Rachel's Page

My name is Rachel Crowthers, welcome to my web page! What is it about? Well, I am a long-term survivor of Stage IV Neuroblastoma, and I have created this page so that people whose lives are touched by Neuroblastoma may be encouraged, and so that we may all stay in touch with one another.

My battle with Neuroblastoma began in 1986, when I was 8 years old. I began having pain in my right leg,and in March 1987, after nearly a year of fruitless doctor visits, a tumor was located in my spine which turned out to be Stage IV Neuroblastoma (NBIV). My parents were told I had no more than two years to live. Because the initial tumor was in my lower spine and the surgeons had to cut some nerves to get to it, they said I would not walk or grow.

For the next three years I was in and out of Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, Oregon, undergoing various treatments, and on January 17, 1990, I WALKED OUT for the last time. I beat the odds, I am a survivor. I am now 27 years old, with no evidence of disease nor relapse since I finished treatment!

Journal

Monday, March 31, 2008 2:51 AM CDT

Long time no update...

Last week marked 21 years since my diagnosis- WOO-HOO! Status is the same as ever, same old nerve pain from the initial surgery in '87, under control with meds. Still uninsured, therefore still overdue for testing, but I've been feeling good so I'm not worried. 18 years NED or remission, call it what you will!

Mom's health is going downhill, I will probably create a CaringBridge site for her soon. This week she is having her leg amputated just below the knee, she broke it last summer and it won't heal, the bones have shifted so she's wheelchair-bound. Hopefully once she makes it through the surgery and rehab she'll be able to walk on it again, at least a little bit.

Last time I updated I was planning on going to South Korea. Those plans are on hold until Mom recovers from her surgery. If I don't get to go to Korea, I am looking into getting my Master's in Teaching at George Fox this autumn. I'm living with Mom and David, helping to take care of her when I'm not working or babysitting.

I'm still working at Learning Years Day School, have been there for 3 1/2 years now. I'm currently a floating teacher so I get to be with all ages, I love the babies... On the weekends I take of my youngest niece, who is now 4 1/2. The kids keep me hopping, that's for certain!

Last September I lost 3 family members: my Grampa on Mom's side, great-uncle on Dad's side, and cousin on Dad's side. It was all very fast and shocking. Right after that I moved in with Mom and we've been able to comfort each other some.

I joined PaperBackSwap.com, an online book group, and have made some fantastic friends, they have been really supportive of me during Mom's illness, and "the hard September" as I refer to it.

I will try to get some current pics up soon.

Read Journal History

Hospital Information:

Treated at:
Doernbecher Children's Hospital
Portland, Oregon

Links:

E-mail Author: rncrowthers@aol.com

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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.