History

Saturday, July 14, 2007 12:27 AM CDT

Hello, sorry for the long delay for Aniello's last check up, but I just wrote a long Journal and lost it. Aniello is all done with follow-ups, no more scans or x-rays. We will update more this wk with more news. We are trying to update the site with more pictures. Thanks the Russo Family

Friday, May 18, 2007 10:48 AM CDT

Hello, Sorry we took a long time to update. Its been very busy around the Russo house. Between Aniello's baseball n Briana soccer games it does get crazy. And lets not forget about Dominic, who is six months old now. WOW does time fly by!!!! Aniello is doing great, can you believe for a 6 yr old, he is weighing 72LBS. At his last well visit, the doctor stated, "Aniello as no fat, just a solid young boy." Briana is 2 years older, and weighs 70Lbs. Well all kids are doing fine heath wise, Dominic seems to have allergies at a young age, and we do have a appt. today and see what can be done. Aniello next visit at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia is June 15th. If all goes well, this is his last Check up. As of now he is getting a ultra sound, but no Chest X-ray. But I think we will have it anyway, it could be done, if we want it done that same day. Its seems like the follow-ups change from time to time. Well anyway we will update with new picture soon, and update the site on Aniello's next visit. Thanks Again

Thursday, November 16, 2006 10:36 AM CST

Hello everyone, Dominic Michael Russo came to us on, Friday Nov 10. at 7:17pm. Baby Dominic is doing great, the kids are so happy about their new baby brother. Doreen is doing find, and feeling better. Ck out the new photo's of Dominic n family. Thanks for stopping by, Dad

Thursday, September 28, 2006 5:29 AM CDT

Hi, Everybody is doing Great! As you know Aniello did well on his scans. He was moved to 1 year visits at CHOP. They feel Aniello doesn't need anymore scans. But they left it up to us. Because the road map, does show another 1 year check-up. So we will go back in june of 2007, and will also be moved for just follow-ups. To see as he gets older, if the treatment he had, shows any type of side affects. But as of now we are just waiting for our new little addition, which it will be around Nov. 10. Will update then, Thanks the Russo family.......

Saturday, September 16, 2006 7:31 PM CDT

Hello everyone, I know everyone is waiting to hear about Aniello's scans. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia,(C.H.O.P)gave us a option with Aniello's results. He still continues to have clear scans, now that we are reaching our four year mark, since being diagnosed. Dr. Skolnick feels that we can come back in 6 months or 1 year. C.H.O.P does not think Aniello would need any more future scans. Even though the road map shows, two more yearly visits. The decision is up to us. Aniello can move on with yearly follow-ups, and be checked for after effects (Due to the chemo n radiation). So we though it would be a good idea to do both, Our next visit will be in June of 2007(9 months). I don't think many people know, but C.H.O.P is rated number 1 in the country. But as a parent, with a child being diagnosed with cancer thats does make us feel good, but the real deal is believing in your doctors. By reading about our wilms friends, there are alot of great Childrens Hospitals out there. The doctor to us makes the differents, Thats why Dr. Skolnick needs to be awarded for the great job he did, to help Aniello get better. I can remember the first day we met him. He would say, nobody knows there child better then you, meaning the parents.If you think somthing is not right,(with your child) always push the issue, don't be scare to ask question. Most of the time the parents are right, thy know more about their kids, then a doctor may know. We as a family are living a different life now. Its called a child with cancer, just by living with this, with our other Wilms family families, I would want a future family to take this as a learning experience. This caringbridge site is also a learning tool. There are parents on this site who are doing great things out there to raise money and educate everyone about Children with cancer, I think that is Great!!!!!! Both not to be forgotton, we need to remember the children who have lost their battle with Wilms Tumor, and pray for their families. Thanks Again the Russo Family. We will still continue to update this site, and stay with our Wilms family.....

Thursday, August 31, 2006 8:20 PM CDT

WOW!!!!!! HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY ANIELLO. As you know Aniello was diagnosed with Wilms tumor stage 3, at the of age 2. Our next visit to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is Sept 15th. We are all praying for CLEAR SCANS, hoping all goes well, Aniello will be moved to a yearly check-up. But one thing at a time, We are just praying all goes well for Aniello on the 15th. PLEASE PRAY FOF CLEAR SCANS!!!! Thanks Again the Russo Family......

Wednesday, August 30, 2006 7:00 PM CDT

Happy Birthday Aniello............................

Tuesday, July 4, 2006 9:00 PM CDT

WOW!!! Its been a long time since Aniello's last update. We were having so much trouble with our computer. So we just gave up and decide to buy a new one. We are also sorry for not stopping in to our Wilms friends. I plan to, began tonight. AS you can see little Aniello is turning into Big Aniello. He enjoyed his 1st year in T-Ball, now he is having a Great summer. Aniello has his next check up in september, and hoping all goes well he will be moved to a yearly visit. As for the rest of us we are all doing great! We will have a new addition to the family in November. Thats right we know already, another BOY! on the way. Brania n Aniello can't wait, they are sooooo happy about their baby brother who will be here in early November. I will keep this short, because as I said, I want to stop by and visit our Wilms friends . Thanks again for stopping by, The Russo family.....

Wednesday, March 1, 2006 3:24 PM CST

Hello Friends n Family, Aniello scans went GREAT!!! I can say we were at CHOP at 830 n were out by 1130. Ulta sound n x-rays were clear. I can't say it gets better as time goes on, Because you will always have that fear of the worse will happen just based on the past. Well anyway the good news is we have one more six month ck up. If all goes well, Aniello will move to different dept, to ck for chemo follow ups. Such as future risk of side effects. Chop feels the chance of relapse is slim, afer 3 years in remission. As we know anything is still possible. But they said we can still do a yearly scan for the next two years, if we still wanted to. And we will do so, just based on Aniello's History. I don't know when we will update again, but we will continue checking on our friends daily, Also the Russo family hopes this will help our new Wilms friends, they have a reason to be POISITIVE........

Sunday, February 12, 2006 12:41 AM CST

Hello everyone, sorry we haven't updated in a long time. Having problems with our dell computer. Its seems to be ok now, but having some trouble downloading new pictures. All is well in the Russo house. Little Aniello is doing great. He continues to grow like a weed. He is so happy, that he is all signed up for baseball, and he cant wait. As you know this May will be three years since he was diagnosed. Aniello's next visit at CHOP, will be on March 1st, ultra sound n X-ray. That time to start thinking about the past, but as you know we always have to be positive. Thanks for stopping by. Will try to update new pictures, when I can figure whats going on. Thanks again the Russo Family......

Thursday, December 15, 2005 5:20 AM CST

Sorry, its been awhile updating. Everything is going great. The kids are looking forward towards Christmas, and are enjoying the winter snow. Aniello's scan aren't till March, which it will be 3yrs since he was diagnosed. Will update new pictures this weakend. Thanks again , Russo Family

Saturday, October 1, 2005 6:50 AM CDT

Hello everyone, as you know Aniello's scans went well. Family is doing great. Briana is in cheerleading and is enjoying it very much. Aniello is doing some t-ball, just the other day we were at the batting cage. Aniello was putting on a hitting show. People were coming up to dad, and asking, if he was his son. They could not not believe, how hard he was hitting the ball. They all watched, and were amazed on how a five year old was hitting. Who knows maybe The New York Yankees. But as long as he stays healthy, thats the important thing. Thats the best gift anybody could have. Thanks again........ Russo Family

Wednesday, September 14, 2005 6:43 PM CDT

CLEAR SCANS.........................................

Sunday, September 11, 2005 6:37 PM CDT

All is fine in the Russo household. Aniello goes for his 6 month check up this coming weds on the 14, of sept. Please pray for clear scans. Aniello is doing so good, he is full of energy. He loves playing sports all day. His favorite baseball team is the New York Yankees, and football is the Jacksonville Jaquars. In one hand Aniello has a baseball n bat, and the other hand, he is holding a football. He loves playing catch with mom n dad. When dad is working mom plays ball with him all day. Which she does a great job of teaching him, and this is coming from dad.(GREAT JOB DOREEN!) Also Briana turns 7, on monday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIANA................Again, Please pray for CLEAR SCANS on weds. Thank You for stopping by the Russo Family.

Monday, August 15, 2005 11:11 AM CDT

Summer is coming to a end, Aniello is getting ready for fall T-Ball,which he is excited about. Aniello just got over from a nasty virus, running a fever n throwing up.It only lasted a day, so he has been fine since.Of course, as you know, you always thing the worse. But we are trying to get past that. Aniello turns five on AUG 30, if you can please wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. WE go back to CHOP, on Sept. 15, for his 6 month check up. PLEASE PRAY FOR CLEAR SCANS. So we won't update till then, thanks for stopping by.....

Sunday, July 17, 2005 1:34 PM CDT

Hi, Sorry we haven't update for sometime,Aniello is doing just fine. We just came back from Camp Sunshine, about a 7 hr trip to Maine.The family had such a great time! It was a camp, with families like us. Children who have been diagnosed with cancer, past n present. We met many new friends, from all around the country. The staff was great,they made sure you enjoy yourself, and try to forget what the familes been through. From daytime to night, we had so much fun. The kids went swimming in the lake, also did some boat riding. We had so much fun with the other families. We are all decided to plan the same trip in the winter, for a ski trip. If your looking to get away, this is the place to go Camp Sunshine. If you want more info, you can e-mail us at (dorneal@verizon.net). It runs all year long, and its free.

Sunday, June 12, 2005 5:29 AM CDT

Hello everyone, sorry we didn't update for some time. Aniello is doing great! He is having a fun time swimming in the pool and playing with his friends. He's sporting a nice tan, with this hot n humid weather, we are having in Jersey. Aniello doesn't go back to CHOP till the end of the summer, in september. He just had a well visit with his regular doctor. He's up to 51 lbs now, and growing like a weed. Aniello is eating well, and just enjoying himself. Aniello just finished his 1st year of pre-school, and begins school this sept. But we decided to hold him back one year, because he just makes the cut off date, which is OCT, 1st. Aniello turns 5 August 30. We felt by holding him back, would be better for him. It seems alot of parents do the same thing, at 1st it was a tough call to make. But everybody we spoke to, who did leave their kids back, were very happy with it. I guess its alot easier to be the oldest in class, then the youngest. You don't always feel you behind in your school work. Well beside that thankyou for checking on little Aniello, it means so much to us. (PS. HALEY WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU, STAY STRONG)

Friday, April 15, 2005 5:35 AM CDT

Hello, I will update more this weakend about Aniello's visit at Childrens Hospital. Aniello did great with his scans. The ultra sound n x-ray continue to show no sign of cancer. So CHOP pushed Aniello's visit to 6 months. He is really doing great. Also we will update w/ new pictures, just having problems w/ the size of the pictures. Thanks for checking in, NEAL n Doreen

Saturday, March 19, 2005 7:50 AM CST

Hello, Little Aniello and family are doing great. Not much going on, glad to see winter is about gone. The kids did have a great time playing in the snow. Aniello wanted to play t-ball this summer, but he couldn't because he missed the age group by 1 month. So he wasn't too happy about that. But he can play in the fall league, which is good. Aniello's next scans had been change to April 13th, due to Dr. Skolnik being out of town. Which was good, cause we moved up the appt. 2 wks. Sorry we haven't stop by our caringbridge friends site, and sign the guestbook but we are always checking in on everyone. we will continue to do so now. Like always will continue to pray for everyone.

Wednesday, January 19, 2005 5:22 PM CST

ClEAR SCANS!!!!!!!!!!! Aniello just had a x-ray today. Aniello scans just showed he was getting over a cough. Which he had for a couple of wks. Chop feels after Aniello's next 3 month ckeckup, which he will have a chest x-ray n ultra sound in April. They will move him to 6 months. I don't want to jump the gun, But that was good news to hear. As always we will continue to pray for Aniello and our caringbridge friends, Thanks the Russo family

Saturday, January 15, 2005 5:10 AM CST

Hope evryone had a great holiday, nothing much going on in the Russo house. Aniello n Briana are just getting off a cough. Well, its that time again for Aniello's scans. We head over to CHOP on the 19th, which its this wk coming up. Aniello gets a chest x-ray only, so we continue to pray for clear scans. Aniello is doing great, he is full of energy, he still enjoys playing with his play station games, and of course his toy guns.Briana is also doing well, we are so proud of her with her school work. She is in her top of her class with her math and reading. Its amazing how smart kids are today. We are blessed with two great kids.

Wednesday, December 22, 2004 3:05 AM CST

The Russo family would like to wish all our caringbridge friends a happy n safe holiday. MERRY CHRISTMAS........

Saturday, December 4, 2004 6:55 AM CST

Hello, The Russo family are deeply saddened to hear about the lost of Josh, The Brestel family continue to be in our thoughs and prayers. As a Dad, I wish there is somthing I can do for them. Josh was a strong little boy. I'm sorry we didn't get the chance know Josh. But when I look at him , I see my son. As a father I don't know what kind of future is install for Aniello. But I can only pray Aniello continues to do well. Doreen and I are heart broken about Josh, We will continue to keep the Brestel family in our thoughs and prayers.

Wednesday, October 27, 2004 5:11 PM CDT

Hello everybody, We had a long day at CHOP today. We were out of the house since 6am. So we will make it short, and update more about our visit later this wk. CLEAR SCANS................................

Sunday, October 10, 2004 7:10 PM CDT

Hello everyone, Aniello is doing fine. Not much going on. Aniello is in his 4th wk of pre-school, doing very good with it. This is his first year of school, we kept him out last year due to his Wilm's. He is feeling fine, no complaints of any stomach pain. We go back to CHOP, on Oct 27, 2004, for his 1 year, since being off chemo. We are all praying he continues to do well. Aniello also is involved with gymnastics. He goes weekly with Briana, both of them do extremely well with it. We didn't think Aniello would like it, but when he saw that boys were doing gymnastics also. He wanted to try it, and he enjoys it. They couldn't believe how strong he is, and his balance is great. We are so glad to see our son, continue to grow and enjoy life, like a 4 year old should. So we continue to pray for Little Aniello, Hoping this could be all be behind us. LETS PRAY FOR CLEAR SCAN......................... Also Aniello and Family are praying for our our Wilms tumor friends. We may not leave a message all the time. But we are checking on everyone.......

Monday, August 30, 2004 5:06 PM CDT

Hello everyone, Just want everybody to know today is Aniello's 4th Birthday. We spent the day at the Crayola factory and had a family dinner together. He also will have a birthday party on tuesday, at the skating ring with family and friends. Also spiderman will make a special trip and will skate with Aniello. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANIELLO......

Wednesday, August 4, 2004 6:51 PM CDT

GOOD NEWS...... Aniello's x-ray were normal. No signs of Wilms in his lungs. Aniello gain 2 lbs, since his last visit. Our next visit will be Oct. 27th, x-ray, ultra sound and also echo.We asked, Dr. Sknolik about the ultra sound, Why is it done every six months and not 3. He explained it all depends on the Wilms tumor and how advance it was. They felt with Aniello's condition, they focus more on his lungs, because thats where the tumor likes to go. Also he had a CAT scan in early May, so it was ok to wait until the next visit. CHOP does not like to do CAT scans, unless it was needed. Because of the radiation. But the main thing is Aniello is doing fine, and the next visit, will make it 1 year off treatment. Thats our next goal.... We would also want Haley, and family to know we are praying for them......What a strong person she is....

Sunday, July 25, 2004 11:16 AM CDT

Just a quick note. Aniello scans will be Aug, 4th. Dr. Skolnik will be on vacation the wk of the 24th. So we made it for next wk. Aniello will have a chest x-ray only. So lets pray all is well. Aniello is having a great summer and he is feeling good,minor complaints only. He's enjoying the pool, and of course the play station. So we will give you a update with his results that wk. We will also keep praying for our Wilms Tumor Friends. Enjoy the rest of the summer.

Sunday, June 13, 2004 9:24 AM CDT

Hi, sorry for the delay. The monitor was not working, so I had to wait and get a replacement from Dell. Well anyway Aniello is doing GREAT!!!! We did have a visit at CHOP, about 2 wks ago. Dr Skolnik just wanted Aniello to stop by and see how he is doing. (since his belly pains). They did a chest x-ray and CBC, no ultra sound. Everything was fine, the oncologist team were glad to see him, He likes playing with the games. Aniello's next appointment is August 25th 2004. They will no longer take any more lab work, only once a year. They wiil continue with x-ray's every 3 months and ultra sound every 6 months.The head oncologists, who is a Wilms tumor specialist for over thirty years, feels three years from being diagnosed. Its rare for a relapse. So the next year in a half wiil be tough on us, we always have to hope for the best,and keep on praying. Well anyway, Aniello's belly pains have been alot better, He's eating well and gaining weight, also his funny cough is gone. So "Knock on Wood" everything is looking good..

Wednesday, May 19, 2004 8:29 PM CDT

I'm sorry I didn't update Aniello's Web site, since the Disney trip. (I will write about it this weekend) Aniello is doing fine, no belly pains. He is feeling alot better. Aniello keeps on telling us, he wants to go back to the doctors. He would say he doesn't feel good. Now we know why,Aniello wants to go back to the hospital and play the video games. I'm starting to wonder now......

Wednesday, April 28, 2004 5:28 PM CDT

Well, we just spent the night at Children's Hospital. Aniello had bad stomach pains. He was complaining about his belly on and off all day, and he did throw up. So they decide to do a chest and stomach x-ray. Nothing showed on the x-rays, so they wanted to do a CAT scan, just to play it safe. The results of the CAT scan showed everything to be normal. They wanted to make sure there was no blockage in his belly, and there was none. Since he had major surgery, you always have to worry about scare tissue inside his belly. Dr. Skolnik and the oncologist team still feel the Vincristine is the cause. Even though Aniello been off chemo for 5 months now. They notice kids complaining more about belly pains after chemo. So they think the Vincristine takes longer for your body to get back to normal.I know, it sounds confusing. But everything shows up normal with his scans.So we will just wait and see, how nature takes it course. Also, since he had scans today, our May 23, check up will be postponed. Aniello can wait till July or August, for his next visit. Just keep them updated about the pains. Also we leave for Disney this Sunday, and we will have a great time!!!!

Sunday, April 25, 2004 3:12 PM CDT

Since I made changes to Aniello's site. I want to let you know about Aniello's history, after he was diagnosed. Aniello had surgery on May 5, 2003, his tumor was 8 cm by 8 cm by 5.5 cm and was consistent with a stage 2 Wilms' tumor. Since there was spillage, he would be treated as a Stage 3.There was no evidence of tumor growing through the vena cava.Also the tumor was extended deep behind the liver, and to the level of the diaphragm. The whole tumor was removed completely with none left behind, including the kidney. Also lymph nodes were removed for pathological evaluation to look for any risidual tumor, and the report came back showing it was negative. Aniello was tumor free. A few days after the surgery, we decided to take Aniello to the Chidrens Hospital of Philadelphia(CHOP), to begin his protocal, consisting of 24 weeks of three chemotheraphy, and radiation. He started radiation on May 22, and his chemotherapy on May 23. The six days of radiation was a little hard on him. I guess with the combination of chemo, was making him vomit. But after the radiation was finished, he was fine. Aniello did extremely well with the chemotheraphy. He didn't get sick until the last couple of chemo sessions. His ANC counts, went as low as 300. Which he was back in the hospital, with a line infection, for about 8 days in july. Aniello finished his protocal on Nov. 19,2003 and had his port taken out on Dec.15,2003 Aniello was a true Champion, he never complain about anything. He was more concern about playing video games at CHOP. I know what he went through was extremely hard, thats why we are so proud of him.

Friday, April 2, 2004 8:04 PM CST

Hello, I just want everybody to know Aniello is doing Fine. I'm just changing a few thinks on his site. We are coming up to 1 year since Aniello was diagnosed with Wilm's Tumor (Stage 3, FH), we don't go back to Philly until May 27. For his 2nd three month check-up. He just got over a stomach virus, that's going around. It seems like everybody is getting it. Aniello's doctor, explained its a nasty virus. Even Briana came home from school, feeling sick. Thanks for checking up on Aniello..

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