History

Friday, June 4, 2010 10:33 AM CDT

Hi All,

It has been a long time. but no news is good news, right? Chase has been doing great. We recently had his IEP meeting at school and he has his visit with his Pediatric Ophthalmologist. The IEP meeting went great! Next year while they will continue Occupational and Speech therapy, he will attend a mainstream class with an assistant within to help Chase with focusing on tasks. Chase is a very bright and intelligent 9 year old boy but sometimes loses focus (as per the IEP team). I think this will work out great because right now Chase is in one class in the morning and then switches in the afternoon. He also is pulled out during major subjects for the speech and occupational therapy. Chase's speech therapist has been sending home extra work to do as Chase now has a tongue thrust. We're up for the challenge though :D

We had a visit with Dr. Rosin (Pediatric Ophthalmology). and he stated that Chase sees 20/40 in his right eye and 20/20 in his left. His vision has gotten much better. We are still patching but this change was a great boost for Chase. Although Chase has been complaining of light sensitivity, Dr. Rosin hasn't found anything to prove that fact. He glanced the light into Chase's eyes and Chase had no negative reaction. However, when doing homework or eating dinner he states the lights really bother him. We'll monitor it for now, until his next visit.

We thank you so much for taking an interest and keeping your prayers up for Chase. God Bless!

Erin
Chase's Mommy :D

**Please pray for our good friends, "The Sherwood Family." We spent a great Memorial day with them this weekend and although Baby Billy looks great, he is still battling this demon, "Neuroblastoma." Thank you and God Bless <3

Thursday, July 9, 2009 9:02 AM CDT

Hello,

I know it's been a while but no news is good news right?

Well all is well in the Carlucci household. Chase has been doing really well. His speech has really skyrocketed and he is now reading at a little above his schoolage level. Chase has always been a wiz with math and now with his reading improved, he can conquer math word problems with ease.

We recently went to Dr. Rosin (Pediatric Optomologist) and Chase's precription for his right has decreased. Although there is no change in his hyperopia, he has gone from 20/30 to 20/25. Chase will keep patching his left eye to make the brain aware that he does indeed have another eye (so far, this has worked amazingly). Dr. Rosin also had him on Zaditor eye drops for his allergic conjunctivits and I am very happy to say - he has not had to use them since school has ended. Everyday has been leaps and bounds!!! woo hoo!!!

Lastly, Chase had blood work done last week and we visited Dr. Lamantia (pediatrician) and he said, "Chase is growing at the normal 25ange - (direct to what the growth chart says) and while his iron levels are once again low, he is not re-diganosed with anemia because they are not too low". We'll take this as a warning and he spoke to Chase about EATING!!! Something Chase only does if it consists of, "Pizza, waffles, and/or icecream". I will have to start to make meatballs with some hidden spinach - get that iron up, ha ha.

Chase will be going for his annual MRI on July 16th and then seeing Dr. Thompson (Pediatric Neuro/Oncologist) the week after to review the scans and a quick checkup. I'm not worried, I know he'll do fine. I just know that morning I will freak again - I really dislike putting him through the needles, etc. But he handles it really well. It is amazing how children make us adults look like the babies!

Also, Please pray for our friend's baby boy, "Billy" as he is still fighting Neuroblastoma. Show your support: www.awocf.com.

Thanks so much & God Bless, Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Friday, May 1, 2009 8:51 AM CDT

Hello All, it's been a long time. Well, like they say, no news is good news. Everything has been pretty great with Chase. His Right eye still seems to be doing much better. His speech therapy is going well (I know Jo's singing lessons help, alot!) His self esteem has sky rocketed!!!!

Chase performed at Espresso Joe's in Keyport a few weeks ago and he was so excited to have a following. Mommy, Daddy, big bro Mikey, Grandma, Uncle Joe, cousins Michelle & little Joey, and even his teacher came and dragged along her hubby. I can't tell you the emotion that came over me to see his eyes lit up the way they did. He was truly proud. You can search him on you tube (chase carlucci).

It has taken a while, every day is a new step and he is running those steps!! His reading has soared along with his math. He still has some concentration issues, where he'd rather be coloring or something instead of doing his work - but we'll take it!

Life is so precious as we have been reminded through our close friends, "The Sherwoods" battle. Baby Billy is fighting Neuroblastoma. Please pray for Billy and his family, Dena, Billy, sr. and big sis Sydney. You can show your support by logging onto www.caringbridge.org/visit/babybilly and/or by supporting the Neuroblastoma fight by visiting twitter.com/miles4olivia - run the 10 mile race where 1 mile will be dedicated to Baby Billy. Also, please pray for baby Leo as well. Thank you so much, hold your loved ones tightly and God Bless! Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Sunday, March 1, 2009 11:47 AM CST

Hello Everyone,

Well all has been well here in the Carlucci household. Friday, Chase had his Optomology Specialist appt. Chase freaked me out at first because he was telling Dr. Rosin that he couldn't see with his glasses as the doctor was asking him to tell him the letters and numbers on the wall. But then came great news: Chase couldn't see because the prescription of his lenses were too strong! Imagine that? In just 3-months, Chase's vision has increased approximately 50%. While Dr. Rosin was trying to adjust Chase's glasses, they broke. So Chase not only got new lenses, but our little, "GQ Man" got to pick out a new pair. He picked out a nice pair of gold wired Nautica glasses. (he took over 30 mts. to pick them out, lol). Chase has also been doing really well in school and although his teacher thinks he'll still need a helper teacher next year, his grades are all 100% - 105% (depending if there's extra credit or not). Speech is also going well, Chase is working on the letter, "S" right now. His singing lessons are going great and he'll be performing the 27th with Jo playing the guitar. He's doing a little, "Johnny Cash". All in all, life has been great, just enjoying the little things! Thanks so much for your continued prayers, we'll keep you posted. God Bless you all! Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Please continue your prayers for our friend's boys:
Baby Billy - fighting Neuroblastoma
Baby Joseph - fighting ALL

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 7:46 AM CST

Hello all, sorry that I have not written in a while. We've been so busy with the holidays, work, school, etc. By the way, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2009! ;o)

Chase gave us a scare the other day; Vanessa noticed a lump on the right side of his neck (about the size of a golf ball). I freaked out (being an idiot, I know!) and I'm sure I scared the heck out of my kids. I immediately called the pediatrician and she said to bring him to the Jersey Shore or Monmouth Hospital (as they both have pediatric emergency rooms). We brought Chase to Jersey Shore's K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital. They did an X-ray & MRI, just to be sure of things (with his history). Chase handled being at the hospital really well, even flirting w/ the MRI techs. He didn't even complain when the nurse was drawing his blood, as long as he was getting his Toys R Us after (which he did) :o)

Michael & I mentioned to the Dr. that his brother & sister had strep and maybe this was strep. The Dr. did a swab and, "Thank you Jesus" it was strep! I mean, not that I'm happy Chase had strep but I don't think I could've handled anything more serious than that. Chase then got some IV antibiotics and was sent home and we followed up with his pediatrician the next day. He was put on some ABT's for 5 days and we followed up again with his pediatrician to make sure the lump went down and sure enough it's now gone. Thank God!

Michael & I spoke of my reaction in front of the kids when the lump was brought to my attention. I thought I was so over the freaking out, especially with what we've been through. You'd think we'd be pros by now, but it's scary!

Within seconds your life could change, that day was just a reminder. Hold on to your little ones (even if they did spill something on your rug), enjoy your family (no matter how dysfunctional they are), your home (even the broken fence), your pets (even if they try to steal food off the table), your car (even though you wish it were a 2009), life can change in a second, take hold now! Make 2009 a new start, enjoy the little things!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008 9:30 AM CST

HAPPY 8th Birthday Chase!

Today I squeezed Chase soooo tightly and told him how much I love him. He said, "I know Mommy, you tell me that everyday!" I said, "But today I'm squeezing you extra and letting you know more because, it's your birthday." Chase replied, "Mommy, you always hug me tight like that and I already know that I'm always your baby! In 4 years I will be 12 and I will still be your baby!" Later this morning while driving, I thought to myself "Wow, he will turn 12 someday!" How lucky are Michael & I that we have been blessed with these birthdays and moments that bring such joy to our life. I thought how there was a point that we weren't sure there would be another moment, we only lived for the moment we were in with Chase. I think how many families are not as fortunate as we are. So today, on our son's 8th birthday, I thank God! I thank God for every precious moment we have and will continue to have. I thank God for every huff & puff, tantrum, butterfly kiss, runny nose, belly laugh, 3 a.m. wake-ups, diaper changing, pouting cheeked moments. Lord, you have blessed us with another moment, another kiss, another hug, another, "Mommy & Daddy, I love you" moment, THANK YOU! Happy 8th Birthday Baby Boy, WE LOVE YOU Chase William Carlucci! Mommy, Daddy, Vanessa, Mikey & Sandie says, "Ruff, Ruff" too! :0) xoxox Let's Find a Cure for Pediatric Brain Tumors xoxox

Saturday, September 6, 2008 9:30 AM CDT

Hello all, Chase has been doing well. We just went for our physical and Chase actually gained some weight which is wonderful! He has been eating better foods - little by little - but he is getting there. He is still patching up the one eye and we will be seeing Dr. Rosin again (Optomologist) in October. Chase started 2nd grade Thursday and seems to like it, it's only been 2 days - so we'll see. He is in a main stream 2nd grade class but will be pulled out for reading and speech. I don't think it will bother him as he's used to being pulled out for speech anyway, maybe he'll perceive reading as the same thing - I hope ;0)

I hope everyone watched, "Stand up 2 Cancer" last night. We did and they asked for every child to donate $1 and that your parents will match it. Vanessa gave $1, Mikey was trying to borrow one but then he realized that he had money in his room and came down with $3 (we only took $1) and Chase kept gripping his wallet tight until Michael said, "You know son, charities like this, searching for cures, helped to save your life when you had a brain tumor". He wouldn't give up the actually bill, but gave me 3 quarters, 2 dimes and 1 nickle. Needless to say we matched their donation and a little more. We explained what Chase, Baby Billy and others face everyday and they definately seemed to understand. I thought it was about time that some type of motivation to find a cure took place and I'm so happy that I had my little boy in my arms to witness it. I definately went through a half of box of kleenex :0(

Well, I wish you all the best, thank you for checking in, God Bless & keep you always, Erin (Chase's Mommy)

P.S. Please pray for Baby Billy & join his walk on October 5th, 2008 www.caringbridge.org/visit/babybilly

Thursday, July 10, 2008 2:36 PM CDT

Hi all,

Chase has been doing well. We went for a checkup at the eye specialist (Dr. Rosin) and he said that Chase's eye has made some progress which is great! Chase actually ate this week as well - Raviolis! I cannot explain to you the joy that this child has actually eaten "REAL" food! We just came back from vacation in Lake George, it was beautiful! We had alot of fun, I will update with some photos soon.

Please pray for our friend's Beautiful baby boy, "Billy, jr" Billy was recently diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. He is such a beautiful baby boy who's smile literally lights up any room he walks into. www.caringbridge.org/visit/babybilly

We love you Billy & pray for you. Dena & Billy, you are in our hearts always!

As always, thank you and God Bless! Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Thursday, June 19, 2008 9:38 AM CDT

Hi all, well today is the last day of school for Chase & Mikey, Vanessa has until Friday. Chase is very excited. So let me update you on a few things that have been happening with Chase.

1) Chase went to an eye specialist a couple of weeks ago - we usually do that annually to check through the eyes for a possible recurring tumor. *No tumor, Thank God! However, the doctor did find that Chase's brain only knows that he has a left eye - NOT a right. The good news is his right eye is in perfect working condition - so he now must wear glasses and a patch over the good eye or he will lose that sight. We felt bad so Daddy & I told him to pick whatever glasses he wanted, of course he picked, "Ralph Lauren and Rec Specs by Maxx." We'll be paying off that bill for a while... ha ha hee. Anyways, he must wear the patch for 3-4 hours a day. As long as it doesn't interfere with his hair, that's no bother! ;0)

2) Michael & I attended the IEP meeting with his school (Psychologist, Teachers, Social Worker, LDT/C, and Speech Therapist). The meeting went well. They decided that for next year, Chase would still receive speech therapy, a learning assistant for reading, but he will attend a regular mainstream 2nd grade class. He will be pulled out 3 hours a day for speech, reading & math. The are NOT labeling him, "Special Education." They said that because this is ALL due to the brain tumor and they have taken into consideration all that he has accomplished - it definately shows that he can excell. Woo HOO!

I cannot describe to you the pain a parent feels when your child's words are not understood and they are either asked to repeat themselves or worse... teased. I takes down their self esteem, it makes them hard. Thank God Chase is so charismatic and strong willed. He doesn't let anything get in his way. It makes me cry even now, not because of that damn tumor or what it has caused! But because of his strength, I am so proud, touched, and humbled by this child of mine. Michael & I thank God for our children everyday - so take your child and hug them tight, look into their eyes and let them know how proud your are.

Okay.... I've gone off again.... so for now, good bye! Thanks again and God Bless you all! Love Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Thursday, April 24, 2008 8:38 AM CDT

Chase will be singing tonight at Espresso Joe's (www.expresso-joes.com). Chase is VERY excited and has his sunglasses, ripped jeans and leather jacket ready - even a little gel for his hair ("After all", he said "Mommy, I'm a rocker so I suppossed to have crazy hair on stage!")

Chase will be performing 3 songs: Nickelback's "Someday", Matt Weddle, "Heya" (acoustic version originally performed by Outkast) and Matchbox 20's, "How Far We've Come".

Please wish him luck on his guestbook, he's come a LONG way baby!!!!

P.S. He will be performing again in August, 2008 - Look out for more info.....

Thursday, April 17, 2008 3:27 PM CDT

Hi everyone, hope all is well.

Chase has been doing well, he is in singing lessons now ;0) This has actually been helping sooooooo much with his speech, which in turn helps him to be a stronger reader and boost his confidence. We are so very proud of him. His will be making his debut on Thursday, April 24th @ a Cappuccino Cafe in New Jersey; singing a, "Nickleback" song. Hooray for Chase.... he is really coming along. Wish us luck; Friday we will be having (yet another) IEP meeting with Chase's school as to what we will be doing for his 2nd grade school year....

The 1st Annual Chase Carlucci Benefit Dinner for Pediatric Brain Tumors will be held on: Saturday, October 4th, 2008, Our House Restaurant & Banquet Hall, Farmingdale, NJ. We will have a full course meal, open bar, DJ, and Chinese Auction. It should be alot of fun and serve a GREAT cause - making this horrible illness known and to help, "FIND A CURE!"

Please pray for my friend's children:

1) Victoria - A BEAUTIFUL little girl who warms our hearts with her princess attitude and beautiful smile - Victoria was recently diagnosed with: ITP, currently her platelets are 124,000, so far the treatment is working, let's pray it continues, WE LOVE YOU VICTORIA!

2) Baby Billy - What a beautiful little smile and belly laugh Billy gives us when we see him (Chase & Mikey have officially adopted him as their baby brother!) Billy has not been feeling well and although the wonderful doctors at St. Peters in New Jersey have not found a diagnosis yet, with all of your prayers, I have faith that they will! We love you Billy, jr. :0)

As always, thank you so much - remember, 1 prayer can fill a heart - they've definately filled ours! Thank you and God Bless! Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Friday, March 7, 2008 12:29 AM CST

Hello Everyone, Hope all is well.

Chase is doing well, he is currently in singing lessons and loving it! Watch out world, a new rock star is being made as we speak! Even better is that it should help with his speech! He's still dancing like a monkey but doesn't want to go to dance lessons, hmmm... come to think of it, Mikey doesn't either - ya think maybe it's a "not wanting to listen to someone thing?" lol ;0) Anyways, he is starting to eat some more things, instead of just pizza, quesadillas, waffles, grilled cheese and chicken nuggets, he has been endulging in some rice & garlic knots - woo hoo, we are making progress! oh... yogurt and milk too - hey that's better than just pizza, did I mention he rips off the cheese? So I guess it's just sauce and bread!

On to other things....

I am currently working on "Chase A Cure", the first annual Chase Carlucci Dinner Dance benefiting Pediatric Brain Tumors. There's alot to do - any suggestions, I'm accepting them all! ha ha Thanks Again, Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Thank you all again for your prayers and well wishes!

Saturday, December 1, 2007 9:22 AM CST

Hello & Happy December!!!!

First let me start out with saying, "THANK YOU!" Thank you
so much for making Chase's 7th Birthday such a special one
with all of your Happy Birthday wishes! He really loved it
and felt soooooooooooo special! Chase has been doing well and has now graduated to an MRI every, "2" years. The last MRI revealed that there were, "No signs of a tumor and/or hydrocephelus.' Chase is now in 1st grade and is adjusting fairly well. We have been having trouble with the getting his IEP done for speech, but finally got the ball rolling on that one. He started last week with a speech therapist that is known and well respected by our family. He has stopped for the time being with his private speech, scheduling conflicts, but hopefully we can start that up again as he needs all the help he can get. Especially for reading and socialization. Well, I will stop now as the little critter is calling me to color some Christmas drawings with him. Thank you so much again and God Bless! Always, Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Monday, November 5, 2007 2:04 PM CST

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR CHASE.........

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY TO OUR WONDERFUL, HANDSOME,

INTELLIGENT, AND EXTREMELY BRAVE BIG BOY

CHASE WILLIAM!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Thursday, October 11, 2007 10:08 AM CDT

Hello, sorry I haven't written in a while. I've been busy with work, school, and the kid's after school & weekend activities! Ugh.... but normal is good! ;0) Well let me start off by saying, "YIPPEE!" Chase had his annual MRI a couple of weeks ago and it showed, "NO SIGNS OF A TUMOR or Hydrocephelus!" That makes it, "5 YEARS TUMOR FREE!" Needless to say, we are ecstatic at the Carlucci home! We had a celebration party at Grandma's and instead of a cake, Chase had a candle in a big fat Brooklyn style brownie. It was good! We tried something different this time, we went to Jersey Shore hospital instead of the usual Hackensack because it's closer. They were great there. Chase loved that they had a slushee machine and gave him a lego gift set for being so brave. We tried it without anastesia and Chase did great, he stayed so still, even when they were putting in his IV - he just kinda looked at the nurses. I'm so proud that he's so brave, but it makes me sad too because I then realize, "Wow, this is becoming somewhat normal to him. What other 6 year olds are going through this?" But then I'm happy again after the good results.
**On another note: I received an email from a little boy's mommy, whom at 2 weeks old was found to have a brain tumor,after 2 surgeries it was removed. Please pray for little Andrew Milioto (His mom gave me permission to post his name), we pray that he stays tumor free and that he can overcome all obstacles he may face, and for his family to heal as well. Thank you all again and God Bless! Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Monday, August 20, 2007 1:55 PM CDT

Hi All, well it's been a while since my last entry. Sorry about that, so much has been going on. My daughter celebrated her Sweet 16, BEAUTIFUL! We had a great time. My mom visited with us from England, my father & his wife visited from Florida, my best friend came in from Lake George, it was great to have everyone together. Check out the new photos on Chase's photo page. Well, the past few days have been pretty aggravating! Chase is due for his annual MRI and his speech therapist would like him to go for a Swallow test (as his episodes continue of gagging and emesis). But trying to get everything approved through our insurance has been a nightmare! They want us to use a certain facility, although I have continously explained that the facility they want us to use does not do pediatric MRI much less pediatric anestesia or swallow tests. Then they said we could go to Jersey Shore, Monmouth Medical or CHOP but they would only cover 80%, unless we went to CentraState hospital - HEEEELLLOOOO.... CentraState hospital DOESN'T do it! My God, I don't know, maybe we should draw a picture to show them what I mean.... maybe they can't comprehend the words.... Okay... sorry... I'm going on a tangant right now. It's frustrating.... All in all though, Chase is doing great! He has to go for standard testing on Friday for first grade, I can't believe it, first grade! My how quickly they grow. Thanks for allowing me to vent - I will update soon. Erin (Chase's mommy)

Wednesday, April 11, 2007 3:20 PM CDT

Hello everyone,
Hope you all had a wonderful holiday. We had a wonderful Easter - The Easter bunny brought Chase all that he wanted, especially his movie, "Eragon." Mikey got his, "Naked Brothers Band DVD and CD." Vanessa got her girlie stuff, magazines, make-up, hair stuff, etc. Chase's FAVORITE thing was (and it is every year) his chocolate bunny - which you can see by clicking on the photo page.
Monday we went to Miss. Karen (speech therapy) and Chase seem to be regressing with the "L" sound again, he isn't lifting his tongue again. Miss. Karen suggested a mouth vibrator that helps to desensitize the areas that cause him to gag and to let help stimulate the areas of the tongue that do not want to cooperate. I must say though, he has come a long way. He still has some episodes of vomiting but they are SO FAR and in between. Thank God.
He got a haircut the other day and I was a little concerned because he wanted it buzzed and now people can really see the scars, but he calls them his battle scars, afterall, he's a warrior. Wow, how children can really put things into perspective for you. I am still working on the walk, "Chase a cure: The Chase Carlucci first annual walk for pediatric brain tumors." My town however, is taking forever with getting me a date, which in turn causes me to have less time to try and get sponsors. Any suggestions? let me know. Thanks again to Matthew's mom for all of her help, www.matthewsmiles.org. Thank you all for your prayers and I will keep you posted. Erin (Chase's Mommy)

P.S.: My neice Pagie Marie has been doing well and underwent some graphing to see where the seizures are coming from. The doctors have ruled out anything with the brain and are now running tests on her heart. I will keep you posted with her as well. Thank you again for all of your continued prayers.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007 9:20 AM CST

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY everyone!

Sorry we have not updated the journal lately. Chase and his siblings have not been feeling well the past couple of weeks, lovely colds and viruses, yuk!

Chase had some projectile vomiting this weekend, but handled it like a pro. However, this moring he woke up kinda miserable. He had some dots on his face and his lips (from licking them) were really raw. He complained, "I can't take the pain." So, once again, we will be using our frequent flyer miles to see the Dr. Yup, we're becoming great pals, if we weren't already.

We are currently working on organizing a walk for the "Children's Brain Tumor Foundation." The walk will be our first annual and will be called:

"The Chase Carlucci 1st annual walk: Chase a Cure"

We have been in touch with the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation and they will be attending. We are currently working with our township on scheduling a day, as we will be walking at our town's recreational park. I believe it will take place sometime in June, 2007. I want to thank Andrea Pasarella for all of her help in gearing me in the right direction - http://www.matthewsmiles.org/. Thanks again Andrea :0) I will keep you all posted. Thanks again for all of your prayers.

Also, please pray for my 9 year old neice, Paige Marie as she recently had a seizure - this will be her 2nd and she will be undergoing some testing to see exactly what is going on. This is yet again, another scary time for our family. I will keep you posted on her as well. Thank you all and God Bless.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006 6:32 PM CST

Chase progress update

Chase has been doing very well. Yesterday during speech therapy Chase sang 2 Christmas songs to Miss. Karen. She said that he is starting to blend sounds pretty good in his songs. We have had MUCH less choking/gagging issues with Chase now. He has been brushing his teeth with far less incidents of gagging noted, Thank God. His appetite has seemed to increase (especially for Christmas goodies, ha ha) and he's increased with drinking water. We are still using pullups during the night, but he's had far less accidents than usual. Well, that's all for now. Merry Christmas and God Bless!

Thursday, November 23, 2006 11:46 AM CST

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL & GOD BLESS!

Tuesday, November 7, 2006 1:02 PM CST

The BIG boy is now "6"

Thank you all for your Birthday wishes!

Chase loved the cards, emails and journal entries :0)
Take a look at our new photos (both on our main page and photo page) Chase is doing very well right now; both in speech and Kindergarten. We thank you so much for all of your prayers and support. So far this has been a WONDERFUL year! A clean MRI, Chase in now in a mainstream Kindergarten class, Private speech (as oppossed to sharing a 1 hour session with 3 other children), health, etc. Thank you again and God Bless. Love Erin & Michael

Sunday, November 5, 2006 7:02 AM CST

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHASE!! 6 YEARS OLD TODAY!!

Chase we LOVE you VERY much and are sooooooooo proud of you.

You have accomplished so much and continue to progress at

an amazing speed. Miss. Karen (Chase's speech therapist)

says that you are amazing - just keep that tongue in :0)

Miss. Allison (Chase's K-teacher) is very proud of you

too. You've been writing so well. Chase you have come

along way and Mommy & Daddy admire your strength. We love

you so much sweetheart - May the force be with you - Love

Daddy, Mommy, Vanessa, Mikey, Jingles & Sandie. xoxoxo

Saturday, August 12, 2006 4:31 PM CDT

Hi everyone,
This is Mikey , Chase's big brother. chase is fine the mri came back normal! it was good. i sleept over my grandmas and i told him to be brave.
Thanks for caring

Hi,
This is Chase's Dad Mike Sr. The test was a big success as you already heard! Mikey was such a great big brother, as always. When we were originally in the hospital he had a healing rock and would place it on the foreheads of sick children and say a prayer to get better. He continues even today when one of us is really sick: believe it or not, it really seems to work. Anyway, Chase came out guns a blazin', There was no way he was going to take the IV needle without a fight, it was a bit heartbreaking holding him down after reasoning failed again and again. He looked at me like i was a trader, but then when the drug hit, boom, he was out. When he awoke ,he was the drunken sailor for a couple of hours until we drove into McDonalds, where he insisted on a boy's toy when he got a girls by accident.Although my wife and i were much less nervous this time , i wolfed down a cardiac lunch and washed it down with an unneeded but well deserved vanilla shake! We then drove Chase to Toy's r Us as a ritual for him being so brave and lost quite a bit of money! he got his first real bike.We got the results yesterday and went out fishing today to celebrate. We rented a boat and mikey caught a big fluke, Chase caught a starfish! and Vanessa a few crabs. We threw them back in! Thank you all for your hope's and prayers as we continue to be blessed with Chase's small miracle
mike

Sunday, August 6, 2006 10:43 AM CDT

Hello, we just came back from church and Father Mike said a prayer over Chase which was nice. Friday was Chase's physcial for the MRI sedation. Dr. Lamantia found him to have a little mucous and it didn't help that he threw up twice that morning. But he said "the emesis (throwing up) we won't worry about because if it's due to something that would show up on the MRI." I explained that Chase had Croupe cough earlier this week so if anything by Thursday (MRI day) it should be gone. Last night we woke up to Chase coughing in the monitor again (at least Daddy did, I only woke up upon feeling Michael jump out of the bed). Anyway, Chase threw up again, I'm hoping this is just allergies. But like always, we have to get scared before his big day. Please say a prayer, thanks :0) This week is pretty scheduled out for us. Monday, Daddy is away on business, Tuesday, Mom & Dad have school, Wednesday Vanessa's 15th birthday and Mommy's Final Exam at school, Thursday "MRI DAY", Friday - I dunno, perhaps recover from the week day? Well, we are headed out to the movies right now - I don't know if we are seeing Ant Bully or Barnyard Animals - we'll update. Thanks again, Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Monday, July 24, 2006 4:40 PM CDT

Hi All, Well things have been a bit hectic here. First of what happened from the previous journal (Chase in the hospital for his breathing episode) and then about 1 1/2 weeks later he was bit by a bug in our yard while running through the sprinkler and as he came to run to me (while crying poor thing :( )He must have stepped on some type of bad bacteria because 2 days later we found ourselves in the Emergency Room again (4th of July to be exact) with a swollen red foot. Apparently this was a freak accident (just his luck). So they put him on an broad spectrum antibiotic (a very strong one which made his tummy hurt). Anyway, I'm happy to report that Chase is doing MUCH better now. We scheduled his MRI for Thursday, August 10th. Please pray everything will be fine. We know it will be, but prayer does ease the anxiety. He will be going under anesthesia and getting an MRI with contrast (dye) and without. He's so brave, he says as long as they put the cream on (EMLA cream - numbs the skin for needles), I will go in the spaceship. August 16th will make 4 years we found out about the tumor, August 20th will will 4 years it was removed. Chase is doing really well in speech class with Miss. Karen - he loves her! Miss. Karen gave him a REALLY BIG Pikatchu display for his bedroom wall - he's so psyched! Mikey is doing well in camp - he's swimming like a fish! Vanessa got a 4.0 GPA in her freshman year of H.S. and now is a camp counselor - she'll be 15 next week. Michael & I are still both working and in school. Ahhhh.... the joys of life :0) Well, that's all for now. Thanks again, Love Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Tuesday, June 27, 2006 5:06 PM CDT

Hi all, I know, I know.... it's been a while. We've been "VERY" busy here at the Carlucci home. Chase just graduated (see photos on picture page) :0) on Friday. He will now be a Kindergardener! Yippee! Chase has not been feeling well. On Thursday while driving he gave Mommy a BIG scare, coughing & then choking on some mucous - ending up in the Emergency Room. Thank God the Chest X-ray and blood work came back fine. The Dr. wanted to keep him overnight but Daddy came to the rescue. (we pretty much have all we need at home - a nebulizer and a nurse - ME! ha ha) So the Dr. agreed so long as we brought him in the next day. The put him on Predisone, Albuterol & Zithromax and we went back the next day (after graduation of course). The Dr. gave him higher doses in the meds and we should be going back tomorrow. Chase has had a few rough nights - choking and projectile vomiting - perhaps he just wanted different sheets to sleep on? ha ha (ya gotta laugh or you'll go crazy!) Mommy has a neck cramp sleeping while sitting up with Chase on my lap for the past few nights, but alas - Daddy took over, yey! So Chase is currently doing well and had a good night last night. Today he got a haircut - we had no choice he was looking like a farmer child (not that there's anything wrong with that :0)_) But he kept moving and so now you can really see the scar at the back of his head, I really hate that :0( We are awaiting his prescription for his annual MRI - and then we should be going within the next couple of weeks. I know this journal entry is all over the place - sorry. We'll keep you updated. Thanks for checking in - God Bless! Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Thursday, April 27, 2006 3:21 PM CDT

Hello All, Hope your Holidays went well. Chase really enjoyed Easter especially because we went on our family vacation to Puerto Rico. Chase's new favorite (besides Star Wars of course) is Pirates of the Carribean. When we were showing him on the globe where Puerto Rico was he got so excited saying "look it's by the Carribean Sea, we're gonna see Pirates & Captain Jack Sparrow!" While in Puerto Rico on the beach Chase would hum the theme music to the movie as he wore his eye patch & hook for a hand. I will be updating the theme of this website soon with new photos etc. I've just been so busy working the night shift 5-6 days a week! But I Love it, being able to work & still be home for the kids :0). Chase has been having a few episodes again with the gagging & vomiting. It happened a few times in Puerto Rico too. Michael & I are assuming by process of elimination that perhaps it's allergies. About the same time every year he gets this. We have a Doctors appointment scheduled in May. Our insurance carrier has changed so this will be our first time going to this Dr. I need to have Chase's physical done as well as a referral for a new speech therapist in our area. Chase is due for his MRI in June and with the new insurance we are thinking about trying Monmouth Medical as they have a special Pediatric Oncology unit. But if our insurance covers Hackensack (which is where Chase usually goes & knows all of the Doctors) then we may go back there. Decisions, decisions, decisions...... :0) I will upadate again soon. Thank you all for your emails, Chase LOVES to hear them read to him. God Bless! Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Monday, March 13, 2006 9:53 AM CST

Hello Everyone, this journal entry is written by Chase (well Mommy is typing it for him - so if it kinda goes off the map a little remember I'm a newly aged 5 year old :0) )
I want this email to be by the "Wrord (Lord) of the Rings". I went to the circus with my family and I ate gingerbread cookies and on Easter I got weeble wobbles and I ate a chocolate bunny and my brother ate anillar bunny (vanilla bunny). and I went to church on Wednesday past and Fadder (father) Mike gave me ashes and I went to school for show and tell and brought in Aragon (character from Lord of the Rings). On this Easter I'm gonna get a Star Wars kite and I'm gonna get Star Wars candy and the candy is gonna be Star Wars for Easter. and I am going to Puerto Rico and we're going to the Carribean and my I'm going to Dylan's house and Dylan's going to my house and then to my Grandma's house and we're gonna go fishin' and on Friday I'm gonna play with Derek and I like Derek alot and he's my Bwest (best) fweind (friend). Just one more sing (thing) I went to Art Class and made a flower, a beautiful flower. That's it! Chase William

Well, as you can all tell, Chase William is a man of few words, ha ha ;0) Hope you all have a very Happy St. Patrick's Day, God Bless - Check back soon and please sign my guestbook because Chase LOVES mail! Also, check out our new photos - Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Friday, February 3, 2006 1:08 PM CST

Hello Again, hope all is well with all of you :0) Things are going GREAT here!! Chase has been in his new school approximately 3 weeks and doing WONDERFUL!!! He is in underpants!!! Today when Mommy went to drop him off, his teacher Miss. Paulette said "take these home, he doesn't need them!" (his pullups - yippee). Chase has even stayed dry a few nights this weeks as well. We went the other day to Sears and he and big brother Mikey picked out big boy underpants - Power Rangers - whoo hoo!!! 2 nights ago Chase came in with a drawing that he had done of his family - Now, don't get me wrong, Chase drawn pictures of us before however, this time we were in different colors, we had eyes, noses, & mouths, and legs & arms - In the past all of his drawings (no matter what they were) were only in ONE DARK COLOR and NOT in detail AT ALL!!! This drawing definately made me cry. When Chase's Daddy comes home, I will try & scan it so you all can see. I am so happy that God led us to this path for Chase. It was not an easy decision to make as to whether or not he would be okay without the special services, but it seems as of right now it was the right decision. Thank you all for your prayers, we believe that has definately helped in bringing Chase to the accomplishments that he has reached today. God Bless, Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Monday, January 23, 2006 10:57 AM CST

Hello everyone, sorry it's been awhile. We've been so busy. Mommy is at work full time now (11 p.m. - 7:30 a.m.) We changed Chase's school. Yup, it's true. I was NOT happy with his placement in his new class. First of all, they switched Chase from a full day class stating that they felt he was no longer in need of a full day, they changed the amount of 1 on 1 time & group times with speech & Occupational therapy. At first Michael & I were all for it. We were very proud that Chase had accomplished so much. But then we started to see changes, unacceptable changes. Chase did not have the drive that he once did with regards to books, learning, etc. His appetite has REALLY diminished - he is now down to a whole 42 pds. He would be invited to birthday parties and not want to go. He started to not want to go on the school bus & then threw tantrums from school as well, and the potty was STILL an issue. After explaining this, the school's answer was "well, maybe you need to give him some more independence" His teacher (very nice lady) stated "Chase seems to be progressing very well" My answer "yes, he is progressing, however, last year he progress at a much faster rate and there were no behavior problems". Anyways, the hospital that I work at has a school up to kindergarden. So although Michael & I now have to pay, Chase has been attending there (no special therapy though - we'll see how that goes, but it is full day) and has been doing very well. His teacher even thinks he should wear underpants - what a switch from not going potty at all. He seems MUCH happier too. I'll keep you posted. Well thanks for checking in, God Bless you all, xoxoxo Erin (Chase's Mommy) href=http://www.caringbridge.org/nj/chase

Tuesday, December 13, 2005 7:54 PM CST

Hello, Wishing Everyone Holiday Blessings :0) Chase is doing well. He had that nasty bug for quite a few weeks but now he is all better! He missed alot of school which concerned me but he seems to be doing well now. He had a few problems adjusting to the school bus & leaving home again (one time even putting hands and feet out like he was doing jumping jacks - kinda like what ya see in a movie - to try & prevent his body from getting on his school bus) Now he gets on, no problems - I've been working full time at the hospital now, that's taking some adjusting. Michael is "Daddy of the year" again. Taking very good care of the boys in the morning, getting them off to school (Chase actually goes in the afternoon) and working from home. Vanessa is doing well in high school, she just played a very large role in preparing her school's "successful" fashion show. I'm so very proud of her - she came home with an "A" report card (except for 1 "B+) She's trying hard & also joined a volunteer after school group. Mikey is soooooooo into reading his books - that he turned our family room into "Mikey's Library" it was pretty cool! Chase thinks he is the BEST big brother on earth, and so do I! ;0) Chase had a play date today with his best friend from his pre-k class last year. He was so happy! They get along really well. This journal is all over the place - so is my mind, ha ha hee. I'm trying to cover everything since it's been so long since I've written. God bless & thanks for checking in. Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Tuesday, November 15, 2005 10:53 AM CST

Hello Everyone, well, Chase's "5th" birthday went GREAT!! We went to the New Jersey Battleship in Camden, NJ and then the Aquarium. Chase had soooo much fun! Later as promised, we went to Friendly's for dinner - Chase just had to have his quesadillas. Then we went home for birthday cake - Grandma joined us. We had a very special day :0) Chase is home not feeling well again. I guess this virus just does not want to leave him. I'm trying really hard to prevent a rash - he's pretty cooperative, even asking for cream now. Daddy went to the supermarket last night to get all of the "special food" that Chase can eat. Gatorade, Lactose free milk & cheese, toast, etc. He eats it fairly well because the Dr. said "Chase, Mommy or Daddy have to go the supermarket & get your belly some special food". Ever since that visit, anytime he gets a belly ache he says "Mommy I need my special milk, etc." Kids are just too aware. Well, gotta go, I hear the KING calling now. Thanks so much for checking in. God Bless! Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Saturday, November 5, 2005 7:09 AM CST

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY CHASE WILLIAM!!!!!!! Chase is still feeling a bit under the weather but not enough to keep him from enjoying his BIG day! Last night we went to see "Chicken Little" the new Disney movie & Chase LOVED it, come to think of it..... so did Big brother Mikey, Daddy & Mommy too :0) Today we are having waffles for breakfast & then going to the aquarium. Later we will eat Friendly's (Chase's pick) and then come home & enjoy a Cannoli birthday cake that Chase picked out.... dark blue trim w/ light blue writing. He's quite demanding... hee hee Take Care - Love Erin (Chase's Mommy)

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY CHASE WILLIAM......

Friday, November 4, 2005 7:22 AM CST

Well tomorrow is the BIG day! Chase William will be "5", yey..... :0) He is VERY excited. I'm just hoping that he is feeling better by then. Chase is still sick, running a fever, congestion, just a really bad cold. Last night Mommy made a big Ham dinner with garlic roasted mashed potatos & corn and Grandma came over. I was hoping Chase would eat, but nope. It had been a few days since he took a bite of anything (he did start to drink a little yesterday) and just when I thought that was it - he asked for pancakes at around 10 p.m. YEY!!!! (of course when Mommy was going to bed, :0) ha ha hee) So he ate quite a few & he said they were for he & Daddy only. So LOYAL to his Daddy :0) Well this morning I'd say he's on the road to recovery as he ate 2 pancakes & had some Orange Juice. Now he's damanding Revenge of the Sith (Star Wars) to be put on. He says "Mommy, only when I'm sick do you have to always put on what I want" hmmmm....... he's pretty good huh? As he gives me his boo boo face. Well, till tomorrow then. Thanks again for checking in, God Bless, Love Erin (Chase's Mommmy) xoxoxoxo

Wednesday, November 2, 2005 6:24 PM CST

Hello Everyone, well we've been busy, busy, busy. First, Last weekend Staci (our social worker from Hackensack hospital) mailed us tickets for the "Big Apple Circus" sponspored for the Brain Tumor Foundation. We had a great time! Thank you Big Apple Circus - Chase LOVED the whole Star Wars Theme with the Clowns as Jedi Knights. Then we went to Blockbuster & rented of course "Star Wars" and had Wendy's chicken nuggets. This weekend (Sunday, October 30th) My BIG brother Mikey & I celebrated our birthday with our family & friends. Mikey turned 7 in October & my Birthday is this Saturday (11/05/2005) yey!! We had a GREAT time! We had a cannoli birthday cake, YUM! photos to come later this week. I have not been feeling well the past couple of days, I've been running a fever, throwing up, coughing & I'm all stuffed up. Mommy brought me to the Dr. today & she said it was a virus. So Mommy brought me to Toys R' US to use my gift cards that I got for my birthday to make me feel better & then got me Burger King, but I'm still not hungry or thirsty so I said "No thank you Mommy, I just wanna play". I got ALL the Star Wars figures, but my favorite is the Anakin & Obi Wan Kanobi set - 'cause they dual. Right now, I'm running a fever & I'm tired so Daddy tucked me into he & Mommy's bed & I am watching Stuart Little on T.V. My Mommy will write tomorrow & let you know how I feel. THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH for checking in on me, God Bless you! Love Chase xoxoxo

Wednesday, October 19, 2005 6:45 PM CDT

Hi Everyone, WOW - it's been a while since I've updated this website. Well, Mommy finished nursing school, passed her boards and is now working as a pediatric nurse. Yey!! Now I feel I can give something back - the nurses who helped our family through everything and continue to do so are so wonderful, I guess I wanna be just like them! Chase loves saying my mommy is a nurse (n-owrse, as he pronounces it). Chase will be 5 in a couple of weeks and I must say, he's doing very well. He is doing MUCH better with the potty training, Thank God! Chase is in school 1/2 day now, so we've been able to spend some time together. We joined a Mommy & me art class together. I'll update some photos soon so you can all see the beautiful work he has done along with how much Chase has grown. Chase has been eating soooooooooo well lately, he has put on some weight which is great because although he looked "thick" with clothes on, that was NOT the case without, hee hee. It's the thick hair that throws people off, hee hee. Well, I will continue to update you all. Thanks to Ben's Mommy "Michelle" I just updated the page today. Good Job Michelle, :0) Check out our guest book & please let us know you stopped by. Thanks again, all of our love & God's Blessings upon you, The Carlucci's

Saturday, August 20, 2005 8:57 AM CDT

3 YEARS!!! 3 YEARS!!! 3 YEARS!!! 3 YEARS!!! 3 YEARS!!!
Today marks 3 years that Chase William is tumor free! On August 20th, 2002 Chase underwent a successful brain tumor resection & ICP monitoring (for hydrocephalus). Thank you God for this gift of life! Thank you once again to the Doctors of Hackensack University Medical Center: Pediatric Neuro/Oncologist Dr. Stephen Thompson, Pediatric Nuerologist Dr. Arno Fried, Pediatric Nuerologist Dr. Catherine Mazzola, Chase's Pediatrician of Fort Lee, NJ Dr. Amina Elkassir and all of the PICU nurses at HUMC & nurses of the pediatric Oncology floor 6 of HUMC as well. You have all made an unexplainable difference in the life of Chase as well as the lives of his family and friends. WE ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL & WISH GOD'S BLESSINGS UPON YOU! Chase is doing so well now & although we continue to monitor him annually we are blessed each continuing day with his health & joy of life. Chase Mommy & Daddy LOVE you eternally, you are our Warrior! Thank you sweetheart for your beautiful smile, your heartfelt belly laughs, your songs of happiness, your dance of life & your gift of Love. You bring Mommy, Daddy, Vanessa & Mikey so much joy, We LOVE YOU! Thank you for making us so proud & for giving us the chance to love you. God Bless our little angel always. The entire Carlucci Family

Saturday, July 30, 2005 7:52 AM CDT

Hello Everyone, sorry I haven't written in a while. I've been so busy with school, this is my last month (graduation Aug. 24th), so the game has stepped up a bit. But this time around is very different and much better because I have Chase with me. My school is part of the hospital and they also have a childrens school from age 6 weeks old to 5 years old. So Chase has joined me and I LOVE it. We drive in every morning together (1 1/2 hours) but he watches his movie in the car and has his little set up, his peanut butter & toast, juice & blankie. He's seems to be adjusting well to the new school and the best part is NO episodes. Chase has been doing REALLY well. He's gained a little weight (1-2 pds) and he's eating better. Thank God! I'll be bringing him for his physical soon so hopefully all of the blood work will come out well. The last time it showed slight anemia, so hopefully with his vitamin supplements and his better eating habits, it will all come out fine. I will definately try to keep up on my writing - Thanks, Erin (p.s. check out the new photos on photos page)

So on another note, the following are a couple of GREAT requests if you'd like to help out:

We have been looking at doing something special on
Katelyns' birthday and one thing we are planning is a balloon release with messages and her caringbridge address
like we did the day after her funeral. We have met many friends from all over the world during her 18 month journey with us and many of them are sharing something special on that day with us, we never thought of asking anyone else if they would like to share in the balloon release on August 1.
If anyone would like to release a balloon with us around 4:30pm (EST time)with her email address and a message inside it would be wonderful. Feel free to visit our webpage at www.caringbridge.org/ca/katelyn/

Thanks, Angel Katelyn's mom

Please check out the news article on Matthew's walk:
http://www.southjerseynews.com/communities/gl072805h.htm

http://www.matthewsmiles.org

Thanks again for all of your support & God Bless! Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Wednesday, July 6, 2005 8:36 AM CDT

Hello, we hope everyone had a Happy 4th of July. We had a nice quiet weekend. We had Aunt Kim & Uncle John with cousins on Saturday. We barbequed & swam. Sunday we went to dinner with Grandma & then we saw the Herbie movie (it was cute until Chase decided to throw his shoes & sweatshirt in the next row - we found the shoes, not the sweatshirt). Monday we had Grandma & GreatGrandma over & barbequed, then we had cannolis, brownies, & homeade chocolate chip cookies, yum! We really had a GREAT time on Monday. There's something about when Great Grandma (93 yrs. old) comes over, Chase & Mikey just go crazy trying to outdo oneanother for her praise. They were singing sooooo many songs for her that they ran out of ones they knew & decided to sing Christmas songs. She really got a kick out of them too. Right now Chase is playing with his Star Wars figures & I am going back to studying, thanks for checking in and please don't forget to sign Chase's guestbook & let us know you visited. God Bless, xoxoxoxo Chase's Mommy (Erin)

Monday, July 4, 2005 10:01 AM CDT

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!! HAPPY INDEPENDENCE AMERICA!!!!!
Well all has been well in the Carlucci household. The kids are enjoying summer, swimming, playing on the jungle gym, we hit the beach & Six Flags Great Adventure a few times. Chase especially LOVES the Safari. Chase has been doing very well lately. He hasent really had any episodes. His sleep has only been disturbed a few times (we think night terrors) but that may only be due to too much Star Wars, ha ha. Chase was due to see the Pediatric Gastroenterologist on July 12th. But Michael & I discussed it this morning and decided to hold off. Since he has been doing okay, we'll just wait & see. Chase was an Apple juice junkie (diluted of course) but we've cut him back some & started different juices and since then, not so many episodes. So maybe too much Apple juice???? We'll wait & see, he's been through too much, too many Dr. visits, MRI's, etc. Let's give the kid a normal summer. He's been doing so well with speaking & my God, the lines he comes up with. Thank you all so much for your prayers, I do believe they have worked and continue to work. I have been off of school since last Friday & am enjoying spending time home. We actually cleaned out our garage, yey!!! Michael & I have never been able to park both cars in there and now we can! Michael is doing well too, he just started his own company www.mjccapital.com, since Chase will now be attending summer school with me at the hospital, Mikey & Vanessa are in camp full day, Michael now has time to concentrate on his work. Thank God for that, I mean talk about a sacraficing father. Since Chase's diagnosis, we have never been the same & Michael's business (at the time) was on hold, then he encouraged me to go to Nursing school (which is full time) and he's been the stay at home Dad (trying to work from home). Well, I guess our life was on hold. But now God is answering our prayers because things seem to be turning around and we are getting it together. A child's illness takes a hold of you like you cannot comprehend. As a parent you feel as though you failed somehow, why can't you make it all better? You try, but no matter how hard there is a part of your soul that just can't seem to get passed it no matter how much your child has achieved. Chase is doing so well, yet there is that part of me that holds on (all of the what if's, what if the tumor comes back, what if the hydrocephelus causes headaches again, what if someone says something about the scars on his head, what if he asks "why me mommy") it breaks your heart. You feel you've failed. Boy, this journal went from being happy to glum, and I am sorry for that, but these journal entries are made for healing & I guess this is our healing. I pray for all of the families & friends that go through this too, I pray for all of the families that have their Angels with wings, my heart desperately goes out to you. God Bless you, for I don't know that I could never understand your strength, Thank you, for spreading your courage to all of us. Lastly, thank you to everyone for your continued prayers on my precious Chase William.
**Please pray for matthew (www.matthewsmiles.com) as he has just had tumor resection & has recovery ahead.
Again I apologize for the turn in this journal entry, I did initially mean for it to be a joyous one. God Bless, Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Thursday, June 16, 2005 7:39 PM CDT

Hello, well today was the big day, MRI DAY! Chase was such a little trooper. Although he was hungry (no eating after midnight) he was still in a good mood. He called the MRI machine a space shuttle. We went in & he had a great nurse "Jessica" who we'll now call Giggles cause she was always giggling, she was really sweet. Anyways, Michael & I prepared Chase as much as we knew how & I guess it worked because he put his arm out for the IV and said "here, this is my arm" then cried a little when they stuck him, but then we put a board under his elbow for support & he said it was his robot arm. The anesthisiologist was really nice & brought Chase to the MRI machine allowing him to press the button to move it up & down. Then they did a countdown until he fell asleep. To make a long story short (I really have to study, exam tomorrow) he came out of the anesthesia (took a while which worried us, but all was well, he was just really sleepy) and we had juice & cereal bars awaiting him. We went upstairs to Dr. Thompson's office & there we were told the GREAT news! "everything is fine, go home". YEY!!!!! We went to McDonald's, then Toy's R' Us (alot of Star Wars toys) and now Daddy is at the movies w/ Mikey & Chase "Shark Boy & Lava Girl". We called to make the appt. for the Peidatric Gastroenterologist to see why he was having episodes (maybe they can figure it out) but I tell you, no matter what it is, I can live with it. The news of hearing his brain is fine, God, Thank you! I feel like, forget it, the feeling is undescribable! Thank you so much for your prayers, we will keep you updated on what is happening with the next appt. God Bless! Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Saturday, June 11, 2005 10:42 PM CDT

Hello, well it�s Saturday morning & I�m waiting for the Dr�s office to call me back. Chase is still having diarrhea (no fever thank God!). The pediatrician would like me to bring in a sample today for a culture to make sure he only has a virus & not bacteria. I will keep you updated. We went shopping yesterday for the BRAT diet (Bananas, rice, applesauce, & toast) and when we got home Chase all of a sudden decided �no applesauce�. But he did however have some rice and Gatorade. He complained of some stomach pain but he�s such a �boy�. He started smiling and I said �oh, is the pain gone?� & Chase said �yes, I farted� oh my gosh! He got such a chuckle out of saying those words, yup, truly a boy! ha ha Even though he has had diarrhea, he has been in really good spirits, playing, jumping around, he even went swimming yesterday with big brother Mikey & his cousin Paige. He had some toast this morning & Gatorade. He gave us a sample as well, so now we just await the phone call. I will keep you posted. Thanks & God Bless, Erin (Chase�s Mommy)

Tuesday, June 7, 2005 8:01 PM CDT

Hello, sorry I have not updated. Well Chase�s MRI is scheduled for June 16th. We are still waiting to see if we can get something earlier but they only do MRI w/ sedation on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Which I guess is just as well because Chase was running a fever yesterday & now has diarrhea. This poor kid just can�t catch a break! I am praying that he is feeling well for the 16th. I would LOVE to just get this over with & find out WHAT is the cause of everything. It�s definitely enough to drive you CrAzY!!! We are going to reschedule the Pediatric Gastroenterologist because we want the MRI first & then we�ll take the next step if necessary. Chase is doing well � spirit wise that is. I was just telling my nursing instructor how if you saw Chase, you wouldn�t know a thing was wrong. I mean he is constantly running around smiling, playing, singing or telling you a story. He is so amazing. We went to Great Adventure on Saturday, just Mommy & the boys (Vanessa went w/ her friends) Daddy was studying & cleaning the pool. Chase wanted to go thru the Safari & then we went and saw the Tiger show & Grandma gave them both $20.00, which they spent in the Safari store on leather sculptured animals. Then we came home & swam. Well, I better go study. I have a test on Friday. I will keep you posted. Thank you soooooooooo much for all of your guestbook entries! Chase LOVES to have me read them to him. God Bless! & please realize that without my Angels �Chris & Ice Dream� this page would not be existent. So thank you so much Angel Chris & Ice Dream. You both are truly our Angels � God Bless!

Wednesday, June 1, 2005 6:39 PM CDT

Hello, hope everyone is doing well.
Thank you so much for all of the mail for Chase.
He really does enjoy having me read it to him.
He feels so important! Well here is an update, which I don�t really know if you�d consider it an update because there are still no answers. Chase started to have a few more episodes and has since been ordered by Dr. Thompson (nuero/oncologist) to have an MRI done and then referred to also see a Pediatric Gastroenterologist. However, Chase had to see his regular pediatrician first (on Friday) to get the okay to undergo anesthesia. His pediatrician did not give him the okay because he said Chase has an ear infection in his left ear. He put Chase on Zithromax (because he is allergic to penicillin) 1 teaspoon for 5 days and then he will have another look at Chase Thursday 6-02-05) if all goes well then he will sign the short stay form for the MRI & anesthesia. But we can�t schedule the MRI until we know he�s okay. He is however scheduled for the Pediatric Gastroenterologist for June 14th. He has to see that specialist because they think he may also be having episodes due to some type of reflux or something. All in all though, Chase has really been up beat & enjoying �yet again� all of the special treatment. Dad couldn�t refuse Chase & Mikey asking him to see Star Wars AGAIN!! Then they had m&m�s, popcorn, Burger King (of course they had to get the Star Wars toys). Well, I feel like I�m writing a short novel, so I will head on out now. Thanks again for all of your guestbook greetings & God Bless! Love Erin (Chase�s Mommy)

Wednesday, May 25, 2005 10:24 PM CDT

Hi Everyone, sorry I haven't written for a while.
A lot has been going on. Chase was'nt feeling well
& kept having 3 a.m. episodes, we thought we were going to bring him to a pediatric gastroenterologist but right now it's subsided & I believe maybe allergies. If they recur again, then Michael & I will talk about what it is we'd like to do. He's actually been doing very well the past couple of weeks. Talking like nobody's business! Singing songs to us & really keeping in tune & rembering ALL of the words. Things have been going well in the Carlucci household. Vanessa (Chase's older sister) just celebrated her Confirmation this past weekend. It was a nice small family party. Of course we had to do it Italian style Cannoli cake her favorite! Penne Vodka, chicken cutlet parmagiana, etc. Chase really enjoyed playing with his cousins & singing Karaoke, although he made up his own songs! I've been so busy with school, we are in the middle of MCH (maternal child health) just finished pediatrics & now on to maternity. Its exciting but emotional as well. I was w/ a little boy (2 years old) who needed surgery & I had to be in the OR w/ him. I walked his mom out as she cried to the waiting room & promised her I would be with him at all times. It was definitely emotional & brought back a lot of memories/feelings that I thought I could handle (& I did) but boy oh boy, when I got home, I was a balling mommy. I think this is all making me stronger. Michael said do you feel like you made a difference in someone's life today ? I responded yes, he said then,
isn't it all worth it? You know what he's right. I just want to help others as the nurses at Hackensack hospital (NJ) helped me with Chase. Well, I'm sorry this is soooo long, I will end it here & hopefully write again mananana (tomorrow for those of you not speaking Spanish, ha ha hee). Love & God Bless, Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Sunday, April 24, 2005 3:20 PM CDT

Hello, hope all is well with all of you. The past few days have been pretty exhausting. Chase hasen't been feeling well again. He's been vomiting for a couple of days & just started running a fever yesterday. I feel bad, I really don't know what to do to comfort him. He's coughing & it ends in vomiting. The only good thing is, it's mostly mucous. He's sleeping now after being up all night. I Had to change his bed sheets again around 3 a.m. (I think this is becoming a nightly ritual) The only thing that is making me feel better is knowing that it is not due to a tumor. If we didn't go to see his nuero/oncologist the last week, I really think we would be freaking out right now. If this doesn't subside by tomorrow, I will definately be bringing him to the pediatrician again. Right now, he is on pedia predisone (steroid) and he has a nebulizer to break up the mucous. He's on suppositories because he can't seem to hold the motrin down. But during the day he seems to be fine (he'll be coughing & vomiting one minute & then jumping around & playing the next) but then at night is when he's the worse. I'm sorry if this journal entry is such a downer, I'm just feeling so exhausted & sad that even with something so small as a virus or cold or whatever the heck it is that he has I cannot comfort him. When I see him crying & just totally uncomfortable it breaks my heart. Well, I better go, I hear him through the monitor now.
I will update later (if I have a minute).
Thanks & God bless, Erin

Thursday, April 21, 2005 4:29 PM CDT

Hello Everyone,
Hope all is well & wishing God's blessings upon you.
Well, Chase had his appt. with Dr. Thompson (nuero/oncologist) Monday and all went well.
Chase's appears to have minimum CSF (fluid from the hydrocephelus) and the reason for his "episodes" appears to just be allergies. Apparently he is allergic to some outside environmental flower, plant or tree and when he goes to bed at night his mucous membranes relax and cause a drip in the back of his throat. Between that & his hydrocephelus = either vomiting or a choking episode. Thank God, cause let me tell you, your mind can definately invision the worse. I am definately happy that Michael & I decided NOT to have the MRI. So, his MRI is due in August, & I'm sure it will be fine. I pray it will be, ya know what? I know it will be!!! Chase had his IEP from school on Friday & they moved him from full day pre-k to half day stating that although he will still be receiving Speech therapy & Occupational Therapy, it will be in a less strict environment. I am so happy to see how he is developing. Well, I hope your day is as bright & sunny as ours is.
Thanks for all of your prayers & God Bless.
Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Sunday, April 10, 2005 8:11 PM CDT

Spring Wishes Everyone, As you can probably tell, We're enjoying the weather here in NJ. Thank Goodness!!! The boys have been able to run around OUTSIDE, fly their kites, dig for worms, etc. (ya know the normal boy stuff) Vanessa & Mikey started their baseball season this weekend. I feel bad for Chase, since he is only 4 years old there is nothing really for him to get involved in. Thank God there is a jungle gym next to the field. Well, Chase has been doing well. Just a little bit of coughing, but no episodes really. We still have an appt. with Dr. Thompson (nuero/oncologist) on the 18th. I will definately keep you all posted. Hopefully it was just a little CSF fluid that needed to be released and is gone now. But we soon shall see. I think today is a better day, watching Chase play the way he was yesterday on the jungle gym makes me realize that perhaps I'm just letting fear get the best of me. Well I have to go, I have a big final on Thursday,
then I have a week off then we start pediatrics -
my favorite subject!
God Bless - Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Wednesday, April 6, 2005 6:55 PM CDT

Hello all, I just wanted to take the time to thank all of you for checking in on Chase all of the time and sending him cute guest book entries & your thoughts of prayer. Chase LOVES receiving & having me read all of his letters to him. So, thank you again. Well, Chase has been doing well. However yesterday we had yet another scare. I called Dad from school yesterday & he told me Chase had vomited in morning & had his little choking episode again. I immediately lost it, ya know, the panicking took over, the worrying, the concern, everything! Well, I made an appt. w/ Dr. Thompson (his neurologist/oncologist) for the 18th . Mike & I always feel better after he has a look at him. We really don�t want to do another MRI - it�s not due until August & to have to put Chase through that (sedating him, etc.) for our sake of feeling better sooner, is just not really worth it. The Dr. usually checks Chase�s balance, eyes (now that I�m in nursing school I�ve learned that you can see a possible tumor or signs of one w/ a certain light through the eyes). So, we will let you know. Chase seems fine today, he did have a slight choking episode, but I don�t know if it was because he was messing with his juice cup or not. Aaaaaggghhhhhh�. This can really drive ya crazy if you let it.
Well, Thank you all again & God Bless!
I will keep you posted.
Erin (Chase�s mommy)

Thursday, March 31, 2005 1:00 PM CST

Hello, We hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! Our was GREAT! We had Palm Sunday @ our home with family. So on Easter Grandma took us to dinner at a really nice restaurant & then we came home for a movie & desert (cannolis, brownies, napoleans, etc.) But first we had a visit from the Easter bunny! (we did go to church, but the night before for the Easter Vigil & colored eggs after). Anyways, we woke up to 3 baskets & presents on the dining room table (Chase, Mikey & Vanessa's) Chase got a Ninja Turtle kite, weeble wobble people & truck, and lots of other things. His favorite thing however, was his chocolate bunny! (please check our new photo slide of Easter & you can see how much he enjoyed his bunny). Then we took our baths, got dressed & went to Six Flags for a safari ride, the giraffes licked our windows & the Ostrich's LOVED Daddy's window! Thanks so much for checking in, we will write again really soon!
Love Chase & Family
P.S. God Bless

Saturday, March 26, 2005 2:27 PM CST

Hi All, just a quick note to wish you all a very HAPPY EASTER! Chase is doing well and is all ready for Peter Cottontail. We went to Gymboree & picked out beautiful Easter outfits for He & Mikey. Vanessa found a gorgeous sun dress & little pink shoes (perfect for a 13 year old young lady) I'm running out now to go and get some more things for their Easter Baskets. Mikey wants a Rugrats video game for his PS2, Vanessa wants the OC dvd collection & Chase wants EVERYTHING!!!! But mostly "Mary Poppins" video & some Scooby Doo videos - Gosh, you'd think it was Christmas! Thank you all for checking in on us & for your warm Easter Wishes, now, if we could just get some Easter weather to go with all of it! ha ha.

Love Erin
(Chase's Mommy)

Wednesday, March 23, 2005 7:19 PM CST

Hi everyone, hope all is well with all of you. Chase is doing well, but gave us a scare last night. About 4 a.m. Michael & I woke up to Chase choking. Thank God (or maybe not) he is used to the whole hydrocephalus thing, because he is able to be loud so that Mommy & Daddy can hear him through the monitor. Chase does not have a shunt (the Dr�s & Mom & Dad felt there was not enough csf fluid coming from his ventricles to warrant a shunt being that it is such an invasive procedure) so because of this, fluid will back up and cause him to vomit or pretty much choke. This doesn�t happen frequently, but when it does, it�s pretty scary. Chase is like a pro though because we will do arms up and comfort him for a while and he has his drink and then says �okay, sleep now� then proceeds to roll over and conk right out. God Bless him. He did go to school today though, after all, it was show & tell and he had to show off is choo choo train. Chase did so well at the dentist office the other day. He even received a fluoride treatment which Dr. Miller said he�s never seen a 4 year old handle it that well. I said �this is a synch compared to MRI�s, etc�. Chase is VERY excited because tomorrow he is going on a class trip to see �Sesame Street Live�. I�m pretty comfortable with him going as his class is only 5 children and a lot more teachers.
Well I will head on out now.
Thank you for checking in on Chase William & God Bless! Erin

Sunday, March 20, 2005 2:12 AM CST

Hello, sorry I have not updated this journal for a while. Chase had not been feeling well for awhile and so my time has been limited. Most of the problem was at night (no sleep, aaagghhhhh.) Anyways, I dont know if it was a cold mixed with some other stuff, he had congestion, fever, runny nose, croupe cough, (which of course led to his whole choking episodes) Then came the night terrors, I dont know what monster is under his bed, but my poor buddy was in with Mommy & Daddy A LOT the past 2 weeks. However, I am happy to report that Chase is doing VERY well now! We are going for our 1st dentist visit today. I will let you know how we did. We did some Easter clothes shopping on Thursday and Chase & Mikey met Peter Cottontail. How happy was he as he told the Easter Bunny what he wanted in his basket! I want Hot Wheels, chocate bunny, all da toyz, and den us gona see Geezuz (Jesus) at his house (church). Too cute, Mikey just wanted to make sure his Rugrats Playstation2 game would be in his basket. What was really funny was, Chase has REALLY thick hair and needed a haircut (which he got yesterday). Well he fell asleep in the car on the way to the mall and his hair ended up standing up like a fence in the back of his head. So for the photo w/ the Easter Bunny, the Easter Bunny had to put his big round cheek on top of Chases head to hold down the hair for the photo. It didnt matter, his thick hair still found a way to stand up! I will try to upload that photo this week. I thank you all for your prayers & visits, please sign Chases guestbook even if you have been here before as Chase LOVES to receive mail.

Thanks again & God Bless, Erin

*Please pray for little 1 year old Evan who is undergoing a brain tumor resection.

*Please pray for Matthew as well (www.caringbridge.org/nj/matthew)

*We are happy to report little Dillons birthday card shower went BETTER than expected his birthday card total as of March 15, 2005 (well past his actual birthday is) 5,061 cards and 45 packages!! Way to go Dillon & Happy 3rd Birthday! (www.ourboogieman.com)

*Little Ben had his MRI and it showed no tumor change. The Dr. would feel comfortable waiting a year for Bens next MRI! WAY TO GO BEN, GREAT NEWS! (www.caringbridge.org/va/benjamin)

Friday, February 18, 2005 0:05 AM CST

Hi All, well I'm trying to update as much as possible. Chase is doing well. We are still working on the potty training. I asked his pediatrician and he said he doesn't think it's because of the tumor resection. So that's good news, I'm a little concerned being that he is 4 now. Chase has been quite to wild one lately, running around, being roudy & messy. I think it's because the steroids are still in his system. ( I pray that's the reason) He's NOT misbehaving, just VERY energetic. Well, I'm in school and lunch is over, so I better get to class. Thank you all for checking out Chase's website, and please sign the guestbook, Chase LOVES reading mail.

Please pray for:
There has been slight tumor progression for little matthew, the Dr. feels he should proceed with surgery and debulking as much of his brain tumor as possible...possibly followed by chemo
or radiation. Unless they notice more changes in Matthew, they will plan to
have surgery after the school year (mid-June). you can visit Matthew's site by clicking above under Chase's friends - Matthew or www.caringbridge.org/nj/matthew

& Boogie (Dillon) he has not been feeling well lately and we are also trying to get 3,000 birthday cards mailed to him. 1,000 for every birthday that he proved the Dr's wrong. www.ourboogieman.com

Thank you all sooooo much! God Bless you, Erin

Wednesday, February 16, 2005 0:02 AM CST

Hi everyone, well Happy belated Valentines Day! Chase LOVED it. He had lots of chocolate and Cupid got him a blockbuster give card - he's going to buy the movie E.T. with it. (one of his new favorites). His first ride was the E.T. ride in Universal Studios during his make-a-wish foundation trip last year. Chase is feeling MUCH better. Although he is still feeling the effects of the steroids (i.e. bouncing off the walls). But I'm glad to see him without the congestion, etc. We had a good weekend, we went to big cousin Paige Marie's 7th birthday and she got a REAL pony! Her name is "Matches" and then Sunday we went to Uncle Joe's & Aunt Anna's for dessert and he played with his cousins and showed them his new dance moves. Well, I'm so short on time, so I have to cut this short, Thanks for visiting. I will update tomorrow.

Please pray for mattew see link above under Chase's friends, and please visit Dillon's site: www.ourboogieman.com/cardshower/birthday.html
Thank you & God Bless! Erin

Thursday, February 10, 2005 3:17 PM CST

Hello, well Chase came home with his first progress report from pre-school. He did very well, he still has alot of work with how to place his lips and tongue when talking (ex. shark = sark, brush = bus, etc.) But I know he'll get through it all, he is my little fighter! Chase was sick last week, the Dr. put him back on Orapred (this time only for 3 days, THANK GOD!) He bounces off the walls when on that stuff. Mikey was in the hospital a few weeks ago with cellulitis, he scratched the bottom of his eyelid and within 1 day it became overly infected. The admitted him for a couple of days. He wasen't in any pain, so he enjoyed being the one getting all of the attention. (he's such a great big brother and never got jealous of Chase getting all of the attention, so this time he soaked it in). Chase was upset and tried to take care of Mikey. They Love eachother so well!!! Chase recieved his ashes yesterday at church for Ash Wed. and said he got them so Jesus can protect him. "Out of the mouths of Babes, huh" well more updates to come soon. Thanks, Erin

Please pray for matthew (you can view his site by clicking on Chase's friends) his tumor is resizing again. And please visit little Dillon's site (seen on our guestbook) as his 3rd birthday is coming and we'd like to send 3,000 cards to him (1,000 for every birthday that he proved the Dr's wrong) Thank you & God Bless.

Monday, January 10, 2005 10:44 PM CST

Hi everyone, sorry we haven't update this journal for soooo long. Mommy's been busy with school & I'm keeping her busy too! Santa brought me so many FUN things, but I must say my most favorite was my karaoke machine. Mommy & Daddy bought me some great CD's and now I sing "do you know the muffin man" & "hickory dickory dock", but my most favorite song of all is "Hush Little Baby". I hope you all had a GREAT New Year - 2005- I tried to stay up with Daddy, Mommy, Mikey, Vanessa, Uncle John, Aunt Kimmie & cousins, but I didn't make it! BUT, I did have ALOT of fun trying!!!!! Thanks for all of your support and for checking out my site, and don't forget, I LOVE receiving notes in my guestbook, so please sign in.
Thanks & God Bless, CHASE

Friday, November 26, 2004 5:09 PM CST

Hello, hope everyone had a wonderfual thanksgiving! We went to Grandma's house and Chase, Mikey & Vanessa were able to play with all of their cousins. It was a very nice day. Grandma made her famous sauce with fresh raviolis and then came Tom Turkey with all the dressings! Chase helped Mommy bake a pumpkin pies, brownies, chocolate moose pie, for both Thanksgiving and Mommy's school's bake sale. He loves pouring in the exact measured sugar, etc. Mikey & Vanessa helped too. Today we hit some stores for a little Christmas shopping for their "cousins", wink....wink...... I think everyone will be very HAPPY with what Santa brought them. We are getting ready to do some crafts now so I better go.

Happy Holidays & God Bless to all of you!

Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Sunday, November 21, 2004 2:07 PM CST

Hello, it is very hard for me to get a journal in every day, but I'm trying. Chase seems to be feeling better. Hopefully he can attend school tomorrow, he misses it. Chase has been really into Christmas the past few days. We were in the car yesterday and Christmas music was on, Chase started singing, I had no idea what he was saying (God bless his little sould for trying) but I knew he had the spirit. Then I made the mistake of putting big sister Vanessa's Hillary Duff Christmas CD in. It was all over, Chase LOVES her! I wanted to put something else on, he yelled NO then I tried to sing along, he yelled "No Mommy you can't sing like her!" Boy did I feel special, ha ha. We are still trying the potty thing, somewhat successful. He really wants to be trained for Santa. Chase said prayers before dinner last night (of which he only ate the mashed potatoes, which scares me because he has slight anemia and needs to eat more varieties of food, any suggestions on how to get him to eat more, PLEASE let me know). anyways, he said his prayers and thanks Jesus for his spoon, the table, and mommy passing her tests (of course he copied that one from big brother Mikey). Well I need to go study, Daddy has taken everyone out to the pet store (for fish tank products) and Barnes & Noble for some books. Thank you all for your prayers & God Bless, Erin

Wednesday, November 17, 2004 9:04 PM CST

Hi All, well I am happy to report that Chase did go to see the Polar Express!! He was VERY happy! But, I don't know if it was the popcorn, soda, skittles & twizzlers or the movie? lol. Mommy took Chase, Mikey, Vanessa & her friend Lecia (Daddy had to work). We had alot of fun! Especially because the radio station was actually playing Christams music, which put us more in the spirit. Then we came home and lit a fire had icecream and relaxed. (well, Mommy studied, big sister & her friend hung out) Anyways, Chase was starting to feel much better and had gone back to school this week. Then this morning Daddy got a call from the school, the bus aide noticed a runny nose and so he went straight to the nurse who checked his ears, throat, etc. It appears my little guy has a cold. So he didn't even get a chance to go into his class (which I think is great for the other children). But Chase was upset, that was until he saw Daddy & realized he did not have to share him with his siblings for a few hours. ha ha Chase checked out his new additions to the website from Angel Chris & Ice Dream thanks for adding Chase's new favorite, Star Wars & Return of the Jedi. (Also check out the beautiful slide shows that Angel Chris created) Chase Loves going unto his website & Quilt of Love site. Well that's all for now, Chase is calling me. Thanks, Erin

Saturday, November 13, 2004 1:38 PM CST

Hi All, well I am happy to report that although the meds that Chase is on had him wide awake from 2 a.m. - 4:30 a.m., they are working! He's still a bit under the weather, but no where compared to how he felt the past few days, Thank God! He's been quite frustrated that he has not been able to go to school and/or outside to play. Then we were suppossed to go see "The Polar Express" movie but could not. But Mommy & Daddy promised Chase that just as soon as he is feeling better we can go. So it's been all of the Star Wars movies instead. Last night Grandma was over and Mommy lit a fire and made popcorn and we watched Santa Clause (with Tim Allen). Chase is very much into the Christmas spirit. I think this is the first actual year that he understands it. Well, it's 8:30 a.m. right now and I'm going back to sleep. During Chase's AWAKE mode he had me watching Star Wars with him.
God Bless, Erin

Friday, November 12, 2004 11:32 PM CST

Hello, sorry I have not journaled the last few days. Chase has been under the weather. I was freaking out for a few days and basically living on NO SLEEP, BUT that's nothing compared to what my little guy goes through so who am I to complain? It started with the Croupe, then Tuesday, Chase started vomiting and running a fever, then having respiratory problems. We met with his new doctor Dr. Sasson, he put Chase on Pulmocort (steroid through the nebulizer) and albuterol sulfate (nebulizer) as well. The the suppositories for the fever because he hasen't been holding anything down. It was a bit scary for a while, I'm sure you Caring Bridge families know how your mind can play tricks on you. Well, Dr. Sasson said he wanted to check Chase in 2 days if the fever and vomiting persisted. Well I am happy to say, although it was a rough night, Chase seems to be getting better now. He finally fell asleep a short while ago and no signs of that nasty fever so I'll just be on the lookout for now. Well gotta go catch some zzzz's myself, take them when I can get them.
Thanks for your prayers and
PLEASE sign the guestbook, Chase loves receiving mail.
God Bless, Erin

Saturday, November 6, 2004 2:11 PM CST

Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday!

Well as you can probably tell, someone had a birthday. Chase Wiliam Carlucci�s 4th Birthday was yesterday, Friday, Novemeber 5th, 2004. YEAH!! Although Chase insists he�s 5, ha ha hee. Well Chase got his Boo Bah (doll/creature/I don�t know what it�s supposed to be) But I do know we are hoping the batteries wear out! Ha ha. We ordered Chinese food (Chase LOVES the fried wontons) and we had Chase�s specialized Carvel strawberry & vanilla w/ chocolate crunchies birthday cake. Of course Scooby Doo was his candle. (I�m trying to get the photos uploaded so keep checking the photo page). Chase has been doing very well but the past couple of weeks started with his gagging and choking episodes (Dr�s believe it�s from the hydrocephalus) but because it�s so mild they didn�t put a shunt in (Thank God). Well Thursday night he projectile vomited (this is a good thing) all of that csf (cerebral spinal fluid) build up came out. So he was happy (he knows the drill, once that happens he won�t be having another episode for a month or two). So yesterday was good but then this morning he woke up with croupe again. I think I�m going to wait before giving him the Orapred (pediatric prednisone/steroid). I just feel like he�s on it too much and his body needs to relax a little. I�ll keep you posted. Well, today we are going to buy new sneakers and come home to do some crafts (Harvest crafts). Mommy is going to help find pine cones so that we can cover them with peanut butter and bird seed to feed the birds.

Well thanks for checking in on me and please sign the guestbook, mommy always reads my letters to Chase.

Xoxoxoxoxo & God Bless

Monday, November 1, 2004 11:01 PM CST

Hi Everyone, hope you all had a GREAT Halloween!

Chase was a character (not a famous one) from Star Wars, Mikey was Yu-gi-oh and Vanessa was Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. We had alot of fun, but I think Chase enjoyed trick-or-treaters knocking at our door more than he enjoyed trick-or-treating himself. His speech is just growing so much more every day, I mean I cannot believe how well Mrs. Santow is doing with him. He was actually telling us a story over dinner today about something that happened in class and we understood everything he was trying to say. When he gets excited and wants to speak alot, he gets jumbled up though, but God has truly blessed us with this program that Chase is in. He will start Occupational Therapy next week. I haven't received the papers on that yet, so I'm not really sure what it will consist of. But he has been getting speech therapy 3x a week by himself for a 1/2 hour and then 2x a week with his class (which is 5 children including him). I just can't get him away from the color blue. Every night we do homework and he has to color and everything is Blue! Blue people, Blue animals, Blue houses..... it's pretty funny because his favorite color is green. ha ha That's my Chase Now Chase thinks he is a "Fashion Designer" (see new photos, his own creative pajama outfit, notice the ski hat and flip flops, I think his new profession will be a skater kid, errr...uhmmmm.... unless he thinks it's Halloween again. Well thanks for checking in, and PLEASE sign the guestbook, Chase LOVES hearing me read his little notes (as he calls them).

God Bless, Erin

Sunday, October 24, 2004 11:43 PM CDT

Hello Everyone, so I haven't updated this journal. I'm in nursing school now and it's keeping me alot busier than I thought. Well, yesterday we celebrated Chase's 4th birthday and Mikey's 6th. It went very well! Alot of people who had not seen Chase in a while were in shock at how well he spoke. Chase has been doing very while (aside from his reoccurences of croupe). He didn't want to join his party at first, but his Uncle Billy had a "sit down" with him. 10 minutes later he was playing "pin the tail on the donkey". He freaked out (happy) with his presents, he got ALOT of Scooby Doo (Aunt Kim) and Care Bare movies. We had a great time! Today we did a little shopping with their gift certificates and Chase picked out Christmas pajamas. Both boys are Norman Rockwell children. They LOVE holidays!! Well this weekend we got some bad news about little Natalie, her mom called to say she couln't attend the party because Natalie is back in the hospital (Hackensack). Apparently she is having seizures again, PLEASE pray for her and visit her website (listed on Chase's page). Also, I just received and email from Matthew's mom asking for prayer as well. His tumor seems to be growing again, please pray! I am going to be seeing Natalie tomorrow and I will try and update for you. Thanks again and God Bless! Erin

Thursday, September 23, 2004 8:29 PM CDT

Hi everyone, well Chase is still feeling crummy but not as bad. He is at school (Dr.'s orders, he's not contagious, he can go). He's just got some congestion. The good news is, Mrs. Santow (his teacher) informed me that he has been going potty at school for the last couple of days. Yeah!!! So I got some Spiderman and Buzz Lightyear undies for him. Hopefully this will last. I'm hoping everyone will take the time to check out the new link on Chase's website. Knowledge is Power and this wonderful family has taken their Angel Kristina's story and shared it for the benefit of others.
Please share the rainbow. -Erin

Tuesday, September 14, 2004 6:12 PM CDT

Hi everyone, well today was a good day for Chase. He went to school and I wrote a note to his teacher warning her of "his energetic state" (the steroids make him bounce off of the walls). His teacher left a note in his notebook stating that he did well today, Thank God! I really hate to see his personality disrupted because of medication. Well, right now he is at the store with Daddy buying a Halloween costume. If I'm correct he will come home with yet another Scooby Doo costume. But I will let you know tomorrow when I enter another journal. Tomorrow may either break me or make me as I will learn about different tumors in Nursing School. I'm hoping that I can put all emotions aside and embrace it. Chase has done so well and I'd hate to waste all of his accomplishments by not being a professional. But then again, his ordeal is what made me want to go into this profession. I must say Michael has been doing so well as a Mr. Mom with the kids. In fact I think they forgot that I ever stayed home with them all of these years. But it's great, especially days like today when I not only missed all of the traffic on the turnpike but came home to nice hot chicken cutlet Parmesan. Well, I'll rescue your eyes and stop writing because anyone who knows me will tell you, I may never stop writing. ha ha Erin

Monday, September 13, 2004 5:52 PM CDT

Hi everyone, well last night was a long night. Chase got Croup, he was miserable. Especially as he was trying to sleep, he sounded so bad. It got worse around 2 a.m. but since we are used to him getting this, I had what I needed. I gave him his Orapred (oral steroid which opens up the lung passages) and I put the humidifier on a cool mist. Of course he pretty much kicked Daddy out of the bed and slept with me (Daddy slept in Chase's room). Since I had school, Dad was the doctor for the day and I must say, he did GREAT!! Chase is sleeping now (we gave him a little pediacare for the congestion) but he seemed in okay spirits for most of the day.
Well I better get back to making my meatballs.

Take Care, Erin

Sunday, September 12, 2004 11:21 AM CDT

Hi Everyone, well yesterday was a big day "Hair Cut Time". Because of the scarring on Chase's head Chase doesn't like getting haircuts (it irritates the area). But a few months ago my sister-in-law Anna brought Chase & I, to her son's barber and Chase did GREAT!!! So (because he dislikes them so much) after a few months we went there again yesterday. This lady has some magical hands and such a gift with children. She asked me to not come near them and she worked her magic! She sang with him, played little games with him, and cut his hair beautifully! We then went out to dinner with with Grandma, Daddy, Sissy & big brother Mikey. We had Chinese food and Chase tried fried dumplings for the first time and then started yelling out like "look Daddy, I like Chinese Food"!! He yelled that line out loud about 10 more times. After a few looks from others I guess we'll be ordering take out for now on. (hee hee) Right now Chase is sitting on my lap as I write this journal entry and is asking to watch Spider man, so on that note I will stop writing and answer his request. He can be quite demanding, ha ha. Thank you all and please say prayers for all the unknown families that have children and other family members with illnesses. Lord, I ask that the blood of Jesus cover their homes and lift up their hearts. In the name of the Father, the Son, & the Holy Spirit, Amen

Wednesday, September 8, 2004 7:41 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

Sorry that I have not written in a while.
Things have been so hectic. We finally moved into the new house on August 19th, yeeeeeyyyyyy! I love our new town! We have a pool and Chase has been swimming like a fish (of course with swimmies) as he tries to copy big brother Mikey by jumping in the pool yelling "Cannon Ball". Chase started his new pre-k program today and it is a full day program. He also took the school bus for the first time. I started nursing school today and so Michael brought the kids to the bus and picked them up. When I came home Chase could not wait to tell me about his teacher, (if I didn't know her name already, I would think it was "Miss. Tow") but it is Mrs. Santow. Boy did I cry! To actually hear my baby say his teacher's name was such an accomplishment! He's been working sooooo hard on his speech and it's really paying off. He is so excited, he has his Bob the Builder book bag and his Scooby Doo lunch box. (He wanted the little Mermaid or Sleeping Beauty because they're going to be his WIVES hee hee, but I told him we had to get a big boy one- we can't walk around with a pink bag, ha ha). He agreed and said "I atch dem on TB?" (I watch them on T.V.?) of course I agreed. Well I will try to keep this journal updated as much as possible. Thank you all for your continuous support.

God Bless and Best Wishes to you all, Erin

Monday, July 26, 2004 6:37 PM CDT

Hello everyone, sorry I have not written in a few days. Been so busy packing and trying to get a closing date on this house. Michael & I definitely feel as though we are in the Twilight Zone, ha ha Chase has had a pretty busy week. On Thursday, we went to Uncle John's & Aunt Kim's house. Aunt Kimmy couldn't believe how well Chase was talking. Chase played in the pool with his big cousins, Paige Marie (6) and Johnny (13). Johnny had Chase belly laughing as only he can do! It is so great to see Chase so happy, so alive, so normal! Chase's big cousin Samantha (almost 17) came to stay with us for a couple of days. Chase LOVED that! Sammie treated Chase as though he were the King, and he stuck to her like glue. We dropped Samantha off at home on Saturday and went to see Chase's Great Grandma Lentini at the hospital, what a strong woman. She will be 91 in August and she has never complained once. I believe that's where Chase gets his strength from. Please pray for her healing. Chase held her hand, sharing in some strength. Mikey put his healing rock on her head and prayed for Jesus to heal her. He is only 5 1/2 years old and is so spiritual. I remember when Chase was in the hospital, he received this healing rock and Mikey took it and placed it on Chase and prayed. Then he did the same to other children on the Oncology floor. As I am writing this journal entry, Chase is sitting on my bed with his big sister Vanessa singing Britney Spears, "Everytime", Although we can't really understand his singing, we keep hearing the one line from the song "I need you baby". Chase calls it his baby song. Well, I'm sure you're tired of all my rambling, so I will head on out now. Thanks again for all of your support.
God Bless, Erin

Monday, July 19, 2004 2:32 PM CDT

Hello, hope you all had a good weekend. Well, one of Chase's gifts for being a brave boy (for his MRI) was to see a movie. Chase chose "A Cinderella Story", Needless to say his big sister (13) was very happy! Chase saw Hillary Duff on the coming attractions for the movie and said "I see dat mommy?" I didn't think that he would sit through it, but I think he's in love. There was another coming attraction for a new movie that Miss. Duff will be in and he started yelling her name. Then he said, "dat's me girlfriend". Well, now we know that he likes redheads (lil' Mermaid, Daphne (from Scooby Doo) and Blondes, Hillary, ha ha. Anyways, we didn't move yet, hopefully the closing will happen Thursday or Friday. We did go to the new house the other day to check out some fences, Chase LOVES it! When we went to go back home, he didn't want to. He said "no Daddy, we stay at the new house". He's a man who knows what he wants! Well, he is still surprising us with more and more words, I cannot believe how he speech is formulating. He's been using correct sentences, like "I want, we go, she is (instead or me want, her is,etc.). Sometimes I still notice a lack of muscles in his tongue and lips, but from a scale of 1-10, (10 being the best) I'd say he's at a 7. Well, I hope everyone is doing well, and thank you all for your cheering Chase on, he loves to check his guestbook, Please say a prayer for the families of Katherine Cross www.caringbridge.org/tx/katherinecross/ , and Little Caitlyn caringbridge.org/il/caitlynbussie/ as these two beautiful little Angels have lost their battle with their illness and are now in Heaven watching over us. Thank you and God Bless.

Wednesday, July 14, 2004 11:51 AM CDT

Hello, well, Chase had his MRI yesterday. I am very happy to report that Dr. Thompson said "I am looking at your son's scan right now and it is PERFECT"! YEAH!!!!! Thank you all so much for your prayers!!!! Chase's MRI's are no longer scheduled for every 6 months, he has been promoted to once a year! I don't have to tell you how happy Michael and I are. Chase was such a brave boy yesterday. He let the nurse put the LMX cream (anestethic cream for needles) on his arm and hand and when the Dr. came in to sedate him, he held on to Daddy and was so brave. After he came out, he drank his grape juice as though it were going out of style. Then Daddy & Mommy brought him to McDonalds and Toys R' Us as promised (he bought the Lion King DVD) and we went home and watched it together. Chase knew he was fine because he was jumping around, laughing and hugging. Well, thanks again for everything and I will keep in touch.

God Bless, Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Monday, July 12, 2004 5:37 PM CDT

Hello everyone, hope all is well. The past few days have been busy packing up the house. We should be in the new house by Monday . Chase has been doing great, talking and talking! Words we didn't even know he could say are just flying out of his mouth! I can't believe how much his vocabulary has improved never mind his being able to actually say the words. We went to Grandma's house the other day and he was doing well blowing bubbles (which 6 mths. ago was a task for him). Well tomorrow is the big day, I know Chase will be fine. This time of time however, your mind sure can play tricks on you. But when you look at him, you have to get over whatever anxiety you may have. Because you know he's fine just realizing all that he has gone through and all that he as accomplished. He's our brave little guy and it helps that he gets Toys R' Us and McDonalds after the whole ordeal!
Well, I will keep you all posted, thanks for visiting and as always, for your prayers.

God Bless, Erin
(Chase's Mommy)

Tuesday, July 6, 2004 6:37 PM CDT

Hi everyone, I hope that you all had a wonderful 4th of July weekend! We've been packing up for the big move, but took some time out for friends this past weekend. On Saturday we had Liz, Miguel, Emily and little Natalie over, it was very nice to see Chase and Natalie playing with smiles on their faces again. (we hadn't seen them since Emily's birthday party 2 years ago). Natalie looks really great! She was walking the catwalk as Vanessa dressed her up. On Sunday we went to the O'Rourkes house, thank you guys, what a wonderful time we had! Hey, the METS won! lol! The best part of the day was when Chase conquered swimming! Well, with swimmies on at least, and once he got started, we could not get him out of the water. But the cannollis came out and there was Chase, with his mouth opened wide Today, back to packing, Chase is definately looking forward to the new house. I bought Mikey & Chase a Ninja Turtle sprinkler and hopefully this afternoon (no rain, no rain, no rain ) they can go in it. Well got to go pack some boxes now,
thank you so much for visiting and God Bless.
Erin (Chase's Mommy)

Friday, July 2, 2004 1:07 PM CDT

Hi everyone,
Well here is our first official journal entry for Chase�s website. First, thank you all for your prayers and taking the time to visit Chase�s website created by WONDERFUL volunteers: Angel Chris & Ice Dream. Thank you Angel Chris & Ice Dream for taking your gifts and allowing others to share in them. God Bless you! Also, the Quilts of Love Angels for Chase�s BEAUTIFUL quilt (please click on �visit my quilt� to enjoy Chase�s favorites). Thank you to The Passarella family for allowing us to link to their son Matthew�s site, what a brave a precious little boy he is, please visit Matthew�s website and maybe even signup for the 2nd Annual Matthew�s Miles Walkathon. It�s pretty difficult to find where to start on Chase�s journal, but here goes. Chase has been doing pretty well, he was supposed to be checked by the Neuro/Oncologist last week but he was sick with Coxsackie. Thank God that�s over, it was in his throat and we didn�t know what was wrong because he could not sleep. A little antibiotic and he is doing fine now. Chase is scheduled for an MRI on July 13th, I will keep you updated. Chase�s speech has been coming along, he has been surprising Daddy & I so much lately. We went to the Bronx Zoo yesterday and Chase had so much fun telling our friend�s children about the different animals and was so proud of himself because they understood his words. We have seen his self esteem grow with every word spoken Well, I will update again in a couple of days, the Lord knows I can talk never mind my typing a novel! ha ha, take care and thank you again for your prayers, your support & words of encouragement. Erin (Chase�s Mommy)

Sunday, June 20, 2004 7:07 PM CDT

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