Jeff, Grier and I went to clinic yesterday and met with Dr. Longee-- He had some results for us-- there has been some more shrinkage of the tumor-- most importantly it looks like it is shrinking away from the lungs-( This is important from a surgical stand point-- he is not having breathing problems) There is still a mass in his abdomen. There is still no results from the bone marrow test.
Our next step will be to consult with several doctors-- of course the pediatric surgeon here in Charlotte who appeared in our room the first days of diagnoses. He has seen the tumor since he did the exploratory biopsy.-- And we will consult with Duke and UNC too-- Dr. Longee is helping us find the best place for the second phase to take place-- We are considering everything-- being close to home, expertise in tumor retraction, consistency in care when and if we do stem cell harvesting, and of course a doctor who is a blue cross blue shield provider-- ( The only 3 pediatric surgeons in Charlotte are not!)
Grier will start round 5 on Tuesday-- we will have 4 days of intense chemo and hopefully be ready for a late Friday discharge-- Cisplatin is the chemo that gave Grier the hardest time with vomiting during treatment and LONG after we were done getting the medicine and it is also the one that can damage hearing.
This week has been a little normal-- pool time, bike riding, walks at Freedom Park ( NO, we did not run into the ball python that was on the news!!), and getting ready for school-- school supplies and forms to fill out!! It felt good to fill preschool forms out for Grier even though I have no idea when he will get to go-- But I know he is ready-- he is talking about going to school a lot--!
Have a great weekend and I will update from the tower next week!!
GO STEEL FAB!
Go Grier Go Magnets are Here!
Before 3F8
After 3F8
30 minutes later
Free Money for Go Grier Go!.. just by shopping online!!
Grier leaving NY-pres and going back to MSKCC
www.cornellpediatrics.org-- Great hospital!
Grier going for a ride in the ambulance across the street
just transporting-- not an emergency!
Grier patiently waiting surgery to remove tumor
Monday 10/29/07
Go Grier Go Picnic in the Park
Thanks to everyone that helped!!!
On the way to NYC!
Grier at the "new" clinic at CMC
Playing with the doctors and nurses 10/19/07
Some of our team at the Hopebuilders 5k
HOPE IS GOOD!!
Supersib- GRACE
SuperSib-- HAYES
Grier and his Wonder Pets fly boat cake!
I am 3!
Grier & Grace at Covenant
Grier & Pat
Go Grier Go!
Jack and Charlie wearing Go Grier Go T's
17 comments:
Thanks for the update, Amy! Good news on the shrinkage away from the lungs -- praise God for that! And good luck next week as Grier goes for Round 5 -- hopefully he will make it through without too much discomfort. Glad you all had a good week at home swimming, walking, and being together. Did you say school was coming soon? Please say no! Actually I have been at ETES frequently during the past weeks and everything is looking good for a smooth opening. I know you, Jeff, Grace, and Grier are ready -- how about Hayes??? I loved the picture of Grace on the Cov website -- so cute! Tell her tht we'll go out for lunch the week of August 13 when I get back from PA.
Love and prayers,
Betty G
Amy,
Glad to hear good news about shrinkange of the tumor around the lungs! That will be a blessing when it comes to talk of surgery.
So happy to hear of your close to normal week and filling out of preschool forms. Mitch talks about First Pres non-stop and asks if Grier will be there...you never know...he's a resilient one!
Thinking of you and Grier all of the time...praying round 5 is uneventful and smooth sailing! Please call me for lunch delivery. Doing B&B w/Tammy Mon/Tues; so, W/Th/F would work well.
Love and prayers...
Dina
So happy to hear that the shrinkage is away from the lungs. We will continue to pray and keep you all close to our hearts. I have spoken to my neighbors about the blood drive so hopefully some will be able to go. We will be out of town but will go to the Red Cross to donate.
Glad you had somewhat of a normal week. School is coming fast. I cannot wait until I see Grier come back to First Presby.
Take good care of yourselves.
As always we think of you and pray for you everyday.
Love,The Paine's
Christenburys! It is so exciting to hear the tumor is shrinking! especially away from the lungs!
I am so thankful there are so many options and positive directions to go from here. Know that if UNC or Duke are in your future, you can count on one Tar Heel visitor :)
Thanks for the updates! Best of luck preparing for school and in the coming weekends! I know you are in everyone's prayers!
Love and God Bless,
Jules
So glad to read the news about Grier. We are still holding him close to our hearts and you, Jeff, Hayes and Grace too! We will pray that the right Doctor finds you. Love, The Steffens
Happy to hear the latest, and rejoicing that that tumor is still shrinking! hoping you all have a good tax free weekend! :) and good luck preparing for Tuesday.
We continue to pray for Grier daily and hope that insurance/surgery plans go smoothly. Please let me know if there is anything Charles/or I can do to help with those fun phone calls. We will pray that his chemo goes well with no adverse reactions or nausea!
Hugs to you all!
Hannah and family
So glad to read the update on Grier. We are still praying for you daily. If you do find yourself at Duke or UNC, we would love to support you in anyway we can.
Take Care,
Susan Stone
Hello, Christenbury Family!
Greetings from Pebble Beach, California. Ralph and I are on a wonderful trip on the California coast - our 40th birthday present to ourselves. We dropped the girls off at Camp on Sunday and headed west Tuesday. Although we have been enjoying the beautiful sights of our country, your family has not been far from our hearts and minds. We have checked the website twice daily for results and prayed diligently and faithfully for good news. We are delighted to hear about the shrinkage of the tumor, especially around Grier's lungs and we know that the team of doctors and surgeons will make decisions in the best interest of Grier's course of treatment and for your family.
We know you know, but if there is anything that any of your prayer warriors can do to ease the burden of making the decision of where to continue treatment...you know we will jump through hoops to make it happen! We love you all and want what is BEST for Grier.
Sally is STILL talking about having Grace spend the night, so when we get settled after camp, we'll try again. Here is to more "normal" days and nights ahead at your house. We will keep our fingers crossed for an uneventful round 5. We love you all!
Lots of hugs,
Nancy
Christenbury Family,
We were happy to read the good news about the shrinking tumors and hope that you will receive some good news from the outstanding tests. We continue to pray for all of you and hope that Round 5 is uneventful and you all are back home quickly.
Love, The Stitchers
Amy & Jeff,
I am so happy to hear the tumor is shrinking- esp away from his lungs. I hope he has a smoother time with the chemo this week. Please know that if any of you need to travel to Duke or UNC- you are welcome to stay at our home as long as you like- we would love to have you and to help in any way we can. Thinking and praying for you always- Jennifer Hatley
You will definitely be in our prayers Tuesday as you start round 5. I'm so glad to hear that the tumor has shrunk away from Grier's lungs! Praying for you to quickly and easily find the right doctor/facility for phase II.
The Arwoods
Just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you. We will say allot of extra prayers that Grier has an easy time.
Let us know if you need anything.
Love,
The Paine's
Amy-
Sounds like the summer sun and Grier's being able to play and act like the 3 year old he loves to be has been well received by his little body. Am happy to hear about the shrinkage from the lung area and am holding you guys in my heart as Grier begins Round 5. Talk about a champ...he is AND you are!!
Love, Alex
Amy,
After being out of town and not knowing what was going on with Grier it is wonderful to read such good news about the tumor shrinking. We will pray that his 5th round of chemo goes well and does not make him sick.
I would love to help out with school supplies if needed. That's always a half day event at Target.
Know that we are thinking about and praying daily for Grier and love the updates and pictures.
Love you, Julie W.
Amy, I am so happy to hear the news about the shrinkage. So many miracles have happened and we know they will continue. I loved the pictures at Covenant! Looks like everyone had a lot of fun. Tell Grace I can see that she has grown this summer. She looks like a second grader! I can't wait to see all of you and my prayers are with you always.
Love Kim H.
Praying daily. It was good to talk with Jeff tonight and we hope to see Hayes soon. Lots of decisions to be made, we hope God gives you the direction you need. We love you all. The Stack Family
Hello Amy and family, Long time time no see but that does not mean you and Grier and Grace and Jeff and Hayes are not in our thoughts everyday. Been working P/T at Curves until school starts and a Lady comes in each afternoon and we talk each day and she goes to Covenant, of course Grier's little name came up and I just want you and the entire family to know that folks all over Charlotte are praying and thinking about you guys. The Lord works in mysterious ways and is all around Charlotte. Just have to share this with you and the family. She and myself check your email as often as we can to keep in touch..you are the life line for all of Charlotte.
Love and alot of kisses and hugs.
A teacher,a friend.a mother,
"Miss Donna"/ Miss Mangle,
"Miss Kimberlee"
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