7:12 AM CST Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. Thank you for being a part of our family in the last year and a half. We are so thankful for each and every one of you. Monday, November 21, 2005 7:17 AM CST Ryan is back home! He looks great but his hair is falling out again. I don't like his hair on his chin so when it falls out it is fine with me. Chiefs won last night and Ryan arrived at home just in time to watch the game. We had a great dinner and watched the game together. Dr. Fry said Ryan may need more chemo before using the rest of Robin's cells. So it looks like chemo for Christmas. Please pray that it works without damaging his organs. Pray for Hazen also he is being scanned Tuesday and Wednesday. Love to you all, Missy Friday, November 18, 2005 7:32 AM CST Ryan had a CT scan yesterday and was told the disease is stable. I would prefer gone but patience. God will continue with the miracle. Peter had great scans NED. We love NED. I hope Ryan will be there soon. God Bless everyone for checking on us and praying for all of us. Thanks, Missy Thursday, November 17, 2005 7:04 AM CST Ryan and his aunt Bev are in Bethesda. Ryan had a CT scan yesterday and will start chemo today. Pray that the CT is showing progress. Pray that there is a cure for all who suffer with this disease. It is brutal. Peter had his PET which showed NED. We just need the rest of the tests to show the same. Keep them in your prayers also. I will let you know the results as soon as we know. Love to you all, Missy Sunday, November 13, 2005 8:18 PM CST The weekend was great. Ryan was able to go to the Nebraska game with a friend from High School. I am so grateful for the friends that have come around to support him. This has been such a long and painful time. The Chiefs lost today so it has been a quiet evening. We had a family dinner for Rachael's birthday. All but Robin, we miss her so much but one day she will be finished with college and supporting us all! Ryan will be heading back to NIH on Wednesday with his aunt Bev. Thanks, Bev. I can't let him go alone again. This mom thing. Pray for safe travel and chemo that works without hurting. Pray also for Peter who has scans Monday and Tuesday. This family is so special to us we have been through so much together. Our love and prayers are with them. Thanks to all of you you are wonderful. Love, Missy Wednesday, November 9, 2005 5:52 PM CST Wow time flies! Ryan is doing great. He is playing with the kids outside at mom's and hanging with friends at night. We are enjoying being home. Ryan has had great blood counts they haven't even dropped. Of course here I am saying is it working then? We were devestated with the reoccurance however, Ryan is in no way giving up. Robin's immune system still has a chance to kick in. Dr. Fry explained that it is like a race to see what starts first the new immune system or the cancer. This time it was the cancer. We are hoping and praying that after 2 rounds of chemo and Robin's frozen cells he will be in the clear again. Patience he tells me HA!! We will continue to fight as a family. It is like a roller coaster ride sometimes. We must trust in the Lord. We are grateful for our faith, family and friends. Without them we couldn't have gotten this far. Love, Missy and family
Tuesday, November 1, 2005 12:40 AM CST Well the boys are home safe. Ryan is on EPOC which is a mixture of chemotherapy. He is feeling fine so far. He will return to Dr. Langdon in Omaha for blood tests and check ups. The next round will be the 14th of November in Bethesda. Then he will return home for Thanksgiving. After that scan time will come again. We appreciate all of your prayers and well wishes. I know that it is hard to give support for such a long period of time. We are thankful for each and everyone of you. Love, Missy
Friday, October 28, 2005 8:53 PM CDT Happy weekend to all!!!!!
Wednesday, October 26, 2005 3:33 PM CDT Good day to you all!!! Wednesday, October 26, 2005 12:44 AM CDT Good day to you all!!! Tuesday, October 25, 2005 8:16 PM CDT Well it is me again. Ryan is safe in Bethesda. He had a CT and a PET today. I was not told about the PET. Anything out of the ordinary freeks me out. We should have the results after 10:00 Wednesday. Dr. Fry saw Ryan today he is the best after Dr. Wexler of course. Pray that Ryan once again is NED. No Evidence of Disease. The virgin mother has been so important to me during this time. I know if I can't be with Ryan she will. Sunday, October 23, 2005 7:35 PM CDT Hello friends! It is Sunday night and we just finished dinner with Ryan. He is in good spirits. He received some awesome news from his school in Florida. Ben went to bat for him and he is welcome to return tuition free. He still has one heck of a Sallie Mae loan to pay but this helps so much. He is eager to return and his mom is going crazy. Do you think I can take off six months to go with him? It is so hard to let go after what we have been through. When in the last year and a half you sleep in the same room and listen for every breath, pray, hold the bucket, pray, make sure he had his meds, pray, wheel him to the hospital, pray and on and on. Tuesday, October 18, 2005 7:59 AM CDT Hello everyone. We are still adjusting to home. It is hard for Ryan because he is doing nothing. He has started the process to go to UNO for now. He is checking out some scholarships for cancer survivors. We are still working on the Smallville thing. Tuesday, October 18, 2005 7:02 AM CDT Hello everyone. We are still adjusting to home. It is hard for Ryan because he is doing nothing. He has started the process to go to UNO for now. He is checking out some scholarships for cancer survivors. We are still working on the Smallville thing. Thursday, October 13, 2005 7:03 AM CDT I still have such a heavy heart for the White family. Rachael was such a beautiful little girl. Pray they get through the day. Also Canon is getting scans today and Friday. Pray they are all No Evidence of Disease. NED is the best word. We are so grateful to you all. Love, Missy Tuesday, October 11, 2005 7:41 AM CDT I have come to ask for prayers again. Our beautiful friend Rachael got her angel wings yesterday afternoon. The Whites were one of the first families we met at Sloan. Rachael would walk the halls and ask Ryan questions like "do you have a port or a broviak?" She was a beautiful little girl who I have no dobt will be one of God's brightest angels. Please pray as she makes her journey to heaven. Pray for Glen, Michelle and there son. My heart breaks for them. Thanks, love, Missy Sunday, October 9, 2005 6:57 PM CDT Before we begin another busy week I had to stop and tell everyone how thankful we are. We are truly blessed to have a wonderful family, extended Sloan family, friends, and our caringbridge friends. We are still taking things one step at a time. We try to live a "normal" life however, we are having some adjustment difficulties. Ryan is seeing everyone else go on and he is still in treatment. Hopefully he will find what he is looking for. I know we feel that this happened for a reason. We hope that God will let Ryan remain with us for many many years. I pray with my whole heart that a cure be found for all the wonderful people who have become our family. Our friend Nate has completed treatment. Thank you God. Peter, Jack, and Canon are doing well. Thank you God. Canon will start scans on Wednesday thru Friday so keep him in your prayers. Jake is clear. Thank you God. Skylar has a plan. Joanna is heading into transplant soon we hope. Pray! We are so glad we can ask for your prayers. We know we can count on you all. Thanks, Missy Monday, October 3, 2005 12:44 AM CDT Hello! It is still wonderful being home. I no longer miss dishes and cleaning, however to have my family around is wonderful. Ryan and his dad made an trip down to KC for the game. Thanks Mike and Tami! The Chiefs played OK but not OK enough to beat the Eagels. Dawn I don't know if Ryan wants you to talk about it. It is good to be able to plan something and do it. Our friends are all doing better. Thanks in part to your prayers of course. Nate has good scans and will proceed with antibodies. Jacob Beresh will have surgery today and we will know more later today. Joanna starts transplant today. Prayers are needed for all including Skylar who they have a plan for but need God to send a miracle again. Our friend Rachael from Kansas is hanging in there. Over a year has past since the doctors said she wouldn't make it 2 months. Wednesday, September 28, 2005 12:49 AM CDT THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! For all the prayers! I know I can count on you to pray for these children. Aliza emailed me with great news. Nate had clear scans! We are so happy for them. Joanna is OK for stem cell transplant! She will start soon so keep her in your prayers. Jake is going to have a review on Thursday. Pray it is just an infection. Then if I haven't said it lately thank you for all the prayers. Ryan is doing fine. He will see the doctor on Thursday and we will know more about this mouth thing. He looks so good it is hard to believe everything he has gone through. We are blessed to be together. Hug your kids and never put off what you want to do or say. You never know if tomorrow will come. God Bless all of you, Missy Monday, September 26, 2005 7:00 AM CDT Hello! Ryan continues to do well. Thank God. He continues with his antibiotics and is feeling better. He has a blood draw today and we will know more. Friday, September 23, 2005 9:43 PM CDT Well Ryan has an infection in his blood. They are treating it with antibiotics injected into his line every 12 hours. Ryan is doing this himself. I am so proud of him. It has been a long 17 months. We have all been through hell. It is not fair for anyone to have to go through this. However we have never been closer to God. Thank God we are here together as a family. Hug your children a little tighter tonight. Pray the antibiotics work! We also need prayers for Jake Beresh. His scans are showing something. Pray it is just an infection and not tumor. Joanna Wilson's transplant has been postponed because insurance won't pay. Does that sound familiar? We sometimes have to fight so hard to save our children. It isn't right. Pray for Skylar also. We hope his next treatment is a cure! We love all of you. Thanks for being part of our family. Love, Missy Thursday, September 22, 2005 7:02 AM CDT Hello! It is good to be home. I keep thinking we should be packing. Those suitcases are moving farther and farther back into the closet. Ryan is doing great. Although he had a fever last night and went into the E.R. They did cultures and actually released him. I was very surprised. They would not have done that in New York! I will be watching him close. I guess you think you are doing fine then bam there it is saying don't forget. Just pray that the fevers stay away and the cancer does too. Love to you all, Missy Sunday, September 18, 2005 12:03 AM CDT Yeahhhh! Good scans and they are home safe. Who could ask for anything more. We had a family birthday party for Ryan last night. He didn't want to make a big deal about his birthday but I couldn't help it. Every birthday is a miracle. Thank you God. Ryan's birthday is tomorrow so be sure to leave a note. Thanks everyone for your prayers. Love, Missy Friday, September 16, 2005 6:11 AM CDT Good morning! Ryan and his dad will be heading home tonight! I can't wait to have them back. They finally met with the doctors yesterday afternoon. Talk about patience! The doctor saw one spot as big as a speck of dust that may be scar tissue. Other than that they are very pleased. The other tests came out wonderful. They will see Ryan every 4 weeks just to keep careful tabs on him. This cancer is such a fast growing type that they don't want anything happening without them knowing. Ryan has his instructions and will start decreasing the cyrolymius (which suppressed his immune system). We will be watching for some changes as far a GVHD. Graft vs. Host disease. We want to see just a little to make sure he is grafting but not lots. Thanks to all for the prayers and words of encouragement. We are truly blessed to have you in our lives. Love, Missy Tuesday, September 13, 2005 5:38 PM CDT Good Tuesday to Everyone!! Tuesday, September 13, 2005 6:41 AM CDT Good Morning. We still know nothing. Patience is not my thing. As soon as I know I will post. Monday, September 12, 2005 5:24 PM CDT Still waiting. Dr. Fry said we will know tomorrow afternoon. I was pushing for today but it looks like another restless night. Pray! Love, Missy Monday, September 12, 2005 6:50 AM CDT Good morning. I saved Ryan's last entry but had to add my own. PET Scan is at 11:45 today. PRAY! Dr. Fry usually is good about letting me know but I don't know if he is there today. CT Scan is Tuesday and on and on. With the Chiefs win Ry was in a great mood. Please God let thease scans be clear. Let the miracle continue. Love to you all. Don't forget to ask a stranger to pray. Now is the time, Love, Missy Monday, September 12, 2005 6:41 AM CDT Good morning. I saved Ryan's last entry but had to add my own. PET Scan is at 11:45 today. PRAY! Dr. Fry usually is good about letting me know but I don't know if he is there today. CT Scan is Tuesday and on and on. With the Chiefs win Ry was in a great mood. Please God let thease scans be clear. Let the miracle continue. Love to you all. Don't forget to ask a stranger to pray. Now is the time, Love, Missy Saturday, September 10, 2005 5:07 PM CDT Good Weekend to all!! Friday, September 9, 2005 6:54 AM CDT Good Morning! Well things change as we well know with this cancer thing. Ryan and his dad are leaving today. They will arrive in Bethesda tonight and scans will start on Monday. Pray pray pray! I was Mandated last night and I visited with a woman who said she would share the story and ask others to pray. So once again pray for safe travel and for clean SCANS!!! Thanks! Love, Missy Tuesday, September 6, 2005 7:04 AM CDT I hope you all had a great weekend! Ryan continues to do well. He goes to the Med Center for blood draws twice a week and sees the doctor once a week. He is looking into going to school again. I wish after treatment these kids could continue on and count on being healthy for the rest of their lives but that is not reality. Scans and fear will always be a part of the future. It is hard for us all to live in the world that seems different from the one we left. Ryan and his dad will leave on Sunday for Bethesda and will return hopefully the following Friday. Ryan will have a PET on Monday, Ct on Tuesday, heart Echo and other tests on Wednesday and Thursday. Pray that the scans come out as well as the last ones. We want God to continue the miracle. Thanks to you all for being there for us, we love you all, Missy Thursday, September 1, 2005 10:24 PM CDT On this day one year ago Ryan had his first surgery. Here is the journal entry: Monday, August 29, 2005 7:15 AM CDT Good Morning! I can't believe how fast this weekend went. Canon and his family came up and we had a wonderful weekend. Friday night Canon came out of the car and ran into my arms! What a great feeling. I can't explain how much this family means to us. Ryan was here all weekend. He held Canon by his ears quite often! Canon liked it! We went to the zoo and then to the lake. Thanks Kathy and Rick! We had a great time. Sunday after church we went shopping while the guys went golfing. Dan and Ryan were impressed Trent. There were so many time I just stood back to watch Ryan hold Canon up to a window at the zoo to see an animal or when Ry held Canon on his shoulders. To know what these two boys have gone through in the last year and a half and to see them both happy is a miracle. Pray for the miracles to continue. Love to you all, Missy Wednesday, August 24, 2005 8:49 AM CDT Over the hump day. I hope you all have had a good week. We are preparing for our Kansas Family!! Canon and his family will be here on Friday night. We are really looking forward to seeing all of them. Through our cancer journey these people have become part of our family. It is amazing how quickly you form a bond and it is a bond that never will be broken. Pray for safe travel for them and good weather for the weekend. Have a great day! Love, Missy Monday, August 22, 2005 7:31 AM CDT Monday! How did that get here so fast. We had another good weekend. I wish I felt more comfortable at home. Sometimes it still seems like I should be packing and arranging to go again. Ryan is doing great. He is a little bored. He said he is going to look into a class here at home. He is anxious to get school behind him. We will see if they let him return and when. SCANS are the 12th of September. Dan will return with Ryan. PET is on the 12th and CT will follow with I am sure many others. I will be a basket case again. Please pray Ryan's miracle continues. Love to you all, Missy Thursday, August 18, 2005 3:42 PM CDT Prayers are working! We just got the news that Peter is NED! Check his site below and let them know how happy we all are. Ryan us still doing great. We had dinner together last night and I catch myself just watching him. It probably makes him crazy. I know how great he looks and feels and I pray that continues forever! He went in for CBC today and stopped to see Skylar. He said he looked OK. But this is my son who always says everything is OK. We will continue to pray for Skylar. Have a great day and don't forget to thank God for our many blessings. Love, Missy Tuesday, August 16, 2005 1:57 PM CDT Monday, August 15, 2005 1:52 AM CDT Monday, August 15, 2005 1:52 AM CDT NG: Day 155
Tuesday, August 9, 2005 9:14 PM CDT NG: Day 150 (?) Saturday, August 6, 2005 4:26 PM CDT Hello! It is still great here. Ryan is amazing. He his dad and Scott went to the COX clasic gold tournament today and had some male bonding time. Ryan and his friend Anna will be going to Bethesda on Monday early morning. Hopefully they will return Wednesday night. It will be hard staying home this time. I will be falling apart. I know how old he is it is just hard to let go all over again. Pray for a good check up and safe travel. Also we have a friend going through scans on Tuesday at Sloan. Her name is Joanna and her and her mother are both fighting cancer together. Please include them in your prayers. www.caringbridge.org/ny/joannawilson Thursday, August 4, 2005 12:41 AM CDT Happy Thursday to you all!!
Thursday, August 4, 2005 2:45 AM CDT NG: Day 150 (I think) Sunday, July 31, 2005 5:22 PM CDT Happy Sunday! It feels so good to walk around with a smile instead of a lost feeling. Ryan is doing great. We went out to a dear friends cabin last night and had a wonderful time. Ryan is almost back to his old self. It is so good to watch him be happy and funny. I sure hope this miracle continues. Thanks to all for making this journey a little easier. Love, Missy
Thursday, July 28, 2005 12:45 AM CDT Home is sooo good. We are enjoying ourselves so much. Last night Rachael and Scott went camping so we met them out there for dinner. It was like a walk down memmory lane. We took the kids camping in a tent all the time. We had some stories and it was so good for all of us to be there to share them. Ryan of course says he dosen't remember. I think he has chemo brain. Keep up those prayers! We want this cancer to stay away forever. I signed up to be an EME at our church. I am hoping for those who know what I promised to God that this will keep me off the church roof. Thanks again for checking in. Love, Missy Monday, July 25, 2005 7:29 AM CDT Good Morning! As you can tell I am still flying high! Ryan and Robin are home. We had a lovely family dinner last night. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to see my kids all in one room together. Ryan still has a long road but is doing great. Thank you for all your support, prayers, donations and words of wisdom. We truly cherish each and every one of you. Love, Missy Friday, July 22, 2005 7:26 AM CDT Great news continues! Ryan and Robin will be comming home today! Pray for safe travel! We can't wait. I had a dream last night that the doctor called and said he read the wrong scan. I woke in tears, but it was just a dream. The reality is Ryan is doing great! He still has the threat of graft vs. Host disease and we are in a wait and see mode to see if Robin's stem cells fight off the cancer from returning. So we need the prayers to continue. Right now we are busy thanking God for the scan results. You have all just witnessed a true miracle. We love you and we are so blessed to have you in our lives. Love, Missy Wednesday, July 20, 2005 5:07 PM CDT Just in case you need more good news, both my boys' (Canon and Jack) scans came back clear so we're good across the board. Tuesday, July 19, 2005 11:49 AM CDT Hello to All
Monday, July 18, 2005 7:04 PM CDT AUGH!!!!! All the test results are not in yet. All the doctor told Ryan is that the MRI looked good. I will take good but I need to know more! Hopefully tomorrow we will know more. I don't know about Canon and Jack yet either. I will keep you posted. Prayers are always welcome. Love, Missy Sunday, July 17, 2005 5:45 PM CDT Hey everyone, I left Ryan and Robin Thursday night. Ryan is still having tests. MRI was Friday and another on Monday. Robin has to donate on Monday morning. They are doing great. Ryan is still having trouble with his LFT. Liver function test. It seems elevated and taking him off medicines dosen't seem to make it go down. I am still hoping they will be home by the end of next week. PRAY! for Ryan that this transplant works and for Robin with the donation. Also one of the first families we met in Sloan is not doing well. Her name is Rachael. She is 8. They have decided not to continue treatment. She is a wonderful little girl. When will this madness stop. We love you all, Missy Friday, July 15, 2005 0:13 AM CDT Update: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 6:14 PM CDT Tuesday, July 12, 2005 9:03 PM CDT Tuesday, July 12, 2005 9:03 PM CDT Hey Everyone, Monday, July 11, 2005 12:43 AM CDT Hi everyone! It is Monday. Robin is here safe although her flight was canceled and she didn't arrive until 8:00 pm. Today Dawn, her mom and Peter will arrive. I am so glad we don't have to do this scan thing alone. I can't tell you how much we appreciate all the support and prayers. Keep it up. God brought us this far and we need for all of you to let him know that we need a miracle for Ryan. I need my family back together again. Thanks again, Missy Friday, July 8, 2005 10:25 PM CDT Journal Thursday, July 7, 2005 10:59 AM CDT Monday, July 4, 2005 1:19 AM CDT Friday, July 1, 2005 3:31 PM CDT NG: Day 89 Tuesday, June 28, 2005 10:35 PM CDT NG Rule: Day 86 (yeah that long) Sunday, June 26, 2005 4:26 PM CDT Ryan is still doing well. He walked to the hospital for a blood test this morning and then we stayed for mass. He is eating a little better and seems to be in better spirits today. Rhonda and Lucas are at the Nationals Game today. They will spend Monday with us and then return home Monday night. Please pray for safe travel. It has been so good having them here. Next I think will be Robin who arrives July 10th for blood tests and to donate blood for her brother. This will give him a boost in a few months. Scans are still scheduled for the 13th of July. I will be a little OK alot crazed and asking everyone to pray again. We just want to have this cancer gone forever. Please God let this be the answer to our prayers. Thanks to all of you for your prayers, kind words, donations and just for being there. Love, Missy Saturday, June 25, 2005 6:59 PM CDT Saturday, how I used to look forward to them. Now I just want to work!!! Ryan is doing OK. He was a little better after fluids on Friday and they were going to give him the weekend off but decided to have him come in on Sunday for a blood check. It has been good having Rhonda and Lucas here. I really needed family... The days are long here. Please remember to leave a message. Ryan does read it twice a day. Thanks to you all, Missy
Friday, June 24, 2005 10:07 AM CDT Hi everyone! Ryan continues to amaze me. He is doing great. Of course as a mom I just keep praying it worked. He is in clinic today for fluids, Rhonda and Lucas are up here too. Lucas is playing nintendo with 2 children. He is so social. We are moved back into the Childrens Inn. Ryan has said that when he only has to come once a week he would like to go to a motel with a kitchen. I really lost it the other day. I was just discussing it with another mom from NYC Sloan. It seems to be so much to handle just going through the process that when we get a few bumps in the road we really loose it. Pray for scans to be improved, Peter and Canon and Jack all have scans the same time. So pray for all the scans to be clear. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. Thanks, Missy Wednesday, June 22, 2005 3:41 PM CDT Hello! Rhonda and Lucas have arrived and it was soooo good to see them. It has been a little confusing around here. Ryan developed a infection in his GI again yesterday so they would not allow him in the Childrens Inn. They needed the room over there so I was booted out also. We went to a motel after I packed everything and cleaned the room. It was dirty but we stayed one night. We were up early today and moved all our things again to the hospital. When Ryan finished clinic we waited in the lobby for a couple of hours to find out where we were going to sleep. Rhon and Lucas arrived and we took a shuttle to the motel. It is a much nicer one but a little cramped for 4 of us. Ryan and Lucas are playing nintendo right now and we are hoping to head out to the movies this afternoon. Ryan has to wear a mask everywhere but he is doing very well. No GVHD which for most is good. We don't want a lot of it just enough to show us that Robin's stem cells have taken over and will kill the remaining cancer. Pray Ryan gets just the rash. It is sooo good to have family here. I was very lonely and yesterday was rough. Love to you all, Missy Monday, June 20, 2005 5:36 PM CDT Yeahhhhh! Ryan was released this afternoon. Our days will now consist of going to the clinic by 9 for blood draws and examinations. He was very dehydrated. One bag of fluid and he was feeling better. He is now resting and I am headed on the shuttle to go to the grocery store. Boy do I miss my car! Sunday, June 19, 2005 11:17 AM CDT It is Sunday morning! The weather is beautiful here. Ryan was going to be discharged today however, he has a gi track problem. So we need to find out why. He has lost 4 lbs. in 2 days and he isn't eating but we will be patient. We want to make sure he dosen't get worse and have to go on more drugs. His spirits are a little down. It is really boring here. I have been attending daily mass and enjoying every moment except today I had to do the readings and prayers of the faithful. I was scared... I didn't want to let God down! But I survived. Ryan says see what you get for going all the time. We are blessed to have you all praying for us. Thank you, Love, Missy Thursday, June 16, 2005 4:25 PM CDT It is Thursday! Ryan is doing better. His platelet count is 78 which means he is making platelets on his own. The rest of his counts are good and he no longer need his g shot which is wonderful. They did a ultra sound on his legs to see if there was a clot (swollen feet) and there is no clot which is good. They are going to let him out for a bit this weekend then released on MONDAY can you believe it! Miracles happen every day. If you missed the today show go on msnbc.msn.com and watch the prom from sloan kettering. We miss everyone there so much...doctors, nurses,other families going through the same thing. Wednesday, June 15, 2005 8:15 PM CDT Hey all! Sorry there are a lot of people from the south here and I guess their lingo rubs off. Ryan is doing good. He won't eat again but that is normal. They said he could have a day pass on Saturday and Sunday if the fever stays away. After that he will come to clinic every day and they will run tests. The scan looks fine but they cannot tell if it is working yet. I don't know if I will be able to breathe until we know for sure. He will be a transplant patient though no crowds, no outside food, so I guess I will have to become a better cook! A friend of ours from here will have surgery in the morning her name is Whitney she is 17 and has cancer, and a boy from RMDH is not doing well his name is Jay. Please keep them in your prayers. Love to you all, Missy Tuesday, June 14, 2005 11:15 AM CDT Hi all, Ryan is still being tough. The engraphment has started. His fevers and rash are a definate sign. He is not feeling to great today. We are waiting for a CT so he had to drink that nasty contrast. I don't know how soon we will know if this process worked. SCANS will tell all. Pray he has good scans. We are both going a little stir crazy. Take care and thanks for sticking by us for the long haul. Love, Missy Saturday, June 11, 2005 5:32 PM CDT Hello and thanks for checking in. Ryan is doing fine. His blood counts are up and he is still eating which is good. The bad news is that he has two infections. They are hoping to combat both with antibiotics. He is continuing with his daily G shot which he gives himself. We are passing the time watching movies and playing on the internet. Father Dominic comes in everyday and Ryan says hello Father and Father says hello son. He always spends time praying and blessing Ryan. He is very special, and we are blessed to have him here. Our spiritual journey continues. Please pray for all that we have met on this journey. Thanks again, Missy Hello all it is friday night and we are sitting in the hospital! I bet you are surprised! Ryan is doing fine. He has a little rash a headache and a fever that won't go away for long. The care here is wonderful. The nurses and doctors are caring and they go out of their way to make you comfortable. Time is passing slowly. I am not one to sit but I am trying!!! We hope to have Rhonda and Lucas come for a visit at the end of the month if we can arrange flights. It will be nice to have someone here. Well I must rescue the nurse Ryan is trying to bite...I thought I taught him not to do that! Well have a great weekend and don't forget to sneak in a prayer or two for Ryan. Love to you all, Missy Thursday, June 9, 2005 10:45 AM CDT NG: Day 67 Tuesday, June 7, 2005 1:44 PM CDT Terrific Tuesday to Everyone, Monday, June 6, 2005 11:14 AM CDT It is day 3. Transplant patients are put on a schedule and they count the day the stem cells are put into the system as day 0. Ryan has mucassitis starting which means he will not want to eat or drink for a while. They put him back on hydration so I don't have to be prompting him to drink all the time. The days are all pretty much the same so far. Ryan is on morphine again for pain. We feel pretty isolated here. I wish we were able to get treatment at home. We hate missing another summer. Thanks for checking in and for the prayers. Missy Sunday, June 5, 2005 9:49 AM CDT Hello everyone. Ryan is doing OK. He is having some reaction to the fk506 that we can't seem to control. It took many drugs to get him to sleep last night but at least he slept. Other than that nothing much hospital's are boring. I am going to do the blockbuster online thing so he can keep occupied with games and movies. Keep up those prayers we sure do feel them. God is here beside us. Love to you all, Missy Friday, June 3, 2005 8:50 AM CDT Well it is the day for miracles! Thank you everyone who came to church last night to pray for Ryan and everyone who took a moment to pray with us. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and such a great family. I truly feel excited about today. Peter's mom Dawn called to tell me she was on her knees praying for Ryan's miracle this morning. I have had a smile on my face all morning. I am so glad Ryan has this chance. I pray that all children with cancer have a chance at life. Let this be the cure for Ryan and all that follow. God Bless you all. Ryan has his pre-meds and the stem cells are going in soon. Pray they seek out the cancer and kill it. Thanks again, Love to you all, Missy Wednesday, June 1, 2005 11:22 AM CDT Hi everyone. Ryan is still doing well. He is sick to his stomach and not liking being stuck in a room but otherwise doing OK. Family and friends are gathering Thursday night at the church parking lot on 96th and Q to pray for Ryan. If you could join them that would be wonderful if not just remember to pray at 7pm. I really feel God wants us to join together to ask for Ryan's miracle. Thank you so much, Missy Monday, May 30, 2005 11:16 AM CDT Happy Memorial Day. I hope everyone is enjoying a day with their families. It is so hard being so far away. Ryan is doing fine. He seems to be tolerating the chemo. Just a little sick. I can't wait to have everyone praying for him this Thursday. I get chills just thinking about all of our family and friends becoming one voice. We love you all and we are grateful that you are in our lives. Love, Missy Saturday, May 28, 2005 10:41 AM CDT Hi everyone! It is the weekend again. Last Memorial weekend Ryan was inpatient at sloan now he is inpatient at NIH. He had scans the last 3 days and the results were disheartning for me I wanted the cancer to be gone, instead we were told it is stable. We really need your prayers. I hope as many as possible will join us and pray for Ry on Thursday at 7 pm. Many of our friends and family are going to go to the St. Geralds church parking lot on 96 th and Q to pray together. I know if we have many voices God will listen. Thank you for all you have done we couldn't have gotten this far without you. I know it has been a long journey and we appreciate your sticking by us. Love, Missy Wednesday, May 25, 2005 8:12 PM CDT NG: Day 52
Sunday, May 22, 2005 11:38 PM CDT NG: Day 49 Thursday, May 19, 2005 4:18 PM CDT NG: day 46 Tuesday, May 17, 2005 12:56 AM CDT Terrific Tuesday to all!! Friday, May 13, 2005 8:49 PM CDT Hello it's Ryan's mom again. I saw Ryan for a short time today. He was hungry. He looks good, it is hard to believe he is sick. I talked with a fellow cancer mom today (Peter's Mom, Dawn) she had great news Peter's scans are clear! It was the best news. God has blessed us with good news for all our friends. She keeps telling me she has a good feeling about this stem cell transplant. She feels Robin's cells will save Ryan's life. I try to be that positive but I am a realist and I know what can go wrong. This journey has been so long. All the people we met when Ry started treatment are in remission. I just hope and pray we join them soon. Thank you so much for continuing to support us and pray for us. God has a plan for each of us and it is hard to be patient sometimes. Love to you all, hug your children extra tight tonight, Missy Thursday, May 12, 2005 1:13 PM CDT Well time flies! Ryan is doing OK. He dosen't seem to have the energy he had last time. He played golf with his brother in law and had a good time but was very tired. His blood count is still up but his spirits seem a little down. It is hard to go through treatment this long. Please pray for Ryan to be recharged and ready for stem cell transplant. We will be in Bethesda for at least 6 weeks so I hope he will be in good spirits. Monday, May 9, 2005 1:03 PM CDT Well since Ryan has not updated I will. That usually makes him crazy. Ryan and his dad flew home Saturday night. This is the first commercial flight they have had to take in a long while. Ryan wasn't feeling very well and the layover in Atlanta wasn't fun but they are home safe and made it for Mother's Day which was the greatest present of all. We all went to church then Scott and Rachael treated us to brunch. It was great just being with all my children. Last year I spent the day inpatient with Ryan wondering if ... OK that is too sad to think about. I hope all you mothers had a wonderful day. Just watching my family have a good time is so special. Well the next schedule is for Ryan to return for stem cell transplant. We are finally there again. I pray with all my heart this will be the cure. We will be in Maryland for at least 6 weeks and at the most... we don't know. Pray the transplant goes smoothly, Ryan is tough but his body has taken a beatting. We thank you all for everything. Love, Missy Thursday, May 5, 2005 10:38 PM CDT NG: Day 32 Thursday, May 5, 2005 10:28 PM CDT NG: Day 30 Tuesday, May 3, 2005 9:09 PM CDT NG: Day 30 Monday, May 2, 2005 8:21 PM CDT NG: Day 29 Sunday, May 1, 2005 10:29 PM CDT Well they are off to Bethesda early in the morning. It is killing me to stay home this time. I am such a control freek I want to be there all the time but I know Dan can handle it. Pray for safe travel, good scans, easy harvest for Robin and for the chemo to do its job without beating up on Ryan too bad. We are almost to the 1 year mark. Ryan is a fighter. I know your prayers have gotten him this far. I hope everyone will again tell Ryan's story and ask them to pray for him to be cured from this terrible disease. We have met such wonderful caring people on this journey. We have also become much more spiritual. We know God is right there beside our son every step of the way. We appreciate everyone from the street vender who gave Ryan a hat with his prayers to the executive we flew with that first time who told us to never listen to statistics because doctors don't know Ryan and they don't know God's plan. We are so blessed to have all of you in our lives, thank you. Love, Missy Thursday, April 28, 2005 6:12 PM CDT NG: Day 25 Tuesday, April 26, 2005 1:27 PM CDT Hi all. Ryan is better. His fever is down so he will not have to go to the hospital, thank God. He went in for a blood count yesterday and his counts are already comming up. Just in time for chemo. The group will be leaving on Sunday I think. Corporate Angels have not gotten back to me yet. Dan, Ryan, Robin and Sarah her cousin are going this time. Ryan will have tests on Monday then start chemo. Robin will have a physical on Tuesday and the harvest on Wednesday. Pray they have safe travel, that the chem isn't to rough on Ryan and that the harvest goes smoothly for Robin. She is a lot littler that Ryan and she has small veins so I hope it won't be too painful for her. Thanks for all you prayers. Even though we are at the one year mark for Ryan being diagnosed, we are grateful for all your support and for sticking by us. Thanks again, Missy Monday, April 25, 2005 7:10 AM CDT Good Morning! Ryan is doing fine until last night. He has a low fever and if it increases he will need to go to the hospital. He has a very low blood count and still wants to make every moment count so he is a little run down. He looks so good sometimes we forget he is sick. I had a very sleepless night. I guess I was looking too far ahead. Please pray for Ryan to be cured, he has endured so much. Love, Missy Thursday, April 21, 2005 7:46 PM CDT Hello again, it's just me. Ryan is feeling great and running around every day. He really tries to make every day count while we are home. He went to the local Dr. Langdon yesterday and they talked about how it has been almost a year since he was first sick. I will always remember the date in a haunting sort of way but when I think of it I just cry. If anyone deserves a year to do over it is Ryan. His counts have not dropped at all yet and he has to give himself a GCSF shot every day which gives him bone pain but he is tough. I hate to think back to this last year. It seems like a time warp. Ryan is a fighter and with God on his side I know he will make it. Keep on Praying... Love, Missy Tuesday, April 19, 2005 6:58 AM CDT Good Morning! We are home! Ryan and I started out on Sunday at 10 am and we arrived at our motel at 9 p.m. It was quite an adventure. Neither of us had been on a train so that was a nice experience. Ryan is feeling great. His last dose was suppose to make his sick and he is not. The last scans showed a few small lymphnodes near the liver but other than that not much. He will be in town for 2 weeks than back to Bethesda for more chemo. Robin will go with him along with her dad and her cousin to support her. Thanks for all the prayers. We are so lucky to have you in our lives. Love, Missy Saturday, April 16, 2005 1:22 PM CDT Friday, April 15, 2005 11:51 PM CDT Friday, April 15, 2005 11:51 PM CDT Merry Weekend to Everyone, Friday, April 15, 2005 3:14 PM CDT I was waiting for Ryan to update and he just isn't up to it so I thought I would. Ryan is very tired and a little sick to his stomach. His chemo BLAH'S as he calls it. He has to go to the hospital tomorrow for his last of the 5 day chemo's and fluids and then he is unhooked. We will catch the Metro to the train station then a train to Philly then to Atlantic City on Sunday. This is a lot of traveling! I hope Ryan will be up to it. Corporate Angels arranged our flight with Conagra for Monday morning at 7 a.m. I am sure once Ryan gets home he will sleep for the rest of the day. I am sure he will not have the energy he has had in the past few months. This is a harder chemo. Pray for safe travel and that Ryan stays strong. Thanks, Missy Wednesday, April 13, 2005 9:34 PM CDT Hey Everyone, Wednesday, April 13, 2005 9:30 PM CDT Hey Everyone, Tuesday, April 12, 2005 3:07 PM CDT NG: Day 9 Tuesday, April 12, 2005 2:41 PM CDT NG: Day 9 Tuesday, April 12, 2005 2:41 PM CDT Tuesday, April 12, 2005 1:50 PM CDT NG: Day 9 Monday, April 11, 2005 7:18 PM CDT NG: Day 8
Friday, April 8, 2005 3:11 PM CDT NG: Day 5 Thursday, April 7, 2005 4:55 PM CDT NG: Day 4 Wednesday, April 6, 2005 3:36 PM CDT NG: Day 3 Tuesday, April 5, 2005 3:37 PM CDT NG (No Girls): Day 2 Monday, April 4, 2005 7:33 PM CDT No Girls: Day 1 Monday, April 4, 2005 3:55 PM CDT Hi everyone! We made it. It has been a long day but we have checked in at the Childrens Inn and everyone is registered at the hospital. The tests for Ryan annd Robin start tomorrow bright and early. Thay have been kidding each other all day it is wonderful. Except when they pick on their mom!!! That is not nice. Keep up the prayers. I really feel God has sent us here for a cure. Pray I am right. Love to you all, Missy Sunday, April 3, 2005 5:42 PM CDT Hey, Hey, Hey Saturday, April 2, 2005 6:22 PM CST Good Saturday to all of you, Thursday, March 31, 2005 5:27 PM CST Hello Everyone, Tuesday, March 29, 2005 6:43 AM CST I talked to Dr. Machal yesterday. She has asked that Ryan be in Maryland next Monday. He will be there for 2 weeks and be able to come home for 2 weeks. This will happen for 3 rounds then the stem cell transplant. Robin will go out for her tests then return for stem cell harvest. It will be hard going to a new place with new doctors. We have so much trust in the doctors from New York. However, we will just continue on the next step. Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes, we love you all. Missy Saturday, March 26, 2005 4:01 AM CST So I'm still in the being patient mode as we wait for Dr. Mackel to return from vacation on Monday, then we set our sights on Bethesda, and don't anyone worry I called and checked, all the nurses are cute, single, young women... Ok maybe I made that part up but none of you can take away my dreams darnit! So until next time behave yourself and thank you all for everything. Wednesday, March 23, 2005 5:21 PM CST Hello Everyone, Wednesday, March 23, 2005 3:52 PM CST NED ...No evidence of disease!!! The CT has been read and the results are wonderful. We will now wait for Dr. Wesler to send everything to Maryland and we will be on our way. Thanks to everyone for praying... I can't say that enough.We Love You All, Missy Tuesday, March 22, 2005 6:26 PM CST Hello everyone thanks for checking in but we have no news. I called for the results and they never called me back. I truly hope it wasn't bad news. You know how our minds wander when we have to wait. Hopefully we will know something in the morning. Thanks for the prayers and keep them comming not just for Ryan but for all children that are suffering. Love,Missy Tuesday, March 22, 2005 3:33 PM CST Monday, March 21, 2005 3:05 PM CST Happy Monday to Everyone, Monday, March 21, 2005 12:45 AM CST Happy Monday to Everyone, Saturday, March 19, 2005 5:16 PM CST Hi. We have no news yet. Ryan had the scans early Thursday and we were told 3 days. We called NY to find out if they knew anything and they received it but it had not been read yet. We are hoping to know Monday. I have not let it enter my mind that the cancer could be more aggressive. I just hope what is left is dead so Ryan can continue with a cure. Cure ... that is a wonderful word. I have to ask again for you to keep praying. Thank you for being such a great support system for us. Love, Missy Thursday, March 17, 2005 7:02 AM CST Good morning everyone! Yes, today is the day. SCANS. Please pray the chemo worked so Ryan may continue on his journey. I truly believe is has been all your prayers that have gotten him this far. You won't believe the strangers I have asked to pray for Ryan. If you do the same we will shake the heavens and God will listen. Thanks, Missy Tuesday, March 15, 2005 3:56 PM CST Hello again everyone,
Monday, March 14, 2005 11:09 AM CST Hello Everyone,
Monday, March 14, 2005 6:50 AM CST Good Morning! Ryan is home. It is so good to have him here. He and his dad flew in late Friday night. They flew with another cancer patient from Iowa. Corporate Angel's is such a wonderful organization. Things are going well. I have Ryan's scans set up for Thursday but Dr. Wexler said he should wait another week. What holy day is right before Easter? Since his last surgery was a success and was on a holy day I am getting a little picky on the days scans should be on. I think Good Friday would be good. We will let you know when we hear from the doctor. Yesterday was Ryan's nephew Lucas's first holy Communion. Ryan was his godfather and his aunts were his godmothers. It was so great to have Ryan here. We took many pictures with them all together. There is nothing like family. Cherrish yours today. Love to you all, Missy Sunday, March 13, 2005 9:57 PM CST Hello Everyone, Friday, March 11, 2005 8:04 AM CST Happy Friday Everyone, Friday, March 11, 2005 6:52 AM CST It was good to see Ryan write, maybe if I hod off he will write soon. I talked to them yesterday and Ryan had the blahs. One more day of chemo and they fly home tonight. They don't get in until 10 so I hope the trip won't be too hard on Ry. They will be closing RMDH again since we won't know what is happening until scans. I scheduled scans yesterday and they will be St. Patricks Day bright and early. The nurses at Bergan that do the testing are sure crabby. I was trying to get them to use his Broviac instead of an IV and the responce was we do things different here. We are used to such good care it is hard to accept less. Scans will show weather Ryan returns to NYC or Bethesda to the NCI. Pray he stays strong. Pray for all thease wonderful kids who are fighting for their lives. Love,Missy Wednesday, March 9, 2005 6:27 PM CST Hello everyone it's ryan again, trying to not let the chemo blahs get to me. Not much really going on here it's just damn cold here, like "balls" cold. Dad and I went to Hooters yesturday for dinner, they have good phillies. Other than that I am trying to look on the bright side of things, get to go home again, hang with the guys, get shot down by a girl or two, you know the usual :) But thank you for everyone saying hi and seeing how I'm doing. I hope everyone's week is going great. I'll try to write tomorrow about the other great adventures of Ryan the Chemo-man. Until then keep smiling and try to stay out of trouble.
Tuesday, March 8, 2005 7:08 AM CST Sounds Like a case of the Mondays....
Monday, March 7, 2005 7:11 PM CST Sounds Like a case of the Mondays.... Monday, March 7, 2005 6:39 AM CST It's Monday! Ryan and his dad had an uneventful weekend. They said it was quite cold but they did make it down to the ESPN Zone after church on Sunday. That is their favorite place I wonder why. Ryan seems to be feeling fine I hope the week isn't so hard on him. Keep up those prayers. Thank you all. Missy Friday, March 4, 2005 6:41 AM CST Hello! Ryan and his dad arrived in Nyc. Thanks Conagra! Barb is so wonderful and the executives that we fly with are always so nice to us. We are so grateful for them. The boys are safe and sound. I talked to them late last night and Dan was tired but I think Ryan changed his hours while he was home. He is on hamster hours awake all night sleep all day. Ryan needs to go in today for a dressing kit but they are just going to hang out for the weekend and start on Monday. Thank you for the prayers for safe travel. Pray for an easy round of chemo. We are so blessed to have all of you in our lives. Love, Missy Tuesday, March 1, 2005 10:08 PM CST Time sure does fly by when we are home. Ryan made his doctor appointment and his blood count is on the way up. He didn't need blood this time. Of course I just want to make sure the chemo was working. It has been so good to have him home. I still feel like a stranger here. It seems so weird to look for something like a pot holder and forget where they were. We have been very busy and it is time for Ryan to return. Dan will be going with him this time. Hopefully it will only be for a week. We are hoping they will let us do scans in Omaha. Pray for safe travel and a smooth round of chemo. Pray that God gives us all strength for we are getting weary. Thanks, Missy Thursday, February 24, 2005 6:45 AM CST Hello! Ryan is doing great. No drug can work as well as home. He went for a blood count and he is doing well. His counts are low but have not bottomed out. He is staying at Rachael and Scotts because of the germs here at daycare. I wonder how long he will stay after baby Owen gets home. He just stood in amazement and watched that baby at the hospital then he wouldn't let him go. I am so glad we were here. Tuesday, February 22, 2005 1:57 PM CST We are HOME!!! We arrived on Monday thanks to Conagra. They are the best. Rachael Scott and Lucas were going to pick us up so you can imagine our surprise when Dan was there. I said what are you doing here and he replied we had a change in plans and it took a moment for me to realize what was happening. I said is Rachael in labor and when he said yes I almost hit the floor. I called Rachael right away and she said she wasn't in hard labor so the hospital sent her home. She labored all day Monday and all night then returned to the hospital at 1. Then Scott and Rachael welcomed their new son into the world at 10:12 a.m. Dan and I went up at 1 and I stayed to watch the event. Scott's mom made it just in time. What a miracle. It was such a privelage to be able to see this beautiful gift of God be born. Rachael and baby are doing fine. He weighed 8lbs 3oz and is 21 inches long. Ryan and the rest of the crew were there by noon and when I left Ryan was holding his new nephew. It was all I could do not to burst into tears. Thank you God for letting us arrive in time. Thanks to everyone for your unending prayers. We are so lucky. Sunday, February 20, 2005 3:26 PM CST Today is our last day in NYC for a while. Ryan will return on March 3. Then he starts chemo again on March 7. We have to check out this time so we have spent the weekend packing and packing. You wouldn't believe how much stuff you accumulate in 9 months. The sun is shining today but it is cold. We went to church and came right back. Ryan is very tired. We were going to have company yesterday but they all had colds and since Ryan's blood counts are on their way down we thought we better cancel. I am having a hard time leaving. This may be my last trip because when the chemo works he will be headed to the National Cancer Institute. Pray for a safe trip home and that the chemo is doing its job. Thanks, Missy Friday, February 18, 2005 1:51 PM CST Day 5 of chemo is underway! Ryan is doing great as usual. He makes everyone smile. I am told that is half the battle so I guess he will win. We are getting ready to head home. It will br good to be there. Although I feel like a stranger there most of the time. I will miss our routine here and the wonderful people who have taken such good care of Ryan. I will also miss Winnie, Mike and Joanne at the Ronald McDonald house. They are the best. Pray Ryan is finished with this disease soon. Once and for all! Pray also for all the people with cancer. We need to find a cure soon. Thanks for all you do to help us. Love, Missy Thursday, February 17, 2005 3:59 PM CST Hello everyone. Well day 4 of chemo is done. Ryan is a little sick to his stomach. We had to wait until he felt like a walk t0 the hospital this morning. He had Sharon for his nurse she is the greatest! Omi usually works on the inpatient side but is helping at the day hospital and Ryan had her yesterday. Today he asked her to rub his feet and of course she did. He is so spoiled by his nurses. We will have a quiet night tonight and will start packing to come home. Fran (Jack's mommy) said she will come down to store our boxes for us until Ryan returns in 2 weeks. We are so grateful for our new friends. Pray the chemo does its job. Thanks, Missy
Wednesday, February 16, 2005 5:15 PM CST Wednesday is almost over. Ryan did well again with chemo. His stomach is a little quesy but he is still eating so that is good. Barbra and Dennis V came down today for lunch. They had to wait for the chemo to finish so we could leave.It was very good to see them we had a great time. I do forget how hard it is for people to be at the hospital and see all the sick kids. It is a part of our daily life so we don't think twice about it. It is harder to talk to people who don't live in this world sometimes because all we talk about is what chemo they are on or what port the kids have or what cancer they have. It is really a hard adjustment to go home. Just pray the chemo works and we can get on with the plan. Thanks, Missy Tuesday, February 15, 2005 8:45 PM CST Hello all. Ryan is still doing OK. He had a little bit of nausea. Kytrol seemed to do the trick. Ry also has a pain in his side that the doc didn't know what was going on. Here I go, something else to worry about. After chemo he wanted to go to Soho to get his computer fixed so we did. After we went to eat at the ESPN Zone. He ate very well. Thank goodness he didn't order dessert because I would have had to share. Now we are back in the room. He will go to the hospital early in the morning because Dennis and his mom are comming down for a little while. It will be nice to see them we do get lonely. It will be soooo good to get home again. Thanks for all the prayers! Keep them comming. Love, Missy Monday, February 14, 2005 9:47 PM CST Happy Vanentine Day. Ryan had his first day of his 8th round of chemo. This is a lower dose and he didn't have any problems. Of course I think if he isn't throwing up it isn't working. We didn't get back home until 5:30 and St. Stephens had dinner for us all tonight. It was very good. I will be busy sending some of my things back home so we won't have so much to carry. Ryan just amazes everyone. One doctor came up to me and asked if Ryan is as positive as he seems and I said yes. His mom is a disaster but Ryan is focused. Pray this week continues to go good. Pray for all these beautiful children that have this terrible disease. Thank you, Missy Monday, February 14, 2005 9:47 PM CST Happy Vanentine Day. Ryan had his first day of his 8th round of chemo. This is a lower dose and he didn't have any problems. Of course I think if he isn't throwing up it isn't working. We didn't get back home until 5:30 and St. Stephens had dinner for us all tonight. It was very good. I will be busy sending some of my things back home so we won't have so much to carry. Ryan just amazes everyone. One doctor came up to me and asked if Ryan is as positive as he seems and I said yes. His mom is a disaster but Ryan is focused. Pray this week continues to go good. Pray for all these beautiful children that have this terrible disease. Thank you, Missy Saturday, February 12, 2005 4:36 PM CST Hello everyone, Ryan and I feel good about the plan that has been set. We are still trying to distract ourselves with movies. Hitch is great! We were also distracted with our friend Canon. We went out to dinner with him and his dad Trent yesterday at Bubba Gump. Canon was eager to show us his favorite place. He has so much energy and no matter how sad you are he will bring you out of it. Ryan was eating ice cream the other night out of the carton and Canon got a spoon and dug right in. Then they played defence and knocked the ice cream off each others spoon. Canon also keeps Ryan busy with questions even when Ry is on the computer or listening to music! It is great to see these two become such good friends. Canon and dad left this morning to go back home. We will miss them. Pray for safe travel and no return of the cancer monster for Canon. We are thankful to God for all the wonderful people we have met along this journey. Well I am cooking dinner and Ryan is running around the city. I think he has had enough mom time. Chemo starts again Monday. We pray he tolerates it well and the cancer is killed once and for all. Thanks for everything, Love, Missy
Thursday, February 10, 2005 3:24 PM CST OK Well when you are handed lemons what do you do? Ryan likes lemonade. Ryan will start a new chemo on Monday. It will run for 5 days. We will see how he feels and he needs to see Dr. Wexler on Monday and then he can go home to see his new nephew be born. Ater 2 weeks Ryan needs to return for another 5 day round and then scans. If the scans show the tumor is dead he will then go to the NCI for a allo transplant which is from Robin's stem cells. We all feel this is necessary because hopefully Robin's cells will fight off this cancer if it tries to return again. This is experimental but we feel Ryan will clear the path for others and this will work. Thank you for all your prayers and love. We are leaning on you more than ever now. God will get us through this will all of our voices combined for the same goal . We love you all, Missy Wednesday, February 9, 2005 5:47 PM CST I finally found the strength to write. Ryan is such a atrong kid. We are exploring our options right now. I had a talk with a doctor at NCI in Maryland and she was wonderful. Only God knows what is best for Ryan so we will be open to the suggestions from all the doctors. It will be hard to leave here because we are so used to the doctors, nurses and people at ronald house. I hate this place at times but it has been the place where Ryan has received good care and the start of his miracle. We have been going to the movies to distract us. Ryan was also on the news with Canon for a fundraiser that took place downstairs. We love spending time with Canon and his dad Trent. They are family and always will be. Sometimes I picture this deep dark hole them I picture all of our "family" joining hands and walking out together. Please pray for all thease wonderful kids. Thanks, Missy Tuesday, February 8, 2005 1:11 PM CST The cancer is back. There are 4 spots that it has returned. The doctor gave us options. Try new chemo to see if it works or go to Maryland to the NCI to see what they have to offer. Ryan is as usual very positive and upbeat. He is not giving up. Pray God guides us. Ask everyone you know to pray. Tuesday, February 8, 2005 11:24 AM CST No real news yet. Ryan had the CT and we are waiting for it to be read. Pray I hold it together and the scans are clear. Thanks, Missy Monday, February 7, 2005 3:13 PM CST Well I updated too soon. Dr. Wexler just called and said the PET scan didn't look good. There is signs that the tumor is back. Please pray to God that there is a mistake. I prayed for guidence as far as a stem cell and I felt good about out decision today. Now the walls came crashing in. Monday, February 7, 2005 12:58 AM CST Hello everyone! Ryan had a heart echo done this morning and them we met with doctors Wexler and Procopp. We discussed the transplant and they recommended we proceed. Ryan will have surgery on Tuesday to put in another line for transplant. He will be admitted on Wednesday for the start of chemo. The schedule will be 8 days of chemo then the stem cell rescue. Ryan has plenty of stem cells so they will hold some in case we need them later. Please call your prayer lines and say extra prayers for Ryan. This is a very hard and scarry process and he will need all the help he can get. I feel a little better now that the decision has been made. It is truly in God's hands. Sunday, February 6, 2005 11:45 AM CST We are here safe and sound. Thanks for the prayers for safe travel. Conagra came through again. We flew with another cancer patient from California. She is 20 and has relapsed. Her name is Alese, please keep her in your prayers. It was a very plesant trip with thease two kids who are batteling for their lives to sit and chat. We are so blessed to have met such wonderful people along our journey. We are also blessed to have such wonderful friends and family back home. We will be tag teaming to have someone here for Ryan after I leave it will be Bev then Dad will come for as long as he can. This is such a long process that it is difficult to be away for so long. Thanks to everyone we have neglicted along the way for being patient. With God's help we will all be back home with out son cancer free. Those words bring tears to my eyes. Please God let their be a cure soon to end this madness. Love, Missy Friday, February 4, 2005 7:54 AM CST It is the night before we leave and we are both very tearful. This is so hard. We actually had a week of normal life and we would both like to hide and pretend that Ryan was done with treatment. Now it is time for reality. Ryan and I will leave at noon. We hope to get started early next week. Please pray the miracles continue and Ryan gets through the next part of his treatment with ease. Pray for safe travel and strength for us all. Thanks, Missy Thursday, February 3, 2005 8:59 PM CST It is the night before we leave and we are both very tearful. This is so hard. We actually had a week of normal life and we would both like to hide and pretend that Ryan was done with treatment. Now it is time for reality. Ryan and I will leave at noon. We hope to get started early next week. Please pray the miracles continue and Ryan gets through the next part of his treatment with ease. Pray for safe travel and strength for us all. Thanks, Missy Thursday, February 3, 2005 2:19 PM CST RYAN Wednesday, February 2, 2005 7:33 PM CST This week has gone so fast. It has been wonderful to have a week at home. I have spent time with dear friends and my wonderful daughters and of course my very special grandchild. Ryan has slept until noon because he dosen't come home until the wee hours. It will be very hard going back. The emotions pull us in both of our worlds. We are so grateful for the care and support we have received in New York. It is amazing how all the parents bond so easily. You walk down the hall and just hug someone without words being spoken. We understand each other like no one else can. It will be so hard to come home in a few weeks. My wonderful sister in law Bev will be comming out to take care of Ryan when I leave. I don't know how we would have managed this without all her help. You really find out the true meaning of family and friends. Thank you all for your prayers and support. Please continue to pray for Ryan he has a long way to go. Love, Missy Saturday, January 29, 2005 5:32 PM CST It is so good to be home! I haven't seen Ryan very much he is running around the city. I think he is anticipating isolation. Yes we did get a call yesterday and they are recommending a stem cell transplant. They will want to begin right after we return. So it looks like a few more months in New York City. I will be able to stay for the chemo part but I need to return home for the newest grandchild to be born. Rachael will then retire from daycare and I will return to run things. Friday, January 28, 2005 1:40 PM CST Hello everyone! We Are Home!!! Boy did I need the break. Ryan had a PET scan this morning and that took up the whole morning. Conagra flew us back home again. Thanks Conagra! They are true angels. We have conferance call this afternoon with Dr. Wexler to find out what the next step is. We will let you know as soon as we know. I met one of the sisters from the Servents of Mary at the hospital this morning. She was so sweet and said they will continue praying for Ryan. This is such a long process and we have become so attached to families at RMDH that it is hard to leave but then it is hard to leave home to go back. Pray that the Lord gives us strength to proceed with whatever is next. Love, Missy Tuesday, January 25, 2005 1:17 PM CST Well after a very long Monday I received a call today from Dr. Procopp who is the transplant doctor. She said the scans looked good. The bone marrow is still clean and the CT showed some liquid in the pelvic area but it was reduced from last time so they think it is just post-op. There is also a seison on his lung but that has been there since the first surgery and has not changed. She thinks it may be scar tissue. We really don't know what the next step is. The tumor board has not come to an agreement. Dr. Procopp wants Ryan to have a PET scan but they can't get him in here until next week. I am going crazy hanging around here with no treatment. Dr. Procopp wants to do more research and meet with Dr. Wexler and Sonali who we trust very much to see what we should do next. I feel we should have been told to do all our scans in Omaha and had a month at home. Can you tell I am a little frustrated! We are going to come home for a week. It dosen't seem very long but the days here are getting to us both. Ryan will have the PET done at home and the results will be given to the doctors in NYC. I just pray they make the right choice for Ryan and get going!!! We have been gone so long. Pray that the right decisions are being made and that Ryan will be totally cancer free for a hundred years. Thanks, Missy Sunday, January 23, 2005 5:25 PM CST Nothing yet! We hope to find out about the treatment schedule early this week. I called on Friday and they did not return my call. Just more waiting. The snow has hit NYC! It was kind of pretty actually. It definately slows things down. We stayed in Saturday night and I cooked. We had Dawn, Dennis and Peter Zucha join us and it was nice. Today we went to 12:30 mass and it was packed. We were going to spend the rest of the day in but Mike called from downstairs and said there were tickets to go to the Knicks game so off we went. It helps to get out of here especially if it dosen't cost too much. There are special people here to help this process be just a little easier. We are thankful for Mike, Joanne and Winnie for being so nice to us. I have had a little time to meet new parents and read other web pages and it makes me crazy that this disease is so rampant. Kellie posted this: You may have seen where Cancer has now surpassed heart disease for being the number one killer of Americans! It is the number 1 disease killer in children also. More kids die from cancer than Diabetes, AIDS, Asthma, and Cystic Fibrosis COMBINED!!! It just makes you sick dosen't it? Maybe if we make more people aware, the funds for research will increase. No child should have to go through this. Friday, January 21, 2005 1:21 PM CST Hooray the weekend is here! Tuesday, January 18, 2005 4:17 PM CST So it is a full moon and the stars are aligned because I am writing the journal today. I am doing well and am gearing up for a week of tests, and then a wonderful stay at the 4-star resort I call Sloan-Kettering. Not much has been going on just started my franchise season in Madden, so far undefeated, and my defence is in the top 15. I appreciated that even after eight months everyone chimes in once and a while, and thank you for the prayers. On a side note if you could all hope for a good draft day for the chiefs I would also appreciate it :) Before I go just remember that we are measured by the company we keep, and I hope you all are In Good Company. (good movie by the way). All the best to you and yours. Tuesday, January 18, 2005 3:41 PM CST Another day is here and we don't have any clinic visits. Ryan is playing with his computer and his IPOD. I cleaned the kitchen this morning and the laundry room yesterday. Can you imagine wanting to clean? Ryan is doing great and it is wonderful to talk to him and try to understand what he is going through. The other day he asked me if I thought he had made an impact in any way on the world. I guess we all want to think we have done something special to change the world. When he read the stem cell permission papers he said it is in God's hands and he is so right. He has already received miracles and hopefully will receive another when he is cured. Pray for strength as we continue on our journey. Love, Missy Monday, January 17, 2005 12:40 AM CST We are back from the hospital. Ryan had two tests done and we waited for 45 minutes for scan schedules for the rest of the week. They only have one set up so far on Wednesday. This waiting is getting to us both especially since Ryan feels so good. His Weight is up to 140 lbs. We are both a little bored. I am starting to think of applying for a job! Do you think someone needs a temporary nanny? Saturday, January 15, 2005 2:39 PM CST Things are going a little bit better. It is very hard to see in writting what is going to happen. Ryan will have a week of tests and then will start stem cell hopefully the next Monday. We were going to go with Peter's family for the weekend but the hospital took so long we were not able to go. I was so down about the process of stem cell and the disappointment of having to stay in the city for the weekend pushed me over the edge. Sorry I was so down the last time I updated. Ryan is up in the room playing Madden right now with Dennis who drove down for the afternoon. I gave them some space and came down to use the computer. I may have to take a walk. Sometimes it makes me crazy to stay in the room so much. Take care and keep up the prayers. I met a little girl named Kiley who is 2 and will have surgery on Monday. Her surgery will be 8-12 hours so pray that everything goes well. I just heard from Fran about Jack and Praise the Lord Jack's scans are clean!! My friend Canon finally got home and will return at the end of the month. Continue thanking God for Peter's progress they will be finished with treatment in 3 weeks. I can't wait until we can say that. Love to you all. Missy Saturday, January 15, 2005 2:10 PM CST Things are going a little bit better. It is very hard to see in writting what is going to happen. Ryan will have a week of tests and then will start stem cell hopefully the next Monday. We were going to go with Peter's family for the weekend but the hospital took so long we were not able to go. I was so down about the process of stem cell and the disappointment of having to stay in the city for the weekend pushed me over the edge. Sorry I was so down the last time I updated. Ryan is up in the room playing Madden right now with Dennis who drove down for the afternoon. I gave them some space and came down to use the computer. I may have to take a walk. Sometimes it makes me crazy to stay in the room so much. Take care and keep up the prayers. I met a little girl named Kiley who is 2 and will have surgery on Monday. Her surgery will be 8-12 hours so pray that everything goes well. I haven't heard from Fran about Jack yet but I will let you know about the results. My friend Canon finally got home and will return at the end of the month. Continue thanking God for Peter's progress they will be finished with treatment in 3 weeks. I can't wait until we can say that. Love to you all. Missy
Thursday, January 13, 2005 1:16 PM CST We just met with the transplant team. Ryan was examined and we were told the tentative schedule. Ryan had a EKG, blood tests and a chest xray. On Monday he will see the dentist and have a Pulmonary Function Test. Then the scans will be repeated MRI CT and PET. They want to make sure he is ready for transplant. His transplane is called Myeloablative chemotherapy with a stem cell rescue for rare poor prognosis cancers. This will require a minimum of a month in isolation in the hospital and he needs to remain in NYC for 3 months after for check-ups. Then we will take the next step. Wednesday, January 12, 2005 11:07 AM CST Hello, it is another day. We were able to go to a Knicks game last night. It was very exciting. The RMH gets tickets every now and then so it was great that we were able to go. Samuel Jackson was there so I am star struck. It was fun to see a movie star up close. Ryan had fun but he is not a basketball fan but he even got caught up in the excitement. It is very rainy here with a little bit of sleet but no big deal since we don't drive anywhere. We are going to meet with the transplant team tomorrow I will let you know when we know something. Monday, January 10, 2005 8:37 PM CST Well it was a nice weekend. We went to see the Vacarros on Saturday. We actually took the train and ventured out of the city. We had a very nice time. We were able to meet the whole family and actualy sit on a couch and pet the dog. See the things I miss! We had dinner together and caught the train back. Now we are waiting to meet with the transplant team. We were told it would be on Tuesday and our friend Dawn wanted us to come to their home which I was very excited about but as usual the schedule has changed and we can't meet until Thursday. So today I was pretty down but I will get over it. Ryan is getting out of the room a little. I made soup and bread tonight and we ate in. I want to get him out as much as possible before the isolation time starts. The rest of the family are doing well Rachael is counting down the days until baby, Rhonda and Lucas are having fun with snow, and Robin is back at school changing her major which I hope will help her focus. We sure do miss being together but God willing it won't be long. Friday, January 7, 2005 2:23 PM CST Well you can see how well your prayers work. Ryan's scans are clean!!! Dr. Wexler said he was very pleased with the results. Now we meet with the transplant doctors on Tuesday morning. I don't know what we will do with a whole weedend off but I am sure we will find something. Ryan is drawing again I guess no chemo brings out the creativity in him. Thank you all so much for the prayers and for helping my family in this time of need. I really hate to be on the other end of this I like to help others. We are so grateful to have you in our lives. Love, Missy Thursday, January 6, 2005 12:14 AM CST It is Thursday and Ryan had an early morning. He had to drink contrast at 7 so the scan could be done at 8. It is cold and misty here but the snow didn't stick around very long. We are hanging out a RonMac House today maybe we will venture out later. The doctors are going to call with the results after 4. PRAY this disease is gone and we can progress with the next step. Love to you all and thanks for everything. Missy
Wednesday, January 5, 2005 3:44 PM CST Good afternoon! I heard about all the snow! I am very glad we missed it although last year I remember going out to take pictures to send Ryan who was in Florida in shorts. I remember it being very quiet and beautiful, so go and enjoy but be safe and drive careful. Ryan is watching a movie and I am downstairs at RMH. The doctor visit this morning was uneventful. Ryan and I were told a few options. The proticol is being written as we go and a boy 2 months ahead of Ry isn't doing too well with the stem cell then radiation schedule. Ryan has scans early, he has to drink contrast at 6 am. The scans are at 8:30. If all the disease is gone ... I can't breathe again. Then we will have a meeting with the transplant team to discuss what comes next. PRAY that God leads us to the right choices. The social worker got on me about leaving the RMH for over a week so we will not try to come home even for a short break. I met some new parents and I saw Dawn and Peter who I will be bringing dinner up to the hospital for tonight. It helps me to help others and take my mind off my own troubles. Thanks again for all you have done. I don't know where we would be without you. Remember Ryan in your prayers tomorrow. Love, Missy Tuesday, January 4, 2005 10:01 AM CST Hello! It is Tuesday morning and we are at the Ron Mac house. ConAgra called and we had to leave a day early. It was a little hard to get things in order but you just have to go with the flow. We are so thankful for ConAgra buy their products! Ryan is doing great. We are going shopping later to look for IPod stuff. I have received several hugs from wonderful people welcoming us back. Well I have a room to clean we had quite a group here before Christmas and we didn't leave it exactly clean. Thank God for safe travel. Thanks Marie for the wonderful card. Thanks Rich, Ryan loved the gift. Thanks to my girls and Scott for always being there. Keep up the prayers. Love, Missy Saturday, January 1, 2005 11:36 AM CST Happy New Year! We wish you all the best in the new year. We are so grateful for our family and friends for standing by us this past year. We couldn't have gotten through this without you. We are so lucky to have you in our lives. Tuesday, December 28, 2004 1:12 PM CST You know how I hate to cover up what Ryan wrote but I thought I better update. Ryan is still uncomfortable. He has pain in the morning but the afternoon and evening he is better. Our stay at home has been good. It takes a while to get your mind working here and thinking about other things. We appreciate everyone who worked on the fundraiser so much. We have been able to cover most of the bills and next months living expences. THANK YOU!!! Every day is a gift from God. Christmas was so special this year. All of the kids were here except Rachael and Scott who spent the weekend at Scott's moms. I caught myself several times just watching my kids and thanking God for another year. When you go through this process it changes you. We are so much closer to God and we hope we have brought others closer also. Well I am working today so I better go. We had a car stolen out of our driveway the day before Christmas Eve. One of my Daycare moms left it running and a man came up and stole it right in front of us. I of course ran after him with a baby on my hip. I find I am more agressive in my fourties. My close friends better not comment on that. After we all calmed down we realized it was just a car a replaceable thing. Thanks again for all the prayers. Love you all, Missy Thursday, December 23, 2004 4:01 PM CST MERRY CHRISTMAS! Monday, December 20, 2004 9:53 AM CST It is Monday the the clock it ticking away towards Christmas. First we would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas. Just being together is the most important. Enjoy your families. Friday, December 17, 2004 9:39 AM CST Hello! Ryan is getting better each day. He is a little sick to his stomach so eating will be a challenge again but we will run all over NYC to get him fed. They are going to release him today from the hospital then he has a clinic visit on Tuesday. They have given us the OK to come home for the holidays!!! As long as his lungs check out OK to fly which they don't expect any problems. I don't know how to pull together Christmas in less than a week but after the challenges we have been through it won't be so bad. Pray for all the families that have lost their battle this last year. My heart goes out to them. Thank you God for giving us a chance. Love, Missy Wednesday, December 15, 2004 8:56 PM CST Well the surprise arrived it was Ryan's cousin Justin. Ry was very surprised! Robin arrived tonight so now we have a large group again. It is very nice for Ryan to have others to talk to besides his mom. Things are going well. Ryan is on a regular diet and drinking lots of water which he hasn't done since chemo started. I talked to the fellow on call tonight and he said maybe Sunday for release. I still don't know about Christmas. I bet the corporate flights won't be flying around the holidays so we will see if we are able to get home. Thanks again for all the prayers, keep it up. We Love You. Missy Tuesday, December 14, 2004 9:18 PM CST Things are getting better! Ryan is on a full liquid diet which means I will be running across the street to get malts because the malts here are bad. He was taken off his pain meds so we will see how that goes. They will also take half of the staples out today. While we were in the pou a friend of Ryan's stopped by Nick Ross. He was just in town to visit his brother and took the time to come over. It was so nice to have a new face around. It really helped make the day go faster. Thanks, Nick! Robin will be here tomorrow and we have a little surprise for Ryan so I will let you know how that goes. Thanks again everyone for praying. Keep it up I went to give blood yesterday which was very funny but by the time I was finished I had 3 more people praying for Ryan, Here comes a miracle I can feel it. Tuesday, December 14, 2004 1:39 PM CST Things are getting better! Ryan is on a full liquid diet which means I will be running across the street to get malts because the malts here are bad. He was taken off his pain meds so we will see how that goes. They will also take half of the staples out today. While we were in the pou a friend of Ryan's stopped by Nick Ross. He was just in town to visit his brother and took the time to come over. It was so nice to have a new face around. It really helped make the day go faster. Thanks, Nick! Robin will be here tomorrow and we have a little surprise for Ryan so I will let you know how that goes. Thanks again everyone for praying. Keep it up I went to give blood yesterday which was very funny but by the time I was finished I had 3 more people praying for Ryan, Here comes a miracle I can feel it.
Monday, December 13, 2004 12:46 AM CST Hello! Ryan is doing a little better today. He had his ng tube pulled this morning and is allowed clear liquids today. You never know how important water is until you can't have it. He is a little crabby but I guess that is to be expected. His sister Robin will be here on Wednesday so maybe that will perk him up. Dan leaves today so Ryan better start being nice to his mom. Thanks to all who helped at the fund raiser yesterday!!! We love you guys for doing all that work. I can't tell you how much it means to us. Please keep praying! We are getting there but it is a very slow process. I know people lose interest with time but Ryan loves to hear from you so leave him a note. Thanks again, Missy
Sunday, December 12, 2004 11:27 AM CST Well recovery is slow. Ryan is frustrated he can't bounce back quickly. The chest tube was removed yesterday and his friend foley was removed today the ng tube can't be removed yet. Pray the healling begins. Praise God the operation went well. Love, Missy Thursday, December 9, 2004 2:12 PM CST I don't even want to update to cover up yesterdays news! I can't say it enough PRAISE GOD! I couldn't stop crying! I know how to handle bad news but good news was a shock after 7 months of bad. Ryan still has a long way to go and will always need your prayers but I am confident that he will receive his miracle. Ryan is doing very well his surgery was from 9:30-7, they made the first cut at 10:45. The doctor couldn't stop smiling. When we thanked him he just pointed up and said thank God. I assured him we would be doing that for a long time. Ry stayed the night in the PACU was awake and talking 2 hours after surgery. They moved him to the POU at 10 am and he wants to get up and walk. He is amazing and the news just blew him away. Yes we just got the best Christmas present ever. Wednesday, December 8, 2004 7:18 PM CST PRAISE GOD! Ryan was in surgery for 8 hours. The greatest doctor on earth came out and told us all the cancer that he could see is GONE! The tumor came off the liver just as we prayed it would he also had tumors in the pelvic area that were cleared out. They had to take his apendix and galblader but who needs those anyway. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS WE KNOW THAT IS WHAT PULLED HIM THROUGH. Praise God. God is good! Wednesday, December 8, 2004 12:53 AM CST We were just updated on Ryan's condition. the first cut was made at 10:50. The doctor is very precise and not a talker so the nurse asks how is it going and he says we're working. She said he was begining on the lower pelvis first but the cut will be in the same place as the last one. Keep PRAYING! Let this cancer just fall into his hands. Thanks, Missy Wednesday, December 8, 2004 9:31 AM CST Ryan was taken in for surgery at 9:30. He was talking to the nurses and was very positive. We had a talk last night and he told me as he said the Our Father in church last Sunday he felt a warmness over come him and he started to cry. He then told the Lord he was giving himself to the Lord. I also feel a calmness this time. I know our doctor will be guided by God. Pray with us as Ryan under goes surgery. God Bless, Missy Tuesday, December 7, 2004 3:36 PM CST Hi everybody! We were at the hospital for 5 hours this morning meeting with Dr. LaQuaglia and Dr. Wexler. We need to be at the hospital tomorrow at 6:30 and surgery will be at 9:30. We were given different protocols depending on wheather all the cancer is removed this time. Ryan also signed papers that would allow the doctors to test parts of the tumor in order to help others. We just hope with God's help there will be a cure soon. Ryan is staying very positive and will not admit to being scared. I know we are to put everything in God's hands but it is so difficult. I do feel a little more confident this time I really don't know why. It was hard being back again although it was so good to get a hug from Fran and to see Jack and his daddy. I also was able to see Cannon who has hair now! This situation is so terrible but the people you meet along the way are so special. If you are wondering who the match was with Ryan's sisters we found our today it was Robin who was elated to be able to help her brother in any way she can. Now I must ask again that everyone PRAY tomorrow.Pray that Dr. LaQuaglia with God guiding his hand will be able to remove all the cancer and leave Ryan's organs in tact. Tell someone Ryan's story and have them pray also I know in my heart this is what has brought us this far and will get us through. The Lord will hear us loud and clear as we are one in PRAYER! Thanks, Love, Missy
Monday, December 6, 2004 9:56 PM CST Hi everyone. We are back in NYC. We spent the night in Atlantic City and arrived here at 7:30 this morning. The trip was nice ConAgra is the best. Tonight our New York family the Vaccaro's took us out to eat at a steak house called Sparks. It was so nice to be able to enjoy watching Ryan with his buddy from school. Ryan needs to be at the hospital by 8:30 so we will be going to sleep soon. I will let you know tomorrow what time surgery will be. Every time I think of surgery it scares me I just can't stand the waiting and when the doctor walks out with the results it is so nerve racking. Ryan is nervous and dosen't talk about it much, instead he talks about after and moving forward. That's my positive kid for you. Thanks for all your words of support. Love, Missy Saturday, December 4, 2004 7:36 PM CST Hello! We are headed back to New York on Sunday. I have mixed feelings. I wish we could just stay home and be around our friends and family. Ryan just wishes we didn't have to go at all and that this was all over. Pray for him and all of us this week. As a family this is so hard not being able to all be together when we need each other. I hope my children pray and feel God's presence the way I do. He will be in the operating room with Ryan on Wednesday to guide the Doctors hands. I pray this cancer gives up and is removed from my son's body. Pray a cure for this terrible disease is found soon. Thursday, December 2, 2004 12:06 AM CST Well the good news continues! Ryan has gained 5 pounds and his platelets are over 200. Hopefully that will help with the bleeding during the next surgery. Keep up the prayers they are working! Thanks, Missy Tuesday, November 30, 2004 12:44 AM CST Hello everyone. We are still in Omaha. It feels good to be home. When we take short trips home it is hard to adjust but now that we have had a few weeks it feels great. Routine without hospital visits is very good. You almost get caught up with the normal stuff and forget about cancer then you feel guilty for having a normal moment. The mental part of this disease and treatment is very hard. The schedule for us is to return to NYC on Sunday and hospital visits starting Monday. Wednesday the 8th is surgery. Please pray for a good turnout this time. We want all the tumor removed by the skilled hands of Dr. LaQuaglia. We know with your help we will get the miracle Ryan deserves. Thanks to all of you. Missy Saturday, November 27, 2004 6:30 PM CST We hope you are all having a wonderful weekend! Our Thanksgiving was very good. Rachael and Scott did a great job cooking Turkey. After we all came here to eat pie. Ryan did his best eating but just couldn't put away the food like he used to. We have all decided to do random acts of kindness this holiday season and share our stories with each other. The girls and I had a competition on Friday while we were shopping. You wouldn't believe the looks we get when we help others. This experience has changed us all in good ways, we have never been closer to the Lord and closer to each other. Thank you for being a part of us. Thursday, November 25, 2004 12:54 AM CST Happy Thanksgiving! We are very thankful to have all of us together this year. Ryan is in charge of the relish tray who knows how that will come out. We give thanks for all of you our family and friends, may God Bless all of you. Have a great Thanksgiving. Love, Missy Monday, November 22, 2004 9:15 PM CST It is Monday night and very quiet even though the Chiefs are on. Ryan decided to with Robin to stay in her dorm for the night. She is comming back on Tuesday afternoon and was very grateful to have someone to drive with. I wonder how her brother will rate her driving when they get back. It is wonderful to see how close the kids are even when you are not around. I am truly blessed. I hope you all remember Ryan in your prayers. Thanks, Missy Sunday, November 21, 2004 5:21 PM CST Hello, it is a quiet Sunday night. Ryan had a good weekend. He rested and visited with family. We went to church and after I went to help Rhonda paint Lucas's room. A mother's work is never done. I am so grateful for everyone who is helping with the fundraiser. It truly shows us how much you care about our son. It is going to be a wonderful Thanksgiving with our whole family together. The only wish we all have is for Ryan and all the children we have met to be cancer free. Keep up the prayers we need them to take each step. God Bless, Missy Thursday, November 18, 2004 6:28 PM CST Hello, Ryan went in for a blood test and his plateletts doubled! That is the good news the bad news is I came down with the flu. I stayed in bed all day and I have to miss Lucas's first reconciliation. Ryan and Dan went in my place. Ryan is being relocated tonight to his sister and brother in law's house so he dosen't catch the flu. We both got the shot but that didn't help me. Pray Ryan dosen't catch the flu and that everyone stays healthy. Thanks for everything. Missy Tuesday, November 16, 2004 8:48 AM CST It is Tuesday! I had to take Ryan in for a CBC yesterday at Dr. Langdon's office. Boy was that strange. First of all that was where we were told Ryan's diagnosis. Just passing the room made me catch my breath. His plattlets are still low so we have to go back on Wednesday. It is so weird getting treatment in Omaha. We are so used to how they do things in New York. Ryan went out with his cousin last night. We never knew how great our family was until something like this happens. Thanks to all who have made our situation a little easier. Love, Missy
Sunday, November 14, 2004 8:27 PM CST Home is so good! Ryan is getting stronger every day. I hope he can get together with lots of friends and family while we are home. I will take him in for blood tests tomorrow and Wednesday. This will be different getting medical treatment at home. Wish us luck and thanks to everyone who are working so hard on the fundraiser. Keep us in your prayers! Love, Missy Friday, November 12, 2004 1:12 PM CST Hello, it is Friday and we are home. What an awesome feeling. We were so fortunate to have ConAgra fly us back last night. I can't say enough about this wonderful company and for Barb who arranges everything. Ryan is a little week and we need to go to the Dr. in Omaha for check-ups but it is so worth being home. The next surgery is Dec. 1 we will return for pre-opp. Then we will leave it in the hands of the Lord and the gifted surgeon. Thanks for all you have done for us. I can't believe the wonderful people we have met along the way. I was such a wreak this last week Joanne that works at RMDH said she would take me for coffee to relieve stress. People are really so special all you have to do is ask. Thanks to all. Missy Tuesday, November 9, 2004 3:34 PM CST OK the results are in and they are positive for a change. The meeting we just had confirmed that Dr. LaQuiglia will go back in to hopefully with the help of God get the rest of the cancer out. Then we can proceed as planned with a stem cell transplant and radiation in the future. We ask you to continue to pray for Ryan as he seems very unsure of his strength for surgery. I feel sure that God will continue to bless us as we continue on our journey. Monday, November 8, 2004 1:00 PM CST Hello, It has been a long weekend. Ryan is still inpatient. He needed blood and plateletts today and then we are going to be released. His aunt and uncle are here and that really helps to have someone else to talk to. We have only gotten one test back the others will come back on Tuesday. Sorry but we still need prayers. This has been such a long process and we appreciate your sticking by us for the long haul. Love, Missy Friday, November 5, 2004 10:30 AM CST So I was watching the ESPN Classics channel and low and behold I am watching the UNC (unranked university of North Carolina) Miami (#3 at the time, University of Miami) game So not only did it already make the classic game category I saw a team favored by 3 touchdowns (21 pts.) lose by a field goal (3 pts.) and now Miami is ranked #10 (so chris rethinking the playoff system yet?) OK enough of rippin on chris. I'm doing fine and the scans are movin along and I am keeping a positive attitude towards it all. My Uncle Mike is here and seeing the daily boring routine I do (sorry Mike). So this weekend root for the Chiefs who play the tampa bay bucs (dennis and rich are excluded as they are buc fans). So I thank you all for everything that each of you are doing (let it be the upcoming charity activities, praying or just writing the caringbridge page. It all means so much to me and my family). But I have to go so take care and stay safe and you all are in my prayers. I'll write back soon. Wednesday, November 3, 2004 9:16 AM CST Good Morning! Yesterday after the day hospital Ryan had an OK night until 10 when he developed a fever. We called the Doc and were told to come in. He finally got a bed at 3 am. Tuesday, November 2, 2004 4:11 PM CST Surprise Ryan only needed fluids tomorrow he gets blood. He started out very weak we even had to use the chair today but after the fluids he was better. My friends Jack and Fran were getting anitbodies today it is very painful pray that Jack is strong through his treatment. I brought him a tractor from Nebraska and he loved it. They need special things at a time like this. Yes, Ryan gets alot too. Well we are in for the night. Don't forget to pray! Monday, November 1, 2004 8:21 PM CST Well it is Monday night and we had another quiet day. Ryan is very tired and sick. He is trying to eat a little just to keep me quiet. Tomorrow we go to the day hospital for a check up who wants to bet he needs blood? Thanks for all the new entries Ryan enjoyed reading them. Happy Birthday to Rhonda! I won't tell you how old she is because then you will know that i am really old. One more day closer to scans come on chemo do your thing. There is a wonderful lady down the hall from Africa who keeps telling me to have faith that God will pull us through. It is difficult for such a control freak like myself to just let go but I am trying. Pray extra hard this week. Thanks, Missy Monday, November 1, 2004 8:58 AM CST Hello! we had a quiet weekend Ryan is very weak from this last chemo. He is eating a little but dosen't move. We tried the Chiefs game but we ordered at the pub and he didn't feel well so we had them pack up the food and we came back to the room. My brother Mike is comming out on Thursday I think we both really need the distraction. Bev will come out on Saturday so maybe we can get Ry motivated into a walk. Keep Praying for those scans. I can't tell you how much your prayers and little messages mean to us. Friday, October 29, 2004 1:10 PM CDT Friday Funtime, Thursday, October 28, 2004 8:35 AM CDT Hello! Wednesday was long and uneventful. Ryan has been tolerating this chemo very well. He is eating and wanted a ice cream cake last night. I ran down to Baskin Robbins and got the wrong one but he ate quite a bit of it. Our friends from Kansas came up and Ryan shared his cake and his candy with Cannon and Missy. It is nice to have someone to talk to other that each other. The weather has been gloomy until today of course we get here early and leave late so that really dosen't matter anyway. I think we may go get pizza tonight at UNO (Ryan's favorite) Thanks for all your prayers. We really need them. The doctor's are really woried about the tumor on the liver so pray this chemo kills it and the liver is unaffected. I keep trying to leave my worries to the Lord but that is harder that it seems. Thanks for everything. Love, Missy Tuesday, October 26, 2004 9:22 AM CDT Hello, It is Tuesday. Ryan had a broviak put in yesterday. We had to be here at 6:30 and the surgery was at 1. He was in post opp for a few hours then in his room at 4. He had his first of a 5 day chemo. We didn't get out of here untill 6:30. We picked up some dinner and headed home. Today is day 2,and we hope this does its job. Ry is very tired and crabby. I don't know if he is just tired or if it is because his class is graduating this Friday. It is hard for him to have to miss out and be stuck with his parents for the past 6 months. He really can't wait to get back to school and finish. It is a good thing he has Thursday, October 21, 2004 9:28 PM CDT Well it is Thursday and we will be on our way back to New York tomorrow morning. Pray for safe travel and for this next round to take care of the last of the tumors. The scans we do next will let us know if God gets to work through Dr. LaQuagila one more time. I really hope that we are able to stay on the same road we are on now. It is so hard to go to other places with strangers again and have to trust Doctors you don't know. Ryan is having a hard time leaving home this time. I think it has just been so long that we are both tired. I will try to get him out a little this weekend and see if that will improve his mood. Thanks everyone for all your prayers. Keep them comming. Love, Missy Tuesday, October 19, 2004 8:19 PM CDT Hello Everyone, Sunday, October 17, 2004 12:48 AM CDT Good Morning, We were able to come home for a few days because the surgery schedule was so full at the hospital. Ryan is very weak. He isn't able to run around Omaha like he did before. We have been running for him trying to entice him with his favorite foods. His stomach can't handle much but he tries. Pray he regains his strength and his stomach calms down. Thanks to everyone for the prayers and good thoughts. Love, Missy Friday, October 15, 2004 1:45 PM CDT It is Friday. Ryan is doing a little better. He is sooooo skinny. I would love to share some fat with him and he says he would love that too because he would be a millionaire. This last round was really hard on him. The next round will be next week and will be a 5 day then he has scans the 2nd of November. Please pray that the scans say it is OK for surgery to get the rest of the cancer. Or we may have to go to Maryland for a bone marrow transplant. His sisters are in getting tested right now to see who is the lucky one to match Ryan. This has been such a long battle and continues on. Ryan really needs a to get a break. Please God let the scans and hopefully, surgery go well. Tuesday, October 12, 2004 8:21 AM CDT Happy Tuesday today, Monday, October 11, 2004 9:12 PM CDT We went to the day hospital after a very long weekend in the room. Ryan has had no energy and won't eat. This round really wiped him out. His weight is at a all time low. The hospital had us wait for 2 hours to get a bed and their was no beds. Then they came to tell us there were no plateletts. So we go back tomorrow to see if there are any available. Ry slept most of the day I did get him to go out to dinner but it is very windy here and he has no body fat so he was cold and we went to a place close instead of a favorite of his. He ate a few bites and we walked back. Please pray that Ryan gains enough strength to eat and drink. Pray that God gives us strength to get to the next step. Friday, October 8, 2004 7:25 PM CDT Well it is Friday. Ryan was discharged at 2:00 a.m. on Thursday because they needed the bed. Long story. I am not a happy person. The good news of the week is that the stem cell transplant has been approved. After many weeks of worry and fighting the insurance company I am glad we get to focus on Ryan getting well again. We don't need to go to the day clinic until Monday. I know Ryan will need blood and platletts he just sleeps and is zapped. Pray for strength. We all need it. Wednesday, October 6, 2004 7:02 PM CDT Doing good today, talked with the doctors and they think I might be able to come home tomorrow (so that means I missed the friday night snack cart twice). Not much has changed, another roommate change today, that makes three now. Mom is doing a great job putting up with me and taking care of me (don't worry dad you did a great job too). I hope everyone had a great day and thanks again for todays entries they made me smile. Tuesday, October 5, 2004 9:19 AM CDT It's Tuesday and I hope everyone made it through Monday, If anyone missed it last night the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Ravens 27-24 (great game). Ok so the current condition is fighting a fever but other than that my spirits are up a little and hope to leave the hospital later in the week, I just need a tv for Smallville on wednesday and Joey on thursday. So now you know my schedule for the week (maybe throw the CSI's in there and you have it.) I might make this a every other day entries so I have more to talk about, but we'll see. I have to go try and eat now so I'll write to you all soon. God Bless everyone for what you do I appreciate all the entries and ask if you want to tell me what's going on with you right now put it in your entry. All the best to you all. Monday, October 4, 2004 3:30 PM CDT Good monday to all of you, Sunday, October 3, 2004 8:01 AM CDT Happy Sunday to you all, Still in the hospital but looking to get out later today but who knows how long they will keep me, being so cute and all, it might be a while :) I am going to try and write in the journal more often, I've heard you like to hear from me so I thought if you're going to read about me it might as well be me to write it. I have been getting a little appetite so I must be feeling better, and speaking of which my breakfast is here so everyone enjoy today anyway you can and I'll write back later. Saturday, October 2, 2004 11:41 AM CDT Hello everyone, Friday, October 1, 2004 8:31 AM CDT Sorry to make this short but I just wanted to say hi when I got the chance. Not doing the best but not the worst either, chemo still does a number on me. kind of sad to see my dad go back home but I get an even trade with my mom, so I'm glad she's coming back. Thanks to all for writing and I enjoy the entries. all the best to you all. Wednesday, September 29, 2004 1:21 PM CDT Well it looks like Ryan may be admitted later today. He has a slight fever and is getting fluids and maybe blood today. If his fever continues he will have to go in. Please pray for strength. He will have to be so strong the next few months it will be very hard on him. Tuesday, September 28, 2004 6:58 AM CDT Well Monday was a lazy day it sounds like. I talked to the guys and they were just hanging out. They did return movies and get a shake which Ryan was working on. I think they are enjoying their time together. Ryan goes in today for a blood count a g shots which our insurance still won't pay for us to give him. Frustrating is having to go through this and fight them at the same time. Thanks for all the prayers. Love, Missy Sunday, September 26, 2004 8:12 PM CDT Ryan is doing O.K. He is weak and Dan has to encourage him to eat. They did go and watch the Cheif's game. Somebody should call them and tell them to win one for Ry. Then they took a long wald and returned to the house. My time at home is comming to an end and it was nice to spend time with my girls and the daycare children. It is always hard to leave one and go to the other. The emotions are always very extreme. I am anxious to be back with Ryan also it helps when you are helping with the battle. I was reading a friends web site his name is Peter and he is from PA. His mother wrote a wonderful note and I hope she dosen't mind if I use it. Friday, September 24, 2004 3:25 PM CDT HI TO EVERYONE. Thursday, September 23, 2004 7:01 AM CDT I told you I hate to update when Ryan writes. They got back just fine and started chemo yesterday. Ryan is down in weight so they may want to start TPN again. Maybe he will surprise me and start to eat. The trip home did him so much good. You can't fight this disease with a broken spirit. Thanks to everyone for writting. The longer the treatment takes the more he looks forward to hearing from everyone. Keep praying to keep us all strong. Monday, September 20, 2004 4:28 PM CDT Hey everyone, Monday, September 20, 2004 6:58 AM CDT Ryan had a great birthday! Thanks to all who came it was wonderful of you. He was able to see so many people who care about him. I think that is the best medicine ever. Dan and Ryan will be taking off early tomorrow morning so pray they have a safe flight. Thanks again for caring. Sunday, September 19, 2004 9:13 AM CDT HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN!!! 25 YEARS AND GOING STRONG. MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH AT LEAST 50 MORE. WE LOVE YOU! Wednesday, September 15, 2004 6:47 AM CDT Great day! Ryan is on his way home with Dan. Corporate couldn't help this time but we wanted him home so I booked the flights! The staples were removed yesterday and they gave him the O.K. to fly. I AM SO EXCITED!! Pray for safe travel and thank you for all your prayers we couldn't do this without them. Monday, September 13, 2004 7:03 AM CDT Hello, Ryan is a little better however he gets tired very easy. Church wore him out yesterday but in the afternoon they went for a long walk. He dosen't want to eat again so I don't know if they will put him back on TPN or not. Ryan's spirits are not great right now so be sure and leave him some positive words. I know how hard everyone is praying and we are very thankful. It is a miracle that Ryan has made it this far and the surgeon was able to get 80% of the tumor. Thank God, we know he is listening. Saturday, September 11, 2004 12:42 AM CDT Well things are going O.K. Ryan should be released from the hospital today and will return to the ron mac house. They have to go in Monday for a check and Tuesday for the staple removal. His lungs haven't come back 100% yet. He is a little down. I think it is so hard being so far from home and dealing with the same old thing day after day. I wish he was able to do something to take his mind off cancer and focus on a class or work on a project. One day at a time I keep preaching. Friday, September 10, 2004 8:37 AM CDT Good Morning, Ryan is doing better they may take out the staples today! He is eating a little. Dan and he are walking the halls a lot. He and Dan have met a wonderful guy named Kevin. Kevin is 30 and has cancer also. It is a different world in NY. Everyone bonds very quickly because we are all in the same difficult situation. Pray for a cure soon. Keep up the prayers and good thoughts we feel them each day. Wednesday, September 8, 2004 2:23 PM CDT HELLO EVERYONE Wednesday, September 8, 2004 8:49 AM CDT Sorry we haven't updated in a while. When Ryan writes I just hate replacing it. Things are going well. A little slower than we expected but isn't everything? The chest tube was removed last night and that was the last of the tubes. Ry can eat now but he dosn't want to because he is a little sick to his stomach. Pray his recovery is quick and that the tumors die and riduce in size with this next chemo. Sunday, September 5, 2004 11:10 AM CDT Just wanted to check in and tell everyone hi and that I got two more tubes out of me today and the last one hopefully will be taken out tomorrow. I'm getting better and my fever is going down so now I need to wait for a little bit and I will be able to drink fluids and later tomorrow eat food, so everything is on the up and soon I will be my old self again (with a new scar of course) Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts I apprieciate them all, I will try to personally update soon. All the best and God bless. Saturday, September 4, 2004 10:33 AM CDT HI TO EVERYONE Friday, September 3, 2004 8:49 AM CDT Good morning. Ryan had a restless night. He has a fever and the tubes are beginning to bother him. The bandage came off this morning and it is going to be a great scar. We need to come up with a great story on how he got it. He would like it to be a great fight sequence in which he wins. We know it is a great fight and he will win with God's help. Today they will get him up and walking. We will make sure he has plenty of pain meds before he tries. The line to his pain meds broke this morning but that is now fixed. Pray that the pain be controlled the fever goes away and his spirit to fight never ends. Thursday, September 2, 2004 6:42 PM CDT Sorry it took so long to update we slept on the floor last night and took turns resting today. Ryan is in the POU. He will be watched closely for the next few days. The surgeon said we may be able to get him home for his Wednesday, September 1, 2004 9:24 PM CDT well it is 10:30 and we just got in to see Ryan. His face is pretty puffy and he is very scared and uncomfortable. They had to take part of his diaphram and his spleen along with 12 lbs. of tumor. The bad news is they didn't get it all. After he recovers and does more chemo he will have a second surgery. They are concerned about a tumor near his vein that goes into his liver along with several small tumors in his pelvic region. Pray his recovery is painless and quick. We need this next chemo to kill the rest of the cancer quickly. Thanks for the prayers. The Lord brought us through surgery and he will get us the rest of the way. Wednesday, September 1, 2004 5:18 PM CDT It is 6:15 the nurse came in to tell us that the doctor started at 3:05. When she checked on him at 5:30 she asked how it was going and the Dr. said he was still working. He is very matter of fact like. I will let you know when we know. Keep Praying, Missy Wednesday, September 1, 2004 2:17 PM CDT They finally came to get Ryan for surgery at 2:00. I guess it has been a busy morning. We were all a little nervous. The surgery staff was very nice and talked to us quite a bit. Dr. Laquigulia also talked with us. We talked about God being in control and having positive thoughts. Pray that they are able to remove all the tumor. We are counting on a miracle. I will update as the day goes on. Tuesday, August 31, 2004 6:47 PM CDT Hello everyone, I hope I find all of you in good health. I was just wanting to let everyone checking in that my surgery is tomorrow (wed.) around noon. I thank all of you for your good thoughts and prayers, now and during the surgery. You all mean alot to me and I can't wait to see all of you when this is all over. So all the best to all of you, and Justin (my cousin) better practice with the NCAA Football because when I get home the hurt and pain will rain down on you! Monday, August 30, 2004 9:50 AM CDT Hello all, We just returned from the doctor and the news was good. Ryan's infection is all cleared up and his platlets are up to 70. They like them to be at 100 for surgery so we will have him walk and eat some. On Tuesday we will go in at 9 and he will be admitted for pre-opp work. We also meet with the surgeon again. Ryan is real nervous as we all are. He just wants it to go away so we can get on with our lives. I met Fran with Jack who had his kidney removed and little Peter who had surgery last week, and Cannon is in patient after surgery and doing well. It was nice to see them all doing well. I hope Ryan recovers as well as all of them. PRAY that this tumor is easily removable and the cancer is totally removed. Thanks for everything. Love, Missy Saturday, August 28, 2004 11:19 AM CDT Good Morning! I am on my way out the door to join Ryan and Dan in NYC. This may be quite the plane ride considering the Republicans are taking over!I talked to the boys last night and they found a nice place to eat that had great food. I am looking forward to enjoying some time with Ryan before surgery. He will check in on Tuesday and meet with the surgeon again. Wednesday the surgery will start early. PRAY God is right there next to Ryan and gives us the miracle we are asking for. Ryan has always been such a caring and loving person. Pray for all of us that we get through this stressful time. Love, Missy Wednesday, August 25, 2004 6:54 AM CDT O.K. so the boys don't update very often. It is hard to get internet in the Ronald house so I will update from home. Ry is doing great. He was released and they went out to lunch and enjoyed the game Monday night and the Chiefs won! I am planning on going out on Saturday and surgery is on Wednesday. The surgery is 9-13 hours so PRAY! Ryan is strong and has a wonderful outlook. The Doctors are the best in the world. The Lord works through them. They pause before entering the O.R. to say a prayer so we know he is in good hands. Thank all of you for everything we couldn't have made it this far without you. Sunday, August 22, 2004 4:17 PM CDT HI IT 'S SUNDAY Friday, August 20, 2004 2:53 PM CDT HI TO EVERYBODY Wednesday, August 18, 2004 9:36 AM CDT It's wacky wednesday and I thought I would update my page, not much has changed New York is still the same and the hospital hasn't differed much. Went to go see the new AVP movie (that's alien vs. predator for those not hip to the lingo...) great movie, and suggest seeing it if you like either of the other movies staring the above characters. It's good to hear from everyone and the things that are happening with each of you, I wish I could go on and on about things I'm doing but there's only so much people can take of ....went to the hospital again today...cute nurses and number runners... food tastes like metal while on chemo... you get the picture. But I would like to say I'm sorry for the lack of updating the page, unfortunatly with my computers internet connection is still a problem, so I'm sorry. So thank you all for the thoughts and prayers and continue checking in for the futher adventures of Ryan the chemo man... Sunday, August 15, 2004 10:10 AM CDT Hello, Dan and Ryan went to the Chiefs game and had a good time. The Chiefs didn't win but this was just pre-season so that I guess means it is just practice. Ryan finished his chemo this week and is real tired. Dan informs me that Ryan just feels BLAHHHH! He will have a CT scan on Thursday so keep up those prayers. Hopefully he will be able to come home for a while before surgery. I miss him very much. It is so great when all my children are in the same state. Well take care and keep up those prayers, the Lord will hear and give us a miracle. Thursday, August 12, 2004 10:42 AM CDT HELLO EVERYONE Tuesday, August 10, 2004 8:57 AM CDT HELLO TO EVERYONE Saturday, August 7, 2004 7:53 PM CDT Hello to all... Friday, August 6, 2004 1:40 PM CDT Hello all. Ryan is keeping his spirits up but needs to keep his mind occupied. When I try to suggest something he just tells me no can you imagine? He is drawing a little. He needs to finish a picture for Allie who has taken such good care of him at Slone. She leaves for school soon we will miss her. A few of our friends have left Ronald. Good Luck Alana, Justin, Peter,Jack, Cannon and Rachael. Please include them in your prayers with Ryan. We love you all. Missy Thursday, August 5, 2004 7:07 AM CDT Hello! Ryan is having a great week. He enjoys this no chemo thing. It is nice to hear how well he feels. It would be nice if we could just have this tumor disappear. Reality will happen again next week. I just hope surgery will be soon. Tuesday, August 3, 2004 1:16 PM CDT Hello everyone! Ryan is doing very well his sister Rachael and her husband Scott are visiting and they are running him all over. They went to the hospital on Monday and were told that his blood was good and he didn't have to come back until Monday to start Chemo again. Hopefully this will be the last one until surgery. We want to thank everyone for being so supportive. We as a family are becoming stronger but not without our friends and community. Thanks so much for being there for us in prayer and at all the fund raisers. We have had frequent flyer miles donated to help us with flights from total strangers. We are so lucky to have you all as part of our lives. I know with all of your help Ryan will be a survivor! Friday, July 30, 2004 11:46 AM CDT It's Missy again. Ryan was up all night with bone pain in his back. He received a shot called nutralastic. It takes the place of the G he was getting daily. It helps boost up the blood count. He had a headache the first day and with the bone pain we hopefully will not do that again. We went to the day hospital and saw Jamie who told us what to take for the pain. We are so lucky to have such wonderful people to take care of Ryan. Christine and Ali both work at the hospital and Ryan has become great friends with them. He would be making his move if he wasn't the bald skinny guy.. OK he still flirts ALL the time. It wouldn't be Ryan if he didn't. Dan comes tomorrow and I leave on Sunday night. It will be so hard to leave again but I know Dan will take good care of him. Rachael and Scott will be comming in on Sunday and will leave on Tuesday it will be good for Ryan to see them. They have given us a few details about surgery and it will be a long process. We know God will be guiding Dr. Laquiglia. But I am getting ahead of myself again the next step is another round of chemo in a week. Keep him in your prayers. Love Missy Thursday, July 29, 2004 10:22 AM CDT It's Ryan (knock everyone over with a feather) It's Thursday and I am getting blood (thanks to all who donate). I'm feeling good and the weather has been a little wet. Mom and I went to go see MOVIN' OUT the broadway musical by Billy Joel, it was good (no laughing about me going to a musical I'm the artsy guy remember?). But I did learn a few things like I'm adding dancer to my list of my perfect wife(they're hot) and every problem can be solved by dance and song. It's good to hear from all of you and I hope everybody keeps it up (they're fun to read) so take care and God bless. All the best. Tuesday, July 27, 2004 8:19 PM CDT Hello, it is Tuesday. We started out at the day hospital for a check up. Ryan was 1. which means he is on his way to 0 blood count. We don't have to go back until Thursday unless a fever decides to invade him. He will get blood on Thursday. Thanks to all who give blood. When you see how much thease kids use on a weekly basis it is amazing. It is raining again which always makes me depressed. It must be time for me to pray that always makes me feel better. Thanks everyone. Missy Monday, July 26, 2004 11:45 AM CDT Well we had a good weekend and we hope you did to. Saturday we watched tv and ry played playstation. Sunday we walked to church and to starbucks afterward. It is amazing how little it takes to please us. Speaking of pleasing us I forgot to tell everyone about the Yankees game. We had the night of a lifetime. They took us under the stadium in which we peeked into the locker room. Then Ryan sat in the dugout with the players during batting practice. He got quite a few autographs including Reggie Jackson who was visiting. We toured stadium then took our seats right behing home plate where they fed us dinner then came our with a jacket and hat for Ryan, shirts and hats for Robin and I. Dennis Ryans good friend from school met us there and it was great to see Ryan be himself just having a good time. THANKS YANKEES. Even for those of you that are not fans you have to appreciate an organization that does thease things for people with cancer. Saturday, July 24, 2004 2:51 PM CDT Hello everyone! It is rainy in New York again. It rained so hard last night it reminded us of Nebraska for a minute. Ryan is having a good day. He is just tired but he did play playstation for a while. He has been complaining about how I heat up his food and it is cold by the time I get it to the room. It isn't easy waiting for an elevator and going up 7 floors. Boy I miss my kitchen and my house. Other than that things are going OK. Keep those prayers comming. We need this tumor to shrink fast!!! Friday, July 23, 2004 1:58 PM CDT Rain is depressing. Ryan made it to day 5. He is very tired. We had Christmas in July at the house last night and it was fun. We had a nice meal and Ryan got a portable CD player and a Karoke machine! We will need lots of suitcases when we come home. We don't have any plans for the weekend so I guess we will watch movies. Dan went to get Ryan's stuff from Florida. Pray he has a safe trip. We are 5 weeks and 1 more chemo before CT time again so keep up the prayers. Thanks, Missy Thursday, July 22, 2004 1:55 PM CDT Day 4 of chemo. Ryan isn't sick he is just very tired. We were told that is to be expected. His counts should drop next week and then we have to be careful of germs again. I can't believe how his spirits have been lifted by being home! It is great to have Ryan back.Thank God.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004 2:52 PM CDT Hi everyone! Ryan is on his third day of chemo. The doctor explained that we expect less side effects and that is what we are getting so far. Ryan is eating and may be taken off TPN on Monday! I am sure it will be great to sleep without cords. He was drawing all morning which is a good sign. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful support group of friends and family. Keep up the notes to him. He loves to hear from you.
Tuesday, July 20, 2004 10:56 AM CDT Ryan is on his second day of chemo. He is in great spirits! A trip home did him wonders. He needed to see friends and to know how many people care about him. Dr. Wexler explained the size of the tumor and why he needs 2 more rounds before we have surgery. Surgery will be tough since the tumor is in the abs. Ryan has met a guy on our floor named David who just had surgery. They decided the scar should go verticle since that will inhance a six pack. We just need to be thankful for today. Monday, July 19, 2004 9:23 AM CDT Well as many of you know Ryan was able to make a short trip home. We didn't want to exhaust him so we kept it quiet. It was wonderful!!! He was able to learn to live with cancer instead of living cancer which is what he seems to do in NYC. Ryan was able to spend alot of time with his sisters and brother-in-law. He was also able to go to Milts to thank everyone for golfing at his benefit. We were able to add 1900.00 to his account for expences. THANKS EVERYONE!!! His insurance expires soon so we will be able to pay a COBRA with the money we made at least for a while. I can't believe how wonderful people are. we have some wonderful friends and family. We get more test results on Tuesday so PRAY! Thanks, Missy Friday, July 16, 2004 8:02 AM CDT Well it has been another great day. Ryan really likes this no chemo thing. Well back to reality next week. Ryan has been eating and he looks great. I don't know if I can get used to the thin look on him. God Bless all of you for you generosity and prayers. Love, Missy Wednesday, July 14, 2004 7:45 AM CDT Ryan had a great day yesterday! It is wonderful to see him getting back to his old self. We have learned to take everything one day at a time. He really needs to get strong before this next round. Thanks for your prayers. Missy Sunday, July 11, 2004 4:32 PM CDT Hello everyone it is Sunday. Ryan and his sister made it through the visit great. Robin was so great at getting the TPN together and rubbing his feet. I have amazing children. I am so proud of them and how they take care of each other. We are taking a little break from chemo. Our next round is the 20. They will be 5 day rounds and we need two before surgery. Keep up the prayers. I know God is listening and will get us through this. Thursday, July 8, 2004 4:25 PM CDT Well the results are in and the tumor board met this morning and decided the disease is dramatically reduced but they would like another round of chemo before they operate. It is not exactly what we were hoping for but not as bad as it could have been. Our next round will start the 19th. Hopefully the Yankees game will be a good one tomorrow night. Ryan deserves a few nights off from being sick. Thanks for the prayers. We really count on you guys to keep us positive. Wednesday, July 7, 2004 8:30 PM CDT It is Wednesday I think! the days run together here. Ryan had a ct scan today and we will get the results on Friday. Ryan slept this afternoon while Robin and I shopped. We have a day off from the hospital tomorrow so maybe we can spend some time at Central Park. Ryan always needs a little pushing but he does give in and go. Well keep us in your prayers and hope the CT turns out good. Thanks, Missy Tuesday, July 6, 2004 7:40 AM CDT We were released yesterday afternoon! His counts were great so they said we could go home (to Ronald) Today he has a PET scan at 3 and can't eat so it will be a long day. His spirits are up because he gets to see his new favorite nurse Rachel. Have a great day! Love, Missy Monday, July 5, 2004 9:08 AM CDT We hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th. We were able to see a little of the Macys fireworks out the window if you leaned just right. Ryan slept through it. He is very tired and dosen't feel very good. It seems the holidays are hard to get through. His counts are going up so hopefully he will be better soon. He and Robin are still planning on the Yankees game so I hope they won't be disappointed. Keep up the prayers and God Bless. Saturday, July 3, 2004 8:38 AM CDT It is Saturday July 3rd. Robin and I are at the hospital waiting for Ryan to wake up from his beauty sleep. He is not a morning person. We haven't done much but sit at the hospital. Robin has been a good sport about watching movie after movie with her brother. I however go in the other room to read or visit. Ryan is still in isolation but the fever is gone so that is great. Dr. Wexler was in twice and will try to get the tests in next week. We sure miss you all especially on these holiday weekends. Have a great one. Thursday, July 1, 2004 9:54 AM CDT It is Thursday and Ryan has a fever so they are going to admit him for a while. I guess that takes care of going away for the fourth. I hope the view from the hospital is good. He and Robin did get to go to see spiderman 2 last night and they loved it. It is great to see them spend time together and just think Robin will have some upper body strength pushing that wheelchair. Ryan is getting some antibiotics now and will get a room in a little while. We will have to gown up and wear masks won't we look great! Hopefully they will be able to schedule the CT scan while we are in so we don't have to wait until the 19th. He has a pet scan next week also. The CT will show all so pray alot!! Thanks, Missy Wednesday, June 30, 2004 3:35 PM CDT It is Wednesday! Yesterday was quiet and restful. Today Ryan needed fluids and blood again. He and Robin have tickets to see spiderman at 6 so we hope the blood hurries up. Kathy and Katie left us today and we will miss them terribly. It was great having roomates. Robin is looking forward to spending time with her brother and keeping his spirits up. It looks like we may be able to go north for the weekend so keep your fingers crossed! Keep him in your prayers. Monday, June 28, 2004 2:11 PM CDT Hello again it's Missy. I flew back yesterday and Dan flew home. Ryan is not feeling very well and is getting blood and fluids today. Hopefully he will be O.K. for the 4th. Robin is here for a visit and it will be fun to show her around our new neighborhood. We are so thankful for our community at home and our New York family. We know we are in the right place for Ryan. He sends his best. Friday, June 25, 2004 9:31 PM CDT HI EVERYBODY IT'S FRIDAY Friday, June 25, 2004 9:31 PM CDT HI EVERYBODY IT'S FRIDAY Thursday, June 24, 2004 10:48 AM CDT HAPPY THURSDAY EVERYONE Tuesday, June 22, 2004 12:30 AM CDT HI EVERYONE IT'S TUESDAY Monday, June 21, 2004 11:38 AM CDT Happy Monday to everyone, Thursday, June 17, 2004 12:34 AM CDT HI EVERYONE NO THIS IS NOT RYAN OR MISSY IT DAN OR DAD!!! Wednesday, June 16, 2004 5:21 AM CDT Hello it is early Wednesday. Ryan had stem cell harvest on Monday and did so well he didn't have to go back. We hope that is a good sign. He ended yesterday with a fever and we had to run to the hospital but they ended up sending him home until he has chills. I leave shortly and this is making it harder than ever. I knew it would be difficult but this is really harder than I thought. I am leaving him in very capable hands with Bev Kathy Katie and soon Dan so I am sure they will take great care of him. You know me I will be crying all the way to the airport and then all the way home. We love you all keep the notes and prayers comming. Missy and Ryan
Monday, June 14, 2004 9:49 AM CDT Good Monday to all, Saturday, June 12, 2004 9:30 AM CDT It is Saturday and we still had to go to the hospital to get a shot today. Our insurance will not pay for me to give it to him but will pay for the hospital time go figure. Ryan dosen't have much energy but he is O.K. Courtney was at the hospital and did his shot she is so nice. His spirits are better this round so I hope he will continue. Barbra and Dennis did a fund raiser in NYC and someone donated their round trip frequent flyer miles. I just sat here and cried. People have been so nice it really restores your faith in humanity. Well I hope to get him out a little today this room gets to me after a while it has to get to him. Friday, June 11, 2004 9:05 AM CDT Hello everyone, Ryan was O.K. yesterday but very tired. His blood count is .1 and it is normal for him to be tired. His spirits are still up but he is not eating very much. We are so thankful for no throat sores. Well we are off to clinic so have a good day and don't forget to pray for him. Wednesday, June 9, 2004 8:26 PM CDT It is Wednesday! We go to clinic everyday and the last two days Ryan got dizzy and almost passed out. Yesterday he needed fluid but his count was still 2.1. Today his count went down to .2 which means he is neutopenic. We need to be careful with his food and germs. He has no energy today but having Kathy and Katie here helps him. We are waiting to see the doctor tomorrow. I am going to ask if we can bring Ryan home for a visit. He really needs to see his friends and family. Thanks for sending messages Ryan loves to read them. Tuesday, June 8, 2004 9:42 AM CDT Hello to Everyone, Monday, June 7, 2004 8:02 AM CDT Good Monday to all, Friday, June 4, 2004 5:48 PM CDT Ryan again, Thursday, June 3, 2004 1:38 PM CDT Second Day of Chemo, and having a good day.I plan on blowing this popsicle stand in a few days, but we'll see. The nurses are fantastic the doctors are starting to better explain themselves to me about what's going on. My withdrawls aren't as bad as they used to be and I'm starting to get my appetite back (but everything still tastes bland). I again thank you for all the thoughts and prayers, without those I might not have been able to start chemo sooner than planned. Your letters are a great bordeom braker, so please feel free to keep writting ang letting me know what's going on in Omaha, Orland, or where ever the lord and your drive has taken you. All the best to each and every one of you. Thursday, June 3, 2004 12:18 AM CDT We didn't have a chance to get on the computer yesterday. Ryan had a really good day yesterday everyone had a chance to visit with the real Ryan. He even ate a little. We are on day 2. We hope all goes well so we can get out of here for the weekend. Ryan kept the nurses late last night chatting so I am sure they will be dragging today. Take care and thanks for everything. Tuesday, June 1, 2004 6:36 PM CDT O.K. Ryan dosen't like it when I write things that are sad. Today was O.K. they unhooked him for a while and he was able to lounge around without tubes. Our fellow doctor Sanalli (which is not how you really spell her name) is leaving today but said she would check back on a regular basis. She is going to be one of those Doctors that we would wait in line to see. Our Dr.Dave from Creighton stopped in to visit also. We are in the best place no matter how hard it is to be away from all of you. Ryan did walk in to see the messages today. Thanks everyone. Tuesday, June 1, 2004 8:57 AM CDT Well it is Tuesday. The team of doctors just left and we need to wait until later in the day to see if we are able to leave. Ryan still needs to get some meds changed over to pill form. He is still down in spirits I think the reality of the situation is hitting him. Hopefully we will be out later and that should help with his outlook. Thanks for all the prayers and for checking to see how he is doing. He really makes an effort to come into the family room to check the computer. Monday, May 31, 2004 1:46 PM CDT It is Monday! The weather here is yuck!!! Hope you are having a great Memorial day. Ryan is O.K. today. He is a little down and the cloudy day dosen't help. We are learning how to change his dressing and how to hook him up at night to the TPM. For someone who has a phobia about needles this should be interesting. We should be at the Ronald house tomorrow then we will start clinic. NYC is very different from Nebraska!!! They have very little grass. It is surprising how much you miss the little things. Saturday, May 29, 2004 7:34 PM CDT Hello everyone, Friday, May 28, 2004 11:53 PM CDT Hey all, Ryan had surgery at 5:30 which was really late and made for a long afternoon but all went well. He got out of recovery at 9 and back to his room. His oxygen level was a little low so they will monitor him through the night. Dennis's mom came to visit bearing gifts again and it was so great to have a visitor. If only she knew how much we appreciate her visits and having a friendly face around. Keep up the prayers and have a great weekend. Thursday, May 27, 2004 6:21 PM CDT Hello everyone it is Thursday our third week in the hospital. Today was pretty uneventful. Ryan has no taste for food and only ate a few bites. He has been very quiet today which is to be expected. He loves to hear from all of you even if it is a short note about what is going on in your life. It gets difficult to remember there is another world that exists outside the hospital. The nurses here have made this bearable. Joanna is the night nurse and keeps Ryan in line. He has Courtney, Christine, Rayann and Omi during the days and they take such good care of him. We really are in the best place to treat him but it is hard to keep his spirits up. Tomorrow is surgery around 2. We will let you know how it goes. Thanks for all your prayers and everything. Wednesday, May 26, 2004 5:05 PM CDT Hello Everyone,
Wednesday, May 26, 2004 5:05 PM CDT Hello Everyone, Tuesday, May 25, 2004 2:25 PM CDT It is Tuesday, and Ryan did get a little sleep last night. He has Christine today as his nurse and she is another of his favorites. The care here is exceptional!He still has sores down his throat so he can't eat. His stomach is so empty he can't even keep pills down so most of his meds are IV that helps. The Dr. will do surgery on Friday to replace the temporary port and put in a larger one so they can take stem cells for a possible transplant in the future. His blood count is up a little but not much and the platlets he got last night really helped. He is so happy to hear from all of you. Thanks for all your prayers and positive words. Keep it up. Monday, May 24, 2004 11:53 AM CDT Good Monday, Sunday, May 23, 2004 5:55 PM CDT Today was a O.K. day. Ryan was able go sleep a little and had a bite of food. Not a lot goes on over the week-end. Dan leaves tomorrow morning and we will miss him alot. It isn't always easy not to think of the past or future and stay on the step that we are on today.Keep up the positive thoughts and prayers. Ryan loves hearing from you. Saturday, May 22, 2004 2:35 PM CDT It was a long night with little sleep for Ryan. Lasics kept him up most of the night. He took a long nap today and will hopefully have a better night tonight. Still no food but maybe later. Weight is down to 160 but they tell us that is good. Keep sending messages he really looks forward to them. Thanks for everything we couldn't go through this without your prayers and well wishes. Friday, May 21, 2004 4:11 PM CDT It's Friday! The days seem to run together here. Ryan has an infection in his line so they had to remove the medi-port and put in a different kind on the other side. Then he had to go down for a x-ray. He still dosen't feel like eating so I'm trying to make up for it by eating everything in sight. Other than the minor surgery he is very lucky Courtney was his nurse today. She is cute and single but Ryan dosen't quite feel like a stud in his hospital gown. We are looking forward to seeing Dennis's parents tomorrow. It helps to see a friendly face when you are so far from home. Keep up the good thoughts and prayers. Thursday, May 20, 2004 1:07 PM CDT Hello everybody,
Wednesday, May 19, 2004 6:53 PM CDT Well we have up and down days and today was a down day. Ryan has developed mouth sores down his throat and can't swallow anything. As a mom of course I try to get him to eat but he is in so much pain there is no way. I think they will up his morphene for a little while again to get him through this. There are so many sick kids here it is hard to remember our other life. Well smallville is on so he woke up to watch. And tomarrow is another day. Wednesday, May 19, 2004 7:28 AM CDT Hi everyone. Ryan had a rough start yesterday however it did get better as the day went on. We had Courtney for a nurse and she is great, Ry is a little disappointed so many of them are married or engaged! Ryan's friend Dennis from school is from around here and his parents came to visit. It was so nice to meet them. It gave us something to look forward to besides just waiting. Well today has just begun and he is awake so I better see if I can forse him to eat. He really is not liking his mom these days. Monday, May 17, 2004 5:51 PM CDT Hello Everyone, Monday, May 17, 2004 7:13 AM CDT Hi everyone. Ryan had a pretty good day on Sunday. He didn't eat very much but felt a little better. He has an infection in his line and is on antibiotics for it. The cath came out later in the day and he was very glad about that. Now Dan has come down with a cold so he will be staying away for a while. Take care and keep praying I don't know how people go through something like this without God. Sunday, May 16, 2004 10:11 AM CDT Thanks everyone for your words of inspitation. Ryan has been pretty sick the last couple of days. It really sucks to see what all these drugs do to him and have no choice. We rely greatly on God our friends and family to get us through this. Two days of chemo are over now we wait for platelets to drop. He slept for the first time in two days so we are hoping that helps. Take care we love you. Saturday, May 15, 2004 2:10 AM CDT Dear Loved ones, Thursday, May 13, 2004 3:22 PM CDT Hello Everyone, Thursday, May 13, 2004 2:47 PM CDT Hello Everyone, Wednesday, May 12, 2004 6:30 PM CDT Attention one and all!! Tuesday, May 11, 2004 6:00 PM CDT This is what we found out today from the doc. they say it's a small round blue cell tumor, and the two sub cancer categories that they say I might have are "rhabdomyosacoma" or "desmoplastic small round cell tumor" (say that ten times fast). and they might know which one in a couple of days. Then I start treatment. Now unfortunatly it looks like I will be staying here in NY for a few months (probably three to four months) So if you're healthy and in the neighborhood, your welcome to stop in where I'm staying. Now with the time frame though I will have to quit school for a while, but determined to finish. So that is what we learned today and Missy said when she researched the tumors, she said both had a 75% and up chance of recovery. So I'm going to beat this. Tuesday, May 11, 2004 2:40 PM CDT Hello everybody,
Monday, May 10, 2004 5:15 PM CDT Well we wait again. The doctor came in and said the tests will take another day. I guess it gives us more time to pray. Rhabdomyosarcoma, is the tumor they think it is and in 2/3 of children it is curable. PRAY!!! Monday, May 10, 2004 1:41 PM CDT Its Monday at 2 and we are still waiting to hear from the doctor. Results should be here in an hour. Ryan is in alot of pain the tumor is putting alot of pressure on his organs. We just want the results to be positive. Thanks to everyone who has been praying we appreciate it very much. Keep up the praying it give us strength. Sunday, May 9, 2004 10:12 AM CDT Thanks everyone for your prayers. We are still waiting on results on Monday. He had a pretty good day yesterday but today he is in a little pain. We were told to expect up and down days. Keep Praying! Saturday, May 8, 2004 8:43 AM CDT On friday ryan had surgery.He had a mediport put in his chest for chemo and iv to access. he also had a biopsy done in which they took tissue to evaluate the tumor they took bone marrow to stage the cancer. they also took a liter and a half of liquid off his lung which concerns us that liquid will be biopsied also. he is very uncomfortable right now and we will get the results on Monday. PRAY!!!
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I met a girl named Rachael, her chatter made me smile.
I met a boy named Hazen, his eyes shinned like the stars.
I met a boy named Justin, his energy was never ending.
I met a girl named Whitney, her beauty took my breath away.
I met a boy named Michael, his look went straight to my heart.
I prayed for a man named Caleb, he loved his family so.
I prayed for a man named Craig, his girls meant the world to him.
I prayed for a woman named Marlena, she was so amazing to everyone.
I prayed for a girl named Tanner, her family gave up everything to save her.
I met a boy named Skylar, His smile was contagious.
i met a girl named Megan, who loved crafts and being with her family.
These people are all now in Heaven. Their loss will be forever felt in our hearts.
HAPPY 32nd BIRTHDAY my beautiful son.
God Bless everyone who has to go through this.
Missy
I remember Ryan wanting his name on all the studies he did at the NIH so everyone would remember where the cure came from. I wish with all my heart that would have happened. We will go on because we have no choice. Our prayers are with everyone who are just starting the journey of saying goodbye to their children.
We will be raising money this spring for curesearch in Ryan's name. Let me know if you have any ideas. We so need a cure. You think it will never happen to you and then your whole world is turned upside down. Thanks for being part of our journey and our lives.
Missy
Merry Christmas to all who have followed Ryan's journey. We so appreciate all you do. The kindness of strangers have given us hope. Hold your families close and never forget that our Ryan will be watching from heaven.
Love, Missy
Love Missy and Family
Time goes on. Life is hard and sometimes I need to remind myself that someday we will all be together again. Love you so much my son....
Jack Demmers was treated with Ryan at Sloan. He just relapsed again and had a major surgery. I said a prayer and asked Ryan to be with him during surgery. His mom said he woke up and asked did they get the spot mom. when he was told yes he gave a thumbs up. I remember Ryan waking from the first major surgery and asking if they got it all. I was alone and had to tell him no but they got alot. He was very quiet as tears ran down his face. After the second surgery he woke up and we said they got it all and he smiled and said he was superman. He will always be our superman. We love you Ryan and thanks for being with Jack.
In church today there was a woman sitting next to me and I remembered seeing her with a little girl that was going through chemo. She was alone. I really felt that something wonderful was going to happen in church. I kept wondering if I should ask how her little one was. After mass I turned to her and asked. Her daughter had relapsed. I told her who I was and she hugged me and said she had met Ryan. We talked and I told her she could call if she needs anything. This cancer world is so hard. Especially if you watch your child go through it. I hope I can be of some help. Please pray for Meg and for our friend Bill. Thanks and God Bless.
I am going to visit the East. I will meet with Suzan who is Hazens mom, Aliza who is Hazens mom and Dawn my dear friend who is Peter's mom. I am so looking forward to being with the people who know the journey we have been on. It will be so bittersweet.
Please pray for Chris B who is on hospice. Chris helped us with lots of ideas for treatment and his body can not go on after 4 year of fighting. May God be with him and his family. Also Raymond is going through chemo right now. Pray it will work long enough for a cure to be found.
Thanks to all of you for every kind thought, word and of course for your prayers. Love, Missy
Please pray for the families that are starting on the journey and the families that are as lost as we are without their child, 3 more lost their lives this week. Also Daniel who Ryan met at the NIH and Raymond whose Mom has been so wonderful.
The curesearch walk has started. Please register online at www.Curesearch.org go to the walk page in Omaha and donate or pledge to walk under Remembering Ryan. Ryan would like for no other person to have to go through what he did
God Bless, Missy
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/danieleppinette
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/raymondalaniz
Easter there will be a mass for Ryan at the 9:40. St, John Vianney, in the social hall. We are so happy to be at this church. God sent us there and we are so grateful.
Another season without our son is painful. I just know that one day we will be together again.
Please save the date for the curesearch walk on June 5th at Village Pointe. You can register at www.curesearch.org. Also we would like to have a golf tournament this year to raise money for a cure. Any ideas are welcome.
Thanks for everything, Missy
Thanks Sylvia for the beautiful card. You are such a wonderful person. God Bless.
Dan and I didn't get to Branson but maybe in the summer. Dan will be taking a trip with his brother to San Diego for golf. I am glad. Dan did so much with Ryan that it is hard for him to find his way. Please pray for all with caner. When I think of what we all went through I can't breathe. Those poor families that are still fighting every day for just a little longer. We so need a cure.
Missy
Remember to hold your children tight and say how much you love them often.
Pray for those spending there last Christmas together or the newly diagnosed children. We must pray for a cure.
Love, Dan and Missy
Christmas will be hard also. Our children spent every Christmas with us the last 4 years because we never knew when it would be Ryan's last. Therefore this year they are all headed to the other side of the families. It is only fair. I am so glad they were with us and Ryan. Dan and I would be alone Christmas afternoon so we are going to Branson for a few days. I think it is close enough and we need the time together to talk about our wonderful son. I sure hope it is the right decision.
I am going to put a tree on Ryan's grave so if you have any waterproof ornaments you would like to share bring a stapler. It is the best way to insure they will stay on in the wind. I can't believe I have to decorate a grave this year. Oh God I miss him so.
Everyone is doing good. With holidays on the way I know it will be hard, but I also know God will be at our side. I recently had a knee surgery and the EKG was bad at the pre-op. I had to go for a stress test. Before we received the results I was convinced that my heart was damaged ( I knew it was broken but not physically) I was ready to go. Dan asked if I was checking out on him and I said maybe. He said it is easier now isn't it. The answer was yes.
Stress test was fine. I am here. We will find our way.
Missy
The gap between those who have lost children and those who have not is profoundly difficult to bridge. No one whose children are well and intact can be expected to understand what parents who have lost children have absorbed, what they bear. Our children now come to us through every blade of grass, every crack in the sidewalk, every bowl of breakfast cereal, every kid on a scooter. We seek contact with their atoms - their hairbrushes, toothbrushes, their clothing.
We reach out for what was integrally woven into the fabric of our lives, now torn and shredded. A black hole has been blown through our souls and, indeed, it often does not allow the light to escape.
It is a difficult place. For us to enter there is to be cut deeply and torn anew, each time we go there, by the jagged edges of our loss. Yet we return, again and again, for that is where our children now reside. This will be so for years to come and it will change us, profoundly. At some point, in the distant future, the edges of that hole will have tempered and softened, but the empty space will remain--a life sentence.
Our friends will change through this. There is no avoiding it. We grieve for our children in part, through talking about them, and our feelings for having lost them. Some go there with us; others cannot and, through their denial, add a further measure, however unwitting, to an already heavy burden. Assuming that we may be feeling "better" 6 months later is simply "to not get it". The excruciating and isolating reality that bereaved parents feel is hermetically sealed from the nature of any other human experience. Thus it is a trap--those whose compassion and insight we most need are those for whom we abhor the experience that would allow them that sensitivity and capacity. And yet, somehow, there are those, each in their own fashion, who have found a way to reach us and stay, to our immeasurable comfort. They have understood, again each in their own way, that our children remain our children through our memory of them. Their memory is sustained through speaking about them and our feelings about their death. Deny this and you deny their life. Deny their life and you have no place in ours.
We recognize that we have moved to an emotional place where it is often very difficult to reach us. Our attempts to be normal are painful, and the day to day carries a silent, screaming anguish that accompanies us, sometimes from moment to moment. Were we to give it its own voice, we fear we would become truly unreachable and so we remain "strong" for a host of reasons even as the strength saps our energy and drains our will. Were we to act out our true feelings, we would be impossible to be with. We resent having to act normal, yet we dare not do otherwise. People who understand this dynamic are our gold standard. Working our way through this over the years will change us as does every experience--and extreme experience changes one extremely. We know we will have actually managed to survive when, as we have read, it is no longer so painful to be normal. We do not know who we will be at that point nor who will still be with us
We have read that the gap is so difficult that, often, bereaved parents must attempt to reach out to friends and relatives or risk losing them. This is our attempt. For those untarnished by such events, who wish to know in some way what they, thankfully, do not know, read this. It may provide a window that is helpful for both sides of the gap.
Sharon (Wendy's Mom)
6-18-77 to 11-12-96 to infinity
*Our shining star, yesterday, today and forever
Missy
It is also 9-11. So many people had to say good-bye. Please pray for the families and friends left behind.
Missy
Still missing him, Missy
Missy
Life continues to go on and we will have to learn to live without our wonderful son. It is a open wound that continues to give us pain. It is so unnatural to have to bury your child. We will never have our old normal again so we must find a new normal. For the 4th Dan and I are going to the Amana Colonies. It is just to painful to be here doing the things we have done for so long. It has been 5 years since Dan and I went away. Nothing is easy but it is the way it must be.
We are also going to make plans for Christmas. We would love for our family to be together away from home. Not that that will diminish our memories but we will be making new ones. if you have any get away ideas let us know.
Have a good holiday make sure to hold your children tight. Love, Missy
The shirts were so wonderful that people are still ordering. If you would like one please let me know. Thanks, Missy
The shirts were so wonderful that people are still ordering. If you would like one please let me know. Thanks, Missy
The walk is this weekend at Village Point from 8-10 a.m.
We have our shirts and they are beautiful.
You can sign up to walk online. It is at least a $10.00 donation to walk. I have just a few shirts left, XL and 2x. they are $10.00 ea.
It will be so hard to be there without Ryan. I know he will be with us in spirit. He didn't like getting up early to go each year but he made it. I hope to see you there. Missy
The family has kept us busy. Lucas and Owen are both playing ball so we drive from Ralston to Elkorn and back again. There is nothing better than watching Luke catch a ball that he slipped to catch and thinking Ryan was pushing him in the outfield. Owen is so cute at T-Ball. He still waves at first base to let us know that he made it. Robin is finishing the school year at UNO with a 3.85. How did that happen? Hard work. Rhonda and Rachael have been busy with their families running all the time. I remember those days.
So the days go on. We have several struggles every day but we will get through them. Thanks to OACCP for bringing a meal each week to let us know we are not forgotten. How blessed I am to have you in my life. We will never forget the people who have helped us on this journey.
The curesearch walk is in just a few weeks, be sure to register online. www.curesearch.org. Milistone walk and our team is remembering Ryan.
Thanks, Missy
We will be walking in honor of Ryan at the curesearch milestone walk on June 6th. The walk is from 8-10 in the morning at Village Point. You can register online or call and I will do it for you. Please come it will be good to have a large group of people who Ryan loved together.
Thanks for everything, Missy
P.S. My friend Dawn just found out her father has a few days to live. Some of you met her at the funeral. Please pray for a painless death and for the family left behind.
Lucas and Dan were at the ball field after Luke's game and the assistant coach from the team had a massive heart attack and died. Mr. Lamarsh had a wife and 5 children. Please pray for the family. Our hearts ache for them. Also pray for Luke he has had so much to deal with since September. We miss Mike and Ryan. It is like the family is broken and will never be fixed.
If you are planning on walking with us you can register online or email me and I will do it for you. It is $10.00 donation or more if you wish. We will be doing new t-shirts also, I will be ordering today if you would like one please call. Our group is Remembering Ryan.
www.curesearch.org
then go to an event in Omaha NE, milestone walk and our team.
Thanks, Missy
We will be walking this year in the curesearch walk. To walk you can register online or email me and I will do it for you. It is $10.00 donation or more if you wish. We will be doing new t-shirts also. Our group is Remembering Ryan.
www.curesearch.org
then go to an event in Omaha NE
Thanks, Missy
Dear Missy,
It has been 9 days since God has called my Ryan to heaven. In the 402 days he battled cancer, I always looked to others for strength – mostly from my son. I read your postings on the Caringbridge page every week and looked to you and Ryan for courage. Your Ryan touched some many, many people with his courage.
As I reflect, I see Two Ryan’s in heaven. I hope Ryan V. is giving Ryan Z . a grand tour of heaven. I believe they are walking in heaven without pain or suffering. I know your Ryan will watch over my son in heaven.
Every morning you wake up to emptiness and dullness in the heart. However, we live for our children and we have to be strong for them. We will pray for the Vodicka family and ask if you can pray for my family. It seems all the Ryan’s who battle cancer have “the personality of lambs, but hearts of lions.”
God bless your family.
Joe & Diane Zawada
We wish you all a wonderful Easter. Ours will be quiet and empty this year without Ryan. Hold your families close. Love, Missy and family
Time passes so quickly. There is a special service tonight at the cemetary. Ryan's name will be read. I can't believe he is gone. Dan and I talk about him all the time. Night is the hardest because that is when we stayed up late and took care of Ry. We will miss him playing basketball on Easter. The kids always had a great time looking for eggs and since there was a $5.oo egg Ryan always joined in. Lucas said it won;t be the same and nothing will be the same ever again. Still missing him, Missy
Time passes so quickly. There is a special service tonight at the cemetary. Ryan's name will be read. I can't believe he is gone. Dan and I talk about him all the time. Night is the hardest because that is when we stayed up late and took care of Ry. We will miss him playing basketball on Easter. The kids always had a great time looking for eggs and since there was a $5.oo egg Ryan always joined in. Lucas said it won;t be the same and nothing will be the same ever again. Still missing him, Missy
He went very peacefully with his mom and dad by his side.
Words cannot express how much he will be missed by everyone. He was truly a wonderful son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.
Service information:
Visitation:
3-5 Public visitation
5-7 Family visitation
The rosary:
Friday March 13th at 7pm
Heafey Heafey Hoffmann Dworak & Cutler
7805 West Center Road
Omaha, NE 68124
Phone: (402) 391-3900
Saturday March 14th at 9:30am at Heafey Heafey Hoffmann Dworak & Cutler, for the final family viewing.
Funeral at 10:00am
St. John Vianney
5801 Oak Hills Drive
Omaha, NE 68137
Phone: (402) 895-0808
more information as we get it
Thank you for all your support for all of these years, and for always keeping Ryan in your prayers.
We will be sharing his stories at his home 4812 S. 92nd Ave
Missy & Dan, Rhonda & Dennis, Rachael & Scott, Robin & Tim
View/Sign Guest Book
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Ryan Daniel Vodicka
VODICKA-Ryan Daniel, age 29 years, Omaha, died 3/11/09 after a 5-year battle with cancer. Preceded in death by uncle, Mike Ordway, and grandfather, Milt Ordway. Survived by parents, Dan and Milissa Vodicka; sisters: Rhonda Gardner and husband Dennis, Rachael Greder and husband Dr. Scott Greder, Robin Vodicka and Tim Sandquist; nephews: Lucas Vodicka, Owen Greder, Jace, Cody and Caleb Gardner; niece, Karli Greder; grandparents: Theresa and Harry Evans, Paul and Charlotte Vodicka; aunts, uncles and wonderful friends. Ryan was the most courageous young man, with a great heart and a great sense of humor. Thanks to Memorial Sloan Kettering, The NIH, Alegent Health, and Lakeside Hospital for taking care of Ryan.
Vigil Service Friday, 7:00 p.m., West Center Chapel. SERVICES Saturday, 9:30 a.m., West Center Chapel to St. John Vianney Catholic Church for Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials will be directed by the family. VISITATION from 3:00 p.m. Friday, with family receiving friends 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the West Center Chapel. HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN
DWORAK-CUTLER
WEST CENTER CHAPEL
78th & West Center 391-3900
He went very peacefully with his mom and dad by his side.
Words cannot express how much he will be missed by everyone. He was truly a wonderful son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.
Service information:
Visitation:
3-5 Public visitation
5-7 Family visitation
The rosary:
Friday March 13th at 7pm
Heafey Heafey Hoffmann Dworak & Cutler
7805 West Center Road
Omaha, NE 68124
Phone: (402) 391-3900
Saturday March 14th at 9:30am at Heafey Heafey Hoffmann Dworak & Cutler, for the final family viewing.
Funeral at 10:00am
St. John Vianney
5801 Oak Hills Drive
Omaha, NE 68137
Phone: (402) 895-0808
more information as we get it
Thank you for all your support for all of these years, and for always keeping Ryan in your prayers.
We will be sharing his stories at his home 4812 S. 92nd Ave
Missy & Dan, Rhonda & Dennis, Rachael & Scott, Robin & Tim
He went very peacefully with his mom and dad by his side.
Words cannot express how much he will be missed by everyone. He was truly a wonderful son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.
Service information:
The rosary:
Friday March 13th at 7pm
Heafey Heafey Hoffmann Dworak & Cutler
7805 West Center Road
Omaha, NE 68124
Phone: (402) 391-3900
Saturday March 14th at 9:30am at Heafey Heafey Hoffmann Dworak & Cutler, for the final viewing.
Funeral at 10:00am
St. John Vianney
5801 Oak Hills Drive
Omaha, NE 68137
Phone: (402) 895-0808
more information as we get it
Thank you for all your support for all of these years, and for always keeping Ryan in your prayers.
Missy & Dan, Rhonda & Dennis, Rachael & Scott, Robin & Tim
Ryan is still fighting we decided that this is our gift!
It is going on 3 days of love, laughter, and tears.
Continue to pray for him to go with God, and rest with out CANCER in peace.
Ryan's Family
Monday, March 9, 2009 10:47 PM CDT
Good evening,
Ryan remains inpatient and has begun receiving care by hospice. Ryan is surrounded by his family.
Please storm the Heavens with prayers that he goes peacefully with God.
He is giving it a fight as we know he would!
We will always LOVE him and miss him so much. We continue to cherish every minute with him. The Ryan stories we are sharing continue to give us strength.
Thank you for all the support you have given us.
Ryan's family
Ryan is still fighting we decided that this is our gift!
It has been going on 3 days of love, laughter, and tears.
Continue to pray for him to go with God, and rest with out CANCER in peace.
Ryan's Family
Monday, March 9, 2009 10:47 PM CDT
Good evening,
Ryan remains inpatient and has begun receiving care by hospice. Ryan is surrounded by his family.
Please storm the Heavens with prayers that he goes peacefully with God.
He is giving it a fight as we know he would!
We will always LOVE him and miss him so much. We continue to cherish every minute with him. The Ryan stories we are sharing continue to give us strength.
Thank you for all the support you have given us.
Ryan's family
Ryan remains inpatient and has begun receiving care by hospice. Ryan is surrounded by his family.
Please storm the Heavens with prayers that he goes peacefully with God.
He is giving it a fight as we know he would!
We will always LOVE him and miss him so much. We continue to cherish every minute with him. The Ryan stories we are sharing continue to give us strength.
Thank you for all the support you have given us.
Ryan's family
er and they kept him. He had fluid on his lung again so they put in a drain this morning. We can now draw the fluid off when he needs it. We are also checking on his pain problems. He will hopefully be released on Monday afternoon. Thanks Dr. P. Langon you are the greatest! Thanks for the prayers, Missy
We celebrated Owen's 4th Birthday yesterday and Ryan joined us. It was so fun to watch some old movies of Ryan when the kids were little. I can't believe it has been 4 years since I dashed off that plane and to the hospital to see that little one born. We are so blessed with our children and grandchildren. We recently asked my good friend Amanda Fish to take our family pictures. We went to a local park full of ice and they turned out so good. I can't believe how beautiful our family is. I hope to post them soon. Also check out the www.ralstonrecorder.com to see an article done last week on the daycare. Are you smarter than a 3 year old. It was so much fun to have them here and the children did so well. Thanks for all you do to help us in this battle. We love you, Missy
Thanks again for all who went to the fundraiser given by Joy and friends. Over 3000.00 was raised and will help with medical bills and hopefully with a trip for treatment. Thanks again, we are so humbled by your kindness. Love, Missy
The fundraiser sounds like it is a big success! Thanks to all of Ryan's friends for helping. Thanks to all who donated and helped we are so grateful. We are so blessed by having friends like you. I will let you know when Ryan will be released.
Missy
I did get word Canon's scans are clear. Thank God.
Here is the fundraiser info. I will try to get Ryan there but he says it will be a game time decision.
Here is a post from the guestbook. I hope everyone can help Joy get this together. Thanks Joy straight from our hearts. Ryan is so lucky to have you as a friend. Love, Missy
HELLO TO RYAN AND HIS FAMILY! JUST WANTED TO LET YOU ALL KNOW THAT MYSELF ALONG WITH MANY FRIENDS ARE PUTTING TOGETHER A BENEFIT POOL TOURNAMENT IN RYANS HONOR. THE BENEFIT WILL BE SUNDAY FEB.15TH. AT SIDEPOCKETS 84TH AND GILES SIGN UP AT 11 A.M. START AT NOON. ALSO, MAY HAVE A DART TOURNAMENT,ALONG WITH A SILENT AUCTION OF A VARIETY OF GIFTS. STILL TRYING TO GET ALL THE DETAILS IN ORDER IF ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO GET A HOLD OF ME. JOY 630-6291 LOVE YOU RYAN!
Here is the fundraiser info. I will try to get Ryan there but he says it will be a game time decision.
Here is a post from the guestbook. I hope everyone can help Joy get this together. Thanks Joy straight from our hearts. Ryan is so lucky to have you as a friend. Love, Missy
HELLO TO RYAN AND HIS FAMILY! JUST WANTED TO LET YOU ALL KNOW THAT MYSELF ALONG WITH MANY FRIENDS ARE PUTTING TOGETHER A BENEFIT POOL TOURNAMENT IN RYANS HONOR. THE BENEFIT WILL BE SUNDAY FEB.15TH. AT SIDEPOCKETS 84TH AND GILES SIGN UP AT 11 A.M. START AT NOON. ALSO, MAY HAVE A DART TOURNAMENT,ALONG WITH A SILENT AUCTION OF A VARIETY OF GIFTS. STILL TRYING TO GET ALL THE DETAILS IN ORDER IF ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO GET A HOLD OF ME. JOY 630-6291 LOVE YOU RYAN!
Here is a post from the guestbook. I hope everyone can help Joy get this together. Thanks Joy straight from our hearts. Ryan is so lucky to have you as a friend. Love, Missy
HELLO TO RYAN AND HIS FAMILY! JUST WANTED TO LET YOU ALL KNOW THAT MYSELF ALONG WITH MANY FRIENDS ARE PUTTING TOGETHER A BENEFIT POOL TOURNAMENT IN RYANS HONOR. THE BENEFIT WILL BE SUNDAY FEB.15TH. AT SIDEPOCKETS 84TH AND GILES SIGN UP AT 11 A.M. START AT NOON. ALSO, MAY HAVE A DART TOURNAMENT,ALONG WITH A SILENT AUCTION OF A VARIETY OF GIFTS. STILL TRYING TO GET ALL THE DETAILS IN ORDER IF ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO GET A HOLD OF ME. JOY 630-6291 LOVE YOU RYAN!
HELLO TO RYAN AND HIS FAMILY! JUST WANTED TO LET YOU ALL KNOW THAT MYSELF ALONG WITH MANY FRIENDS ARE PUTTING TOGETHER A BENEFIT POOL TOURNAMENT IN RYANS HONOR. THE BENEFIT WILL BE SUNDAY FEB.15TH. AT SIDEPOCKETS 84TH AND GILES SIGN UP AT 11 A.M. START AT NOON. ALSO, MAY HAVE A DART TOURNAMENT,ALONG WITH A SILENT AUCTION OF A VARIETY OF GIFTS. STILL TRYING TO GET ALL THE DETAILS IN ORDER IF ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO GET A HOLD OF ME. JOY 630-6291 LOVE YOU RYAN!
Two DSRCT patients have received their wings. Mark http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/markbriscoe
and little Jackson www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacksonpalmer
Please pray for these young boys. Our hearts break every time we lose another one.
Missy
Great news Peter is officially CURED. We couldn't be more happy for him and his family. Peter will be able to grow up and be a very special person. God is good.
Love, Missy
Well it is time to get over it and go on again. Ryan is in a great deal of discomfort. He has edema in his legs and the tumors are making it difficult to move. I am going to make an appointment for him in the morning to see what we can do with these legs. He also hopefully will see Dr. Langdon to see what the plan will be. Dr. Mackall called from the NIH. It was so good to see Ryan talk to her. He really trusts her. They however, have no trials right now but she is going to call Dr. Leu here to see what they can come up with. Texas is also on the line waiting to see if the edema gets under control, counts to come up and a total on what this will cost for treatment. So we wait and we PRAY again. I have gone back to teacing CCD. I have not done that since we left our old parish but when Fr. Pat asked I had to respond. Do you think I am trying to stay on the right side of the Lord? Please continue to pray for Ryan and keep Jack in your prayers also (www.caringbridge.org/visit/jackdemers)
Thank you for everything you do, Missy
Thank you for everything you do, Missy
CANCER SUCKS! I received word that a little boy Ryan was treated with at Sloan has relapsed. We have been hit hard with this news. Jack will start treatment again this week. He is now 7 so he understand so much more. Please pray for him and his mom Fran and dad Jeff. We love them so much and our hearts are truly broken. Fran and I first met when Jack was getting discharged and she gave me her laundry detergent in the hospital. This is truly an amazing family.
Love, Missy
Jeremiah 33:6 (New International Version)
6 " 'Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.
I pray with all my heart that this is the year for miracles. A CURE FOR CANCER to start.
Ryan stayed in for the New Year, The first time ever I think. I had Owen and Karli for the night so 10:30 was the end of the party for us. Ryan continues to have problems with the water retention in his legs. I would also like to see him eat more but his stomach hurts when he eats too much so he is very careful. Thank you Sylvi yes, believing is to take each day as a new beginning. It is wonderful to have all of you to lean on when we need it most. Love, Missy
We spent Christmas Eve with some of my brother Mike's family
It was good to be there but so sad. We miss him so much. Bev did a great job but she couldn't hide the pain in her eyes. Nothing will ever be the same. With a disease in your family you can't help but think is this the last. It seems to make you move a little slower and watch a little more carefully. Trying to remember everything. Rachael cooked for us on Christmas and it was good to be in one place for the whole day. Ryan continues to have pain and his legs are swelling so much that they hurt. He continued to be the trash collector for the wrapping paper and to get in a game of Wii golf. We thank God to have our family together this year. We also thank Tina, for the gift, The Beresh's and the Ilg's for the wonderful gift. What a great surprise. Also the donation from Sharon and Jay and from the Darrell's. It helped us clean up a few of the bills that are rolling in. We are so fortunate to have people who care about us. I don't know what else to say but Thanks. Love,Missy
Ryan is doing O.K. today. He was in the ER again for pain. His stomach is a little less distended today and the liquid morphine is helping. I can't get him to eat much but I will keep trying. Thank you for all the prayers. We truly feel them. I will be taking some time off for the holidays. I hope to spend time with my family. I am sure Ryan will be saying when are you going back to work? Our faith is strong and we know God is always in our hearts.
Love to all the Vodicka's
24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
We don't know if Texas will be an option. Texas doesn't take Nebraska Medicare or Medicaid so I don't know if we can afford it. We are still looking for other options. I have emailed and called several and I will continue to do so. I have always fought for my children but this is indeed the hardest fight of our lives. Missy
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God.
Yesterday was the day Ryan had his second surgery 4 years ago. It was such a miracle that the doctor got everything out. I will never forget the day and we will be forever thankful. I pray another miracle is on the way.
Thanks to everyone and enjoy each day together. Missy
Thanks to everyone for comming to the healing service. It was so nice to see everyone support Ryan. We all felt the light of your prayers. I even had the feeling Mike was there. I know he is doing all he can to get a cure for Ryan.
We are thankful that our family will be together for Thanksgiving. We are thankful for our friends and family that have been with us through this battle and we are thankful for strangers who have become friends and give from their hearts. God Bless you all. Missy
at 6:00. Please join us for a short time to pray for Ryan's miracle.
Thanks, Missy
Also keep Hannah in your prayers she is headed to MN soon for scans. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahknudsen
This is a very special family.
Thanks for all you do, Missy
This is a very special family.
Thanks for all you do, Missy
Please pray this works and that the side effects are slight.
Thanks, Missy
Thanks for everything, Missy
I would like to thank my friends to the east. Sylvia who we have not had the pleasure to meet yet sent some wonderful brownies as comfort food during the time of Mike's death. Thanks Sylvia, you have always been there and we are so grateful. Dawn and Trish who sent a selection of tea's, I love it and I always think of you when I have my afternoon tea. I love you both and I don't know what I would do without your support. We have been blessed by so many new friends and old. Thanks for helping us get through this, Missy
I made an appointment to see a new doctor in Texas for later this month. It is clinical 1 trials but at this point we don't have much left. Pray that we find something that works for Ryan. He is such a great young man.
Missy
Love, Missy
Thanks for all the birthday wishes. Ryan is 29! We had a do over birthday on Sunday night. Thanks Tami and Mike for the dinner, it was wonderful!
Thanks also for all of the wonderful words of sympathy. We all miss Mike very much he was a very important part of our lives. As I said one day at a time.
Love, Missy
ORDWAY-Michael M., age 60, Omaha. Vigil Service Friday, 8pm St. Gerald Catholic Church, 96th & "Q." Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, 10am St. Gerald Catholic Church. VISITATION Friday, 2-4pm at the West Center Chapel, and after 7:00 p.m. Friday at St. Gerald Catholic Church.
We miss him so much.
Second it is with a broken heart that I must tell you that my brother Mike got his wings this afternoon. He was the best brother in the world and we will miss him greatly. Thanks for all the prayers, Missy
That's my Ryan.
Mike is stable. He is still on the vent but they are changing his meds around to see if he could start breathing a little on his own. Pray for his swift recovery. Ryan spent some time with him today and he sure would like to visit with his uncle soon.
UPDATE:
Mike's condition is getting worse. Please pray for a miracle. Missy
That's my Ryan.
Mike is stable. He is still on the vent but they are changing his meds around to see if he could start breathing a little on his own. Pray for his swift recovery. Ryan spent some time with him today and he sure would like to visit with his uncle soon.
My mom's husband is out of the hospital and home recovering.
It has been a long weekend. Keep up those prayers my friends, we sure could use those miracles soon. Love to all, Missy
Thanks for the prayers and support, Missy
p.s. update on Mike, he was put back on the vent yesterday. He just couldn't breathe well enough. I sure do love my brother. Please pray for him. Missy
P.S. Mike is off the vent and breathing on his own. Miracles are out there, when is it Ryan's turn?
Also pray for Mike he is in the hospital and it is very bad right now. Thanks Missy
P.S. My brother Mike is having some complications right now. Keep him in your prayers also.
Thanks, Missy
This morning I read:
John 9:1-17
A Man Born Blind Receives Sight
As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
There is hope.
Thanks again Dennis and Dawn. It was a very special time for the boys!
Love, Missy
Thanks again, Missy
One angel (Sylvia) wrote an email to Certified transmissions about Ryan's car. They called however, we had already taken Ryan's car in to Powertrain Pro's. So I called Powertrain and talked to John. I told him Ryan's situation and he gave us around $400.00 off. Thanks to Powertrain and to Sylvia Ryan can now get himself to radiation without his mom's van. Of course Sylvia thanks God for directing her. She is a true angel to us.
The next angel's are the Zucca's. I met Dawn in the hospital in NYC. She didn't want to meet anyone new because their children die and she couldn't handle any more. I was persistant and God knew what he was doing when he brought us together. I remember holding Peter down for a dressing change, and sitting with him while his mom got a shower. Dawn taught me to pray like I had never know before. She has prayed with me before scans and when we have those down times. She has always been there for us. Dawn and her husband Dennis bought Ryan 4 tickets to a pre season Chiefs game with a hotel room! Ryan is so excited! I can't wait to see the joy on his face when the Chiefs beat the Rams! Thanks Dawn and Dennis for everything, we love you very much.
Ryan is getting some relief from the radiation. He is eatting a little better and trying to keep busy. Pray that his miracle is on the way. Thanks, Missy
Thanks Dawn for being there for me.
Also pray for Candy sister of our friend Bill. She will soon be home in heaven. Pray for her family. Thanks, Missy
Ryan went to his friend Luke's wedding on Saturday. I think he has a hard time watching everyone else go on while he stands still. On the way home his transmission in his Jimmy gave out. So it will be a busy week trying to balance out cars while getting him to treatment. Tie the knot someone so we don't let go of the rope. Please pray for Ryan, Hannah, Jordan,Matt, Chris, Phillip, and all others with this terrible disease. Thanks, Missy
I talked to the doctor last night and she is trying to come up with the next treatment. Ryan is not responding to chemo like he did in the past. There is always a little growth. So the conclusion is he will go back on Sutent and possibly radiation in the next 2 weeks.
We are so devistated and just sad. Pray that the growth will stop and that we can get this under control. Thanks, Missy
We are looking forward to a busy weekend. We are going out to Platte River state park to stay in the big red barn! I am taking the daycare out on Thursday and then the family will join me for the weekend. I am looking forward to being away from home for a few days! I am praying for good weather! Thanks for all you do, Missy
P.S. Thanks to my good friend Barb. I don't know what I would do without your prayers and support. Love, Missy
P.S. My brother Mike is having a birthday this weekend, as a present please continue to pray for him.
Happy Birthday Mike! I love you!
I think back to the 4th in O4 and we spent it looking out the window of the hospital with JoAnna Wilson and her mom along with Robin. Ryan was asleep. It was such a hard year. The next year we were in Bethesda. Just Ryan and I watching the fireworks from the hospital. The next day Whitney died. The next years we were home and loving it. We were together at my brothers neighbors watching the fireworks. This year Ryan is boating with friends. It is a good thing even though as a mom I miss him. I hope he has a great time. May all our holidays be spent with family and good friends.
Please say a prayer for Craig Sweetman's family. Craig fought for 9 years and died Tuesday. He left his wonderful wife Tina and 3 little girls. Craig and Tina tried everything and stayed positive right until the end. May God be at his families side as they say goodbye tomorrow.
Love, Missy
Here is his site if you would like to leave a few words
http://www.carepages.com/ServeCarePage?cpn=craigsadventureinphilly&uniq=444214&ipc=patientupdatebrand
Here is the new fundraiser for Ryan. Try something new they have so many products!
I have decided to join in on the fund raising to help out the Vodicka family with Ryan's expenses. I am a Mary Kay Consultant and would like to offer at least 50f the profits for one week of sales. Please stop by my website during the week of June 11-18. There you will find products for yourself and many gift ideas in different price ranges. This would be a good time to stock and help a wonderful family at the same time!
You may place orders via the website and I will contact you for payment, or you can contact me directly.
Thanks!
Shanna Afana
Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant
402-301-5061
www.marykay.com/safana
safana@marykay.com
Read Journal History
I have decided to join in on the fund raising to help out the Vodicka family with Ryan's expenses. I am a Mary Kay Consultant and would like to offer at least 50 f the profits for one week of sales. Please stop by my website during the week of June 11-18. There you will find products for yourself and many gift ideas in different price ranges. This would be a good time to stock and help a wonderful family at the same time!
You may place orders via the website and I will contact you for payment, or you can contact me directly.
Thanks!
Shanna Afana
Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant
402-301-5061
www.marykay.com/safana
safana@marykay.com
We need your help! Please go to http://capwiz.com/curesearch/issues/bills and click on S.911 to email a senator and HR 1553 to email a representative and urge them to vote yea on these bills. The NCI only gives 5% of it's budget to pediatric cancer research. Research is the only way to find a cure. These bills must pass in 2008!
Thanks, Missy
The walk for childhood cancer will be June 7th. Please consider joining us. We need donations! If you would like to donate online here is the site.
http://host.curesearch.org/goto/ryan
If you would like to donate through us please send a check made out to curesearch or call and I will come and get the donation. We so need a cure. Thanks, Missy
The walk for childhood cancer will be June 7th. Please consider joining us. We need donations! If you would like to donate online here is the site. http://host.curesearch.org/goto/ryan
If you would like to donate through us please send a check made out to curesearch or call and I will come and get the donation. We so need a cure. Thanks, Missy
We will be walking together in the curesearch walk. If you have a shirt from last year please wear it. If not wear light green. If you want to donate to Ryan's team send us a check made out to curesearch. I hope we can help the cause. Thanks, Missy
http://host.curesearch.org/goto/ryan
Please pray for Craig Sweetman. He is having scans next Monday www.carepages.com craigsadventureinphilly
Hannah is finishing up her radiation www.caringbridge.org/hannahkundsen
and all others with this beast. We need a cure!
Please donate or agree to walk with us
http://host.curesearch.org/goto/ryan
If you want to walk Please contact me, Missy
dm4rs@cox.net or 991-3755
Ryan's anniversery of his diagnosis was yesterday. I can't believe what he has been through in the last 4 years. He remains optomistic. He has mentioned that his lucky number is 9. Nineth floor at MSK, Nineth floor at RMH in NYC, so maybe 9-9-09 is the day of a cure. I sure hate to wait that long, Mom is getting weary. Please pray that the pain subsides and that a cure is soon to be found for all. Thanks for supporting us for the last 4 years, Missy
Here is a clip from the journal the first year.
Saturday, May 8, 2004 8:43 AM CDT
On friday ryan had surgery.He had a mediport put in his chest for chemo and iv to access. he also had a biopsy done in which they took tissue to evaluate the tumor they took bone marrow to stage the cancer. they also took a liter and a half of liquid off his lung which concerns us that liquid will be biopsied also. he is very uncomfortable right now and we will get the results on Monday. PRAY!!!
We need a cure. Please donate or join us in the walk on June 7th. http://host.curesearch.org/goto/ryan
Another child has lost his battle and gained his wings. Ryan Hutchinson 11, Please give his family some support. www.caringbridge.org/visit/ryanhutchinson
Austin's mom seems to be struggling also. I don't even want to think about it. (www.caringbridge.org/visit/austinmcdonald
We need a cure. Please donate or join us in the walk on June 7th. http://host.curesearch.org/goto/ryan
Remember to donate so we can find a cure.
http://host.curesearch.org/goto/ryan
Also pray for Austin's family. Austin received his wings. We need to find a cure! Here is our curesearch info for the walk. All money goes to curesearch for a cure. I hope you will join us. Missy
http://host.curesearch.org/goto/ryan
Our DSRCT family also needs prayers. Ray, Craig, Austin, Jordan, Raymond, Meliza, Matt, Chris, and all others with cancer. Hannah and Lily from Omaha who are fighting very hard right now. Thanks for your prayers we are very glad we have you checking on us. Love, Missy
Thank you for the prayers for Mike. You know you have one sibling that is close to your heart and Mike is mine. Please pray.
Our DSRCT family also needs prayers. Ray, Craig, Austin, Jordan, Raymond, Meliza, Matt, and all others with cancer. Hannah and Lily from Omaha who are fighting very hard right now. Thanks for your prayers we are very glad we have you checking on us. Love, Missy
Thanks to all who purchased Pampered Chef. Ryan ended up with $400.00. That will certainly help with expences. We are humbled by your kindness. I will let you know results when we know.
Also please keep my brother Mike in your prayers. He was diagnosed with a lung problem and now we need 2 miracles. Mike is my brother who flew to NYC to sit with me for scans. How many time can a heart break? Love, Missy
Here is a poem from Hannah Knudsen's site. I couldn't help but post it:
"I am wearing a pair of shoes. They are ugly shoes. Uncomfortable shoes. I hate my shoes. Each day I wear them, and each day I wish I had another pair. Some days my shoes hurt so bad that I do not think I can take another step. Yet, I continue to wear them.
"I get funny looks wearing these shoes. I can tell in others eyes that they are glad they are my shoes and not theirs. They never talk about my shoes.
"To learn how awful my shoes are might make them uncomfortable. To truly understand these shoes you must walk in them. But, once you put them on, you can never take them off.
"I now realize that I am not the only one who wears these shoes. There are many pairs in this world. Some women ache daily as they try and walk in them. Some have learned how to walk in them so they don't hurt quite as much. Some have worn the shoes so long that days will go by before they think about how much they hurt.
"No woman deserves to wear these shoes. Yet, because of these shoes I am a stronger woman. These shoes have given me the strength to face anything. They have made me who I am.
"I am a woman who has a child with cancer. I will forever walk in these shoes."
- Author unknown
Thanks to those (Cody) who have donated their hotel points. I had a very difficult time finding anything close to the hospital this Monday and Tuesday night. Ryan will be staying about a half hour away. If you would like to help with hotel points please email me. Thanks from the heart.
Please keep my Ryan in your prayers along with Ryan H, Jordan, Raymond, Meliza, Hannah H, Hannah K, Craig, Ray and all others with cancer. This monster needs to be stopped!
There are 2 last day for the Pampered Chef fundraiser
UPDATE! Ryan Vodicka's Travel FUNDRAISER!!!!! Today thru April 15th!!!!! RYAN GETS 42F THE PROFIT!
You can check out my website 24/7: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/codyjoskitchen?page=host-search-results&showId=1573131.
You can easily access my website and place orders for Ryan's Travel Fund. Over half of the catalog has items priced under $25.00, so we have something for every budget and for every need! ALL products have at least a one year warranty- up to a lifetime!! Great investment..
If you spend over $60.00 you will receive a Herb Keeper or Measure, Mix & Pour free....
When ordering please chose DIRECT SHIP, I personally will cover any shipping expense above the normal 4.00 tax for shipping, so that you get your items delivered direct to you, at no additional charge!!! I will contact each of you and let you know your final price that will be charged to your CC, as the website will calculate full shipping cost..
THANKS FOR HELPING RYAN!!!!!
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Cody Roteliuk
Independent Consultant
701-624-5657
701-240-3071(Cell)
pamperedcody@srt.com
I want to say how humbled we are by the kindness of strangers. We do not know Cody Roteliuk who is doing the Pampered Chef party as a fundraiser. She contacted me through email and said she was a friend of Skylar Berry's grammy. She has now taked care of Ryan's hotels for the month of April. Thank you so much Cody. It just makes me cry to think that we are worthy of the people that come into our lives to help us. Thanks to all who have purchased Pampered Chef to help with finances. Please continue to pray for all with cancer that a cure is soon to be found.
Thank you, Missy
For certain things are not refused us, but their granting is delayed to a fitting time.
-St. Augustine
UPDATE! Ryan Vodicka's Travel FUNDRAISER!!!!! Today thru April 15th!!!!! RYAN GETS 42 F THE PROFIT!
You can check out my website 24/7: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/codyjoskitchen?page=host-search-results&showId=1573131.
You can easily access my website and place orders for Ryan's Travel Fund. Over half of the catalog has items priced under $25.00, so we have something for every budget and for every need! ALL products have at least a one year warranty- up to a lifetime!! Great investment..
If you spend over $60.00 you will receive a Herb Keeper or Measure, Mix & Pour free....
When ordering please chose DIRECT SHIP, I personally will cover any shipping expense above the normal 4.00 tax for shipping, so that you get your items delivered direct to you, at no additional charge!!! I will contact each of you and let you know your final price that will be charged to your CC, as the website will calculate full shipping cost..
THANKS FOR HELPING RYAN!!!!!
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Cody Roteliuk
Independent Consultant
701-624-5657
701-240-3071(Cell)
pamperedcody@srt.com
UPDATE! Ryan Vodicka's Travel FUNDRAISER!!!!! Today thru April 15th!!!!! RYAN GETS 42% OF THE PROFIT!
You can check out my website 24/7: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/codyjoskitchen?page=host-search-results&showId=1573131.
You can easily access my website and place orders for Ryan's Travel Fund. Over half of the catalog has items priced under $25.00, so we have something for every budget and for every need! ALL products have at least a one year warranty- up to a lifetime!! Great investment..
If you spend over $60.00 you will receive a Herb Keeper or Measure, Mix & Pour free....
When ordering please chose DIRECT SHIP, I personally will cover any shipping expense above the normal 4.00 tax for shipping, so that you get your items delivered direct to you, at no additional charge!!! I will contact each of you and let you know your final price that will be charged to your CC, as the website will calculate full shipping cost..
THANKS FOR HELPING RYAN!!!!!
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Cody Roteliuk
Independent Consultant
701-624-5657
701-240-3071(Cell)
pamperedcody@srt.com
UPDATE! Ryan Vodicka's Travel FUNDRAISER!!!!! Today thru April 15th!!!!! RYAN GETS 42% OF THE PROFIT!
You can check out my website 24/7: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/codyjoskitchen?page=host-search-results&showId=1573131.
You can easily access my website and place orders for Ryan's Travel Fund. Over half of the catalog has items priced under $25.00, so we have something for every budget and for every need! ALL products have at least a one year warranty- up to a lifetime!! Great investment..
If you spend over $60.00 you will receive a Herb Keeper or Measure, Mix & Pour free....
When ordering please chose DIRECT SHIP, I personally will cover any shipping expense above the normal 4.00 tax for shipping, so that you get your items delivered direct to you, at no additional charge!!! I will contact each of you and let you know your final price that will be charged to your CC, as the website will calculate full shipping cost..
THANKS FOR HELPING RYAN!!!!!
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Cody Roteliuk
Independent Consultant
701-624-5657
701-240-3071(Cell)
pamperedcody@srt.com
UPDATE! Ryan Vodicka's Travel FUNDRAISER!!!!! Today thru April 15th!!!!! RYAN GETS 42% OF THE PROFIT!
You can check out my website 24/7: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/codyjoskitchen?page=host-search-results&showId=1573131.
You can easily access my website and place orders for Ryan's Travel Fund. Over half of the catalog has items priced under $25.00, so we have something for every budget and for every need! ALL products have at least a one year warranty- up to a lifetime!! Great investment..
If you spend over $60.00 you will receive a Herb Keeper or Measure, Mix & Pour free....
When ordering please chose DIRECT SHIP, I personally will cover any shipping expense above the normal 4.00 tax for shipping, so that you get your items delivered direct to you, at no additional charge!!! I will contact each of you and let you know your final price that will be charged to your CC, as the website will calculate full shipping cost..
THANKS FOR HELPING RYAN!!!!!
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Cody Roteliuk
Independent Consultant
701-624-5657
701-240-3071(Cell)
pamperedcody@srt.com
Ryan leaves this Wednesday for Bethesda. He will have scans on Thursday and Friday to find the exact size of the remaining tumors. He will then rent a car and go to Jersey to watch hs friend Sami in a play! Sami is a cancer survivor and has the lead. Ryan will then go back to Bethesda and start the new drug R1507 infusion on Monday morning. Some have done well on this drug and some have had no results. Please pray this is the cure for sarcoma's. Ryan will have to fly back every week to be infused. This is going to be expensive. We are working on another fund raiser. If you have any ideas, let me know. Thanks for all your prayers, Missy
Caleb received his wings last Friday morning. Our prayers are with them.
UPDATE! Ryan Vodicka's Travel FUNDRAISER!!!!! Today thru April 15th!!!!!
You can check out my website 24/7: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/codyjoskitchen?page=host-search-results&showId=1573131.
You can easily access my website and place orders for Ryan's Travel Fund. Over half of the catalog has items priced under $25.00, so we have something for every budget and for every need! ALL products have at least a one year warranty- up to a lifetime!! Great investment..
If you spend over $60.00 you will receive a Herb Keeper or Measure, Mix & Pour free....
When ordering please chose DIRECT SHIP, I personally will cover any shipping expense above the normal 4.00 tax for shipping, so that you get your items delivered direct to you, at no additional charge!!! I will contact each of you and let you know your final price that will be charged to your CC, as the website will calculate full shipping cost..
THANKS FOR HELPING RYAN!!!!!
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Cody Roteliuk
Independent Consultant
701-624-5657
701-240-3071(Cell)
pamperedcody@srt.com
Caleb is still hanging in there, Raymond is doing great, Tim is returning to work, Craig is doing better, Ray is fighting hard, Hannah is such a trooper, Kyle is doing great, Daniel is returning home, Jackson is doing good, Callie is looking wonderful, Ryan H is doing good, our wonderful Peter has a cold but is doing great, Canon is as active as ever and Nate is keeping mom very busy.
These are a few that I pray for on a daily basis. Please join me and remember all that are fighting this horrible disease. Thanks, Missy
Love, Missy
Please keep Caleb in your prayers he is close to getting his wings. www.caringbridge.org/visit/hobbs
I received a note from my friend Paul Coco, father of the beautiful angel Alese. He has asked me to post the following and I know I can count on you all to help out:
One of Alese’s dear friends Jennifer Willey is 28 and lives in Maine, she is a Hodgkin’s survivor; however, Jennifer underwent a bone marrow transplant and as a result she has chronic Graft vs. Host disease, this is when the body rejects the donor cells. This is a very bad scenario and there is no cure.
I’m requesting that you do three things…. First, pray for Jennifer and her family. Second, please go to her website (copy and paste this link) at: www.freewebs.com/jenniferwilley/index.htm and inundate her quest book with encouraging words. Third, forward this request to a couple your friends and ask them to do the same.
Jennifer is a warm, courageous person and your encouragement will help. Just click on the Sign My Guestbook link
My prayer list has 75 on it and I read every name every night. Jennifer will be 76! Thanks all, Missy
We still need prayers for Caleb, Ray, Craig, Raymond, Jordan and Hannah. Along with all others with cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nathan's family. Nathan got his wings last week at the age of 20.
Thanks for all the prayers, Missy
A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love and encourages you with hope."
Author Unknown
WE NEED A CURE!
DID YOU KNOW?
* In the U.S. almost 3000 children die from cancer each year.
* Cancer is the number one disease killer of children.
* In the past 20 years only one new cancer drug has been approved for pediatric use.
* Only 3 percent of the budget from the National Cancer Institute goes towards Pediatric Cancer Research.
* September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness month, which nationally goes largely unrecognized.
*The government recently cut the budget for Childhood Cancer Research.
*14,000 children will be diagnosed this year with cancer.
*Currently there is between 30-40,000 children being treated for cancer in the US.
*As a nation, we spend $14 BILLION per year on the space program, but only $35 MILLION on childhood cancer research per year.
June 7th is Omaha's Milestones Walk. Please put it on your calendar and get ready to raise some money. Thanks, Missy
He will start on the generic of Stuent. If the trial opens up we don't know what we will do because they need to give it to him once a week and he has to be monitored by them. That would mean alot of travel or relocation to the Bethesda area. It is in God's hands and there is nothing we can do but pray. Thanks for hanging in there with us. Missy
Hannah is out of surgery and doing well. Her site has had over 100 people signing in yesterday. Please continue to pray for Ryan, Hannah, Caleb, Nate, Kyle and all others with this terrible disease. God bless, Missy
Hannah is out of surgery and doing well. Her site has had over 100 people signing in yesterday. Please continue to pray for Ryan, Hannah, Caleb, Nate, Kyle and all others with this terrible disease. God bless, Missy
www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahknudsen
Thanks for all you do, Missy
" If you believe, you will get anything you ask for in prayer" Matthew 21:24
P.S. Peter is home and so far everything is clean! Thanks for praying
Peter Zucca is having scans this week, please pray he stays in remission forever! Canon came out good with his scans! Now we just need a cure for our DRSCT friends and we will be fine. Keep praying!
Love, Missy
Peter Zucca is having scans this week, please pray he stays in remission forever! Canon came out good with his scans! Now we just need a cure for our DRSCT friends and we will be fine. Keep praying!
Love, Missy
Dan and I have had the week off so we are demoing the kitchen! Yes I take down walls to releave stress and now I have Dan joining me. What a mess! I will let you know how it goes.
We had a wonderful stress free family Christmas. My nieces and nephew Carrie, Jason, Sarah and Ashley, were in from Chicago and we had such a great time just visiting. Everyone was calm and there were no fights! It was amazing! We will be bringing in the new year with the kids. I just feel this overwhelming urge to be with family. Please keep Ryan in your prayers. We want a cure for cancer in 2008. Also remember Caleb who is on hospice, David who has no plan right now, Craig who needs a plan and pain control, Cole, Chris, Raymond, Jordan, Kyle, and all of the other warriors fighting this beast.
Love to all, Missy
Love, The Vodicka Family
ALWAYS BELIEVE
Peter will also have scans at that time. Pray things continue to go well for them. A few of our friends need prayer Caleb, David and Ray who all received bad new lately and Nikki who received her wings. We need a cure for cancer here on earth soon! Remember to live each day to the fullest. The small stuff is not worth it. Love, Missy
Please keep up the prayers for all our cancer families and remember our DSRCT family. We so miss the ones who have received their wings. Pray for their families who are left behind. Nothing will ever fill that hole left in their hearts. Love, Missy
We are grateful for all of the people we have met along the way. Our precious friends who have received their wings and their wonderful families who are left brokenhearted. Our friends who no longer have to live in the cancer world but have constant reminders of the damage it has done to their children and their lives. Thank you for being in our lives! Love, Missy
This was sent to me through a web site. It said so many things that we feel.
By Pamela Welky Paul, Special to The Times
November 5, 2007
The house is quiet today; I am alone. There is so
much I should do here, so
many things that go undone -- a full wastebasket
here, a stack of mail
there. Yet instead, I look and see what cancer has
wrought.
The front room is immaculate, always just so. I
tell the boys to keep it
clean, fool the neighbors, never let anyone go
farther -- because beyond the
front room lies the truth of the matter. It's
always been this way, but the
truth of the matter isn't a full laundry basket or
dishes in the sink
anymore. The truth of the matter is
incomprehensible.
I am like that front room. Pleasant. Strong.
Confident. Calm. Just don't try
to push past me. Don't try to nose yourself in. It
won't work. My back rooms
are dusty and cold and belong only to me.
On the left is the cancer-recurrence-rate room.
The door is nailed shut, I
won't go in. When spring is in bloom and my boy is
healthy and happy again,
I'll venture forth. I will pry open the door and
tear through with my bare
hands to see what may be in store for him. Not
yet.
The financial-responsibilities room haunts me,
although I have its door
bolted tightly as well. It does not sleep. The
gentle, welcome refrain,
"This Is Not a Bill," sings to me down the hall
and has become my lullaby.
But this room breathes. I hear it at night.
I hate the chemotherapy-permanent-side-effects
room most of all. Its door is
heavy and unyielding. But it remains there,
brooding. It will bide its time.
I should stay out of the hall altogether, but for
Brooks' room. Tousled
sheets and games piled high. Raw almonds and
prescription bottles and malted
milk balls and fan mail and gauze and dirty socks
and nothing important but
everything important because he's mine. My
beautiful child. The truth of the
matter.
So please enjoy the front room, that sunny place
that keeps us all afloat.
Pleasant, strong, confident, calm.
Just don't ask to see the rest of the house.
Pamela Welky Paul co-wrote the musical "Song of
Motherhood." She lives in
Studio City with her sons. Although her eldest,
16-year-old Brooks, was
diagnosed with bone cancer in May 2006, he is
thriving.
Off to scans. Ryan and his dad left at 8 this morning. Ryan will have a CT on Tuesday. Please pray that the scans are good. Pray for all of our DSRCT family. We so need a cure. Thanks, Missy
P.S.
Ryan would love to go to the Chiefs/Green Bay game if you know of anyone getting rid of tickets. Thanks, Missy
http://capwiz.com/curesearch/dbq/officials/
P.S. Remember all of our dsrct family Raymond, Caleb, Jordan, Ray, Daniel, Ryan H., and Chris. Also Jerry, who recently had surgery and Carla who lost a baby to sids in her daycare. Thanks, Missy
http://www.duncanaviation.aero/campaign/story-ryanVodicka.php
We expected nothing in return except to help others become aware of corporate angels. They helped us so much, they truly are angels. Duncan Aviation presented Ryan with a thank-you gift today, a program for his computer. We are so grateful. Ryan has been a little down and this was just the thing to perk up his spirits. Duncan Aviation will join the Angels that have guided us for the last 3 1/2 years. Thank you so much.
Keep up the prayers for all people with cancer. We will continue to push for that cure. Thanks, Missy
Ryan is doing well. He just finished helping me trim the hedges. The boat is in storage for the winter. I am sure football season will keep him busy for a few months.
Sunday, Oct 7th at 8/7c tune is to the ABC show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. This week's show will feature the Byer family of Corvalis, OR.
Janessa "Boey" Byer was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma. This self described childhood cancer "warrior" will be the star of the show.
To view a preview of the show visit: http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/index
Rhabdo is what Peter and Nate had and it is closely related to Ryan's tumor. Also if you catch America's Funniest Home Video's one of my childcare children Zach will be on the slip and slide. Have a great week and always remember to pray for Ryan and all of the cancer warriors. Raymond will have scans this week and many others are trying new drugs that need our prayers. Thanks, Missy
On a much lighter note, GO CHIEFS! They pulled it out 2 weeks in a row. Of course last week was just for Ryan's birthday! This week was so much fun to watch. We were all cheering in the livingroom. I think the walls were shaking. We all wear the same clothes however, I wash mine. Ryan refuses! Thank God for the hapiness that football brings to Ryan. I can't believe I just thanked God for football!
Take care my friends and remember to pray for Ryan, Ray, Raymond, Caleb, Austin, Jordan, Callie, and all others with cancer. May God give us a cure, here on earth soon. Love, Missy
Please pray for the Lusk family. Their little girl Tanner got her wings this week. It should not happen. We so need a cure for this horrible disease. I just get so angry that childhood cancer is so underfunded. Pray. Here is Tanner's web site. www.tannerville.com. Let them know they are being prayed for. Thanks, Missy
Ryan is doing fine. He started chemo again today and that I am sure was hard after 3 weeks. I just wish... well you know what I wish. Thanks for all the prayers and support. We are so grateful, Missy
Our friend Cathy had a successful surgery, keep on praying!
As you know a VIP died a little over a month ago. Her name was Marlena. If you ever checked her site you would know how wonderful she truly was. I hope her husband doesn't mind but here is the last thing he wrote and it got to my heart so much I had to share.
Well, I finally did! And if you read this mom before I tell ya try not to get too upset but tonight I went and got a tattoo in memory of Marlena. She always wanted one and never got the chance and so now I have something that will help to always keep her memory close to me even after pictures are put up and life moves on. I've got plastic wrap around my arm right now so I can't take a good picture of it but I will soon and will post it. But while I was sitting there tonight trying not to be a puss about needles being poked into my arm for 3 hours I thought about a lot and I guess over the last few years as everything was going on, I noticed a lot of things about how people are in general (myself included) that made me realize how much we all have to learn. Marlena was good at sharing her thoughts and for whatever reason I would like to share a few things that I have learned (some the hard way) from all this. Here are just a few. By the way, I want to say a big thanks to Cainnan Tummond ( I'm sorry, I'm sure I spelled that wrong) for spending a lot of time giving me this tattoo and charging me nothing for his time!
Don’t sweet the small stuff – We are all guilty of this, but now I guess I’m more aware of it. I hear people everyday fussing about the silliest things and talking about how bad their day was yesterday because of something like it was raining and they got wet unloading groceries or some crap like that. I want to say to them- Try explaining to the person that you care about more than anything in the world that the cancer that they thought was being taken care of has spread to their lungs or seeing the pain in their eyes when they wake up and ask you point blank if they are going to die and you have to answer them honestly. I want to say to them- Let me tell you what a bad day is! And at the same time, I know that there are so many others that have had it worst than me. My point is, if something happens, think about it. If it is not going to affect you in 5 years time- don’t worry about it! Stuff happens!
Mistakes are not always bad – Some of the best memories I have of Marlena are some of the dumbest things that she and I did. She would always have little “goofs” but she could always get out of them with a “oops” or “my bad”. And though I may have never told her, her burnt dinners and shirts that she got me that were too small and made my nipples go on display made me love her even more because she always tried! Our culture teaches us that we can’t make mistakes. I think that I’ve learned more from my mistakes in life than anything else.
Don’t take for granite that you’ll be able to tell some tomorrow that you love them – I am so glad that the last decent (a very relative term) night that I spent with Marlena I told her how much I loved her before I went to sleep- the next morning she woke up basically brain dead from bleeding in the brain. One rule that Marlena and I tried very hard to live by was to never go to bed angry or drive off mad. (Plus making up is so much fun!) You never know when your life will be changed forever and telling a picture that you love it just isn’t the same.
Last but certainly not least-
Be good to each other! So many times I think people get too comfortable with each other and forget that even though your not dating anymore and have been married for a few years you still need to be good to each other. They forget why they even got married or what it is that they really loved about their partner. Now, I will be the first to admit that Marlena and I would pick on each other constantly, but (almost) never in a mean way. We had fun with it and at the end of the day it was always clear to both of us why we got married. So don’t forget to do something little for each other from time to time. I would give anything to be able to just take off her glasses for her after she fell asleep just one more time… And don’t wait until your spouse is sick to realize their true value.
Jeff
Thanks for everything, Missy
I hate that he has to travel to the east aroung 911. It scares me a little. Pray for the people of 911.
Also my friend Cathy will have surgery on Tuesday or Wednesday. They will remove part of her lung. Pray they get it all and that her recovery is quick.
Peter had good news the scans were NED. Thank you GOD!
Other DSRCT friends to keep in your prayers are Raymond, Caleb, Ray, Craig, Jordan Callie and Austin etc... They all deserve a chance at life.
Thanks for all you prayers. We do feel them every day, Missy
Cathy Coleman also needs prayers. She was diagnosed with cancer this past week. I have been playing bunco with her and her wonderful daughters. Pray her treatment is not to harsh and that the cancer leaves never to return.
It has been a good week for Ryan. He has no chemo this week. He was also given a surprise call from a Chiefs player. It is a program called phone a friend. They make a special effort to talk to people with cancer and match them with someone they admire. Ryan was nervous but I am sure Tony Gonzales knew that. Ryan was so grateful to talk to him. It really made his day, week, year! Ryan doesn't get a make a wish because he is too old. There are so many things he doesn't qualify for. I wish he was too old for a pediatric cancer. Keep the prayers comming!
Congrats to Brion's. The baby is beautiful.
Thanks so all the wonderful people I met in California. I am sure we added many more prayer warriors to our group to pray for Ryan and all the people we have met along the way. Have a great weekend! Love, Missy
I received this in an email and I thought it would be great to share.
After learning the news that Robin Roberts from ABC news has cancer, I reviewed the comments left on her web site and found this story that is worth sharing. Copied and pasted it here for you to read and share with others that may have cancer and are in
need of a hug!
Blessings,
Judy
+
I HAVE CANCER...
I have cancer but cancer does not have me.
Cancer is not who I am.
It’s only a bend in the road that is my life’s journey…
An unexpected detour on my path.
It is a lesson in the schoolroom that is human existence.
So I will pause to rest and heal
And study the lesson
Before I move on to my life beyond cancer.
I will not give in to fear,
And I will not be discouraged by setbacks.
Setbacks are only opportunities to review the lesson.
I will not be ashamed of my scars.
My scars are brushstrokes in the masterpiece that is my life.
I will be thankful for the many blessings that cancer has brought into my life:
People I never would have known,
Love that I had never been still or quiet enough to witness,
Humility I needed,
Strength I thought I had lost,
Courage I never knew I had.
I will remember that I can still have fun
And that it’s okay – even healthy to be silly.
I will remember that to find the joy in rainbows I must endure the rain.
And I will remember always that
While I may have cancer
Cancer does not have me.
author unknown
+
The answer to cancer is to say, "I can, sir!"
With the help of God,
I will trod.
Amen.
+
FOR MORE INFO VISIT WWW.MIRACLETREATDAY.COM
Ryan continues to do well. He is going to the dentist this week. Chemo has done a job on his teeth. Please continue to pray for a cure. I get a little caught up in all of the caringbridges and it is so hard. Thanks for everything, Missy
Ryan is doing good. He off chemo for the next two weeks and is looking forward to it. He has been golfing and working on the boat along with playing with kids. Please pray a cure comes soon. Thanks for all you do, Missy
Please pray for her and visit her site to let her know we are here. www.caringbridge.org/visit/marlenahodges.
PRAY
Don't forget our cancer family that battles every day Marlena, Raymond, Caleb, Austin, Trent, Sydney and Joey. Thanks for all you do, Missy
Also pray for Suren,Caleb, Marlena, Jordan, Raymond, Emily and Jace Carrico. Thanks
Canon had good scans!! Thanks for the prayers for all of our cancer family.
Ryan is doing great. He finished this round of chemo last Sunday and will leave for scans on Sunday the 8th. Please pray that the scans are good. He may also have a surgery to remove some of the tumor to be tested. It will make me crazy to stay home but his dad will go with him this time. Last time the bathroom walls came down I wonder which walls I should take down this time.
We wish you all a wonderful holiday. Love your families and hold them close. Love, Missy
Keep the prayers comming, they are working in ways we can't even measure. Our friends that could also use prayer are Jordan, Tim, Marlena, Canon who has scans comming up, Sydney, Tanner, Raymond, and Caleb. This cancer world is so hard. Pray for a cure for all here on earth soon! Thanks for all you do, Missy
The curesearch walk was a huge success! I believe the final count was over $100,000. These people are so dedicated. It was great to meet new people and put some faces to the web sites I follow.
Please keep up the prayers. It has been busy around here with Robin graduating, Rhonda and Dennis getting married, and a new baby on the way any day. Life continues. Thank GOD! We are so thankful for our friends and family.
Remember to pray for Marlena, Tim, Caleb, Jordan, Austin and all others who have to battle the beast. Mark Dewalle passed away this morning, please pray for his family. Thanks, Missy
We have a busy weekend. We are all walking in the cure search walk on Saturday morning. The walk starts at 8 a.m. There will be many things to do there. If you would like to walk on Ryan's team please email me for a shirt. They are $8.00 plus a donation to curesearch. Keep up the prayers they are working.
A few of our friends need prayers, Caleb starts chemo, Mark is on hospice, Marlena, Raymond, Tim, Austin, Jordan and Sydney all neen them. A cure...
Thanks for all you do, Missy
Lucas and I just arrived from PA. We had a great time with Dawn and Peter. We even were able to go to Ocean City in NJ! It was wonderful. Trish, Dawn's cousin came with us and we had a blast. Dawn had explained when she made the reservations that Peter was a cancer survivor and I was with my grandson to make up for all the times I was gone in the last 3 years. The B and B owners gave us a discounted rate and the merchants gave the boys gifts, t-shirts and ride and food for free. It was so wonderful and very appreciated. You really meet the greatest people during the cancer journey. Since Ryan is older he doesn't get some of the perks the little ones get. It was nice to see his nephew be so happy. I have to admit it was good to be with good friends and away from home for some recharging.
Omaha is having a cancer walk to raise money for childhood cancers. They are so underfunded. It is so unfair. These kids deserve the research the other cancers are getting. Here is link for information or to donate. www.Milestones Walk.com. We will be walking and we will have shirts if anyone is interested give me a call.
We need prayers for Marlena who is making some treatment choices and for Mark, sent home on hospice. Also a little one in Omaha Tanner who is having a difficult time right now. Pray they all receive a miracle right along with Ryan. Thanks for all you do, Missy
I am going to take Lucas to see Peter and his family for a week. It will be so good to be with Dawn and the family. You develope such a bond with the people you fight cancer with. I miss being with those people so much. Peter and Nate just had great scans so it will be a celebration. I pray Ryan will be next. Thanks for checking in on us remember all the warriors fighting along side of us, Marlena, Raymond, Caleb, Tim, Sydney, Mark and Joey.
Omaha is having a cancer walk to raise money for childhood cancers. They are so underfunded. It is so unfair. These kids deserve the research the other cancers are getting. Here is link for information or to donate. www.Milestones Walk.com
Thanks for everything, Missy
Praise the Lord! Ryan's scans are stable!!! O.K. now that word is just wonderful! There are new options on the table and we are so happy. Thank you Dr. Fry and the NIH. Thanks Doug, Tim and Russ for praying with us. Thanks to all who prayed today. I can't tell you what it means to have you all in our life. Love, Missy
It is with a sad and heavy heart to say that Alese Coco passed away last Monday. I met Alese and her dad on a corporate flight to New York where we were both treated at Sloan Kettering. Alese had a spirit and determination that was unmatched by anyone I know, her strength gave others around her power to believe, and her faith gave us all hope. In the short time I got to visit with Alese and to follow along with her fight through her journal I got to see her Fight 2 Win spirit and only wish that I could have gotten to know her more.
As the brothers and sisters of cancer continue to fight our own battles we know that the strongest angel of all is now watching over us giving us the strength, faith, and the will to Fight 2 Win.
Alese you will be missed by all.
Please take the time to read Alese's Journal at www.alesecoco.org and see the fight that she had, give your condolences on her guestbook and know that you too can have that determination in your fight.
The heavens opened and rejoiced, for the greatest angel has come home:
Alese Coco
10 March 1984 - 7 May 2007
Ryan V.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, May 9, 2007 5:51 PM CDT
Ladies and Gentleman,
Stable...That is all.
thank you all for your prayers and good thoughts today, it helped.
Have a good day.
Ryan V
It is with a sad and heavy heart to say that Alese Coco passed away last Monday. I met Alese and her dad on a corporate flight to New York where we were both treated at Sloan Kettering. Alese had a spirit and determination that was unmatched by anyone I know, her strength gave others around her power to believe, and her faith gave us all hope. In the short time I got to visit with Alese and to follow along with her fight through her journal I got to see her Fight 2 Win spirit and only wish that I could have gotten to know her more.
As the brothers and sisters of cancer continue to fight our own battles we know that the strongest angel of all is now watching over us giving us the strength, faith, and the will to Fight 2 Win.
Alese you will be missed by all.
Please take the time to read Alese's Journal at www.alesecoco.org and see the fight that she had, give your condolences on her guestbook and know that you too can have that determination in your fight.
The heavens opened and rejoiced, for the greatest angel has come home:
Alese Coco
10 March 1984 - 7 May 2007
Ryan V.
Stable...That is all.
thank you all for your prayers and good thoughts today, it helped.
Have a good day.
Ryan V
Ryan will fly to Bethesda on Tuesday and scans are scheduled on Wednesday. PRAY! Pray the chemo decided to work. Pray this cancer leaves his body and he is granted his earthly cure. Pray they have a plan for Ryan. Pray a cure is soon to be. We love Ryan so much.
Pray also for our friends Nate who started scanning today and Peter who leaves for scans on Mother's day. We want them to stay clean.
Alese is doing a little better but her family could use some kind words. Raymond, needs a plan, Marlena, Caleb, Tim, Ray, Austin and everyone else who has to be in this terrible fight, God please give them strength to battle this beast.
Love, Missy
Our friends in California could use prayer right now. Alese is having trouble breathing. Please visit her site above and pray for her wonderful family.
Thanks for everything, Missy
Pray also for Marlena, Michael and Tim who all are going through a tough battle.
Thanks, Missy
So the plan for the week is that I fly in on Tuesday, scans on Wednesday and see what the scans say about the next months plans.
So to update everyone, Chemo still sucks, not working sucks, and the whole wait and see sucks, but on the bright side I'm still alive...so I guess it can't be all that bad right? Hope everyone is having a great day, and an even better week. I'll update when I know what the scans say (sometime Thursday), but not before then (because I wouldn't know). So take care, keep the prayers going for all of the fighters out there and we will win this together. All the best.
conquering cancer,
Ryan V
Yeah I know it's been awhile since I wrote but cut me some slack. I'll try and do better in the future.
We would like to thank Dawn's friend Bill for looking into how to take care of a education loan that is weighing heavily on Ryan. I think cancer should over ride all bills! Thank you for all your prayers, we rely on them. Love, Missy
P.S. Pray for Marlena who is looking for new treatment, Raymond who will have surgery soon, Tim, and Alese.
Pray also for Patty S. whose funeral is Wednesday, Kathy's mom whose funeral is Tuesday, Mimi's dad who is doing better, Patty L's father in law who is not doing well, Marcia who will have surgery, and all of our cancer friends that they win this battle. A wonderful lady name Vicki died last week along with Nicole. Nicole told her mom during this battle either way I win. How profound for a girl in her 20's. Pray for their families.
Thanks for all you do, Missy
Here is a quote I found that I thought was wonderful. Pray, be humble, accept the cross, love and forgive.
My friend Patty Sanford passed away this morning. Pray for her family and friends. Also Mimi's dad, Patty L's father in law and Kathy's mom. It has been a real hard week around here.
For those of you inquiring about our search for a church, no we have not decided yet. I am really heartbroken about St. Gerald's. It has changed me forever.
Thanks for everything you do. Love, Missy
Keep Alese in your prayers, she has had a nasty infection. Web page above.
Also Marlena, Raymond, Tim and Nathan who are fighting every day.
Patty is still hanging in there but things don't look good pray for her and her family. Thanks, Missy
Thanks for all you do, Missy
The scans show that the existing tumors have shrunk and there is no new tumors. Ryan is returning home and will stay on this chemo for two rounds then return for scans again.
Your prayers worked! Thank you so much. Now we just need him home safely. With all the storms on the east coast I am sure it will be a long day of travel.
Thanks again for sticking by us. Love, Missy
Ryan finally made it to Bethesda. He had many flights canceled due to weather. He finally flew into Regan who just had sleet vs. BWI who had ice pellets! We were relieved once he arrived safely.
Scans are today starting with a clinic visit at 9:00 a.m.
Please pray that Ryan gets a break. Pray for PET scans as dark as night, CT scans that show major shrinkage. Please Dear God let Ryan get his miracle.
Thanks for sticking with us. Thanks Dawn for always being there when I need you most I really love to pray with you the night before scans. Thanks to my family and friends for knowing scan time is when I am a little psyco.
Love, Missy
Thanks to everyone with church advice. We are still church shopping. St. Gerald's is just not the place for us anymore. I know God will send us in the right direction. You really find out who truly cares for you in troubled times and this is one of them. Keep up the prayers for Ryan and all people with cancer. We sure could use a cure. Love, Missy
Ryan continues to do well. He starts chemo today. PRAY this is going to work.
We have had some problems with our grandson's school so we are looking for a new church to attend. I can't believe what life can deal you while you are down.
Nate had good scans and we are very thankful for that. Keep up those prayers they are working! Love, Missy
Other families that need prayer are, Fay, Nate who has scans this week, Donavan who has his wings Alese and,
www.caringbridge.org/visit/ramondaliniz
www.caringbridge.org/visit/marlenahodges
www.caringbridge.org/ct/jordan
www.caringbridge.org/visit/tim
p.s. Pray for all people with cancer. We need a cure.
Some to check out are:
www.caringbridge.org/visit/ramondaliniz
www.caringbridge.org/visit/marlenahodges
www.caringbridge.org/ct/jordan
www.caringbridge.org/visit/tim
Pray for Marlena, Raymond, Alese and Tim they are all in the fight right along with us.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-
Ryan is doing great. He is keeping busy with the kids from school and spending time with friends. He will be traveling with his sister on Tuesday morning to Bethesda. Robin will give cells and Ryan will be scanned. Please pray especially hard on Wednesday and Thursday that the results are good. Pray also for safe travel. Our New Year was canceled because of a snow and ice storm so I hope the kids don't run into any trouble.
Also keep praying for all who are not doing so well right now, Marlena, Raymond, Tim, Joey, David, Nathan and all others who need extra prayers.
Thanks and God Bless, Missy
Some people are not as fortunate as we and are in need of prayers. Raymond is a young boy going through transplant, Marlena is 25 and not doing well, Alese had not so good scans, and Tim did not get good scans. Also remember Scott and Suzan who are without Hazen this year. Please pray for them.
All I want for Christmas is a CURE!
Thanks for the support! Missy
Some people are not as fortunate as we and are in need of prayers. Raymond is a young boy going through transplant, Marlena is 25 and not doing well, and Tim did not get good scans. Also remember Scott and Suzan who are without Hazen this year. Please pray for them.
All I want for Christmas is a CURE!
Thanks for the support! Missy
Time is passing by so quickly. I sometimes feel as if I am watching it out the window without being able to be a part of it. Ryan is doing great. He is going in for antibiotics once a week, along with a blood draw and a visit to actually see the doctor. He is looking great and working out on a regular basis. I know it is still hard for him to have his life stand still but he is making the best of it. He shows up at every family thing he is requested to be at. I love seeing him play basketball with Lucas and Owen or hold Karli. I just wish . . . that he was cured and life could go on. I will go on praying and letting God know how much I want to keep my son here with me. We are looking forward to Christmas. Being together as a family is such a gift. Please pray for a cure and for all the families that won't be together this year because their child has gone to a better place. I know we will see them all again but it does not take away the pain. Love to all, Missy
Wednesday, December 8, 2004 7:18 PM CST
Ryan was taken in for surgery at 9:30. He was talking to the nurses and was very positive. We had a talk last night and he told me as he said the Our Father in church last Sunday he felt a warmness over come him and he started to cry. He then told the Lord he was giving himself to the Lord. I also feel a calmness this time. I know our doctor will be guided by God. Pray with us as Ryan under goes surgery. God Bless, Missy
Wednesday, December 8, 2004 12:53 AM CST
We were just updated on Ryan's condition. the first cut was made at 10:50. The doctor is very precise and not a talker so the nurse asks how is it going and he says we're working. She said he was begining on the lower pelvis first but the cut will be in the same place as the last one. Keep PRAYING! Let this cancer fall of into his hands.
PRAISE GOD! Ryan was in surgery for 8 hours. The greatest doctor on earth came out and told us all the cancer that he could see is GONE! The tumor came off the liver just as we prayed it would he also had tumors in the pelvic area that were cleared out. They had to take his apendix and galblader but who needs those anyway. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS WE KNOW THAT IS WHAT PULLED HIM THROUGH. Praise God. God is good!
Love, Missy
THANKS FOR THE CONTINUED SUPPORT. WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU. PRAY THAT RYAN WILL SOON BE CANCER FREE. THANKS, MISSY
For now I am just enjoying having all my kids home. We can only take one day at a time but we can make that day the best possible. Love to all, Missy
We have so much to be thankful for, Ryan is still in the fight, (next year cancer free) Karli is healthy and beautiful, Rhonda is engaged to a wonderful guy, and Lucas is so excited, Robin is doing well in school and will return with Ryan to give more cells, Rachael Scott and Owen are so happy to have Karli and Dan and I almost have the bathroom done! Most of all we are thankful for God and our wonderful friends and family. Thanks for supporting us through this long journey.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and hug your kids extra tight. Love, Missy
GBOB
I flew to NYC to say goodbye to one of the children treated with Ryan. It brought back many memories being back, scarry. Our prayers are with Scott and Suzan. Hazen, fly high little one.
I stayed with Dawn, Dennis and Peter. They also bought my plane ticket. Thank you guys so much. It meant so much for me to be there with you. Peter heads into scans in the morning PLEASE PRAY he stays clean. He is a true miracle.
Now as a closing I will share wonderful news. IT'S A GIRL! Ryan's sister Rachael delivered a baby girl this morning. She is doing great and Rachael and Scott are beaming. Owen is not too sure yet but I know he will come around.
Thank you again for praying for Ryan and his buddies. It means so much to us. Love, Missy
Ryan V
It has been a rough week. Our little friend Hazen died on November 1st. He war just 5 years old. This is such a brutal disease. Please pray for him and Scott and Suzan. They are such wonderful parents. Visit the web site it is listed below just to let them know you are thinking of them. I will be flying to Philly on Friday to attend the memorial service with Dawn and Dennis (Peter's wonderful parents). Boy this life is so hard at times.
Love God, Love your kids! Missy
GBOB
We have had some news about Hazen. They say he is out of options. Only God knows that for sure. Please pray for Hazen, Scott and Suzan. They are so wonderful.
Also a little one I used to have in my daycare has been diagnosed with Leukemia. Please pray for little Jacob, who is three.
Where is the cure for this horrible disease?
Our friend Hazen is in need of prayer. His abdomin is swollen and he is experiencing pain in his back. Please pray for this wonderful little boy and his parents.
Thank you for everything, Missy
P.S. Thanks Rose and Jerry for paying for Ryan's next footbath.
Hope that the week has been going well for everyone. So guess who has clear scans?.......Canon, Peter, and hopefully many more of my cancer friends.
HA gotcha again, man I can't believe you keep falling for it, suckers bwahahahaha (evil laugh) Ok honestly I recieved the scan results today and.....drum roll please......everything is stable, yes I know a big let down for most of you but I will be getting DLI tomorrow (as long as the PFT's are good) and no chemo this time around. This is a good move forward and we will try the DLI thing again. Remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. But I will see you all at the finish line. Until next time keep your head up and keep smiling.
The bald nebraskan,
Ryan V
My brother had a pacemaker in yesterday and is doing great. Thanks for all the prayers. Love, Missy
Thanks for all the birthday wishes! Ry read every one of them. He looks wonderful and is trying to keep busy before he leaves for scans. Travis was able to get Chiefs tickets for October 1st! They are so excited! Thanks Travis!
Keep up the prayers!
Nate has scans today, Hazen is trying a different chemo and little Joey is headed to New York. Pray for all these wonderful kids. Also my brother was admitted to the hospital for lung problems. Please say an extra prayer for him. He has helped us many times with Ryan's battle.
Thanks for everything, Missy
Ryan's Birthday is the 19th. Please leave him a birthday greeting. His dad is taking him to Hooters on Monday for the football games. I will stay home and clean.
Thank you all for the prayers, Missy
Also pray for Hazen who is having problems with his liver and Nate who has tests on Thursday to find out why there is pain. We love these kids and their families.
Have a wonderful day and hug your kids tight! Love, Missy
Also pray for Hazen who is having problems with his liver and Nate who has tests on Thursday to find out why there is pain. We love these kids and their families.
Have a wonderful day and hug your kids tight! Love, Missy
Our friend Peter had very good news! His foot grew out of the brace and he needs less of a lift. We are so excited for them. Canon is doing great. Nate still needs prayer for pain control. The doctors are puzzled as to what the pain is. Hazen is receiving good news but needs to get to antibody stage. Jack is off for his first day of Kindergarden. Thank you God.
Please continue to pray for Ryan and his buddies. We want to dance at all their weddings someday. Love, Missy
Ryans friend Nate is having some pain issues and is in need of prayer. We pray it is not a relapse.
Thank you for all you do! Love, Missy
Instead of forwarding this I thought it was worth posting.
If the Lord has you on hold... hold on!
If the Lord has said "NO" to you... thank Him!
If the Lords is molding your heart and mind... go with His
change!
If the Lord opens doors that you have asking Him to open...
Praise Him!
Be blessed wherever you are in your life today! God has His
hands on the situation!
YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES
You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:16 & John 3:34 )
You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)
Ryan continues to do well. The blood counts are up and the mouth sores have cleared. He is helping out at the after school program. He can help with homework and shoot hoops. It gives him something to do. He is looking forward to the Chiefs! They better not let him down this year.
This is such a rollercoaster all the time. We try to get on with a "normal" life and then it is scans or more treatment. It is so exhausting for all involved. Thanks for your support and especially your prayers. We are so lucky to have you in our lives. Love, Missy
NG: Day 29
Things have been pretty silent. Had a bout of a high fever on Sunday, but no worries I still played golf in the morning and spent time with the family in the evening. Also just recently gotten the sores of the mouth this time on the tongue and gums on my left side, so if you talk to me and I sound weird that's why. But don't worry the throat sores are coming a bit later (yipee, yep that was a yipee I just put down) I'm on antibiotics right now and they seem to be doing the trick. I already know to cut back on the partying sobody can yell at me for it :)
By the way if you're looking to invest money or go for a career try pharmacy or drugs because for ten pills...damn, I definately picked the wrong profession. The fam is good and the friends are good, I'm back to routinely kicking my buddy Pow's (chris) butt in darts (cutthrought cricket to be more exact). Getting ready for the new Chiefs Football Season !!!! So if anyone has some tickets and can't use them I will gladly take them, dotation or pay face falue, doesn't really matter to me.
Beyond that not too much going on, haven't heard about Canon's scans but probably will later today. So keep those smiles going and be glad fall is around the corner, cheer for those Chiefs (and Huskers). All the best to you all. and remember that no matter how much life sucks the alternative is worse.
Your bald buddy,
Your own personal "powder" (pretty good movie)
Ryan V
P.S. Canon has scans today PRAY he is clear once again. We love this kid.
Ask me who's Cancer free? Go on ask.... OK now guess who's cancer free!!....Give up? Canon, Peter, Nate. Bwahahaha you thought I would say me, but again you fell for it. Your a silly kind of stupid today huh? There was already a post that the tumor is still there and stable. So more chemo in the beautiful town of Bethesda. The scans for Canon are next week so we'll have to see if that little guy is still clean. Other than that not too much is going on, just the usual go to the hospital get more chemo go back to the hotel, I mean you know how that goes....wait I guess most of you don't. Well it's like going to your work every morning getting kicked in the balls (for you guys) or getting bad cramps (for the ladies) then going back to a room and watch tv with that feeling or somethingto that effect. Good mental image? yeah I thought so. So doesn't your day seem better already? so quit your griping about the toner, fax or the TPS reports (office space reference) and enjoy the day. All the best to you and yours.
Your Chemo Correspondent,
Ryan V
P.S. If anybody knows of anyone that's selling a good boat for cheap please let me know. Thanks
Ask me who's Cancer free? Go on ask.... OK now guess who's cancer free!!....Give up? Canon, Peter, Nate. Bwahahaha you thought I would say me, but again you fell for it. Your a silly kind of stupid today huh? There was already a post that the tumor is still there and stable. So more chemo in the beautiful town of Bethesda. The scans for Canon are next week so we'll have to see if that little guy is still clean. Other than that not too much is going on, just the usual go to the hospital get more chemo go back to the hotel, I mean you know how that goes....wait I guess most of you don't. Well it's like going to your work every morning getting kicked in the balls (for you guys) or getting bad cramps (for the ladies) then going back to a room and watch tv with that feeling or somethingto that effect. Good mental image? yeah I thought so. So doesn't your day seem better already? so quit your griping about the toner, fax or the TPS reports (office space reference) and enjoy the day. All the best to you and yours.
Your Chemo Correspondent,
Ryan V
P.S. We have not heard from Dawn yet about Peter's scans so keep praying. Canon will have scans next week so pray for him also. Thanks!
Peter is having scans on Tuesday and Wednesday, Pray for NED. This will mean his survival rate skyrockets. Visit their site and leave Dawn a note. This is so hard considering last scans they almost sedated him into a coma.
Thank you for all of your prayers and support. We love you, Missy
NG: Day 7
The week is starting slow for me, but it started non the less. Getting ready for the trip to maryland this coming Sunday. I am in a process to get a boat, not the best looking one but it floats and the motor works so I guess it's not tat bad right? The family is doing good and the weather is ok, not too hot this week. I'll try to write before I leave so until then have fun and stay cool. all the best.
Ryan V
NG: Day 1
Hope everyone is having a good day and that everyone is staying out of trouble. My counts are down but it's to be expected. I go to the docs for another blood count today and hopefully we are on the way up. I am scheduled to go back to Maryland on July 30th for a week for scans and planned chemo run. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Try to enjoy the hot weather and stay cool. all the best to all of you.
Ryan V
Please pray for our friends Hazen who is still in treatment, Peter who has scans in August, Nate who has scans comming up soon, Canon, Jack and Joanna. They are so important to us.
Continue to pray for the Wilsons. Kathy is missed so much.
GBOB
Please pray also for the Wilson family. Kathy died on Saturday. The cancer moved very quickly. She was a wonderful person who helped me so much while we were at Sloan. May the Lord hold her in his arms and welcome her home.
Thanks for everything, Missy
Please pray also for the Wilson family. Kathy dies on Saturday. The cancer moved very quickly. She was a wonderful person who helped me so much while we were at Sloan. May the Lord hold her in his arms and welcome her home.
Thanks for everything, Missy
I have a dear friend who needs prayers also. Her name is Kathy Wilson. She supported and loved her daughter so much during treatment and while Joanna went through a transplant, Kathy was diagnosed with breast cancer. She now has a tumor that is causing pain in her neck and her eye. Please read her journal and pray. She is so wonderful.
www.caringbridge.org/ny/joannawilson
Thanks for everything, Missy
P.S. We have braceletts that say Conquering Cancer, and the caringbridge website. If you would like to order one we are asking for at least a $5.00 donation. You can send the money to the address below. The money goes for Ryan's expences while he is getting treatment. Thanks!
The Vodicka's
4812 s. 92 Ave
Omaha, NE 68127
I just learned that another one of our little friends got his angel wings on Monday. Please pray for his family. Jacob fought for almost 3 years and he was AMAZING! We will never forget to F.R.O.G Fully Rely on GOD.
www.caringbridge.org/fl/jacob
P.S. We have braceletts that say Conquering Cancer, and the caringbridge website. If you would like to order one we are asking for at least a $5.00 donation. You can send the money to the address below. The money goes for Ryan's expences while he is getting treatment. Thanks!
The Vodicka's
4812 s. 92 Ave
Omaha, NE 68127
The tumors are not reacting to Robin's cells. They are still growing but at a slow rate. The three options were given to us again, and Ryan chose to start chemo. Kill this cancer and then try the cells again. Pray the chemo works quickly and has little side effects. Dawn, Trish and Peter stayed with us for the scans and the results. It was so nice to have them by our side. We had another lovely dinner and then in for the night. We want to thank the Zucca's for making the trip to be with us. Dawn also brought a generous donation to Ryan so that we will be able to cover our expences while we are here. Her parents and her brother and his family were our angels this time. Thank you so much. Well we need to be at the hospital in the morning and say goodbye to our friends so I better turn in.
We are thankful to you all for supporting us on our journey. Love, Missy
Ryan is looking great and feeling fine. We head out on Monday afternoon. His scans are Tuesday so we will know what we are doing by Wednesday night. Our friend Hazen will be scanned also on Tuesday at Sloan. Please keep these wonderful boys in your prayers next week. They both could use a miracle.
Thanks to all who have supported us this has been a long long journey. It will all be worth it when Ryan and his buddies are all in the survivor circle. God Bless you all, Missy
BELIEVE!
If you would like to join us on the walk for childhood cancer, we will be meeting at the center of Village Point Mall. Wear GREEN for Ryan. The walk is from 8-10 a.m. Curesearch raises money for childhood cancers. The american cancer society gives only about 1% for childhood cancers. Please join us. We are asking for at least a $20 donation. Hope to see you there! If you can't make it please donate to the site below.
WE WILL BE WALKING IN A FUNDRAISER FOR CURESEARCH TO RAISE MONEY TO FIND A CURE FOR CHILDHOOD CANCERS LIKE RYANS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE HERE IS THE SITE http://www.firstgiving.com/conqueringcancer
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
My cancer family has suggested we have a special time to all pray for Ryan at the same time. Many voices to storm the heavens. We have decided Sundays at 12:00 noon. We will set this time aside just to pray for Ryan. We will continue this time until scans improve. I am asking that all of you join us. Our family is so grateful for all of your time and prayers. We are truly blessed. Missy
WE WILL BE WALKING IN A FUNDRAISER FOR CURESEARCH TO RAISE MONEY TO FIND A CURE FOR CHILDHOOD CANCERS LIKE RYANS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE HERE IS THE SITE http://www.firstgiving.com/conqueringcancer
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Peter's scans are clear, Thank you God.
Skylar got his Angel wings Monday morning. Pray for his family these kids are so special. He will be missed so much.
WE WILL BE WALKING IN A FUNDRAISER FOR CURESEARCH TO RAISE MONEY TO FIND A CURE FOR CHILDHOOD CANCERS LIKE RYANS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE HERE IS THE SITE http://www.firstgiving.com/conqueringcancer
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Friday, May 19, 2006 2:00 PM CDT
Hello to all!!
So the info goes like this: the tumors have grown a little, and I mean a little. The big concern is that there are a number of spots (about 6 or 7) where new tumors have appered, but not too big right now. The GVHD is present but not really where the doctors want to see it (they would like to see more right now). So I'm returning home for two weeks with no chemo or DLI and returning for another scan and possible DLI / Chemo and DLI / or just Chemo (those are the choices right now). So still in good spirits and enjoyed most of the trip (ofcourse Courtney contributed to most of that reason). So thanks for the support and prayers they mean alot. Pray for all my brothers and sisters in cancer for the persuit of conquering cancer.
Enjoy the weekend and I'll talk to you soon.
Ryan V
Ryan and Courtney are home safe. I will return with Ryan in 2 weeks to find out which chemo he will start on.
Please pray for Slylar who is on hospice, Sue who is starting treatment and Rick who was in a car accident and is having complications. We know we can count on you, our prayer warriors! Love, Missy
WE WILL BE WALKING IN A FUNDRAISER FOR CURESEARCH TO RAISE MONEY TO FIND A CURE FOR CHILDHOOD CANCERS LIKE RYANS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE HERE IS THE SITE http://www.firstgiving.com/conqueringcancer
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
So the info goes like this: the tumors have grown a little, and I mean a little. The big concern is that there are a number of spots (about 6 or 7) where new tumors have appered, but not too big right now. The GVHD is present but not really where the doctors want to see it (they would like to see more right now). So I'm returning home for two weeks with no chemo or DLI and returning for another scan and possible DLI / Chemo and DLI / or just Chemo (those are the choices right now). So still in good spirits and enjoyed most of the trip (ofcourse Courtney contributed to most of that reason). So thanks for the support and prayers they mean alot. Pray for all my brothers and sisters in cancer for the persuit of conquering cancer.
Enjoy the weekend and I'll talk to you soon.
Ryan V
P.S. Thanks Dawn and Dennis for the check. It will help Ryan to eat while on this test run. I am so grateful to you.
P.S.S. Fundraiser ideas anyone?
Please pray for Skylar who is not doing well at all, and my friend Sue who meets a surgeon tomorrow. One at the end of treatment and one at the begining. I wish I had answers.
Love, Missy
Happy Thursday!
I hope everyone had a good day and that you had a chance to raise a glass tonight to toast the anniversary (although not the greatest, it still holds merit) it has been a year since my diagnosis of having a Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor. Today was the beginning of the blahs for me, so I'm sorry that this entry might not be funny (atleast read the rest of it before you leave) Robin and Sarah left today to fly back home (they made it safely) Smallville was good on Wednesday, and I caught Joey tonight so I guess I had a good few days (yep, that's right, two shows made my day.... just goes to show you how exciting it is here) Other than that just doing the whole hospital and back thing, but I only have a few more days left. I have to go to bed now so everyone be safe, and if I don't catch you before Friday, have a great weekend.
Ryan V
Scans are on the 15,16,17 and 18. Ryan will have a PET, MRI, PFT and any other scans they would like to throw in. Pray hard that he will be clean or at least stable. Yes this time I would take stable. Please Dear God let a cure be found for all these wonderful kids.
Canon is in NYC being scanned and Hazen is having a MIBG done before another treatment is found. Pray for these sweet boys. Also pray for Skylar who is having some pain issues.
Love to all, Missy
Dan and I went to a mission tonight at our church. The priest told us to change what we can and to leave the rest to GOD! Do you think he was talking to me?
Pray that Ryan doesn't reoccur, GVHD doesn't show up and he remains feeling good. Also for Skylar to get control of pain, Alese to have great scans, Hazen to control pain as he enters antibodies, Joanna to be infection and pain free and for Peter and Nate to get their mobility issues fixed forever. Thanks so much for all you do. Love, Missy
Ryan's friend Skylar could use some prayers along with Alese who gets scans on Monday. I know I can always count on my prayer warriors. Thanks again, Love, Missy
We truly want to thank everyone for still checking on Ryan. This journey is so long. It seems like when he was first diagnosed that everyone wanted to help and was eager to be involved. Now people don't ask or are tired of asking.
Ryan is so strong. I am so proud of him. So thank you for checking on him and praying for him.
Now for Ryan's buddies, Skylar needs prayers as they enter the hospice stage. Hazen is having scans that we pray are clear! Peter needs toes to wiggle! Joanna needs to fight an infection that landed her back in the hospital. Canon, Nate, and Jack are all doing very well.
Thanks again for being in our lives, Missy
I'm enjoying the time away from Bethesda, and the chemo wasn't too bad this time. When I go back I have scans and if those scans are good (they don't have to be perfect) then we will go ahead with the DLI (Donor Lyphosite Injection) and no chemo. But if the scans aren't good then we go with more chemo, so we'll see how it goes on the 27th.
Now I know there has been rumors floating around about a girl in my life and I want to set the record straight. It's true, yes Hell has frozen over, the end of the world is upon us, and I have a girlfriend. Please no jokes and no jinxing me. I'll tell you more later.
Omaha is good, the weather is getting better. And most importantly I went to hit balls this weekend and it feels good to swing a club. Please keep all my buddies in your thoughts and prayers and we'll all get through it together.
Ryan V
UPDATE
I wanted to leave what Ryan wrote but to let you know that he is still doing great. Keeping very busy. Our little friend Skylar needs prayers very much. Please visit his site and let them know we are a praying. www.caringbridge.org/ne/skylarberry.
I can't imagine what this family will have to endure in the next few weeks. Thank you for being there for us in prayer, and all the other wonderful things you have done for us. We love you all, Missy
I'm enjoying the time away from Bethesda, and the chemo wasn't too bad this time. When I go back I have scans and if those scans are good (they don't have to be perfect) then we will go ahead with the DLI (Donor Lyphosite Injection) and no chemo. But if the scans aren't good then we go with more chemo, so we'll see how it goes on the 27th.
Now I know there has been rumors floating around about a girl in my life and I want to set the record straight. It's true, yes Hell has frozen over, the end of the world is upon us, and I have a girlfriend. Please no jokes and no jinxing me. I'll tell you more later.
Omaha is good, the weather is getting better. And most importantly I went to hit balls this weekend and it feels good to swing a club. Please keep all my buddies in your thoughts and prayers and we'll all get through it together.
Ryan V
The next step is blood tests 3 times a week. Then at the end of the month Ryan will return to Bethesda for PET and CT scans. They anticipate they will be clean so he will get Robin's cells and then we wait, pray, wait, pray. They will scan again if they suspect anything. BREATHE! I am having a hard time with the wait and see thing. I know I can count on God to pull us through. Love to you all, Missy
Pray for Skylar www.caringbridge.org/ne/skylarberry, he needs a treatment plan that will conquer this beast once and for all.
Hope the beginning of the weekend is going well for all of you.
So last weekend I went down to KC to watch the first home game of the new arena football team, the Kansas City Brigade. We went down the night before and had dinner with my new friend Travis at the Fox and Hound (great food). I got to meet Neil Smith and Casey Wiegman from the Kansas City Chiefs. The game was awesome and the Brigade dancers were.... Let's just say that they got into thier dances and were great, that also reminds me I saw my future wife (She was one of the dancers), but that's another story. I also recieved an autographed ball from Niel Smith and Will Shields, and an autographed jersey from Will too. I would just like to thank Holtze Hotel for putting us up for the night in a great room, and a good breakfast. Thank you to the limo company that drove us from the hotel to Cabela's and to the game, and a special thanks to Cabela's for taking the time to show us the behind the scene tour and to Jimmy for the nice gear.
To Travis Thanks so much for setting up the whole thing, I couldn't have had a better time, well maybe but... you know what I mean. Thank you so much I appreciate all that you did for me and canon. When the weather warms up we'll have to go play nine.
Other than that not too much going on, same stuff different day here in the "balls" cold weather of Nebraska. Other than painting a mural for a family friend I'm just spending my time with my friends and trying to have fun when I can.
So I hope everyone has a great weekend and that you stay out of trouble. Talk to you later.
Ryan V
P.S. There are new pictures in the photos page
P.S.S. Please pray for Hazen and Skylar. These little guys need miracles too.
Hope the beginning of the weekend is going well for all of you.
So last weekend I went down to KC to watch the first home game of the new arena football team, the Kansas City Brigade. We went down the night before and had dinner with my new friend Travis at the Fox and Hound (great food). I got to meet Neil Smith and Casey Wiegman from the Kansas City Chiefs. The game was awesome and the Brigade dancers were.... Let's just say that they got into thier dances and were great, that also reminds me I saw my future wife (She was one of the dancers), but that's another story. I also recieved an autographed ball from Niel Smith and Will Shields, and an autographed jersey from Will too. I would just like to thank Holtze Hotel for putting us up for the night in a great room, and a good breakfast. Thank you to the limo company that drove us from the hotel to Cabela's and to the game, and a special thanks to Cabela's for taking the time to show us the behind the scene tour and to Jimmy for the nice gear.
To Travis Thanks so much for setting up the whole thing, I couldn't have had a better time, well maybe but... you know what I mean. Thank you so much I appreciate all that you did for me and canon. When the weather warms up we'll have to go play nine.
Other than that not too much going on, same stuff different day here in the "balls" cold weather of Nebraska. Other than painting a mural for a family friend I'm just spending my time with my friends and trying to have fun when I can.
So I hope everyone has a great weekend and that you stay out of trouble. Talk to you later.
Ryan V
P.S. There are new pictures in the photos page
Next I wanted to let you know that your prayers are working. Peter had great scans! We are so happy for them. Next we need to pray for Hazen and Skylar. These boys are fighting just like Ryan and they need a few miracles.
Thanks for checking and for all the prayers. We are so grateful. Love, Missy
Also remember Hazen who is having high dose chemo, Skylar who is starting radiation, Joanna who is having some pain issues and Dawn, Peter's mom who was in a car accident the other day and is pretty sore and Peter who will have scans on Valentines day.
I found this poem on another caringbridge and I had to share it.
The Brave Little Soul
By: John Alessi
Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however, the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, "Why do bad things happen, why is there suffering in the world?".
God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in peoples hearts". The little soul was confused. "What do you mean", he asked. God replied, "Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences, and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.
The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, "The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this-it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer-to unlock this love-to create this miracle-for the good of all humanity.
Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into this world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!
God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you.
God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting, God said, "Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.
Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God's strength he unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys-some regained lost faith-many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives were changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased."
NG: Day 293
So here we all are about to embark on yet another weekend of house work (for you old folks) and a weekend of... lets just say things that should be told only in a confessional (for you young persons). Right now I'm not in the greatest of health (a little fever), but no worries, I have been treated and given an antibiotic so I'm getting better. And no working at the bar didn't do it. So other than that not too much happening, the last dose of "happy fun juice" (or chemo, whatever you like) kind of knocked me on my butt. But I'm bouncing back and looking forward to going back to Bethesda on the 29th (yay). So I hope you have a fun and reasonably safe weekend and I'll talk to you soon.
Just remember a great man once said:
"I know how difficult it is to push when the outcome is so uncertain... Hope is very fragile, a difficult thing to keep, but I am consistently amazed at how powerful it is."
- Christopher Reeve (2002) The man who made us believe we can fly.
Carry that with you, whatever you face.
Ryan V
P.S. I know I haven't called lately but thank you for the gift Sam, it's on my desk as I speak. (and thank you too Sam's dad for the other gift, I hope to use it before long)
Our friends Canon and Jack will have scans next week so keep them in your prayers. Hazen's scans were a little better but not gone like we would want. Keep up the good work Scott and Suz. Nate will have scans at the end of the month. Pray he stays in remission forever. Peter has scans on Valentines Day. Pray he stays in remission and those toes start to wiggle. These children are so special and deserve to have normal healthy lives.
Dawn and I talked this weekend and she said she heard a quote that was very fitting for our situation. "Live in fear or Live in Hope" I think we will a choose the last. Have a great week. Love, Missy
NG: Day 200...or something (yep still going on)
As my mom said we made it ok and things are going good. The scans show stable. On 100% strength 5 day EOCH therapy, I just hope this cures the monsters I think are in my closet.....oh, wait I'm sorry wrong kind of therapy.. my bad. Went to go see Fun with Dick and Jane, good, but not his best. But more importantly the new episodes of Smallville start this Thursdays 1/12 @ 7 pm (central time). And with no football (aka good sports) to watch you have no reason to miss it. I don't know if I mentioned it yet but I now have bracelets, as soon as we figure out all the details I'll let you know. Bethesda is great, awesome party town this is (laying on the sarcasm thick right now) But still no women to talk about, I swear they carpool to "hottie town" when I come into town. But never the less Columbus found the new world, magellan found the bearing strait (see I did learn something in school, atleast I hope I'm right) MacGyver got out of all those jams with simple household things and I will find "hottie town" dammit! .. I don't know what the macgyver thing had to do with anything, but I used to watch that show and I thought it might be a good time to reference it, maybe it wasn't.... Other than that not too much going on, I enjoy working at the bar, and still bald. But on the bright side with this chemo I won't have to shave for awhile. So everyone have a good week. and remember: When the world gives you lemons, squirt the juice right back in the worlds eye.... wait, yeah I think that's how it goes.
This concludes "The Further Adventures of Chemo-Man"
Until next time:
Same cancer time,
Same cancer channel.
Ryan "sexy bald guy" Vodicka (I'm working on the nickname)
UPDATE on Friday: Ryan was hooked up to chemo this morning and is doing OK he is tired and sleeps off and on. We did make it to the movie last night and saw Dick and Jane. It was funny. Take care and have a good weekend! Keep Praying! Missy
Have no fear the bald guy is here. Yes It's me again in my few apperences (sorry) but I bring good news, one of my resolutions is to write atleast one entry a week. So keep me to that. I hope everyone had a good holiday and santa brought everything you wanted. Unfortunately that fat jolly red guy didn't bring me all that was on my list, but I guess "a hot girl" was a tall order to fill or maybe he's going senile. But it was a good christmas for me and my family. I'm most thankful that there wasn't a big fight this year (yeah!). Other than that not to much going on, my next trip to Bethesda is in a few weeks -can't hide the excitement :| - I guess it would be a little easier with one cute single nurse there I mean can't someone toss me a freaking bone here!? The doctors are still optimistic and I can drink beer so things are still in the good. I don't want to take up too much of your time so be safe, be happy, Enjoy the New Year (for some of you don't enjoy too much, you know who you are) and I'll talk to you later.
Same Cancer time,
Same cancer channel,
Ryan aka "Chemo-man"
P.S. Thank you to all that were part of getting me those autographs and signatures from Smallville, they are hanging up right now.
P.P.S. The new Episodes for Smallville are coming up so stay tuned on Thursday @ 7 p.m. central
P.P. (oh you get the point) The Chiefs are playing this weekend so cheer them on and hope for the steelers and the changers to lose.
PS Jakes scans are NED! Thanks
PS Jake is having scans and needs prayers and Peter's mom had a bad mamo so she could use some prayers also. Thanks.
We want to thank Dan's work. Dennis supply in Omaha, Lincoln and Council Bluffs has donated all of it's slush fund to Ryan. Thank you so much. I just sat and cried. Fundraiser money was gone and this will help so much.
P.S. Dawn I have the Believe sign. I am sure it will bring us comfort during this scan time. Love ya Missy
Wednesday, December 8, 2004 7:18 PM CST
Ryan was taken in for surgery at 9:30. He was talking to the nurses and was very positive. We had a talk last night and he told me as he said the Our Father in church last Sunday he felt a warmness over come him and he started to cry. He then told the Lord he was giving himself to the Lord. I also feel a calmness this time. I know our doctor will be guided by God. Pray with us as Ryan under goes surgery. God Bless, Missy
Wednesday, December 8, 2004 12:53 AM CST
We were just updated on Ryan's condition. the first cut was made at 10:50. The doctor is very precise and not a talker so the nurse asks how is it going and he says we're working. She said he was begining on the lower pelvis first but the cut will be in the same place as the last one. Keep PRAYING! Let this cancer fall of into his hands.
PRAISE GOD! Ryan was in surgery for 8 hours. The greatest doctor on earth came out and told us all the cancer that he could see is GONE! The tumor came off the liver just as we prayed it would he also had tumors in the pelvic area that were cleared out. They had to take his apendix and galblader but who needs those anyway. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS WE KNOW THAT IS WHAT PULLED HIM THROUGH. Praise God. God is good!
Love, Missy
THANKS FOR THE CONTINUED SUPPORT. WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU. PRAY THAT RYAN WILL SOON BE CANCER FREE. THANKS, MISSY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We will be enjoying our family being all together. Hug you kids and let them know how much you love them. Every day is so precious. Love to all, Dan, Missy, Rhonda, Rachael, Ryan, Robin, Lucas, Scott and Owen.
P.S. Patricia who wrote on the guestbook if you would like to contact us we would love to help in any way. Missy
OK, name that movie:
(really annoying game show music playing)
"That esculated quickly!"
"I stabbed a man with a trident!"
"Yeah, I saw that, Bick killed a man!!"
In case you didn't read the last entry I had a little set back and the cancer grew a little, but I'm getting chemo and the docs are still opimistic about everything. But all in the same chemo really sucks a big one (edited for audience). Things are still going good here in Bethesda, not too exciting but in my defence I have a fanny pack of poison with me. Of course I remember you Emily, you're a hard person to forget (I mean that in a good way). Missy K the question is why do I have to be a couple of years older? ;)
To all the request to put details to last weekend I will say that a gentelman doesn't tell.... so shame on you.
Another good episode of Smallville last night, and if you missed it than I guess you're just not that cool to hear about it. (I making the "L" on my forhead with my fingers and looking at you right now.)
I plan on being back home by late Sunday, which means I will miss the Chiefs game so 1. no one tell me the score (I mean it) and 2. If you can cheer for the Chiefs for me that would be super.
So until next time "stay classy planet earth"
Stay tuned for futher Adventures of Chemo-Man!!!
(ok, don't wait for it just check back later, it will be a couple of days, dork)
Ryan V
P.S. remember life's not about the breaths you take in a moment, but the moments that take your breath away.
I know it's been awhile since I last wrote so just so you know I am the guy in the picture, the bigger bald guy. Ok let's get the need to know info out of the way. No joking! The scans (CT, PET) have show a little growth, and by little I mean a centimeter in one area and 1/2 a centimeter in another, but the growth means that the doctors feel that we should do a few rounds of chemo, a lighter smaller dose of one of my favorite cocktails, mmmm I can't wait!
No joke, but on the bright side there are some new nurses (one is a little cute) and I get to stay in the beautiful town of Bethesda for a few more days (wait that shouldn't be in the good list), but rest asured that I will get through this and be a better person for it, I've had larger set backs and this is but a bump in the road to my ultimate goal, and that is dating Kiera Knightley, Kelly Clarkson, or Krisitn Kreuk. (I'm not that picky)
But I would like to say shame on all of you, I thought the prayers were coming in and I guess you forgot about me.... or...should I start pointing the finger to just one of you? so which one of you didn't pray for clear scans?! OK come clean, who was it? I'm kidding, you guys (and ladies) need to lighten up a little. I know that you all have me in your thoughts and prayers and that means the world to me. But this is God's way of letting me know that I shouldn't get too comfortable and a way of guiding me to my path.
Also for the other updates I have been watching two shows this season, the first on Tuesday @ 8 central on the WB called Supernatural. It's a good show about two brothers who hunt evil spirits and true urban legends while searching for their father and the demon who killed their mother and one brother's girlfriend, sometimes a little freaky and scary, but all in the same a good show. And ofcourse there is Smallville, and if you haven't been watching it double shame on you (thursdays @ 7 central on the WB) it is a great beginning to the season and it promises to be a great year, watch it!! I mean it!! Come on it's freaking Superman!!
Other than that not too much going on, still having bad luck with the ladies (except last weekend, but that's for another time) and I'm thinking of going back to Florida (when all of this stupid stuff is out of the way) for school, there might be free tuition if I go back, Or UNO, we'll see, only time will tell.
Sorry this one was long, but I've been away for a bit. But thank you for the prayers and thoughts and this too shall pass.
The next chaper of Chemo-Man has begun!!
Ryan V
I know it's been awhile since I last wrote so just so you know I am the guy in the picture, the bigger bald guy. Ok let's get the need to know info out of the way. No joking! The scans (CT, PET) have show a little growth, and by little I mean a centimeter in one area and 1/2 a centimeter in another, but the growth means that the doctors feel that we should do a few rounds of chemo, a lighter smaller dose of one of my favorite cocktails, mmmm I can't wait!
No joke, but on the bright side there are some new nurses (one is a little cute) and I get to stay in the beautiful town of Bethesda for a few more days (wait that shouldn't be in the good list), but rest asured that I will get through this and be a better person for it, I've had larger set backs and this is but a bump in the road to my ultimate goal, and that is dating Kiera Knightley, Kelly Clarkson, or Krisitn Kreuk. (I'm not that picky)
But I would like to say shame on all of you, I thought the prayers were coming in and I guess you forgot about me.... I'm kidding, you guys (and ladies) need to lighten up a little. I know that you all have me in your thoughts and prayers and that means the world to me. But this is God's way of letting me know that I shouldn't get too comfortable and a way of guiding me to my path.
Also for the other updates I have been watching two shows this season, the first on Tuesday @ 8 central on the WB called Supernatural. It's a good show about two brothers who hunt evil spirits and true urban legends while searching for their father and the demon who killed their mother and one brother's girlfriend, sometimes a little freaky and scary, but all in the same a good show. And ofcourse there is Smallville, and if you haven't been watching it double shame on you (thursdays @ 7 central on the WB) it is a great beginning to the season and it promises to be a great year, watch it!! I mean it!! Come on it's freaking Superman!!
Other than that not too much going on, still having bad luck with the ladies (except last weekend, but that's for another time) and I'm thinking of going back to Florida (when all of this stupid stuff is out of the way) for school, there might be free tuition if I go back, Or UNO, we'll see, only time will tell.
Sorry this one was long, but I've been away for a bit. But thank you for the prayers and thoughts and this too shall pass.
The next chaper of Chemo-Man has begun!!
Ryan V
Pray also for Hazen who had scans last week and will get the results soon.(http://www.amazinhazen.org/hazen_001.htm) Joanna is in need of prayer also during her transplant. (www.caringbridge.org/ny/joannawilson) And a local boy named Brandt is losing his battle and needs prayers. (http://www2.caringbridge.org/ia/brant_thomas/)
Thank you for all your prayers I know we can count on you. Love, Missy
Ryan is leaving in the morning for Maryland. He has scans on Tuesday and Wednesday. Dan nor I could go so he is on his own. Pray that he has clean scans. God has gotten us so far. Thanks, Missy
Pray also for Jack who has scans.
Ryan will be leaving for Bethesda on Sunday. He will be going alone because Dan couldn't get the time off. I wish I could just pick up and leave but it is so hard when I have been gone so long already. Pray!!! Scans are on Tuesday and if all is well he will be getting Robins cells on Thursday. Pray!!!
Joanna is getting her transplant today! Pray she receives the miracle Ryan did. We love you Joanna!
Canon had good scans!!! We are so glad for them. Thank you all for praying.
Hazen has scans this week Tuesday thru Friday so be sure to add him into your daily prayers.
Thanks for your prayers and support we still need them so badly. Love, Missy
Ryan will be leaving for Bethesda on Sunday. He will be going alone because Dan couldn't get the time off. I wish I could just pick up and leave but it is so hard when I have been gone so long already. Pray!!! Scans are on Tuesday and if all is well he will be getting Robins cells on Thursday. Pray!!!
Canon had good scans!!! We are so glad for them. Thank you all for praying.
Hazen has scans this week Tuesday thru Friday so be sure to add him into your daily prayers.
Thanks for your prayers and support we still need them so badly. Love, Missy
P.S. If anyone has any connections, Ryan loves the show smallville. They film in Canada. I know he would love to see them set up story boards and film. Ry is to old for a make a wish so I thought I would try to give him something I know he wouldn't ask for. Thanks!
These people are a part of our lives now and we are bonded for life. Miracles happen just look at Ryan. We just need a few more. Thanks for everything, Missy
Our friend Nate who Ryan recomended Mario cart for, is having scans for the next two days please remember him in your prayers.
We also need prayers for Jake Beresh. His scans are showing something. Pray it is just an infection and not tumor. Joanna Wilson's transplant has been postponed because insurance won't pay. Does that sound familiar? We sometimes have to fight so hard to save our children. It isn't right. Pray for Skylar also. We hope his next treatment is a cure! We love all of you. Thanks for being part of our family. Love, Missy
www.caringbridge.org/ne/jakieboy
www.caringbridge.org/ny/joannawilson
www.caringbridge.org/ne/skylarberry
www.caringbridge.org/ne/jakieboy
www.caringbridge.org/ny/joannawilson
www.caringbridge.org/ne/skylarberry
P.S. Joanna Wilson is heading into stem cell transplant, please pray for her. www.caringbridge.org/ny/joannawilson.
Also Skylar didn't get the news they wanted after stem cell transplant. Please pray for him. www.caringbridge.org/ne/skylarberry. Please God hear our prayers. Thanks.
P.S. Joanna Wilson is heading into stem cell transplant, please pray for her. www.caringbridge.org/ny/joannawilson.
Also Skylar didn't get the news they wanted after stem cell transplant. Please pray for him. www.caringbridge.org/ne/skylarberry. Please God hear our prayers. Thanks.
So incase you've been waiting for the results or are as inpatient as my mom, the preliminary results show that everything is stable. The final results have to go through certain people and it takes time (as we all know), but the first look by the attending said that it looks stable. So incase you're not hospital lingo savvy that means that the scans were good and we carry on as planned. Thanks for all of you for your thoughts and prayers and until next time enjoy the day and smile.
Ryan
Thank you for praying for Hazen. His surgery was a success!
Now we just need a quick recovery so this little boy can rid himself of disease forever.
I must share with you something that happened yesterday. One of my daycare moms works as a social worker at Bergan Mercy. There is a Sister of Mary that works with her. Sister has been praying for Ryan all along. Amanda asked her to pray yesterday for scans and she said she would. Then sister went back to her desk and there was a gold coin laying there. She asked if anyone put it there and no one had. She went to Amanda and kissed the coin and told her to give it to me. The coin has Angels on both sides. She thinks it came from heaven. It gives me shivers just to hold it. I know God is with us no matter what. Continue the prayers! Love, Missy
P.S. Our friend Hazen is on the surgery schedule today. Please pray all goes well and all the cancer is removed. He has the same surgeon as Ryan so I know he is in good hands. Hazen's site is the new caringbridge. Just type in Hazen
Saturday, September 10, 2005 5:07 PM CDT
Good Weekend to all!!
It's that bald guy again (no not dan...ryan) So here we are in "beautiful" Bethesda a couple of days away from scans, poking, prodding, looking, and my favorite, needles!! Went to the shopping mall today and they had some "scenery" there (I think I found my future wife) and we ate at the California Pizza Kitchen so a good day all together. I'll watch the Huskers play tonight and then We'll be going to ESPN Zone to watch the CHIEFS play!!! Football baby!!! So not too much going on here, Just that pesky waiting game that we've been so accustom to. So I hope that everyone is doing well and that everyone is trying to stay out of trouble (I said trying) So until next time remember that no matter where you call home there's always a woman to tell you to clean something.... wait I meant... beyond what you know is true understanding.
Ryan V
P.S. If you looked at the photos page, yes I was a dork when I was younger, but now... I guess I'm just a bigger one :)
Saturday, September 10, 2005 5:07 PM CDT
Good Weekend to all!!
It's that bald guy again (no not dan...ryan) So here we are in "beautiful" Bethesda a couple of days away from scans, poking, prodding, looking, and my favorite, needles!! Went to the shopping mall today and they had some "scenery" there (I think I found my future wife) and we ate at the California Pizza Kitchen so a good day all together. I'll watch the Huskers play tonight and then We'll be going to ESPN Zone to watch the CHIEFS play!!! Football baby!!! So not too much going on here, Just that pesky waiting game that we've been so accustom to. So I hope that everyone is doing well and that everyone is trying to stay out of trouble (I said trying) So until next time remember that no matter where you call home there's always a woman to tell you to clean something.... wait I meant... beyond what you know is true understanding.
Ryan V
P.S. If you looked at the photos page, yes I was a dork when I was younger, but now... I guess I'm just a bigger one :)
It's that bald guy again (no not dan...ryan) So here we are in "beautiful" Bethesda a couple of days away from scans, poking, prodding, looking, and my favorite, needles!! Went to the shopping mall today and they had some "scenery" there (I think I found my future wife) and we ate at the California Pizza Kitchen so a good day all together. I'll watch the Huskers play tonight and then We'll be going to ESPN Zone to watch the CHIEFS play!!! Football baby!!! So not too much going on here, Just that pesky waiting game that we've been so accustom to. So I hope that everyone is doing well and that everyone is trying to stay out of trouble (I said trying) So until next time remember that no matter where you call home there's always a woman to tell you to clean something.... wait I meant... beyond what you know is true understanding.
Ryan V
P.S. If you looked at the photos page, yes I was a dork when I was younger, but now... I guess I'm just a bigger one :)
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Wednesday, September 1, 2004 9:24 PM CDT
well it is 10:30 and we just got in to see Ryan. His face is pretty puffy and he is very scared and uncomfortable. They had to take part of his diaphram and his spleen along with 12 lbs. of tumor. The bad news is they didn't get it all. After he recovers and does more chemo he will have a second surgery. They are concerned about a tumor near his vein that goes into his liver along with several small tumors in his pelvic region. Pray his recovery is painless and quick. We need this next chemo to kill the rest of the cancer quickly. Thanks for the prayers. The Lord brought us through surgery and he will get us the rest of the way.
We Love You all for caring so much about Ryan and all of us want to thank you. Love, Missy and Dan
Thursday, September 2, 2004 6:42 PM CDT
Sorry it took so long to update we slept on the floor last night and took turns resting today. Ryan is in the POU. He will be watched closely for the next few days. The surgeon said we may be able to get him home for his
Birthday which would be great. Right now we take it a step at a time. He will try to stand up in the morning and he is already sitting up which is amazing since it hasn't even been 2 hours. We are so greatful for our family and friends. Thank all of you for your prayers and concern.
Praise the Lord Ryan made it this far and with his help we will be praising him again as Ryan completes his treatment.
Love, Missy
The miracle Ryan has received is due to your support and prayers. Thank you God, family and our dear friends, we love you all, Missy
p.s. Keep Skylar in your prayers also!
NG: Day 155
Happy Monday to you!!!
Just wanted to drop a line and tell you that things are still going smoothly and that I feel great. I have a blood draw (cbc) today and thursday, and that will continue until everything is good, including my LFT's. So I hope that your week starts off well and that something today brings a smile to your face, and if nothing does try picturing the most uptight, strict person you know saying poopy pants or fartastic!
Ryan V
Hi everyone! Ryan is still doing well. We went camping again this weekend and Ryan came out for dinner. I appreciate having my family all together again. We have a few friends that need prayers right now. Peter is having scans. Pray for his miracle to continue, NED. Also Dawn and Dennis could use some prayers to get Peter through this process, it is so hard to watch your child be torchered. We would like you to pray for Skylar Berry also he is 4 and just had a stem cell transplant and is having a hard time. www.caringbridge.org/ne/skylarberry
Thanks for all of your prayers and support. We love you all, Missy
Happy Monday to you!!!
Just wanted to drop a line and tell you that things are still going smoothly and that I feel great. I have a blood draw (cbc) today and thursday, and that will continue until everything is good, including my LFT's. So I hope that your week starts off well and that something today brings a smile to your face, and if nothing does try picturing the most uptight, strict person you know saying poopy pants or fartastic!
Ryan V
Good Hump Day to you All!!
I'm writing you from Bethesda to let you know what's going on, and unfortunately I have bad news...... still no cute girls here. HA! you should have seen your face, priceless, gotcha! No everything is great and I'm still on the right track. The Blood work was good, and my LFT is still elevated but still in the ok area. The docs gave me the complete look over and they say that everything looks good, they're happy and so that makes me happy. Other than that I saw the Dukes of Hazard and it was a great move, funny and Jessica Simpson didn't ruin it. But I'm heading back to the big O and won't have to come back here for seven weeks, yep it's getting longer, sweeeeeet! Ok it's late and I need to go to bed. Hope you are all having a good day and remember the the grass may look greener on the other side but it costs alot more for it to look that way and it's probably just spray paint anyway. Talk to you later.
Ryan V
Thanks again, we love you all, Missy
Sorry I've been a little absent minded currently, but I'm starting to get in the groove. I'm going back to Bethesda and don't worry it's just for some blood work and a physical, plus I think they like me there and just want to see me again (and can you blame them, I am one sexy bald man). But I'll be back in Omaha by the end of next week. Things happening: First off I would like to say thanks to my lunch date, and if you're reading this you have a quality much higher than the six I explained. Also thanks to my dinner date for the insight to the female mind and relationships....... that's right ladies one of your own has betrayed you and I will soon know all your secrets, Bwahahahaha (evil laugh)....... Other than that not too much has been happening here, I can't drink (beer) so that limits most of the fun, but still getting out and enjoying the beautiful devil's breath we call the weather. So far I'm in a holding pattern until the doctors say it's ok to start planning ahead, meaning school and such. There are a couple of other things but those are on the back burner until the docs give the green light, and in case one of those doctors are listening I'll say again.... everything is on hold until the doctors say it's a go...... But I have bored you long enough and you really should be working (you naughty slackers, except for Chris (pow) because he doesn't work anyways, slacker car salesman, I tell ya) So until next time remember wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you would rather have talked - Mark Twain
Catch you next time with further adventures of Chemo-man,
Same Chemo time,
Same Chemo channel.
Ryan V
Happy Thursday to you all!!
Sorry I've been a little absent minded currently, but I'm starting to get in the groove. I'm going back to Bethesda and don't worry it's just for some blood work and a physical, plus I think they like me there and just want to see me again (and can you blame them, I am one sexy bald man). But I'll be back in Omaha by the end of next week. Things happening: First off I would like to say thanks to my lunch date, and if you're reading this you have a quality much higher than the six I explained. Also thanks to my dinner date for the insight to the female mind and relationships....... that's right ladies one of your own has betrayed you and I will soon know all your secrets, Bwahahahaha (evil laugh)....... Other than that not too much has been happening here, I can't drink (beer) so that limits most of the fun, but still getting out and enjoying the beautiful devil's breath we call the weather, and I'm talking "balls" hot here. So far I'm in a holding pattern until the doctors say it's ok to start planning ahead, meaning school and such. There are a couple of other things but those are on the back burner until the docs give the green light, and in case one of those doctors are listening I'll say again.... everything is on hold until the doctors say it's a go...... But I have bored you long enough and you really should be working (you naughty slackers, except for Chris (pow) because he doesn't work anyways, slacker car salesman, I tell ya) So until next time remember wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you would rather have talked - Mark Twain
Catch you next time with further adventures of Chemo-man,
Same Chemo time,
Same Chemo channel.
Ryan V
P.S. Thanks Kathy and Rick for the great dinner.
ps check out the new pictures!
It shows in my PET scan that there are no visable sign of tumor in my body. Meaning that right now Dr. Fry is very happy (and amazed) with the results Dr. Fry says that I am cancer free (for the second time) and for now I have only a few more scan days ahead of me for the study. But in earlier journal entries it is known that my LFT (liver function test) is still elevated, and with the blood work today the LFT is going down and stable.
Thank you to all who have patiently waited for the results and the over abundant thoughts and prayers that have been sent my way. Even though this is great news I still have a a little bit to go till this is all over, so no worries about the journal I will keep you updated about the future plans and schedules of continuing to be cancer free.
Thank you all again for the love and support I have recieved through all of this. Thank God, thank you, and thank the power of laughter.
Chemo-man,
Ryan V
P.S. With this news I think it might be time to lift the NG rule.. But time will tell...
Happy "Cancer-Free" Tuesday
As of now with all but one scan (MRI of the pelvis) pending it shows in my PET scan that there are no visable sign of tumor in my body. Meaning that right now Dr. Fry is very happy (and amazed) with the results and even though it hasn't been said by Dr. Fry I take the results as I am cancer free (for the second time) and for now I have only a few more scan days ahead of me for the study. But in earlier journal entries it is known that my LFT (liver function test) is still elevated and the results of my wednesday blood work will tell me if I can come home sooner than planned.
Thank you to all who have patiently waited for the results and the over abundant thoughts and prayers that have been sent my way. Even though this is great news I still have a a little bit to go till this is all over, so no worries about the journal I will keep you updated about the future plans and schedules of continuing to be cancer free.
Thank you all again for the love and support I have recieved through all of this. Thank God, thank you, and thank the power of laughter.
Chemo-man,
Ryan V
P.S. With this news I think it might be time to lift the NG rule.. But time will tell...
As of now with the CT and the Pet scans taken the scans show that everything is stable and no growth. More after my scans tomorrow.
Ryan V
Hey Everyone,
Just wanted to drop a note to say that although your prayers and thoughts are truly appreciated for tomorrow and Thursday's scans please pray for the cancer to show no sign of growth or reduction in size instead of it being clear. I know that everyone wants the scans to be clear and show no sign of disease, but I want to keep the expectations on a realistic level so as not to disappoint anyone. I'm not trying to be a downer and have everyone think I am a pessimist. My spirits are high and my faith unwaivering. So if you could please pray for the scans of not just me but the other cancer fighters (at Sloan) to show what we all hope, still clear or improving results. Thank you and I'll be back to my funny self next time.
Ryan V
HI everyone! Ryan is doing great. He only had a bone scan, EKG and heart echo today. The CT and the Pet are tomorrow. Also a Lung Function test then Friday is the MRI. Please continue praying. I know if we pray as a group there has to be strength in numbers. Please also pray for Canon and Jack and Dylan who are in NYC getting scans. Dawn, her mother and Peter left around lunch time today. It was so good to have them here. They took us to the inner harbor in Baltimore yesterday. They also helped with groceries and our meals. They are such generous wonderful people. I just hope I am able to one day help others because it seems that instead of thanks we are told to pay it forward. It occured to me how we call each other our cancer family automatically. We never stopped at cancer friend. It is a bond that will never be broken and we are all better people for having met each other. I am returning home tomorrow night. It will be very difficult to leave but Ryan and Robin will take care of each other. May God Bless all of you for sticking by us. I know it is a long process. All I want is to have my son healthy again. Love to all, Missy
Just wanted to drop a note to say that although your prayers and thoughts are truly appreciated for tomorrow and Thursday's scans please pray for the cancer to show no sign of growth or reduction in size instead of it being clear. I know that everyone wants the scans to be clear and show no sign of disease, but I want to keep the expectations on a realistic level so as not to disappoint anyone. I'm not trying to be a downer and have everyone think I am a pessimist. My spirits are high and my faith unwaivering. So if you could please pray for the scans of not just me but the other cancer fighters (at Sloan) to show what we all hope, still clear or improving results. Thank you and I'll be back to my funny self next time.
Ryan V
Thursday, July 7, 2005 10:59 AM CDT
Hey Everyone,
Not too much has happened since the last time I wrote. Still here fighting the whole cancer thing, some of you know how that goes. The weather has been muggy or hot, and the clinic visits are less frequent. Other than that the only things that are happening are my sister (robin) is coming this Sunday, and I'm planning to go see Fantastic Four this Friday. So an action packed weekend is before me. Thank you to all who wrote their condolences, I'm sure it meant alot to Whitney. So I guess that does it for the catch-up journal about what's going on, sorry that it wasn't as funny as usual (I'm having an off day I think) but I will be back soon with more adventures of chemo-man. So remember: you might complain about riding the horse but atleast you're not behind it cleaning it up... (think about it) ok have a great day and don't forget to smile.
Ryan V
I thought I would add to Ryan's entry. Mom gets the lower half of the page. Ryan is doing very well. I am sure it is all the prayers that are doing it. The loss of Whitney is something we will never forget. It was a real tough weekend and week. Robin will arrive Sunday, pray for safe travel. Also Dawn and Peter will come down for scans. This will be such a scarry time and it will help so much to have our friends and family with us. Please pray for Ryan once again. Tell someone his story and ask them also to pray. We need clean scans. Jack and Canon will also be scaned in New York next week so keep them in your prayers as well. I know this has been a long process and we appreciate everyone who has stuck by us. We are truly blessed. Thanks again, Missy
Hey Everyone,
Not too much has happened since the last time I wrote. Still here fighting the whole cancer thing, some of you know how that goes. The weather has been muggy or hot, and the clinic visits are less frequent. Other than that the only things that are happening are my sister (robin) is coming this Sunday, and I'm planning to go see Fantastic Four this Friday. So an action packed weekend is before me. Thank you to all who wrote their condolences, I'm sure it meant alot to Whitney. So I guess that does it for the catch-up journal about what's going on, sorry that it wasn't as funny as usual (I'm having an off day I think) but I will be back soon with more adventures of chemo-man. So remember: you might complain about riding the horse but atleast you're not behind it cleaning it up... (think about it) ok have a great day and don't forget to smile.
Ryan V
It is with a somber voice and a heavy heart to announce that my friend Whitney has passed on to be an angel next to God today. In the short time that I met and spent with her she exuded the kind of life's fire that most wish they could have and not seen in many. Whitney was a woman that you wanted to talk to, with a contagious laughter, a illustrious smile and a kind heart. I wish I could have gotten to know her more.
The heavens are rejoicing as they welcome a new angel to heaven.
Please say prayers for Whitney's family members in this difficult time.
Good bye Whitney, I'll never forget you. You'll always be in my heart.
Ryan V
It's Forensic Friday Everyone (go solve your own mystey today)
Damn, it's that ryan kid again, quick hide! Is he gone?
Here I am!! Just wanted to say hey and that things are going smoothly now, pretty much a daily thing now to go to the hospital every other day and lay around the rest of the time, ahhh having cancer does have it's perks. (relax everyone I am just kidding) By some remaks made to my clothing attire I will be wearing more manly boxers like smurfs or.... wait is my little pony manly? Oh well I'll wear them anyway. (but I will wear the others from time to time, laundry day maybe) I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Fourth of July, with some great crazy fun mixed in. Not too much else to say right now, sorry kind of a boring week. But if all of you can pray for my friend Whitney here at the NIH, she's having a little trouble and needs a few prayers, thanks. So to sum it up I'm doing good, it's hot here, and that's the sum up.
So remember: Life will be full of adversity, it's what you do with it that makes you who you are.
Take care and thanks again for everything you have done for me.
Conquering Cancer,
Ryan V
P.S. Happy Birthday Megan, may all your wishes come true.
P.P.S. Happy Belated B-Day to Keri and Trevor, sorry I was a little busy earlier this month.
I love the smell of "chemo" in the morning! (adapted scene from Apocolypse Now)
Holy crap it's that ryan kid writing, Hey everybody.
Hope everyone's day is good and that you find laughter in something, and if not just think, I'm wearing glow-in-the-dark Hello Kitty boxers as I type this. So Rhonda and Lucas are gone, it was fun while they were here, and it gave my mom a break from Ryan 24/7 , yeah I know who would want a break from me? But I guess not everyone can handle all this Ryan Love... for those of you who know, yeah I brought the "love" back. I actually have a day off from the hospital tomorrow, and starting soon I will only have to go three times a week, then two, and if you can't guess the rest have someone next to you explain it. Things are going good, and I'm in good spirits as of late (For the person who put me in that mood, thanks cutie, you know who you are). That's what is going on right now, and I hope I put a smile on at least one face. So as I say goodbye just remember: Some things are supposed to happen and some things you have to make happen, it's the choices of which is which that makes life worth living. All the best to you all. Also one last smile.... you may laugh at the naked man, but who's the one sweating? (and actually I'm wearing glow-in-the-dark strawberry shortcake boxers not Hello Kitty, those are being washed) Talk to you later.
Your Bethesda Bald Guy,
Ryan V
Thank you to the mysterious lady who came to the house today and left $100.00 for Rhonda and Luke's plane fare. She would not give her name but she knows we are having a tough time and wanted to help. God bless you...we are so blessed to have people like you in our lives.
Thanks for still supporting us in this long journey. Love, Missy
Please continue to pray for Jay and his family. Jay became an angel yesterday. We love you all, thanks for sticking by us. Missy
www.caringbridge.org/md/jaybarnett
Thanks to my friends for supporting me it is so good to hear from you.
Please pray for the Wilson family and check their site if you have a chance. www.caringbridge.org/ny/joannawilson
Also a little girl named Tanner needs prayers also she is in transplant also. Thanks for everything.
Holy testical Thursday!!
So not too much to report, same stuff, different day-type of thing. So I think there is something fishy happening at the NIH, you see the cute nurse I was talking about hasn't been in since that day to take my vitals, but another nurse (a guy) has been in to take my vitals, but today she poked her head in to say hi (I'm thinking conspiricy). But not to worry, my NG rule is still in effect. Today I have an echocardiogram to check to see if my heart is still going strong. But not to worry, I know my heart is doing just fine (no girls to break it, haha). I just saw Harold and Kumar go to white castle today and I must say it was funny, not half baked funny, but funny and they had hot girls in the movie. But other than the constant onslaught of doctors, nurses, and other hospital personel interupting me about every 20 minutes I'm doing fine. But I have to go so take care and behave yourself today. Remember: Be sure to meet new people on your journey of life, because then you'll have a new way to go if you get stuck on your path. (sorry it was a little confusing)
Your Cancer connection,
Ryan V
Things here have been pretty much the same. Except today a cute nurse came and took my blood pressure, so my day started off good. Then the morphine kicked in so the rest of the day has been pretty cool. I'm about to start the part of the transplant where the GVHD (graph vs. host disease) starts to show up, but I have faith and with all of your prayers and thoughts I know that it will go smoothly. I hope that your day is as good as mine (remember that I'm on morphine) and that everyone has a good week. All the best.
Ryan V
We know the angels in our lives, Grandpa Milt, Great Grandma Short,Great Grandma and Grandpa Vodicka, Great Grandma Knobbe and baby Ian are all looking out for Ryan. God Bless
Wonderful Wednesday to you all!!
So we made it to Bethesda with no problem, we stopped over in NYC for the night and had dinner with Cannon and his mom Missy, Brother Jimmy's B-B-Que was the bomb! (plus the waitresses weren't that bad to look at either). The day was pretty routine got my tooth pulled the other day, they said it could have gotten infected during the chemo process so they pulled it (gotta love the way doctors handle things, don't really need the spleen? take it out. problem with the tooth? pull it.) then today I was injected with radioactive liquid for my bone scan and had my EKG and Echocardiogram (damn I sound like a med student) then I had to get an ankle x-ray because my left ankle is a little swollen and they have no idea of why it's swollen this long. Other than that not too much has happened today (no new smallville until next season). Tomorrow is my MRI's and CT so hello IV's. I will let you go so everyone can get things done for the day. All the best. Remember: an adventure begins with a single footstep. Hope everyone is having a great week.
Your Cancer Correspondent,
Ryan V
Hi Everyone!!! (warning it's a long one)
Monday is the beginning of our two day travel to Bethesda, with a short stop in New York to see my buddy Canon. Then by this time next week I will begin the transplant (sweet, in the tone of Napoleon Dinomite) Not too much to report otherwise, Today I was a sponsor to my nephew Owen (don't worry he's not a drunk, it was for his baptism) and he was good, didn't even cry when they threw him in the pool, kidding, he didn't fuss when they poured water on his head, he was a good kid, and I'm now the godfather to two kids (I think I will start a mob pretty soon.) I also bought the Smallville season three DVD, and I borrowed my buddies Family Guy Season one DVD, so I guess it will be one great Smallville and Family Guy DVD marathon for a couple of days (sorry mom) The NG rule is still in effect and going strong (for a while it was like Josh Harnett in 40 days and 40 nights, but unfortunatley I don't have a Shannon Sossamon to comfort me at the end, :( But what ya gonna do?) I hope that everyones weekend was pleasant and fun, and that your week is fast and tolerable. I on the other hand will be poked and proded thru all the usual test for the good part of the week, but on the bright side I get to have hospital food when I'm in the hospital....oh wait not a bright side, maybe cuter nurses..... yep that's a bright side...wait that would conflict with my NG rule, dammit all, just forget it. This trip home for a few weeks was fun, and I enjoyed hanging out with everyone that I could (for those of you who I couldn't I'm sorry, and you can come visit me when I'm back in town in my "bubble"). DRUGS!!!! that's the bright side, good drugs...ha I knew there was something. Anyways I will let you get back to work so you can make them dollar bills. Thank You to all of you who have been with me thru this fight, I truly couldn't have gone this far without you, it means alot, thanks. OK enough of the mushy stuff, remember: Life is too fun to be serious, fart, smile, and blame the person next to you. Oh and if you're in the cubicle world and you hate when people bother you, eat a spicy meal at night and fart in the morning when you get to work and you won't be bothered for the good part of the day, just a tip. Take care and I'll talk to you later.
Same Chemo Time,
Same Chemo Channel.
Conquering Cancer,
Ryan V
Hello Everyone!!!
I hope everybody's week went well and that no one got into too much trouble yet. Not much to report this time, just the same old stuff. Smallville was good last night, but unfortunately because it's the season finale they had to leave all these open ended senerios. This week was my cousin Justin's B-day, and so I went to go celebrate with him and his friends, and I met for the second time Jane, now don't get too excited she's just an accuantence, and I said that I would mention her in the journal (so there you go Jane) and don't worry my NG rule is still going strong. I also went to go see Star Wars last night with some buddies, it was a cool movie, and it was fun to see anikin go to the dark side.... ooops I guess I spoiled it for you, my bad :) Anyway not too much else going on, getting ready to go back to Bethesda for the transplant, so I'm really gearing up for this weekend (because it will probably be my last one to go outside to bars and such for a while). So until next time remember if you smile people will think you know something they don't :) All the best to you and yours.
Conquering Cancer
Ryan V
Sorry that I haven't written in a while, but you must understand that I only have two weeks to fit everything in before I'm isolated for a month and I will probably have to stay in bethesda another month or so after that. But don't worry not much has happened here, saw some regular friends, met up with some friends I haven't seen in a while. Still have my terrific luck with the ladies, Oh and get this I found out that even though I'm not ready for someone yet (considering what is about happen) but hypothetically if I was looking, not one person in my circle of people has a single girl that they could set me up on a date with, or noone that's "good enough for me." But don't get me wrong, I really don't want to be set up with anyone, so no guestbook entries telling me you have someone in mind. Other than that the family is good, the weather is nice, and Smallville's season finale is tomorrow. So I'm having a great week. I'll be sure to write again this week to let you know how good Smallville was and what else has been going on. Until then behave, smile, and remember if you fart to blame the dog (hopefully there is a dog nearby). All the best to you and yours. "Every day is a new day to be who you want to be."
Ryan V
Also Peter has scans for the next 2 days so say an extra prayer for NED. Thanks, we love you, Missy
P.S. Peter has scans on Thursday and Friday please pray they are clear. Also Canon is headed back to NYC for antibodies, pray they aren't too unbearable. Thanks!
Happy Thursday!
I hope everyone had a good day and that you had a chance to raise a glass tonight to toast the anniversary (although not the greatest, it still holds merit) it has been a year since my diagnosis of having a Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor. Today was the beginning of the blahs for me, so I'm sorry that this entry might not be funny (atleast read the rest of it before you leave) Robin and Sarah left today to fly back home (they made it safely) Smallville was good on Wednesday, and I caught Joey tonight so I guess I had a good few days (yep, that's right, two shows made my day.... just goes to show you how exciting it is here) Other than that just doing the whole hospital and back thing, but I only have a few more days left. I have to go to bed now so everyone be safe, and if I don't catch you before Friday, have a great weekend.
Ryan V
Happy Thursday!
I hope everyone had a good day and that you had a chance to raise a glass tonight to toast the anniversary (although not the greatest, it still holds merit) it has been a year since my diagnosis of having a Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor. Today was the beginning of the blahs for me, so I'm sorry that this entry might not be funny (atleast read the rest of it before you leave) Robin and Sarah left today to fly back home (they made it safely) Smallville was good on Wednesday, and I caught Joey tonight so I guess I had a good few days (yep, that's right, two shows made my day.... just goes to show you how exciting it is here) Other than that just doing the whole hospital and back thing, but I only have a few more days left. I have to go to bed now so everyone be safe, and if I don't catch you before Friday, have a great weekend.
Ryan V
Buddy the Elf what's your favorite color? (from ELF, funny movie)
Chemo day one, not too exciting but I now have the awesome fanny pack again, so ladies watch out!! Robin did very well with the harvest (I think we have enough to hold us over for winter, kidding) She is a champ and a trooper, it's great to see what your family will do for you when the time calls for it. Thanks Robin, you went up a few rungs of the cool ladder (actually thanks for saving my life) Other than that not much really going on, just the usual stuff, hospital, home, sleep, eat. The scans came back ok, the cancer hasn't grown, moved, or shrunk (I guess two out of three ain't bad (good song)) The weather is still a little chilly here, but I'm not really out doors much right now ( I think the gang wants to go to Washington tomorrow, so that should be fun, with a fanny pack) I hope that everyone is doing good and having fun, two more days till the anniversary, so be sure to drink one for me (plan for 10 p.m. so everyone is a little nsync (sorry could help myself from the spelling)). So take care and when you get stressed or discouraged this week remember: Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that life is serious. -Brendan Gill
Conquering Cancer,
Ryan V
Gooooood Morning Everybody!! (in the tone of Good Morning Vietnam! good movie)
So now we are in Bethesda whooping it up like we always do (whoop, whoop). The weather is about the same as it is in Nebraska, but with that wonderful aroma of chemo lingering in the air. So to all that have read the last few journal entries I am happy to say I am back from my naked run through the field (just a little too cold.. if you know what I mean.... I don't want to get sick, not the other thing you perv) Robin is gearing up for the harvest, and I am ready to rumble with chemo again, yeah, BRING IT ON!! Everything was a blur today as we landed then I had a physical exam (I think I passed, that written is a doozy) then I had three tests, a CT, Echocardiogram (no it's not some sort of singing telegram, dork) and an MRI. Then because of the tests I couldn't have anything to eat today so you know I was in a good mood (fat kid + no food = someone's gonna get hurt) but I survived and doing much better after some pizza. Other than that not much else has happened. Still keeping the NG rule strong, and if I was a betting man I would take that four to one against the vegas line. But I would like to say that in three days it will be the one year anniversary of my diagnosis, so for everyone have a couple of drinks for me and to the hope that the anniversary of remission is just around the corner. So I hope that everyone's week is a good one and remember life is what happens when your busy planning, so start living beyond your plan. Until next time put one leg in your pants at a time and atleast one thing will be normal during the day. Stay sexy everyone and I'll write soon.
Next Episode: Chemo-Man vs. Dr. Blah and the chemo cocktail henchmen.
Ryan V
Terrific Thursday to all !!!!!!!!
Sorry about the laps in journal entries, but you know me, as soon as my feet hit the ground in Omaha I'm off and running. Everything is great and feeling good, just getting ready for another fun filled week at Bethesda, Maryland(whooo-hooo) Other than that not much going on, another good episode of Smallville on Wednesday, (don't worry I won't bore you with details) I would also like to say to the two old classmates and friends that I went out with on Saturday, that I had a great time too. I hope that everyone had a great couple of weeks and no one got arrested or hurt.(remember it's all fun and games till someone loses an eye, then it's down right hilarious!! wearing a freakin eye patch like a pirate, arrr matey!(sorry to anyone who has lost an eye, I know it's not a funny matter, but for the joke it works plus the pirate thing cracks me up)) So until next time remember: Life may take you around the world, or the next state over, but your heart will always lead you home. Thank you all for checking in and I'll talk to you later.
So till next time if you need a laugh picture me running through a grassy field throwing flowers in the air...butt naked. see I told you it will make you laugh.
Ryan V
Merry Weekend to Everyone,
Sorry I didn't write any sooner, but I really didn't have much to write the past few days and give me a break I'm on chemo. But to recap I watched Smallville (the beginnings of superman) on Wednesday (my soap opra) and it was a good one, Lex Luthor was separated into two..... oh wait that's right you could probably care less. So then pretty much I was just laying around all day Thursday (repeat on Joey), yeah I know I'm just a wild and crazy guy (watch out!). Other than that not too much happening here in the beautiful town of Bethesda. There has been a uprising that I have a girlfriend and I want to set the record straight, I currently do not have a girlfriend. What the guestbook entry failed to put in of said girlfriend was the "" as in "girlfriend" meaning I have a great friend that jokes with me about the whole girlfriend/boyfriend thing. So I'm glad we set the record straight. Other than that I'm doing good and hope that everyone has a great weekend, or atleast a good one. So until next time what doesn't kill ya makes for a damn good story, right?
Ryan V
I had to add that we just found out Jack has clear scans also!!! Praise God. Thanks to all for your prayers. Love, Missy
Sorry I didn't write any sooner, but I really didn't have much to write the past few days and give me a break I'm on chemo. But to recap I watched Smallville (the beginnings of superman) on Wednesday (my soap opra) and it was a good one, Lex Luthor was separated into two..... oh wait that's right you could probably care less. So then pretty much I was just laying around all day Thursday (repeat on Joey), yeah I know I'm just a wild and crazy guy (watch out!). Other than that not too much happening here in the beautiful town of Bethesda. There has been a uprising that I have a girlfriend and I want to set the record straight, I currently do not have a girlfriend. What the guestbook entry failed to put in of said girlfriend was the "" as in "girlfriend" meaning I have a great friend that jokes with me about the whole girlfriend/boyfriend thing. So I'm glad we set the record straight. Other than that I'm doing good and hope that everyone has a great weekend, or atleast a good one. So until next time what doesn't kill ya makes for a damn good story, right?
Ryan V
P.S. Canon had great results! Thank you God.
We don't know about Jack's yet, keep praying!
Sorry no funny stuff today. I just wanted to have everyone focus their prayers on two of my little guys, my buddy Jack and my "wing-man" Canon because they are both getting scans done at Sloan-Kettering in New York and need the extra prayers. Thank you and I will resume my journal tomorrow. All the best to you and yours.
Ryan V
Sorry no funny stuff today. I just wanted to have everyone focus their prayers on my two buddy Jack and my "wing-man" Canon because they are both getting scans done at Sloan-Kettering in New York and need the extra prayers. Thank you and I will resume my journal tomorrow. All the best to you and yours.
Ryan V
Terrific Tuesday to Everyone,
Ok the good stuff first: I waited over a hour to get chemo today, then I am now hooked up to a freaking fanny pack (did you hear me a FANNY PACK) full of poison (Etoposide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine chemo cocktail) for the rest of the week .... Oh wait that was the bad stuff... oops my bad, sometimes I get confused... ok then, the good stuff: ...I....I watched the Pricess Diaries 2 while getting chemo (yeah, that was the good part of my day, so you can gauge where my day is right now, but in my defense Ann Hathaway is hot). But I'm optimistic that it will get better, maybe the swedish bikini team's bus will break down right in front of the Children's village (or hey, even the Victoria Secret Tour Bus, I'm not picky).... Oh wait, then that would break my NG rule, so then maybe the Kansas City Chiefs Football Team stops by... you never know. Other than that not much has been going on here in beautiful Bethesda, Maryland same stuff, different day. So I leave you with this thought: What is the Statue of Liberty wearing under her robes...wait sorry not that one...ummm.... ok: If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties. -Francis Bacon (yeah I got deep for a minute huh?) Ok, take care of yourselves and think of something funny and laugh out loud because of it.
Until next time, this is Ryan "Chemo" Vodicka reporting live from NIH in Bethesda, Maryland saying stay sexy, planet earth...(Anchorman, good movie)
Ryan V
Terrific Tuesday to Everyone,
Ok the good stuff first: I waited over a hour to get chemo today, then I am now hooked up to a freaking fanny pack (did you hear me a FANNY PACK) full of poison (Etoposide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine chemo cocktail) for the rest of the week .... Oh wait that was the bad stuff... oops my bad, sometimes I get confused... ok then, the good stuff: ...I....I watched the Pricess Diaries 2 while getting chemo (yeah, that was the good part of my day, so you can gauge where my day is right now, but in my defense Ann Hathaway is hot). But I'm optimistic that it will get better, maybe the swedish bikini team's bus will break down right in front of the Children's village (or hey, even the Victoria Secret Tour Bus, I'm not picky).... Oh wait, then that would break my NG rule, so then maybe the Kansas City Chiefs Football Team stops by... you never know. Other than that not much has been going on here in beautiful Bethesda, Maryland same stuff, different day. So I leave you with this thought: What is the statue of libery wearing under her robes...wait sorry not that one...ummm.... ok: If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties. -Francis Bacon (yeah I got deep for a minute huh?) Ok, take care of yourselves and think of something funny and laugh out loud because of it.
Until next time, this is Ryan "Chemo" Vodicka reporting live from NIH in Bethesda, Maryland saying stay sexy, planet earth...(Anchorman, good movie)
Ryan V
Terrific Tuesday to Everyone,
Ok the good stuff first: I waited over a hour to get chemo today, then I am now hooked up to a freaking fanny pack (did you hear me a FANNY PACK) full of poison (Etoposide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine chemo cocktail) for the rest of the week, then I found out that we have to find our own way to Atlantic City to fly back home.... Oh wait that was the bad stff... oops my bad, sometimes I get confused... ok then, the good stuff,...I....I watched the Pricess Diaries 2 while getting chemo (yeah, that was the good part of my day, so you can gauge where my day is right now, but in my defense Ann Hathaway is hot). But I'm optimistic that it will get better, maybe the swedish bikini team's bus will break down right in front of the Children's village (or hey, even the Victoria Secret Tour Bus, I'm not picky).... Oh wait, then that would break my NG rule, so then maybe the Kansas City Chiefs Football Team stops by... you never know. Other than that not much has been going on here in beautiful Bethesda, Maryland same stuff, different day. So I leave you with this thought: What is the statue of libery wearing under her robes...wait sorry not that one...ummm.... ok: If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties. -Francis Bacon (yeah I got deep for a minute huh?) Ok, take care of yourselves and think of something funny and laugh out loud because of it.
Until next time, this is Ryan "Chemo" Vodicka reporting live from NIH in Bethesda, Maryland saying stay sexy, planet earth...(Anchorman, good movie)
Ryan V
Sounds like another case of the Mundays! (Office Space, good movie)
So I hope that everyone had a good day and a great weekend. Mine was pretty uneventful, went to a Episcopal church on Sunday (pretty much like a catholic church but with no kneeling) then went to "the mall" (and no it's not what you think) it's the part of D.C. where all the museums and monuments are, so even though it was a beautiful day yesturday I was transported to when I was in eighth grade on the D.C. field trip (but this time there wasn't the Stelik sisters for me to look at, man what a great trip...) :) So by a miscalculation today I had breakfast which gummed up the works today for scans and so they were all were moved back a couple of hours and so I don't get chemo until tomorrow. (hey, don't blame me for wanting to have some honeycomb, there yummyrific! (yes it's a word)) Other than that, no needles, no gross contrast, just a nice nap during my PET scan. (no it doesn't scan for any pets I have, funnyman) But I almost had a breakdown of the NG rule, but after a collective moment of clarity I'm still on the wagon. So until next time be safe and sometime this week take a moment to look around to be thankful for what you have, because even in your worst day it's probably better then someone else's good day.....(yeah I think I got that right). ok take care and besure to tune in next time for....
The unadventures of naked ma...oops sorry wrong channel..
...ok here it is...
The Misadventures of Chemo-Man,
and the battle of the evil hot nurse.... it promises to be a good episode ;)
Ryan V
T.G.I.F. (and no I don't mean the restaurant!, dork)
Today was pretty uneventful for me, went to the hospital today and they shoved a big needle in my arm for blood (medical term: apheresis my term: lets jab a freakin huge needle in ryan's arm for fun). But we went over with the doctors what the next few months are going to look like and what I will be given and the side effects. So yeah a good day I must say, expecially when the word death came up a few too mant times then I would like, (but hey it also said it in my permission slip to play football my parents had to sign in High School, so there you go, and I think it said it in my golf permission slip too). So in a nut shell things are good, and now I have arms that look like I'm a heroine addict. But you know what would take my mind off all this stuff?..... Go on guess I got time...... Ben and Jerry's ice cream (ha! fooled you again, for all you dirty minded people out there you forgot about my NG policy, suckers!) Ok all kidding aside I'm doing good and getting geared up for more chemo on Monday, thanks for everyone writing and thinking of me during your busy week. So be careful this weekend (and when I say be careful I mean try not to break your neck when your table top dancing. And if you don't know what that means then your too young and you shouldn't know what that means or your too old, and you forgot). Keep smiling and call an old friend you haven't talked to in a while this weekend, just to say hi and see what their doing.
Catch you next time on the misadventures of Chemo-man
Same Cancer time,
Same Cancer channel.
Conquering Cancer,
Ryan V
It's Thursday people!
Yet ANOTHER day of scans, tests, and the usual runaround of being here. Unfortunatly today wasn't the best, first Robin left today (sad face.....ok I'm over it now) then as I was going in for my eye exam and I just got my eyes dialated when I realized I would be late for the MRI, so they give me anti-dialating drops (which stings like opening your eyes in salt water that someone took a pee in) and I rushed down to MRI to find out that I wasn't scheduled (the dreaded seven headed dragon has found me in Bethesda!), so I had to wait for the next time slot to be open, then I had to get another iv put in the other arm (because I thought that I didn't need the iv from the first MRI anymore so they took it out) and so now I have two bandages on each arm, and ones like an orange-pink color (what the hell is that all about?!) But other than that I'm doing good, I got a "phone" hug from my friend Katie (don't worry she's just a friend, and in no way violates my NG status) so I feel better now. So here I am delicately typing the journal letting you know my day was crappier that yours, so stop complaining. So remember that with great power, comes great respons.... oh sorry wrong words of advise (that one is for spiderman) ummmm, oh yeah, ... crap I forgot, oh well, maybe next time. So until then hug a tree and say hi to a stanger (just don't mix up the two, people will think you're crazy, trust me I know) and thanks for the thoughts and prayers. All the best to you and yours.
Ryan V
Happy Hump Day to All,
Today I was sent through yet another barrage (50 cent word) of tests today and again had to subject myself to the yummy, yummy, oh so good in the tummy contrast for my CT Scan (in all honesty its as close to tasting butt as you can get). Then there was the relentless waiting for each test and scan and there was even a line to the bathroom (I was madder than Janet Reno's blind date (Larry the Cable Guy is Funny right there, I don't care who you are)) but I made it through, and with a few more days of tests I will be done... then ofcourse comes chemo (yay). Other than that everything is going good and spirits are still high. I do miss the philly's at Hooters in Omaha, but sometimes a man has to go hungry to appreciate the taste of a good sandwich. (think about it..... ;) ) The weather has been continually nice and you know what they say about nice weather? ... No, I'm asking, because I don't know what they say about it, oh well. So thanks to all of you who have checked in on me and a special thanks to everyone who signs the guestbook when they can. Be sure to spread the love around to my boys from NYC (Jack, Canon, and Peter).
So be sure to check back in:
same chemo time,
same chemo channel.
Try to say hi and smile at a stranger today, and of course stay out of trouble. All the best.
Ryan V
Good Tuesday to everyone,
Hope that things are going well for everybody. Today started my beginnings here in Bethesda, first we spent the whole FREAKIN' day doing tests and talking to doctors and such. It was informative and needed, but damn it makes for a long day. Robin is being herself today.. for those of you who know, you know what I mean (hehe). Other than that not much is happening, still on my persuit for eternal life and happiness.... Got ya. Beyond all of that I think this is a good next step and look forward to starting treatment. So thanks to all of you for the thoughts and prayers and I'll be sure to give you up to the date news as it breaks here at Ryan Watch 2005... OK just kidding, but really I will try to keep you in the know. All the best.
Ryan V
Hello Everyone,
Hope everyone had a great weekend and that the week started off good. My mom, sister and I have now slowly slipped into our place here at THE WONDERFUL, TERRIFIC, STUPENDOUS CHILDREN'S INN at the NIH. Now don't get me wrong it is nice but it's like day care on crack, a bunch of kids running around and having fun. So I guess it's not a bad place after all. Now for you sceptics that think that my pledge won't stand I will place the day count at the top of each of my entries to show that I ain't bluffin' and pretty much a way to place your bets to see when I'll crack (I give me a few months). So we have a big day tomorrow and everyone is looking forward to it. I am tired though, not much sleep last night.. if you know what I mean, (what you don't? ok I was just up late talking to one of my friends until three in the morning.. what did you think I meant? dirty minded people). So my appologies that this entry isn't the best but I'll try better next time, so until then keep smiling and don't cause too much trouble. all the best to you all.
Ryan V
PS Pray also for Kathy the mom of a child in remission who just found out she has breast cancer and Gracie who isn't doing so well. Canon has scans next week so we will be looking for good news from them. Thanks.
It's me Ryan... who'd you think it was?
So I came to a moment of clarity and now I'm here to announce that I'm dropping the search of women. Yes, Yes I know, I know, but it'll be ok, don't worry. Other than that not much happening, just doing the cancer thing, you know, trying to get cured and all. Also wanted to say hey to everyone that I hung out with while I was in town, it was fun, we should do it again. Thanks again for the prayers and thoughts, I know you don't have to but you do anyway. It means alot. So as always have fun and stay out of trouble (for some of you atleast try to).
Ryan V
Yet another uneventful day here. Getting geared up for the trip to Bethesda. This whole trip will probably take about two to three months because they are going to take me down slowly with three rounds of chemo, then if my counts are low enough they will start the stem cell transplant then (which is probably around late June, early July). So yay for the slow mind numbing crawl to stem cell. But atleast I have my girlfriend to.... oh wait I don't have one :) But on the bright side I will lose some unwanted pounds and get to see Maryland (isn't that kind of like being excited to see the world's biggest ball of yarn?) So in short doing good, feeling good, enjoying all the journal entries and trying to stay out of trouble (I said trying). So enjoy the rest of the weekend and remember no matter how bad your day is going it's better than getting kicked in the balls, or getting chemo.
All the best.
Ryan V
Same stuff, different day. Just waiting for Monday to come and to travel to beautiful Bethesda, Maryland. and to start the next step (all be it a long step, about 2 months)in becoming cancer free. I hope everyone is behaving themselves and work, school, or whatever you do during the week is going well. Sorry there isn't much else to report, still in a slump with the ladies, and hanging out with friends. Thanks again for taking the time to read my journal and for the thoughts and prayers. all the best to you and yours.
Ryan V
Ryan V
As you may have heard the scans came back and they are clear. Meaning that there is no visible signs of tumor in me. So now we wait for Bethesda to get the scans and then plan to go there for stem cell transplant, then radiation after that. So that's the plan and so that means new doctors and new nurses (yeah) So thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.
Ryan V
I hope the weekend was good to everyone. I myself got a few smiles from a few ladies, played a little pool and threw some darts all be it not well, but I did. Saw the movie Hostage starring bruce willis, good movie. Other than that still waiting on the scan results (me being more patient than other family members) and I should hear something by tomorrow. Not much else happening right now, just hanging out. I hope Everyone has a good day and a good week. All the best.
Ryan V
Update!! I just heard from Dr. Langdon's office and the PET scan was good. No light up!!! The CT results won't be in until Tuesday. With tears streaming down my face... Thank you God. Thanks to you all who have been praying. I will let you know about results tomorrow. Love, Missy
I hope the weekend was good to everyone. I myself got a few smiles from a few ladies, played a little pool and threw some darts all be it not well, but I did. Saw the movie Hostage starring bruce willis, good movie. Other than that still waiting on the scan results (me being more patient than other family members) and I should hear something by tomorrow. Not much else happening right now, just hanging out. I hope Everyone has a good day and a good week. All the best.
Ryan V
P.S. Sorry I can't be funny.
Here's a poem I found on another caringbridge website which I'd like to share with you:
THE SCAN
A Sleepless Night
Tomorrow our lives could change again
forever...forever...
Will the scan be clear, will the tumor return,
now...or never?...
We try to smooth the ups, the downs.
It's been nice breathing calmly, nice not to frown,
But tomorrow our lives could change again,
forever...forever...
Tomorrow we'll sit while the bangs and clicks
surround us...engulf us....
staring down the tunnel, waiting for the films
that free us...or damn us...
The probation could last for another four months,
Or find us retreating behind false fronts
That we take out tomorrow to hide the anguish
around us...within us...
Tomorrow our lives could continue on course
or falter...get altered...
It's amazing to think that one simple test has
such power...such impact...
To the world around us the test dates come
one after another, eventually numb
To the fact that tomorrow could leave us again
bewildered...off kilter...
Tomorrow we hope that the treatments have helped
change things...delay things...
Are there further treatments that we can survive
do we want them?... can we stand them?...
Has the Cancer been killed; does it lie there in wait?
Will it show up tomorrow, or some much later date?
Tomorrow a crossroads, or merely a rest stop
on a journey....to eternity...
Tomorrow our lives could change again
forever...forever....
Tomorrow our world could be turned upside down
tossed asunder...it's no wonder...
That we dwell in the past, trying to recall the way.
Just back from my CBC (Crappy Blood Cultures) from the hospital in Omaha, although my counts have gone down I am still around and kickin'. I also just got done watching "In a New York Minute" starring Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (yes there wasn't really anything on t.v. if you were asking) and although they're rich and famous I now believe I have a chance to date at least one of them, I mean they're in New York and I'm in New York (most of the time) it just writes itself. :) Other than that not much is going on with me. I have scans on Thursday, so maybe I can get some blood so I can have a beer or two for St. Patty's day. Plus I'm hopping my luck goes up with the Irish holiday with the scans and the ladies. So I hope everyones day is going well and that this entry puts a smile on your face if not sorry I'm a little off my game right now. All the best.
Ryan V
I hope that everyones weekend went well, I had a pretty good one all things considering. I am home now in good old Omaha, hanging with the boys and still getting shot down by the women, except this one girl...but that story isn't for this page :) I got to see most of my family today when my nephew had his first communion, which was great. I have scans in the near future and then we shall uncover the mystery of what the hell we are going to do next, then we see if I go back to New York and see if my "streak" with the ladies will keep going (and get more chemo ofcourse), or if I go to Bethesda, Maryland and start with a whole new crop... I mean name... I mean, oh crap you know what I mean. (I would also like to take some time out of this letter to tell canon thanks alot for bailing out on me as my wing-man with the girls, now I'm maverick with no goose, and kelly mcgillis isn't returning my calls) :) Well I need to go so I'll write as soon as I can. I hope everyone has a good start to their week. Keep smiling and try a philly at Hooters, they're hooterific! Thanks again for checking in on me and my buddies. It means alot to all of us.
Ryan V
P.S. Hopefully Ryan will write soon.
I hope that everyones weekend went well, I had a pretty good one all things considering. I am home now in good old Omaha, hanging with the boys and still getting shot down by the women, except this one girl...but that story isn't for this page :) I got to see most of my family today when my nephew had his first communion, which was great. I have scans in the near future and then we shall uncover the mystery of what the hell we are going to do next, then we see if I go back to New York and see if my "streak" with the ladies will keep going (and get more chemo ofcourse), or if I go to Bethesda, Maryland and start with a whole new crop... I mean name... I mean, oh crap you know what I mean. (I would also like to take some time out of this letter to tell canon thanks alot for bailing out on me as my wing-man with the girls, now I'm maverick with no goose, and kelly mcgillis isn't returning my calls) :) Well I need to go so I'll write as soon as I can. I hope everyone has a good start to their week. Keep smiling and try a philly at Hooters, they're hooterific! Thanks again for checking in on me and my buddies. It means alot to all of us.
Ryan V
I hope everyones week went well and I'm pretty sure for most of you it was better than mine :) I'm just sitting here in the PDH (Pediatric Day Hospital) waiting for the doctor to see me, man, waiting is soooo fun. As the last day on the five day irenotecan (chemo) I am a little more upbeat, well that and I saw a cute girl in the elevator and she said hi to me :) (yes she was my age, so no jokes) I'm a sucker for a cute smile. Not much else to report here, the weather is still crappy, the city is still big, and I still can't get a date, even with 4 million women around me!! :) But I am fighting and I know it will be over soon. Thank you to all who have gottenm a renewed sense to write again I appreciate it, and I know my fellow cancer buddies (canon, jack, and peter) appreciate your entries too. Just remember the hardest thing to hold on to is hope, but it is the strongest thing you can have. Have a good day and stay out of trouble, I can get in enough for all of us :)
Ryan V
Ryan V
Ryan here just giving you the first person on what's going on in the fabulous NYC. Today I was back in the swing of things with the chemo therapy irenotecan, and saying hi to everyone on the pediatric floor. The week end was ok we walked saw a movie went to Times Square to eat at the ESPNZone although Hooters is my favorite place...three guess' why.1, 2, 3...the food. Starting to feel the effects of the chemo already but a little poison in my blood stream can't slow me down right. damn skippy. well this has gotten long so I'll stop and try to write again as soon as possible. All the best to you and yours. Also please take a minute to write back as I read the entries and also take a moment to view the other caringbridge page links to my little buddies because everyone needs a little pick me up sometimes.
Thanks,
Ryan (the best looking cancer patient you know) :)
Ryan here just giving you the first person on what's going on in the fabulous NYC. Today I was back in the swing of things with the chemo therapy irenotecan, and saying hi to everyone on the pediatric floor. The week end was ok we walked saw a movie went to Times Square to eat at the ESPNZone (although Hooters is my favorite place...three guess' why.1, 2, 3...the food you sick minded people, not all of us think about T&A all the time, shame on you.) Starting to feel the effects of the chemo already but a little poison in my blood stream can't slow me down right. damn skippy. well this has gotten long so I'll stop and try to write again as soon as possible. All the best to you and yours. Also please take a minute to write back as I read the entries and also take a moment to view the other caringbridge page links to my little buddies because everyone needs a little pick me up sometimes.
Thanks,
Ryan (the best looking cancer patient you know) :)
I would like to send a few thank-you's out to some exceptional people. Thanks Judy for taking care of my other kids and Lucas when we were not able. She has sent care packages, bought Lucas his Communion outfit, sent numerous cards among 100 other things. I am so grateful that God has sent her to me. Thanks Bev for being my constant support, running the fundraiser, taking care of Ryan's paper work and flying to NYC twice to help out. How could I get so lucky to have her as a sister. Thanks Tami for helping with daycare so I could watch our grandchild come into the world, for helping with daycare all summer and for bing my friend who is always there. I am truly blessed having you in my life. Thanks to my daycare parents, for being so understanding with my comming and going. You are our family. We appreciate everyone for their support and prayers. I know this is a long process and we are grateful that you have been by our side we wouldn't have made it without you. Last but not least I would like to thank my children. They have given everything they can to help us in this process. They would do anything for their brother and that is what Love is all about. We are so proud of all 4 of our kids. Thanks.
Now I have another prayer request. My best friends husband died yesterday of a heart attack. Prayers for her family and her husband Lee would be appreciated.
Up and down those emotions just keep on comming. Love you all. Take care, Missy
Love, Missy
P.S. Also pray that Rachael delivers on time and that they will both be fine. We really hope Ryan will be in town to see his new nephew.
It was OK to be back in clinic again. We were able to see Canon and Jack which was so nice. There are things that no one can understand except another parent with a child with cancer. God bless you all and I hope none of you ever have to experience anything like this. Love, Missy
P.S. If anyone knows of a great deal on flights, I need to fly home on Feb 20th. Thanks.
Missy, Ryan & Dan at the Ronald McDonald Christmas Party 12/7/04
Welcome to Ryan's Page. Ryan was diagnosed with a desmoplastic tumor May 5,2004. Ryan was a full time student at Full Sail in Winter Park FL. We were sent to New York City Sloan Kettering Hospital for treatment. So far Ryan has had 7 rounds of chemo and two major surgerys. 80% of the tumor was removed the first time. After the last two rounds the PET scan is negative the tumor is dead but we still need to have it removed. The second surgery was a miracle. All of the cancer has been removed.Now we proceed with radiation and a stem cell transplant. Please pray for Ryan's miracle.
Journal
This week has gone so fast. It has been wonderful to have a week at home. I have spent time with dear friends and my wonderful daughters and of course my very special grandchild. Ryan has slept until noon because he dosen't come home until the wee hours. It will be very hard going back. The emotions pull us in both of our worlds. We are so grateful for the care and support we have received in New York. It is amazing how all the parents bond so easily. You walk down the hall and just hug someone without words being spoken. We understand each other like no one else can. It will be so hard to come home in a few weeks. My wonderful sister in law Bev will be comming out to take care of Ryan when I leave. I don't know how we would have managed this without all her help. You really find out the true meaning of family and friends. Now I must book my return trip from NYC. It will be so sad to travel alone. Thank you all for your prayers and support. Please continue to pray for Ryan he has a long way to go. Love, Missy
Please continue praying that Ryan is able to endure this treatment.
Thank you to all that continue to check in with Ryan it really means a lot, and with not much action it will give him something to do.
Love
Missy
P.S. Miss you Peter! Finger Kiss
O.K. I am finished. Take care and keep praying, Missy
Ok my madden franchise team (the chiefs)are now 5-0 and for now all the testing is done at the hospital. Just waiting to hear from them on when our next meeting is. Right now it's colder than a well diggers butt, but hey that is Nebraska weather so I'm right at home. I hope everyone had a good week and have great plans for this weekend, I plan on going to times square to look around tomorrow and going to my buddy dennis' house to watch the game on Sunday. I continually thank all of you who check in on me from time to time and a special thanks to those of you who write, I know with all the prayers and support from all of you and the Lord's strength I will beat cancer and be home soon.
Ryan V
Ryan V
P.S. Hey Justin, it's Steelers and the Falcons and Pitt to win the Super Bowl. AFC to win the Pro Bowl, and the Chiefs to win next year. (ok the last one is for me, but hey I'm entitled to dream dammit.)
We met a little girl named Gabrielle today she is 3 and has relapsed with neuro. She along with Kiley who is having surgery today need your prayers. This is the saddest place on earth most of the time. We all deserve a miracle. Thanks for checking in. Please leave a note, the longer this goes on the less we hear from people. Thanks for all the prayers we love you. Missy
PS I just received this on my email "there is no shortcut to a place worth going" do you think that was just for me?
Peter's scans came out good thanks for praying for him.
I am a little overcome with everything. Pray
Please keep up those prayers. This is a very sad place sometimes and it is hard to be here on a day to day basis. I would like to ask you to pray for Peter today as he gets his CT and MRI. Please God let thease children be free of this disease. Thanks, Missy
Please pray for Peter who has scans today and Wednesday, and David who has scans today. Thease kids are part of our lives and have become very important to us.
Thank you for thinking of us. We love you all, Missy
P.S. Check out the links at the bottom of the page. The children listed are very special to us and need your prayers also.
We are so thankful that God gave us the beginings of a miracle in the past year. Ryan and I will return to NYC on Tuesday. He will have tests on the 6th. The tests will tell us when to start the next treatment. Ryan is glad no more surgery so far but it is hard to have to endure more chemo before stem cell transplant. The whole transplant process is very complicated. Please pray that God continues to give Ryan the miracle he deserves. We love you all, Missy
Although this year has brought me something no one would ask for it has given me so much, it has given me a closer more loving family, it gave me closer bonds to friends old and new, it has given me a new appreciation to what I have always taken for granted, and given me a new hope for the future. In the time of gifts, family and dinners I hope everyone knows that each of you have effected my life in a positive way (and helped me in the tough times of chemo treatments and surgery). I hope for each and everyone of you the very best Chistmas ever, and if you could on christmas day look around at your family and appreciate the little things that God has given us.
Ryan V
P.S. Have a safe a happy New Year's too.
Ryan is doing better. He didn't have much energy on Saturday so he stayed in the Ron Mac house all day. On Sunday he was up and ready for church. I think he remembers the days I made it a rule that if you don't go to church you stay home for the rest of the day and he really wanted to go to ESPN Zone and watch his Chiefs. We made it he had to take a few breaks during the game and he wasn't as loud as he usually is but he made it. He is going to make his cousin Justin a fan yet. Robin is almost as big a fan as Ryan and his Dad now what am I to do?
After the game we came back and rested for the rest of the day. Ry has a doctor visit on Tuesday and we will be going home Wednesday night thanks to Conagra again. I can't thank them enough for making this possible. Buy Conagra!
It will be good to be home. We don't know what the future holds until we go to the doctor and find out the path report results so keep up those prayers. We Love you all, Missy
The fundraiser was a great success thanks Bev for all your hard work. Thanks everyone for getting the auction items and baking thanks, to all the workers and to St. Gerald's for the use of the fellowship hall, Thanks to the Knights for all your help. We Love you all! Missy
I just heard tonight a friend of ours has scans. Her name is Sam and she had a bone marrow transplant with many complications. Please remember her in your prayers.
The fundraiser was a great success thanks Bev for all your hard work. Thanks everyone for getting the auction items and baking thanks, to all the workers and to St. Gerald's for the use of the fellowship hall, Thanks to the Knights for all your help. We Love you all! Missy
We are so thankful for our friends and families. Our family has greatly increased to include our hospital family. Please continue to pray for rhe children everywhere fighting cancer it is such a scarry world . Pray for Peter,(www.caringbridge.org/pa/peter) Cannon from Kansas, Sam who is a 18 year old girl from Jersey and Jack(hopeforjack.com) who we have become very close to.
I can't thank you enough for all you do. We Love You All, Dan Missy Ryan Rhonda Rachael Robin Lucas and Scott
Love, Missy
Thanks ConAgra for the flight
Thanks Vaccaro's for dinner
Thanks Bunco babes for the donation it payed for the trip back.
Thanks God for getting us this far.
Thank you Con Agra for flying us back again. Dan will come back for surgery then he will be back on the 13th. Thanks Dennis supply for giving Dan the time off. Thanks God for good test results for Jake and no sickness for Peter. May all of our friends be well for good soon. Love, Missy
We have a little friend who needs prayers so he can make counts to get his chemo on time. www.caringbridge.org/pa/peter
And another friend who has become very special to us www.hopeforjack.com
Love, Missy
Bless you all for praying. Love, Missy
Ryan V
PS (So my mom doesn't get mad at me here is here last entry) I would like to ask that everyone join us in prayer for the next three days and ask God to make this cancer die and let Dr. LaQuigila go in to get the rest of it. If possible I would like to ask everyone to share Ryan's story with a stranger and ask them also to pray. I know we can't miss with a prayer chain like that. Thanks for all you have done and for what you continue to do. Love, Missy
We are both a little tired this morning. I had the chance to go to dinner last night with another mom who has a little boy named Peter. She shared with me Peter's miracles that have already happened. It was so nice to be able to share our faith in God and our hopes for our children. Ryan and I prayed for a long time last night with special medallions that Dawn let us borrow. I would like to ask that everyone join us in prayer for the next three days and ask God to make this cancer die and let Dr. LaQuigila go in to get the rest of it. If possible I would like to ask everyone to share Ryan's story with a stranger and ask them also to pray. I know we can't miss with a prayer chain like that. Thanks for all you have done and for what you continue to do. Love, Missy
Love, Missy
Love, Missy
I left Ryans message up hopefully he will update soon.
Friday Funtime,
I am recieving my last five day chemo and everyone is dressed up. I'm going as cancer patient #25. Unfortunatly I am draining of energy, and scans are next week to see what progress I've made. So for all the chief fans out there cheer extra hard just incase I am too weak to see the game (and we all know how drained that is). I wanted to thank my aunt bev and everyone who have taken some time to help me out with charity and donation ideas I appreciate everything. Thank you to all who have written and wrote I like reading the messages. Also thanks for your prayers and thoughts I nned them now more than ever.
Keep smiling (it catches on)
Ryan
P.S. Go Chiefs
Iam recieving my last five day chemo and everyone is dressed up. I'm going as cancer patient #25. Unfortunatly I am draining of energy, and scans are next week to see what progress I've made. So for all the chief fans out there cheer extra hard just incase I am too week to see the game (and we all know how drained that is). I wanted to thank my aunt bev and everyone who have taken some time to help me out with charity and donation ideas I appreciate everything. Thank you to all who have written and wrote I like reading the messages. Also thanks for your prayers and thoughts I nned them now more than ever.
Keep smiling (it catches on)
Ryan
P.S. Go Chiefs
Sharon for a nurse today she does a great job and keeps him on track. Keep those prayers comming. Scans are the 4 and 5th of November.
Love, Missy
P.S. Thanks to Con Agra and the Coorporate Angels for our trip home and thanks to Mary Angie and Uncle Jimmy for our trip back. Thanks also to our family for making our trips home special.
Doing much better the more I'm home, but unfortunatly I haven't got the same get up and go I did before the surgery and chemo as you might imagine I wouldn't. Nothing too much to report, all my sisters went in to see if they are compatible donors for bone marrow so thank god I have great sisters. Just a little more to go till I am back home with no cancer and getting back to nomal things, so thank all of you who have continued to check in and write to me it means a lot and soon I will be able to tell most everyone that to their faces. God bless and take care.
Ryan
Love to you all, Missy
Hope evertone is doing well at work, school or just clowning around on the internet. Although the past few days were a little rough, I do feel better now and things are looking up, I'm starting to eat more and drinking doesn't bother me either. The Weather is changing so now it's jeans and sweatshirts instead of shorts and a t-shirt. I did hear of a spegetti dinner sometime soon for my cause, I'll let you know the details when I do. So thank you for all that have prayed for me and have their thoughts for me, expecially thank-you to all who have donated blood, plattlets, or what ever you can. But most importantly thank you for writing in, each one does make me smile.
Thanky you all,
Ryan V
Thanks for everything. Missy
Love, Missy
P.S. Dan is back at work. DSC is the best for letting him be with his son for 2 months. I know God sent him back there for a reason. Thanks.
Ryan
love,
ryan
I'm still in the hospital and just had a temporary broviak (sp) put in because the old one was giving me troubles (one of the lines on the old one wouldn't draw blood for cultures so it had to go.) But I was put under with good drugs so it wasn't too bad (just a little sore). Other than that I'm waiting for my counts to come back up to go back to ronald McDonald House. So just another day in the hospital. I need to try and eat something now so I'll write back soon. take care everyone and I hope you all have a good week.
Love,
ryan
P.S. I was notified that Debbie Hornbacher had surgery on her knees so shes recouping and doing fine. all the best to her and her family.
p.p.s. also thanks to everyone who has given blood, my dad, my cousin carrie, and those who I can't remember right now I'm sorry, but thank you.
ryan
p.s. thanks for all the thoughts and prayers, they still mean as much if not more than when I first started treatment in May.
Two days in a row now, shock isn't it? But isn't it my luck that I landed in the in-patient again with a fever, but I'm already better so I should get out maybe tomorrow. But I feel better and just chilling out. The only bad thing is I can't play the new madden 2005 to learn all the new things in it. But thanks again to everyone for your journal entries and your prayers. It's been a tough road so far but you all make it better, thanks.
ryan
Love,
Ryan
Thanks, Missy
God can you please listen to me… my heart is broken; I’m tired and weak.
The precious boy that you entrusted to me…he’s sick he’s hurting how can it be?
I pray without ceasing… through nights with no sleep.
I once was his Mother… now I’m a nurse and a doctor instead.
Each step of this journey is paved with my tears…you know it’s so true I must humbly confess.
But you have walked beside me each step of the way…you have sent your blessings and strength for each day.
God can you please listen to me…a son is a precious gift and yours died for me.
Thanks for all your prayers, keep it up.
Love, Missy
IT'S DAN ALL DONE WITH THE TWO DAY AND FLUIDS THE NURSE IS ABOUT TO KICK US OUT OF HERE SO I WILL KEEP IT SHORT.
I WILL TRY TO UP DATE OVER THE WEEKEND. I'M GOING TO TRY TO GET HIM TO GO OUT AND GET SOMETHING TO EAT LATER (GOOD LUCK WITH THAT)
RYAN WANTS ME TO TELL YOU HE IS DOING FINE OTHER THAN BEING A LITTEL TIRED.
THANKS SO VERY MUCH FOR ALL THE THOUGHS AND PRAYES.
WILL WRITE LATER GOD BLESS.
THANKS DAN
Love, Missy
A day older and getting ready to leave for NYC tomorrow. Thank everyone for wishing me a happy birthday and for all those who came to my party, it was good to see everyone and to catch up with what's going on in Omaha life. I look forward to when this is all over. Thanks everyone for every prayer and thought though all the chemo, operations, and radiation. Thanks again and all the best.
Ryan V
Love, Missy
Love, Missy
Love, Missy
Thanks Paul Justin and Brent for all the lawn work. Thanks Dennis Supply guys for covering for Dan. Thanks to Dennis Vacarro's brother who donated round trip tickets.
Thanks for the prayers. Missy
Love, Missy
WELL RYAN IS BACK ON THE FLOOR (INPATIENT) DOING BETTER HE HAS A ROOM WITH A VIEW.
NOTHING AGAINST THE NURSES IN THE P.O.U. HE LIKES THE NURSES ON M-9 A LITTLE BETTER.
I WENT AND GOT HIM SOME CHICKEN NUGGETS FROM McDONALDS DOC SAID IF HE STARTS EATING AND WALKING HE COULD BE OUT BY THIS WEEKEND HE IS TRYING.
THE WEATHER HERE IS RAINY AND WINDY.
SO KEEP UP THE PRAYERS THEY ARE WORKING.
MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU
DAN
Thanks for everything the prayers are working it just takes time.
Missy
Ryan V
WELL MISSY LEFT THIS MORNING AROUND 9:30am. RYAN IS UP AND MOVING WE JUST GOT BACK FROM A NICE WALK AROUND THE DAY HOSPITAL AND IS DOING BETTER.
THE DOCTOR WAS IN AND SAID HE SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET ONE OF HIS TUBES OUT LATER TODAY.
HE TRYS TO GET EVERYBODY THAT COMES IN TO GIVE HIM A FOOT RUB IT CALMS HIM.
WELL TIME TO GO PUT HIM BACK IN BED WELL WRITE LATER
THANKS FOR ALL THE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS THEY ARE WORKING
GOD BLESS TO ALL
DAN
Thank all of you. Love, Missy, Dan and Ryan
P.S. We need prayers for a family from SC also, the Trotter family they are losing the battle and need our prayers.
Birthday which would be great. Right now we take it a step at a time. He will try to stand up in the morning and he is already sitting up which is amazing since it hasn't even been 2 hours. We are so greatful for our family and friends. Thank all of you for your prayers and concern.
Praise the Lord Ryan made it this far and with his help we will be praising him again as Ryan completes his treatment.
Love, Missy
We Love You all for caring so much about Ryan and all of us want to thank you. Love, Missy and Dan
Thanks, Missy
Love,
Ryan D. Vodicka
P.S. Write to us we love hearing from everyone.
Love, Missy
RYAN IS STILL IN THE HOSPITAL THE GOOD NEWS IS HIS COUNTS ARE UP A LITTLE AND HIS TEMP. IS DOWN BUT IT HAS TO BE DOWN FOR 24 HOURS
HE SAID IT'S NICE TO SEE THE OTHER NURSES FOR A CHANGE.
PLANS FOR SURGRY FOR SEPTEMBER 1st ARE STILL A GO WE WILL FIND OUT MORE ON TOMROW
MISSY WILL BE COMING TO N.Y. ON SATURDAY AND BE HERE FOR SURGRY IT WILL BE NICE TO SEE HER WE MISS HER ALOT!!!!! AS WELL AS RHONDA,LUCAS,RACHAEL & SCOTT AND DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL ROBIN OH YA WE CAN'T FORGET LILLY.
THIS WILL BE OVER BEFORE WE KNOW IT AND WE WILL GET BACK TO NORMAL.
WELL I'M GOING TO WATCH THE REST OF THE GOLF SO I WILL FILL YOU IN AS THE WEEK GOES.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
AND PLEASE KEEP THE ENTRY'S COMING RYAN REALLY LOOKS FORWARD TO READING THEM.
MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU
DAN .V
WELL THE CHANCE OF COMMING HOME NOT SO GOOD RYAN CAME DOWN WITH A FEVER LATE LAST NIGHT OR SHOULD I SAY EARLY THIS MORNING
WE CHECKED IN AROUND 12:30 I GOT BACK TO RONALD McDONALD HOUSE ABOUT 3:30am SO WE WILL BE HERE FOR A DAY OR THREE.
RACHAEL YOU KNOW DOING ALOT OF WALKING WILL HELP YOU FROM GETTING TO (%$%@%@%#@) WELL YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN MAKE SURE SCOTTY IS DOING PART OF THE HOUSE CLEANING
WELL NOT MUCH GOING ON SO I WILL WRITE TO YOU LATER
THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL THE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
GOD BLESS EVERYONE
DAN V.
same chemo time...
same chemo internet address...(told you it's wacky wednesday)
all the best to all of you,
Ryan V
Love Missy
RYAN IS ON DAY FOUR OF FIVE DOING FINE JUST A LITTLE SLEEPY.
WE GOT THE TICKETS TO THE CHIEFS - GAINTS PRE-SEASON GAME FOR FRIDAY NIGHT THE WEATHER MAN SAID IT GOING TO RAIN......AS EVERYONE KNOWS THEY ARE RIGHT 1/2 THE TIME AND THE OTHER 1/2 THAY HAVE NO IDEA
SO WE WILL BE GOOD BOY SCOUTS!!!!!!!
WE WILL LET YOU HOW IT GOES RYAN WILL TAKE HIS PRIST HOLMES JERSEY
AND WILL TRY TO GET IT SIGNED
THATS ALL FOR NOW.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE THOUGHT AND PRAYERS!!!!!!!
PLEASE KEEP WRITING HE LIKES TO HERE FROM YOU
GOD BLESS
DAN V.
RYAN IS ON DAY TWO AND DOING FINE THE WEATHER HERE IS SUNNY AND
MID TO UPPER 70'S
HOPE EVERYONS WEEK IS GOING GOOD WE ARE TRYING TO FIND TICKETS TO
THE CHIEF & NY GIANTS PRESEASON GAME THATS IF RYAN IS UP TO IT
WILL LET YOU KNOW HOW THAT GOS
AS MISSY KNOWS NOT MUCH TO DO BUT WATCH SPORTS CENTER.
WELL LUNCH SHOULD BE HERE SOON SO I WILL WRITE LATER
THANKS AGIN FOR ALL YOUR THOUGHT AND PRAYERS
P.S. TO THE GUYS AT DENNIS THINKING OF YOU GUYS DON'T LET ANG GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!
LATER DAN
it's ryan saying hi to all and thanking everyone for the prayers and thoughts, I myself am just sitting around today playing playstation (and reeling from the ultimate butt kicking I gave my cousin Justin at NCAA football 2005 on playstation) I'm getting ready for my next 5-day run at chemo on Monday, so back to the day hospital. Also for all the football fans out there...YES the Chiefs are going to do great this year with Gunther at the defensive helm. But thank you to all who have written me and I hope everyone is in good health. All the best.
-Ryan V
Thanks for everything!
Love Missy
Thanks, Missy
Ryan V
Thanks everyone for caring. Missy
Love, Missy
PS. Keep up the little notes he loves to hear from everyone.
Missy
Love, Missy
Thanks to Mike Fraser for passing the hat at Linweld. They made a substancial contribution to Ryan's Fund. Thanks, we can't put into words what we feel. God Bless, Missy
I really want to thank all who hit balls and are playing in the golf tournament for Ryan. It is expensive in NYC and the funds have helped so much. Thanks also to those who have sent care packages. We have enjoyed them so much. It gives us something to look forward to. Also thanks to the guys at DSC they are giving Dan a leave so he can be here and I can get things in order at home.
Love Missy
Love Missy
P.S. Kathy my e-mail is dm4rs@cox.net I hope Joanna is doing better it was great to meet her we wish her the best.
Missy
Love, Ryan Robin and Missy
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!
God Bless, Missy
Keep him in your prayers.
Love Missy
RYAN'S HAVING A PRETY GO DAY HE SAID HE FELLS LIKE HE JUST
GOT OFF A ROLLACOSTER YOU KNOW THAT FELLING.
THE RONALD McDONALD HOUSE INVITED EVERYONE TO GO TO CENTRAL PARK FOR A PICNIC IN THE PARK BUT WE GOT RAINED OUT SO THAY HAD IN THE FAMILY ROOM WITH A MOVIE ON THE FIRST FLOOR.
WELL IT'S GETING LATE AND I HAVE TO PLAY NURSE AND HOOK UP HIS T.P.N. AND GIVE HIM HIS "G" SHOT.
THANKS FOR THE THOUGHTS AND PRAYRES AND MAY GOD BLESS ONE AND ALL
DAN
RYAN'S HAVING A PRETY GO DAY HE SAID HE FELLS LIKE HE JUST
GOT OFF A ROLLACOSTER YOU KNOW THAT FELLING.
THE RONALD McDONALD HOUSE INVITED EVERYONE TO GO TO CENTRAL PARK FOR A PICNIC IN THE PARK BUT WE GOT RAINED OUT SO THAY HAD IN THE FAMILY ROOM WITH A MOVIE ON THE FIRST FLOOR.
WELL IT'S GETING LATE AND I HAVE TO PLAY NURSE AND HOOK UP HIS T.P.N. AND GIVE HIM HIS "G" SHOT.
THANKS FOR THE THOUGHTS AND PRAYRES AND MAY GOD BLESS ONE AND ALL
DAN
DONE WITH ROUND THREE DOING FINE THE NEW ANTINAUSIA MED. MUST BE WORKING ALONG WITH THE PRAYERS HE DID NOT GET SICK.
IT WORKED SO WELL! WE WENT TO A MOVIE LAST NIGHT IT WAS THE TERMINAL WITH TOM HANKS IT WAS A GOOD ONE YOU SHOULD CHECK IT OUT IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO.
BARBRA VACCARO IS GOING PAY US A VISIT TODAY OR TOMORROW
IT WILL BE GOOD TO SEE HER AGAIN.
I WILL BE GOING BACK HOME ON SUNDAY SO IF I DON'T GET A CHANCE TO WRITE TO YOU AGAIN THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR RYAN AND MY FAMILY THOUGH THIS WHOLE ORDEAL. ALSO KEEP THE LETTERS COMING RYAN AND I ENJOY READING THEM.
THANKS AGAIN AND GOD BLESS.
DAN V.
WE ARE AT THE DAY HOSPITAL RYAN STARTED ROUND NUMBER THREE.
SO FAR HE IS DOING VERY WELL.
THE LAST 5 DAYS HAVE BEEN GREAT, YOU WOULD THINK HE WAS BACK TO NORMAL HE HAS BEEN EATING A LOT!!!!
WE GOT HIM TO GO OUT TO TO A RESTAURANT TO EAT THE FOOD, WELL LET'S SAY IT'S NOT OMAHA FOOD.
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO COME HERE AND SHOW THESE PEPOPLE HOW TO MAKE MEATLOAF AND A RUEBEN SANDWICH!!!!!!!
RYAN AND THE WHOLE FAMILY WOULD LIKE TO THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE THAT WENT DOWN TO MILT'S AND HIT A BUCKET OR TWO THE GUYS AT DENNIS SUPPLY I HOPE YOUR NOT TO BIZZZZZZY
I HOPE CARTER KNOWS WHAT I MEAN:)
SO THANK YOU ALL FOR THE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS THAT HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO US ON THIS LONG JOURNEY OF RECOVERY. GOD BLESS AND BEST WISHES TO ALL.
DAN AND RYAN
It's Ryan this time letting you all know that it's not because of the slacking on my part but of the internet connetion I get in the room, sometimes it's not always reliable. I am doing better, except I start the third round of chemo tomorrow. I might go see a movie today, but time and energy will tell, the doctors are very excited and impressed on the way the chemo and I are handling the cancer and although the time table is always moving with each day it looks like I might be done with this in early fall, maybe ate summer but we'll see. I also like to thank everyone who have been down to milt's golf center to hit balls on my behalf last weekend, I appreciate it. For those of you who missed it and still would like to help, don't worry there are a few more fundraisers coming up and I will try to give notice before they start. But most of all that all of you who have continually written me and kept me in thier thoughts and prayers, it means alot being so far away to see past and present friends and family write. I'm doing good and I will try to write later this week. all the best to all and God bless.
Ryan V
JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT RYAN IS HAVING A GOOD DAY.
JUST GOT BACK FROM HAVING SOME BLOOD TAKEN FOR THE T.P.N.
(I THINK HE'S HAVING A GOOD DAY IS BECAUSE HIS DAD IS BACK:) HE LIKES READING YOUR MESSAGES SO KEEP THEM COMMING
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND THANS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. DON'T FOGET TO GO DOWN TO MILT'S GOLF CENTER THIS WEEK END AND HIT A BUCKET FOR RYAN
BY THE WAY FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DON'T KNOW WHO I AM I AM RYAN'S DAD I ALSO WANT TO THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE FO YOU FOR YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS THANKS AGIN
It is I, Ryan. I am in day clinic right now waiting for my blood counts to come back. Thank you again to all of you who have written and everyone who checks in to see how I am doing, when I do have the time I love reading all the entries, also to angela and ross I had Eric as an Instructor in Computer Graphics and he was a great teacher, if he remembers me tell him hi when you can. I am doing better and feel better, waiting the arrival of my aunt Bev and my dad. The city for as much as I see of it is cool but the weather acts like Nebraska, hot one moment and cold the next. On my next Chemo run I will try to make it home for a bit, but no promises. What I do promise is when I am all better that we will have a pot luck party so I can thank all of you who can make it there personally and just to catch up on ol' times. But I need to go so I will talk to you all later. All the best to you all. Bless all of you for all you've done, and thanks again.
Ryan V
P.S. Remember to visit Milt's this weekend to wack a few and maybe see some old friends and meet some new ones.
Thanks for everything! Keep up the wonderful prayers!
Missy and Ryan
Love Missy
Love Missy and Ryan
I hope your Tuesdays are treating you well. I am in the day clinic today for my "G" shot (and no it's not for me to be a bigger Ganster, for all the bad joke people out there, me included) Unfortunatly there is no donuts like yesterday, but I need to watch my figure anyways :) For all of you who are like Jenny and was wondering about the fund raising comment in the postings Milt's Golf Center is having a fundraiser from the 18th to the 21st at the range to hit a bucket of balls to help cover medical expences. So if you feel like whackin a few please go down and swing away (just no aiming at the jeep!) I am still in a good mood, I had Cap'n crunch this morning which I haven't had for about two years and it was good.
Also I have visitors from Nebraska, Katie and Kathy Dolphens have invaded New York, They are here for the beautiful Kaite to pursue a modeling career in the great city so everyone wish her luck if you can, and while they are here they will be hanging out with us. Unfortunatly I ran out of things to say so I Thank you all for checking in to the page, and bless everyone for all you've done for me, as a grown man I'm not afraid to admit that I get teary eyed everytime I read your entries. So thanks again, god bless, and may your week be great! All the best to you all.
Love,
Ryan V
P.S. As a seperate note I would like to send out a huge thankyou to the Dolphens family for the laptop gift they gave me it was unexpected and very surprising, thank you and when I finish school you have my services for any thing you need :)
I spent the weekend in the ronald mcdonald house and had a good time, it was a good change of scenery, except no more nurses :( but I do get to see them every mon, wed, fri, in day clinics so not too bad I guess. my spirits are up and I love hearing from everyone, so keep them notes coming if you can, and thanks for checking in on me too. I don't have a computer at my disposal so my letters might be scattered, but rest assured I am getting better. all my love. all the best to you all.
Love,
Ryan V
P.S. Missy also sends her thanks and love to all those who have been a part of my recovery in any way they can.
Just wanted to chime in with my hellos while I have the strength, because like with any good meal there is that questionable food you tried and now paying for, I too am in that weezy sick feeling (but mines chemo), why would you eat something you didn't know what it was, man your gross. anyway thank you again to all of you who have written and checked in on me it means alot, I am trying my best to keep my spirits up, and trying to eat something but right now it's tuff. I thank everyone who hold me in thier prayers for your strength helps me along. I will write more later. all the best to you.
Love,
Ryan V
Ryan V
(the cute bald guy in the hospital)
Love, Missy and Ryan
We found out we can't leave today because his counts are so good they are going to hit him again with Chemo wednesday and thursday. Maybe out by Friday!!!
Love you all
Missy and Ryan
God Bless,
Missy
P.S. I would like to take this time to thank Tami and Robin for taking daycare for the summer. I am so grateful for you guys. Also my daycare families for being so understanding. Our New York family the Vaccaros have been so great. This is so hard to be away from home and they have been so much help. Dennis their son helped the kids move Ryan's stuff and they couldn't say enough good things about him. We have truly been blessed. Our nurses at the hospital have been so great with Ryan, and we have met some very special people dealing with the same thing. Thanks to everyone for your prayers, we couldn't get through this without them. Missy
Have a good day.
Keep up the prayers and write soon.
Missy
We had an O.K. day. Ryan ate 2 bites of cereal and a little jello. It is amazing how excited I get over the little things. He is a little bummed today so if anyone wants to see NYC come visit. Ryan had to give up the computer so I don't know when we will be able to write again. He took it better than I did.
Take care and keep up good thoughts.
Missy
Love Missy
Missy
It's Ryan, healthy again to write the journal today, yes I am man enough to admit I'm writing in a journal. So they say I'm doing well, I am scheduled to have a "broviake" put in on Friday (the spelling may be off). and they are planning to kick me out on Monday, and will be on a out patient basis (unless health issues arise, but with all of you putting me in your thoughts and prayers I doubt it). I am getting better, my throat is still sore but not as bad as it was, it's just that things taste like crap now. But you all know me, I need to complain about something :) I would also like to take a moment to thank all of you from my past that have written me lately, I don't know who started the "calling tree" but I really appreciate everyone of you who wrote me, and those of you who just check in to see how I am, I hope to see all of you when I get back to Omaha and am all well. Thank you to all of you who have seen me through this so far, with a support group like you behind me I know I will beat this. God bless all of you and all the best.
Ryan V
It's Ryan, healthy again to write the journal today, yes I am man enough to admit I'm writing in a journal. So they say I'm doing well, I am scheduled to have a "broviake" put in on Friday (the spelling may be off). and they are planning to kick me out on Monday, and will be on a out patient basis (unless health issues arise, but with all of you putting me in your thoughts and prayers I doubt it). I am getting better, my throat is still sore but not as bad as it was, it's just that things taste like crap now. But you all know me, I need to complain about something :) I would also like to take a moment to thank all of you from my past that have written me lately, I don't know who started the "calling tree" but I really appreciate everyone of you who wrote me, and those of you who just check in to see how I am, I hope to see all of you when I get back to Omaha and am all well. Thank you to all of you who have seen me through this so far, with a support group like you behind me I know I will beat this. God bless all of you and all the best.
Ryan V
Love Missy
I wanted to quickly write to everyone before theses great meds kick in so what was described to me was i am stuck in the Big Apple for a few months with a maybe to return to Omaha for a few days before comingback for more chemo. Dan flew back to Omaha to join the real world and to be bombardad with the questions, god bless him, but I will hopefully see him soon when the next step of chemo starts. I am also knocked on my butt with everyone from my past (friends from high school) writing me, but I do ask a favor from you to say where you heard of the my illness (just curious). My health has been mostly up along with my spirits and my throat has been showing signs of less iritation, so hoefuly I will have a complete solid meal within the week (YEAH).....OK. the Meds are starting to work so before I babble (incoherantly) I want to say thank you to you all, I love the letters, each one lifts my spirits even more. So I hope everyone will have a free day/night open for a big potluck/byob party when I'm well so I can put the faces with names/letters. Until next Entry. All the best to each and everyone of you.
Ryan Vodicka
Love, Missy
Missy
Love Missy
I thought I might get a few sentences put together that make sence before the morphine kicks in. Today would have to fall under the good day column, unfortunatly I still haven't been too up to eating because of the sores in my throat make it hard to swallow. But on the bright side I will finally have that kate moss look I've been going for (kate moss is a very,very skinny model that I said for a joke, in case you didn't get it). I might even have to reconstruct my golf game because of the weight loss, but I'm still sure I can beat most of the people who sign in to check up on me, kidding. But I do appreciate the check-ups to see how I am and my parents are doing. I hope that this update finds everyone in great health, good spirits, and less stress than in your normal day. All the best to you and yours.
Ryan V
P.S. I will let you know more about the medical side of all of this when more info comes about.
Thanks for all your prayers. Keep it up.
Love Missy
Take care and keep praying.
God Bless
Missu
With every new day there is a new challenge, today the challenge was tring to get a nap in this afternoon. But because of bad service (the nurse) or faulty machinery I wasn't the lucky recipiant of that nap. The good news is that I had something to eat today, and I'm starting to get a little energy back, and my nights sleeping has increased. and speaking of sleep I will be ending this message to do so. Thank you all for your messages and prayers each one is read and appreciated. All the best to you and yours, God bless.
Ryan V
Missy Dan and Ryan
I'm Just writing to let everyone know that I'm done fine with the first chemo treatment. The first day wasn't too bad but today was a little rough. Though through all your thoughts and prayers I'm o.k., and looking forward to the few recovery weeks the Hospital is giving me before the five day treatment coming up. I thank you all again for all of the letters and updates on what you all are doing it keeps my spirits up, so please keep it up. I will write more when I'm not so drugged (kidding) and tired, I hope everyone is doin good. GOD bless you all.
Ryan V
I hope that things are going good for each one of you, and your prayers and love reflect the good things in your life. I have just started Chemo Yeah! (with the other four iv drips on my rack) and so far so good. With my personality now whenever I take a walk around the ward almost everyone says hi. So thank you for the energy today and the prayers throughout this process. Love to all of you and yours.
Ryan V
P.S. I appreciate all of you opening the page to see how I'm doing, but I really, really like to read what you write (mainly because I've been stuck in a Hospital for over a week and who knows how much longer). So if you could take a minute to let me know how you're doing and all or something I would be grateful, if not I still appreciate the check-in. Thanks.
I hope that things are going good for each one of you, and your prayers and love reflect the good things in your life. I have just started Chemo Yeah! (with the other four iv drips on my rack) and so far so good. With my personality now whenever I take a walk around the ward almost everyone says hi. So thank you for the energy today and the prayers throughout this process. Love to all of you and yours.
Ryan V
Through extensive waiting and biopsy testing the doctors have came to the conlusion...it's just gas ...kidding. No They discovered that it's a "desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor" and I go into treatment tomorrow (Thursday), with Chemotherapy, and some drugs to help protect my organs while I'm being treated (Dexrazoxane, Mesna, and Vincristine, I think that is how they spell them), and ofcourse I still get my morphine so ha! So thank all of you for not continually asking what's going on, as that get's really old quickly with me. The cycles I take these on are two, five, and ten days (what that means I don't know right now, but as soon as I do you will.) So thanks again for all of the support, but I will need a little energy from each of you to get through the fact that they want me to move around while I have Chemo and I will be way tired. So bless you all and I hope everyone is doing good. All the best to you and yours.
Ryan V
P.S. to the vodicka family boys (mostly brent), now you can say you have an excuse to shave your head, to support my recovery :)
ryan V
P.S. Love you all, and all the best.
I would be the reason all of you are writing to this page. I would like to say thank-you to each and everyone of you who have written me, it truly means alot. We still haven't gotten the results of what I have but they say it's the sarcoma, or a rare but curable cancer tumor. The hospital has treated me well and a few hotties walk around, so that also keeps my spirits up (along with the meds (drugs) they give me). But I am doing well and keeping a up beat spirit out of all of this. Hopefully I will be able to go back to Omaha, for a week for chemo, and just to say hi to everyone (except kids), mainly because they carry the most germs. when things start to develop I will write to let you know, and I wish all of you the best.
Ryan V
P.S. love and prayers to you.
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