Welcome to Stephen's Page

Welcome to Stephen's CaringBridge Web Page! We are grateful to have a spot on the 'net where we can keep our friends and family up to date on our son Stephen's progress.

Stephen was diagnosed February 19, 2004 with a grade 2+ thoracic intramedullary astrocytoma, a rare tumor of the spinal cord. He had a partial resection on February 24th, and began carboplatin and vincristine chemotherapy in March of 2004.

God is obviously at work in this precious little boy! As of February 3, 2005, Stephen finished with chemotherapy and began the monitoring phase of his treatment. He will have MRI scans of the spine done and visit the oncology clinic every 6 months.

Next MRI date: June 2009.

Stephen's scans are now clear, which all of his doctors have indicated was beyond their expectations! He will NOT have to undergo radiation as was previously indicated! He is truly a miracle boy!

I encourage you to check back in every now and again to see how he is doing. Please feel free to sign our guestbook and let us know you've stopped by! I'll be sure to pass on your comments to Stephen, who will be *very* excited to hear them!

Blessings to you!


We have finally put a few pictures in Stephen's photo album!

Check out Stephen's Quilt of Love, hand stitched by Angel Jane!

Thanks, Michele, for this awesome blinkie!!!!!

Journal

Monday, August 25, 2008 5:36 PM CDT

Editing previous post to say:
Stephen went for his orthopedic checkup and the news was not quite as good, but not necessarily bad. The degree of kyphosis (front to back curve) has not changed, but the degree of scoliosis did increase substantially and has her concerned. She wants to see him back in 4 months instead of 6 (it will be in December) and if the curve is the same or worse, she will put him in a brace. The reason that this is not so bad is because I don't think the curve really is worse; I don't think the xray tech made sure he was standing truly straight up and down, kind of like he may have been leaning a little, which would accentuate the curve and give a false reading. The doctor mentioned this may be the case, which is why she's giving him the 4 months checkup. So, say a prayer that he stands straight next time! :)

I hope everyone is doing well... God bless you richly!

Post from August 7, 2008:
Oh, My! I can't believe I let this go so long!

We had a *wonderful* report and visit with the doctors last month. Stephen's scans are perfect, and the docs say he doesn't need to come back for a YEAR!!!!!! Also, when he goes back, he will be going to a different type of clinic. It will still have his docs and nurses that he knows, but its focus will be more on the long-term effects and potentials for someone who has had cancer treatment. He will, for instance, have a visit with an endocrinologist, which he has never had before. That is, I believe, to baseline and follow his growth. He needs to see a dentist, but they don't have them out there. We are looking into UVA; still waiting for call back. I need to remind them of our interest, I guess... Stephen will always need to be followed by an orthopedist, and probably a neuro. We need to see his neurosurgeon again (I totally let the ball drop on that one... Yikes.)

Stephen's 6-month checkup wtih orthopedics is next week. Wow, it goes by so fast!

I have to tell you this before I close. I was talking with Stephen about the possibility of going back down to Disney for a family vacation in the next year or two. He said, "Great! But we really need to start saving up." I agreed with him, and he added, "because we need to buy lots of toys to give to sick little kids to help them feel better, just like they did for me when I was sick!"

Give Kids the World, and Make a Wish: WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

Hospital Information:

Patient Room: We're Home! :o)

Children's National Medical Center
111 Michigan Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20010
202-884-4000

Links:

E-mail Author: lamplitr@shentel.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.