Ryan’s Story

Site created on December 13, 2020

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Well, I am not really sure how to start this so I will just try to start at the beginning.  The week before Halloween, Ryan was having some rectal bleeding.  As the week went on, the bleeding worsened.  He went to Urgent Care on October 29th and they sent him to a GI doctor.  The doctor scheduled a colonoscopy and endoscopy for the following Tuesday but told Ryan if anything worsened to go to the Hospital.  Well that evening, things got worse.  I took Ryan to the ER and we were seen early Friday morning.  His hemoglobin level was low because he lost so much blood.  They did a CT scan and saw an area of concern in his descending colon area.  They admitted him into the Hospital.  I can't remember everything they did on the exact day but over the course of the next several days (we left on the following Thursday), the doctors found a large polyp in his rectal area (this was causing a lot of the bleeding) and they removed it.  They also found a huge tumor in his descending colon that had also pushed out into some of the nearby tissues.   They biopsied it and we waited.  They ordered a CT scan of his upper torso area.  They found an area of concern there in his left lung.  They scheduled a bronchoscopy and biopsied a mass they found.  At one point we were hoping that Ryan had 2 different types of cancers, but that wasn't the case.  By the time we left on Thursday, Ryan was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer that had metastasized to his lung and had a port put in so he could start receiving chemo treatments.  As always, we put our faith in God and know that no matter what He has Ryan and all of his family in His loving arms.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Meredith Wickstrom

Hello loved ones, 
We hope everyone is doing well and enjoying this beautiful weather!  We have been busy so sorry for not posting any updates in a while. Ryan recovered well from his hernia surgery and started back chemo on February 14th.  He had a second round last week and all things considered he has done well. He does get extremely tired but that is to be expected. Before he could start the chemo again, they did another scan. His liver, colon, and other abdominal areas are all clear which is such a blessing. The spots in his remaining lung did get a tiny bit bigger. The one that they seem to measure most went from 6 mm to 8 mm.  We figured this might happen with him being off chemo for his hernia surgery. The spot on his back did grow the most and is uncomfortable for Ryan, but at least it is not attached to a major organ and for that we are most grateful to God. Since the tumor on the back is continuing to get bigger and cause discomfort, Ryan will do 3 days of radiation next week on that spot. He will have radiation on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We would appreciate any prayers that this goes well for Ryan.  We are continuing to stay positive and put our faith in God!! Ryan is already such a walking miracle and God has blessed us beyond measure!! I do have another request… I know Ryan is a hugger and I mean how can you not want to hug him, he is a teddy bear, but if you can, please be careful with him. He will be very sensitive on his back.   Also please save the date of May 19th from 2-5pm.  Some of our amazing friends are organizing a benefit for Ryan at Gypsy Road Brewery. We would love for you all to come and celebrate Ryan with us that day!! Much love from our little family to all of you!!

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