Easton’s Story

Site created on May 6, 2021

I am NOT a good writer so please be forgiving! I'm just trying to help what little I can being far away for ONE of my MOST favorite people. 



As many of you already know, Easton was recently diagnosed with a cancerous tumor called Synovial Sarcoma in his upper hip area by his femur, located in his muscle and near many nerves.  It's about 3.5" by 4.5".  A very rare (only 100+  cases nationally).  Everyone involved realizes Easton has a long road ahead of him.  A treatment plan is in place (actually starting today).  As of now, Easton will receive impatient chemo starting today for  4  days. At this point he is scheduled for 7 chemo treatments spread out through October. His radiation will begin daily (week 4-22) and hopefully surgery (13 weeks) into his journey. 



Today (May 6th) Easton is at University of Iowa's Children's Hospital in Iowa City.  His surgery is scheduled at 12:30 to receive his chemo port and then will be immediately admitted to start his first round. After each chemo treatment, he is scheduled to stay in the hospital for 4 to 5 days (depending on how his body reacts to treatment).     


Radiation treatments are currently scheduled to start on Week 4 thru Week 22.  Those will be daily trips back and forth from Dyersville to Iowa City.  Lots of road time, miles and time in the car.  Please pray for safe travels!


Even though some of his extended family live in completely different states (CO, NE, OR & MO), it has  been truly.....truly amazing seeing all the LOVE and SUPPORT the community has shown already.  It brings tears to our eyes knowing he lives close to his other family members and honestly a community that is just like family.  THANK YOU and keep the love coming!  


Many already know Easton but for those of you that don't but are following his story because you know a family member.....Easton is only 17 years old, a  young man,  (A YOUNG GOOD LOOKING MAN) who is polite, little quiet (at times), always positive, CHILL, caring and a Junior @ Beckman Catholic School.  He is very active in sports, school and the community.  The Easton we all know and love....WILL give it 1000%. Cancer may have started this fight BUT Easton will finish it.  #EastonStrong   


Barry, Carrie, Creighton, Colin, EASTON and Addie (twin to Easton) all appreciate the PRAYERS, messages and love and support.  This Caring Bridge site is being created to hopefully allow friends and family to send messages to Easton and each other, encouraging words, pictures, and to help Carrie and Barry give updates to anyone who is interested in receiving them.  They appreciate ALL the messages (so keep them coming) but with everything going on, do NOT take it personal if it takes awhile them to respond. They ARE reading each and every one of your messages and I KNOW it helps!


Please pray for Easton and his family to give them the COURAGE to fight, STRENGTH  each day and HEALING to move forward.  

We all LOVE you E!

💛 Aunt Gigi


 

Newest Update

February & March 2022 - clear scans and hair♥️🙏

Journal entry by Carrie Koelker —

Easton update: 
  • February 17 was spent at the University of Iowa hospitals for Easton’s scans, mri’s, and follow up appointments. Clear scans!! We sure had a huge sigh of relief when they shared that the scans came back clear. 🙏  so the case of “scanxioity” will always probably be there but we now know what that term truly means. When they scan they really monitor the lungs close as this is where this cancer is know to travel—as well as the tumor area. 
  • Next scans will be in May. They will continue every 3-4 months for atleast three years before they move them to every 6 months. 
  • Easton’s enjoying getting back reality and the last half of his senior year. He has returned to the baseball and soccer open gyms. He also played indoor soccer with his friends. He sent a text one day—and said “being back to practice was the best feeling ever!” 
  • He wrapped up his physical therapy to the point of completion! They (and Easton) made a great team—and after lots of hard work he is on the road to mobility and movement. If more is needed—he can return at any point but he knows what he needs to monitor and do to continue gaining his strength and adjusting to mobility. 
  • We tackled his first hair trim a few weeks ago—and look at the photo! His hair is the same color but has some major wave and curls. Easton loved his hair and he is trying to decide how he actually feels about this. His snap chat emoji went from bald to sporting hair again.
  • August is the sarcoma symposium and the courage ride Dr. Miller hosts. You can make certain we will be there sharing Easton’s story. I hope that if anything it gives admiration and appreciation to all of the doctors that worked on his case nationally and if nothing else gives one person hope that this can be tackled! 
  • Easton has shared his story of “optimism” to the Beckman student body and faculty recently. 

We continue to count you all in our blessing and marvel at Easton’s tenacity. Journeys like this teach us many lessons. Enjoy the simple things and never take for granted your health. the beauty of faith and that support is one of the greatest blessings of all.

Bug hugs, love and appreciation to all of you for following the journey! 

#EK6 


 



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