Another example of life not being fair . . .

As some of you know, I am an avid follower of several Caringbridge sites. Caringbridge is a free blog service provided to families in crisis.

One of the families that I have been following is the Morgans. They started their site for their son, Ryan. Here is a synopsis of Ryan's journey, taken from their website:

Ryan is ten years old. Diagnosed in '04 with Stage IV Neuroblastoma, one month before his 6th birthday. Ryan had been placed on a treatment protocol (COG ANBL00P1). Ryan has completed: a 6" tummy incision to biopsy the tumor and lymph nodes , 5 rounds of high dose chemo, a 14" incision to surgically remove the tumor, 2 rounds of mega chemo to destroy all blood cells with 2 stem cell transplants, 4 weeks of radiation and six months of Isotretinoin (accutane) oral therapy, more than 100 nights spent at the hospital and many more days. Ryan officially ended that treatment in September 2005. In April 2007, Ryan relapsed. He has since completed 11 rounds of Cytoxan/Topetecan then 3 rounds of VP-16. In April 08 a brain tumor was discovered and Ryan under went a successful Gamma Knife surgery. We then started a combination of temozolomide and irinotecan. In July, Ryan under went surgery to remove what was left of the tumor in preparation for brain and spine radiation. Ryan is presently taking part in a Phase II, 3F8 antibody treatment, interthecally at Sloan in NY.

Shortly after Ryan's relapse, his mom, Missy, was diagnosed with breast cancer. All was going well until recently. Missy's cancer has spread and she is now home on hospice. Here is an entry on Ryan's site regarding Missy's current situation:

There are a lot of things that are wrong in this world. Tonight, Missy and I had to tell our three beautiful children that their mommy is dying. The only thing possibly worse than that, is losing a child. We have appreciated the support from all of our family and friends so much over the years since we started SuperRyan. I never, in a million years thought that I would have to type this on his page. Missy has been every bit as amazing as Ryan while fighting this hideous disease. She was full bore right up until last week, never a complaint about her condition, just constant worry about Ryan and the rest of us. It is still her main concern. I am not sure how and when Missy will be able to handle visitors, it may be just hit or miss depending on how she is feeling. She is on a number of medications for pain, cough and sleep. Our hospital appointments have been changed to Hospice care, our nurse will be here on Saturday. I will plan on having a book by the back door that you can sign if you stop by and she is not able to visit. I am asking for no food...it is a stressor just getting it together, getting everyone sat down and cleaning it all up, also, finicky kids don't help. Thank you for being there for us, praying for us and letting Missy know how much she is loved.Sincerely, Les


I would like to ask that you stop by either Ryan's site or Missy's newly created site to let them know that you are praying for them.

http://www.superryan.blogspot.com/
www.caringbridge.org/visit/missymorgan


Thanks in advance,
Mamasita

New diet!!

For those of you that know me, I am always trying to lose 5 pounds. Guess what? I lost 2 1/2 pounds! Yesterday! In a 24 hour period!

Would you like to know how? Food poisoning. While not enjoyable at all, it is very effective at dropping weight quickly.

The headache that is left after all of the sickness is not very fun, though.

M. and I both came home from school yesterday at mid-day. We stayed in bed (or in the bathroom) until this morning. Tummies are still making strange noises, but hopefully no more forceful ejecting of contents.

I know this was a wholly enjoyable post. Aren't you glad you stopped by??