Well, I returned from my 5 days at my brother's house. I saw my nephew several times before and after he started his chemo on Sat. I stayed with my almost 5 year old niece and my 4 month old nephew. It was hard to find the right way to explain things to my niece.

His cancer has not spread. They are undergoing an experimental treatment plan that includes the "regular" drugs plus another drug.

They are in for a long haul. They are doing as well as possible. They came home today with his supplies and everything. It is all so overwhelming. My brother and sister-in-law will need to do things at home and they go in weekly for treatment. (Some weekly appointments will be overnight.) And in 4 weeks, he will have daily radiation for about 5 weeks. It's a lot. The treatment course is 42 weeks. They are going to need so much help and support.

My sister-in-law mentioned that during the radiation weeks, they won't have a life. My brother took offense to that verbage. I think she just meant that radiation will be the focus for the whole family during that time and she is overwhelmed. I hope he is sensitve to that. This could be a struggle for the whole family and they need to be support for each other.

He came home today and just was so sad to see. All he can do is lay around and sleep. He is barely eating. It breaks your heart.

They have had so much love, support, help and prayers. It's amazing!!! Thanks everyone!! I wanted to start a fund at a local bank, but my brother doesn't want people's money. I understand that and hear his pride, but I don't think he is seeing it all yet. If people want to help, maybe he could let them. We'll see.....I worry about them. They are a young family.

Oh wow, that's so sad. I'm sure it will be hard on the family. Sending prayers your way!!!!

I will keep you all in my prayers.
Judy

I can understand not wanting to ask for money, especially when a lot of people are having financial problems. Still, in a situation where something awful's going on, people feel better when they can help in some way. Could SIL let friends and family know that while they're not looking for money, meals/lawn mowing/transportation help/whatever people can offer would be much appreciated? If people do choose to give money, that's at their option, and probably because they're generally busy. It's not matter of charity, people just need to feel they're doing something to fight a problem.

That is how we are trying to explain it to my brother. Also, my family mentioned that while passing cash to the American Cancer Society is great, people want to know "the face" behind things. They are getting gift cards, babysitting and meals right now. I think we will send pharmacy, grocery and restaurant gift cards as we are able.

I hope my brother can see that it is all done in love and support and we know he will "pass it on" and "pay it forward" as he can.

I'm glad to hear it hasn't spread. But, I'm sure it's still going to be a very difficult road. I'll keep praying.

.

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No outfit is complete without cat hairs!

~~~MsMiser

Prayers and love are on the way

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Nicole

Glad to hear it hasn't spread. They do have a really rough time ahead-been there done that. It will pretty much suck, especially when he is going to radiation every day for about 6 weeks total. There are so many other ways that ppl can help w/o just giving $. Send a card, help out w/ the kids, bring meals, bring treats for the other siblings as well, help w/ yard work, plant flowers-just showing up and lending an ear is wonder enough. And of course, prayers, LOTS of prayers. And they will be in mine! Lynne

Mom to Patrick
diagnosed w/ Stave IV Rhabdomyosarcoma 5/19/06
One Year Cancer-Free!!!

Linnybop---Brayden has a Rhabdomysarcoma also. It is in his sinus cavity. I don't know all the details I should.

I appreciate your answers. I know you have been there, done that. I always felt for you and your journey with Patrick.

They have soooooo much help and support now. They have super friends, a great church family, fabulous neighbors and good fmaily support. I hope everyone realizes how long the road is and continues to help.

I got a call today that he had a fever last night shortly after I left. He was back in the hospital. I have not heard an update since this AM. Waiting on a call, BUT...my parents are my info. link and my dad was having chest pains, so they are in the ER.

My thoughts and prayer are with your family.

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Brenda

GO #24 JEFF GORDON