Caitlin's Progress Page

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!


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Journal

Friday, March 13, 2009 11:02 AM CDT

Wow, it has been awhile. Funny how life just gets away from you at times.

Caitlin is doing amazing and she is healthy, so that is the most important thing. She will be home the week of March 23rd for spring break. Hard to believe there is only one more quarter left of her junior year. In the fall she will be a Senior in College! It's probably a good thing that college is coming to an end, because she is 'over it' meaning the how studying, classes thing and ready to move on with life. Her and Jared are still going strong. He is a wonderful addition to our family! This summer they are planning a trip to Gaitlinburg, Tenn.
Reminder: Caitlin's birthday is April 26th and she'll be turning 21 this year!

Courtney is doing great also! She is leaving next week for a school trip to New York City, then she has solo/ensemble, then percussion concert and bands in the round. Shortly after school finishes up at the end of May she becomes an official member of the Marching Band. I think the thing she is looking forward to the most is getting her braces off on May 6th! Hard to believe how fast they grow and become their own little people!

Doug is working alot...six days a week 10 hours a day. Right now we are grateful that he has a job, as this one ends the last week of May and things aren't looking too promising right now for a new one to follow.

March 30th we celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary and we are off to Vegas for a week! We are both looking forward to the shows, the Grand Canyon, tours, lights, gambling...and alone time!

Me...I'm just busy working, juggling, remodeling the house, working, mom taxi, mom worrier, Project Ed Bear, Band Boosters, and the list goes on.

Everyday I'm reminded of how lucky we are that Caitlin slayed the beast and how grateful we all are for the blessings we have been allowed. Please, remember those that went before us, too young and the parents left behind to grieve them. May we all hope that in our lifetimes, that a cure for childhood cancer will be found.

till next time...

Hospital Information:

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

Links:

E-mail Author: tric66@att.net

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.