Caitlin's Corner

Welcome to Caitlin's Caringbridge Page. It has been created to keep you updated about Caitlin's progress in her battle against osteosarcoma.
On June 21, 2004, at age 16, Caitlin was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of childhood bone cancer. She soon began intense chemotherapy. On September 13, 2004 Caitlin underwent major surgery to remove the cancerous tumor from her left distal femur. The lower portion of her left femur was removed and replaced with titanium, along with a total knee replacement. Caitlin underwent months of intense physical therapy to regain use of her new knee and correct the foot drop caused by her surgery. Caitiln completed chemotherapy in Febuary 2005. Final treatment scans showed tumors in Caitlin's right lung. On April 4, 2005 Caitlin underwent extensive lung surgery to remove six lesions from her lungs.
The final pathology report: Benign.
In December 2005, Caitlin underwent a revision surgery of her limb-salvage to improve her mobility. At that time, a staph infection was found in her leg. Caitlin began IV Vancomycin to clear up the staph, to no avail. On April 18, 2006, all of the titanium was removed from Caitlin's leg and antibiotic beads were put inside her leg. On June 1, 2006, Caitlin underwent her second limb-salvage. In addition, the calf muscle was sliced and pulled up over the knee area in a type of "flap" and a skin graft was used to close the area around the new knee. Our hope is that Caitlin will be infection free and have increased mobility from this surgery.
Caitlin is now considered NED! No Evidence of Disease.
Everyday Caitlin faced her battle against cancer, with grace, humility, courage and a sense of humor!

CAITLIN IS OUR HERO!

"WHERE THERE IS GREAT LOVE,
THERE ARE ALWAYS MIRACLES"
Willa Cather

Journal

Wednesday, June 9, 2010 8:52 PM CDT

Wow, does time ever fly.

We are proud to announce that Caitlin will be graduating from Ohio University on Saturday, June 12, 2010 with a Bachelors of Sciences of Education and a minor in English! She's also graduating with two recogintions for Education and English Honor Societies!

We are all very blessed.

Hospital Information:

Cait Is At Ohio University!
E-mail us for her address
Athens, OH 45701

Links:

E-mail Author: tric66@att.net

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Note: The foregoing information was authored by the patient, parent or guardian, or other parties who are solely responsible for the content. Such announcements or their content are not necessarily endorsed by CaringBridge, Inc. or any sponsoring agent.  This information does not confirm that anyone is or was actually a patient at any facility.