Okay, so we saw the Neuro-Oncologist last Thursday after having his first MRI...she released Ryan to return to work on 02/02....if he can get past the medical dept. at his work!! The doctor was able to tell that there has been no growth of his cancer...YEA!!! Our appt. with the Radiation Oncologist was cancelled this past Monday, but has been rescheduled for next week. Ryan also starts his next dose of Chemo next week.
Well, that's all the good news I have for now...hopefully with more in the future!
Love to all,
Brenna
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Into the New Year!
Okay, I know I am not keeping this updated as many would like, and for that I am sorry. Our day to day life can get very boring to write and/or read!! So on to what has happened, is happening, and will happen(??).
Ryan completed his radiation on Christmas Eve as planned. We spent a wonderful Christmas day relaxing, sleeping, and playing with all the cool toys the kids got. The kids loved everything they received from the Employees from Frito-Lay, as well as what was supplemented from the Employees of Ineos (Ryan's co-workers). All that everyone contributed really touched our hearts.
Ryan was suppose to have a 5 day break from his chemo - however 5 days turned into 16 days!! We saw his Neuro-Oncologist on Dc. 30 and she said that she thinks Ryan is doing amazing...and if he tolerates this next round of chemo, she may release him back to work!! The dosage went from 140mg each day to 400mg each day!! This is a huge jump for Ryan and we were not real sure how well he would tolerate it. The only good aspect is that he will only take this dosage for 5 days - be off for 23 days - on for 5 - and so on for 6 months to 2 years. Tonight will be his 5 day and he has done extremely well...no sickness!!
Ryan also asked the doctor if he could have a couple of beers to celebrate the New Year?! She told him that as long as he took his seizure medication earlier in the day, she didn't see a problem with a couple. Needless to say - Ryan enjoyed his few beers on New Years Eve!! He sill has 3 months left before he can drive (as long as he remains seizure free).
Ryan is due for an MRI on Jan. 22, followed by a visit to the Nero-Oncologist the same day, and then with his Radiation Oncologist on 01/26. This MRI will be used as a baseline for what the cancer is doing in the future. The MRI taken on 10/12 will not help in determining anything with the cancer because his brain had too much swelling following the surgery. Ryan will continue to have a MRI done every two months as long as he is on the Chemo.
Ryan is still having bloodwork done each Monday. The doctors are having a heck of a time getting his clotting factor to stabilize. One week his blood is too thick - the next its too thin!! We go next week to have the Doppler done on his leg to check and see how the blood clots are doing.
Last week, Ryan and I had a conversation as to what he really knows. He asked how long the doctors had given him to live...being taken back by this question I asked him how long he thought. Ryan replied "I figure 6 months, what do they say?" So I explained it like this - "That the doctors had given us a Statistical number - this number is based mainly on older people who are diagnosed with the same type of cancer. But, that I had been sent a web page called "Young Adults Surviving Glioblastoma" or yasg.com - and on there I have seen where some people his age are anywhere from 3-5 years later from their diagnosis. Some people do better than others. However, our live's are always in Gods Hands and we will be given the time that we are meant to have. Ryan agreed and stated that he feels great - and will continue to have a positive outlook on the battle we continue to fight.
Nothing could have made me happier...there just seems to be no way to bring him down. He refuses to give in to the cancer and let it take over!! Well, before I begin to ramble to much, I will stop for now - but will update after we have completed all his visits for the month.
We continue to request your prayers and love. we are so grateful for all that we have received...and look forward to visits withmany of you. (please continue to call and stop by - Ryan is not bothered by either - he looks forward to hearing from and seeing friends and family, this helps to make his day not so boring!!)
with much love,
Brenna
Ryan completed his radiation on Christmas Eve as planned. We spent a wonderful Christmas day relaxing, sleeping, and playing with all the cool toys the kids got. The kids loved everything they received from the Employees from Frito-Lay, as well as what was supplemented from the Employees of Ineos (Ryan's co-workers). All that everyone contributed really touched our hearts.
Ryan was suppose to have a 5 day break from his chemo - however 5 days turned into 16 days!! We saw his Neuro-Oncologist on Dc. 30 and she said that she thinks Ryan is doing amazing...and if he tolerates this next round of chemo, she may release him back to work!! The dosage went from 140mg each day to 400mg each day!! This is a huge jump for Ryan and we were not real sure how well he would tolerate it. The only good aspect is that he will only take this dosage for 5 days - be off for 23 days - on for 5 - and so on for 6 months to 2 years. Tonight will be his 5 day and he has done extremely well...no sickness!!
Ryan also asked the doctor if he could have a couple of beers to celebrate the New Year?! She told him that as long as he took his seizure medication earlier in the day, she didn't see a problem with a couple. Needless to say - Ryan enjoyed his few beers on New Years Eve!! He sill has 3 months left before he can drive (as long as he remains seizure free).
Ryan is due for an MRI on Jan. 22, followed by a visit to the Nero-Oncologist the same day, and then with his Radiation Oncologist on 01/26. This MRI will be used as a baseline for what the cancer is doing in the future. The MRI taken on 10/12 will not help in determining anything with the cancer because his brain had too much swelling following the surgery. Ryan will continue to have a MRI done every two months as long as he is on the Chemo.
Ryan is still having bloodwork done each Monday. The doctors are having a heck of a time getting his clotting factor to stabilize. One week his blood is too thick - the next its too thin!! We go next week to have the Doppler done on his leg to check and see how the blood clots are doing.
Last week, Ryan and I had a conversation as to what he really knows. He asked how long the doctors had given him to live...being taken back by this question I asked him how long he thought. Ryan replied "I figure 6 months, what do they say?" So I explained it like this - "That the doctors had given us a Statistical number - this number is based mainly on older people who are diagnosed with the same type of cancer. But, that I had been sent a web page called "Young Adults Surviving Glioblastoma" or yasg.com - and on there I have seen where some people his age are anywhere from 3-5 years later from their diagnosis. Some people do better than others. However, our live's are always in Gods Hands and we will be given the time that we are meant to have. Ryan agreed and stated that he feels great - and will continue to have a positive outlook on the battle we continue to fight.
Nothing could have made me happier...there just seems to be no way to bring him down. He refuses to give in to the cancer and let it take over!! Well, before I begin to ramble to much, I will stop for now - but will update after we have completed all his visits for the month.
We continue to request your prayers and love. we are so grateful for all that we have received...and look forward to visits withmany of you. (please continue to call and stop by - Ryan is not bothered by either - he looks forward to hearing from and seeing friends and family, this helps to make his day not so boring!!)
with much love,
Brenna
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Catching Up....
I have heard from several friends that I have not been updating enough....well, I do apologize. Things have been just CRAZY!! We made it thru the Benefit, the Thanksgiving Holidays, and almost with Christmas decorating. If you know Ryan...this is his favorite time. Ryan has a need to place the yard decorations out and get the lights on the house....all with the help of our Neighborhood Family. Which by the way, I am not sure how we could get through our everyday life without. Micki & Steve (long time friends - closer than family), Randall & Carol (what would we do without them? Beep.Beep.Come in Randall.Beep.Beep.), and Monica & Steve (gotta love Cena!).
Okay, Ryan has completed 16 Radiation Treatments....only 14 to go!!! We will have these completed by Christmas Eve!!! At which time Ryan will receive a 5 day break from his Chemo pills!!
This past Tuesday (12/2), Ryan was brushing his teeth in the morning, looked up and noticed a thin spot of hair. Well, naturally he pulled on some of the hair in the same region...low and behold...it just came right out. Ryan now is almost bald in the front, from side to side. I explained that we always knew he would be bald...just a little sooner than we expected. I told Ryan that if it would help him feel more comfortable, I would shave my head when ALL of his hair fell out. He told me no...but I feel that he may be rethinking that idea!!! What he would give to have the chance to shave my head!!! What was I thinking!?!? Overall, Ryan is adjusting with the changes well. He is learning to take moments to rest....but not for too long. I am very proud of how he WANTS to go TOE to TOE with this cancer. There is no way he is ready to give into this disease.
As most everyone knows, the Benefit was held on 11/22....it was so much more than I ever expected!!! It continues to take my breath away when I see all the people who are supporting us emotionally, financially, and physically. I just know that GOD could not have blessed US more! Renewing our vows at this time in our marriage meant so much to me. It has given our relationship a whole new strength that we are going to need to get through the chaos that lies ahead. For those who were present - No it wasn't Ryans idea to renew the vows - Bo SAID it was...just to ensure Ryan didn't run off stage!
The Christmas Shopping begins for some and other's are finishing up...take care and smile at all that you pass....a SMILE is the one thing we can give to anyone for FREE. You never can tell when it might just be what a person needs!!
Love to All,
Brenna
Okay, Ryan has completed 16 Radiation Treatments....only 14 to go!!! We will have these completed by Christmas Eve!!! At which time Ryan will receive a 5 day break from his Chemo pills!!
This past Tuesday (12/2), Ryan was brushing his teeth in the morning, looked up and noticed a thin spot of hair. Well, naturally he pulled on some of the hair in the same region...low and behold...it just came right out. Ryan now is almost bald in the front, from side to side. I explained that we always knew he would be bald...just a little sooner than we expected. I told Ryan that if it would help him feel more comfortable, I would shave my head when ALL of his hair fell out. He told me no...but I feel that he may be rethinking that idea!!! What he would give to have the chance to shave my head!!! What was I thinking!?!? Overall, Ryan is adjusting with the changes well. He is learning to take moments to rest....but not for too long. I am very proud of how he WANTS to go TOE to TOE with this cancer. There is no way he is ready to give into this disease.
As most everyone knows, the Benefit was held on 11/22....it was so much more than I ever expected!!! It continues to take my breath away when I see all the people who are supporting us emotionally, financially, and physically. I just know that GOD could not have blessed US more! Renewing our vows at this time in our marriage meant so much to me. It has given our relationship a whole new strength that we are going to need to get through the chaos that lies ahead. For those who were present - No it wasn't Ryans idea to renew the vows - Bo SAID it was...just to ensure Ryan didn't run off stage!
The Christmas Shopping begins for some and other's are finishing up...take care and smile at all that you pass....a SMILE is the one thing we can give to anyone for FREE. You never can tell when it might just be what a person needs!!
Love to All,
Brenna
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
1st Radiation Treatment
So, yesterday was suppose to be Ryan's first treatment...due to the doctor being unable to make it from one hospital to another...the treatment was put off until this morning. The treatment only lasted maybe 10 minutes total. Ryan said it was painless and the only thing he noticed was seeing blue beams from under his eye lids (kept his eyes closed)!! So now we will be going Monday - Friday for 6wks. to receive his treatment. His standing appt. time is 9:00am each day. All is well with Ryan and we are currently cleaning on the house...something we haven't done much of lately. Ryan is also waiting for his Chemo pills to arrive by mail (thanks to insurance). Just wanted to let everyone know where we are at with his medical condition.
Hope all is well with each of you and your families!!
Love,
Brenna
Hope all is well with each of you and your families!!
Love,
Brenna
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Radiation Oncologist
Today we met with the Radiation Oncologist for the first consultation. Basically, the doctor just went over all the side effects that Ryan might experience. Tomorrow we go back to have a CT Scan done as well as have Ryan fitted for his MASK (to keep his head still during each treatment) fitted. The doctors will work on deciding where the beams of radiation need to be situated for the best results to be obtained...treatment should begin sometime around the middle of the week.
Ryan is doing well with everything and is focused on getting thru the treatment. He did ask the doctor if he would be able to go back to work after he is finished with the radiation, the doctor's reply "If you are feeling up to it!" So that definitely has given Ryan some encouragement and he is ready to get it over with. He is very bored being at home...and I think we are both adjusting to spending so much time together....although....I wouldn't have it any other way!!
Thank you to those of you who continue to offer support to our family.
Brenna
Ryan is doing well with everything and is focused on getting thru the treatment. He did ask the doctor if he would be able to go back to work after he is finished with the radiation, the doctor's reply "If you are feeling up to it!" So that definitely has given Ryan some encouragement and he is ready to get it over with. He is very bored being at home...and I think we are both adjusting to spending so much time together....although....I wouldn't have it any other way!!
Thank you to those of you who continue to offer support to our family.
Brenna
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Letter from a friend...
The following is from a close friend...who has just been awesome in helping us to deal with all we have ahead of us. I wanted everyone to read...because it tells just a bit of how Ryan is getting through all of this!!
Thought I'd share...in as few words as possible with select few -- if nothing else...to substantiate your support of Ryan and his family during this "challenge".
As per stories Brenna told me about Ryan insisting he visit with everyone in the "lobby" versus his room [with or without permission], to his desire to get back to work and continue to be a volunteer fireman 9 days after a craniotomy and coma, 2 days at SeaWorld with his family 2 wks after brain surgery, to enduring pain to eat a cheeseburger at the Rainforest Cafe in Galveston yesterday [seems to refuse to take the easy choice] which tugs on his ? mark or could cause lock jaw or refusing to use an accessible/convenient elevator versus climbing two flights of steep stairs [that leaves me winded]...enduring excrutiating pain due to 2 blood clots in leg [evident by oohs and aahs as he climbs], to BBQing our shish-ka-bobs...the man's too stubborn and competitive for his own good sometimes. Nor can the man sit still for 5 minutes -- always teasing, smiling and making jokes, i.e., "pulling the -- craniotomy excuse card". He even "swiftered" the beach house this afternoon.
I don't know about you ... but ... I just gotta say: "What a Man!" "How many people (especially men), 18 - 20 days after a craniotomy and coma, diagnosed with "brain invasion", with radiation and chemo treatments starting sooner than he'd like, share his fortitude? It was my fortune to only have known one other in my lifetime.
Over the past two days, in Galveston, "upfront and personal", I was "thunderstruck"...reeling with thoughts of "personal strength, valor, courage & patience". Admittedly, also wondering how I would respond if I were Ryan and/or Brenna.
The support Ryan and Brenna have received renews my faith in mankind. I've seen more goodness in so many people.
As Randy Pausch, Author of "The Last Lecture" [See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo] -- This book is a gift to all -- at whatever plight.] writes, "No matter how bad things are, you can always make them worse. At the same time, it is often within your power to make them better." Ryan and Brenna are a shining example of the later!
Together, we have the power to make a difference!
Thought I'd share...in as few words as possible with select few -- if nothing else...to substantiate your support of Ryan and his family during this "challenge".
As per stories Brenna told me about Ryan insisting he visit with everyone in the "lobby" versus his room [with or without permission], to his desire to get back to work and continue to be a volunteer fireman 9 days after a craniotomy and coma, 2 days at SeaWorld with his family 2 wks after brain surgery, to enduring pain to eat a cheeseburger at the Rainforest Cafe in Galveston yesterday [seems to refuse to take the easy choice] which tugs on his ? mark or could cause lock jaw or refusing to use an accessible/convenient elevator versus climbing two flights of steep stairs [that leaves me winded]...enduring excrutiating pain due to 2 blood clots in leg [evident by oohs and aahs as he climbs], to BBQing our shish-ka-bobs...the man's too stubborn and competitive for his own good sometimes. Nor can the man sit still for 5 minutes -- always teasing, smiling and making jokes, i.e., "pulling the -- craniotomy excuse card". He even "swiftered" the beach house this afternoon.
I don't know about you ... but ... I just gotta say: "What a Man!" "How many people (especially men), 18 - 20 days after a craniotomy and coma, diagnosed with "brain invasion", with radiation and chemo treatments starting sooner than he'd like, share his fortitude? It was my fortune to only have known one other in my lifetime.
Over the past two days, in Galveston, "upfront and personal", I was "thunderstruck"...reeling with thoughts of "personal strength, valor, courage & patience". Admittedly, also wondering how I would respond if I were Ryan and/or Brenna.
The support Ryan and Brenna have received renews my faith in mankind. I've seen more goodness in so many people.
As Randy Pausch, Author of "The Last Lecture" [See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo] -- This book is a gift to all -- at whatever plight.] writes, "No matter how bad things are, you can always make them worse. At the same time, it is often within your power to make them better." Ryan and Brenna are a shining example of the later!
Together, we have the power to make a difference!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
We had a wonderful time at Sea World!! Came back with some really funny stories!! I will try to post them at another time.
We are also back from staying with a friend at an awesome beach house on San Luis Pass. Alot of damage is what you see, luckily the house we are in didn't get too much! It was nice to be away from the reality of our life.
When Ryan went to have his staples out....they also found that he had two blood clots. So now he is on blood thinners...both oral and injections.
He is set to see the Radiation Oncologist on Wednesday 11/05...at which time we should find out when his treatment will begin.
There are a couple of Benefit Fundraiser being held for Ryan and our Family...if you wish to find out more about them you may go to: http://ryanlittleton.ning.com/
As always....many thanks to those who have gone ABOVE & BEYOND for our family!!
We are also back from staying with a friend at an awesome beach house on San Luis Pass. Alot of damage is what you see, luckily the house we are in didn't get too much! It was nice to be away from the reality of our life.
When Ryan went to have his staples out....they also found that he had two blood clots. So now he is on blood thinners...both oral and injections.
He is set to see the Radiation Oncologist on Wednesday 11/05...at which time we should find out when his treatment will begin.
There are a couple of Benefit Fundraiser being held for Ryan and our Family...if you wish to find out more about them you may go to: http://ryanlittleton.ning.com/
As always....many thanks to those who have gone ABOVE & BEYOND for our family!!
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