Seth is in count recovery. He went to "zero" rather quickly due to massive doses he is receiving. He is also receiving back pokes; which are direct shots of chemo into his spine. He is supposed to be receiving one more tomorrow.
We are waiting for an update on the Bone marrow Transplant and we won't know the actual success of the chemo until his counts come back up. So...we wait! Of course he is feeling a little pooped and low on energy, but he is a happy and darling little guy and we all love being around him!
Also, we are supporting the Riders Against Cancer fundraising dinner on Monday January 18th at the Noah's event center in Lindon Utah from 6-9pm. This is an organization that helped raise money for Seth last summer/fall. They are raising the funds to become legally recognized as a non-profit organization and to be able to continue support of Seth and his family. If you are interested in donating to them and/or attending the dinner please email darin@rimdoor.com , nick.bollschweiler@hotmail.com or brenttracy1@yahoo.com for tickets and further information.
We appreciate the support and hope you will continue to pray for our little SethMan!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Bone Marrow Transplant Meeting 1/5/2010
Today there was a meeting with the Bone Marrow Transplant team....Here is the information from that. (Beware...I think I have more questions now than before)
Starting today we have begun the 8-12 week "get" ready process for the actual transplant. During this time they concentrate on finding a Bone Marrow match, getting insurance approval etc. This process will be involved and tedious, however they already have over 100 good matches for bone marrow (based on pre-typing) and a handful of good cord blood matches. They will narrow down the matches based a certain criteria to about 5 and then re-type and test further from there.
MEANWHILE.....
Sethman needs to get in remission again. They will continue to do Chemo injections 2x's per week in the spine and once remission is achieved, they will get his counts up then start prep. therapy for transplant. Which is basically as follows: Kill all bone marrow, through major Chemotherapy, plan on that taking 1.5- 2 weeks, then transplant. This is actually done in his room and then we wait for counts to come back. This typically takes around 20 days. for the next 6-8 weeks they watch for Graft vs. Host disease. This is where it gets tricky for me. They actually want to see this as it means the body didn't automatically assimilate the Bone Marrow, rather is "rejecting it" and through another drug the body learns to accept the new bone marrow. For one year Seth will be on the medication for the transplant, but will eventually be able to be weened off.
They told us to expect to be in the hospital for 16-18 weeks, with a slight chance for a few days at home, but it didn't seem like something we should count on.
This was a TON of information and I may not have it all right, but I will update and add to what I have as I get the information. Darin and Shannon are trying to process this all right now as it is a lot to deal with, but the ball is rolling and Seth is fighting!
We are going to be posting some events for fundraising so watch for that or you can always help through paypal or any family member. The money raised so far has been such a blessing and we are grateful for any help we receive, most importantly your prayers.
Starting today we have begun the 8-12 week "get" ready process for the actual transplant. During this time they concentrate on finding a Bone Marrow match, getting insurance approval etc. This process will be involved and tedious, however they already have over 100 good matches for bone marrow (based on pre-typing) and a handful of good cord blood matches. They will narrow down the matches based a certain criteria to about 5 and then re-type and test further from there.
MEANWHILE.....
Sethman needs to get in remission again. They will continue to do Chemo injections 2x's per week in the spine and once remission is achieved, they will get his counts up then start prep. therapy for transplant. Which is basically as follows: Kill all bone marrow, through major Chemotherapy, plan on that taking 1.5- 2 weeks, then transplant. This is actually done in his room and then we wait for counts to come back. This typically takes around 20 days. for the next 6-8 weeks they watch for Graft vs. Host disease. This is where it gets tricky for me. They actually want to see this as it means the body didn't automatically assimilate the Bone Marrow, rather is "rejecting it" and through another drug the body learns to accept the new bone marrow. For one year Seth will be on the medication for the transplant, but will eventually be able to be weened off.
They told us to expect to be in the hospital for 16-18 weeks, with a slight chance for a few days at home, but it didn't seem like something we should count on.
This was a TON of information and I may not have it all right, but I will update and add to what I have as I get the information. Darin and Shannon are trying to process this all right now as it is a lot to deal with, but the ball is rolling and Seth is fighting!
We are going to be posting some events for fundraising so watch for that or you can always help through paypal or any family member. The money raised so far has been such a blessing and we are grateful for any help we receive, most importantly your prayers.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Last entry for 2009.....
So many things are running through my mind tonight as I make one final entry for 2009. When I think back to the beginning of this blog it was to keep everyone in our family informed of Seth's progress. Well, as those of you who aren't family know, more have followed Seth's journey on this blog than just family. We are grateful for you! Your prayers are being felt and your support has helped ease our burdens. As we plunge into 2010 and make goals for the new year, I hope that we all have somewhere in that list to add a little something extra. As I spent last night at the hospital I realized there are so many patients in hospitals like this one all over. I also realized there are families, just like ours, with a child, grandson, cousin, nephew, or friend in these hospitals. So I thought it would be great if we all tried to lighten the burden for one family in this situation. You decide how, maybe it volunteering as a "baby-sitter" at the children's hospital by your home. (yes, they really have a program for this) which gives a mom or dad a much needed break when they need someone to be with their child 24/7. You could make a donation in someones name to help fight cancer! You can join the Riders Against Cancer organization and help get it up and running. You choose, but it would be great to get feedback on what you do!
As for Seth....he is receiving heavy duty Chemo for 5 days as wells as injections into his spine 2 times per week. This is undoubtedly going to make him a very sick little guy, but from what everyone has said, this is the best next step. He is so strong and knows nothing but to fight so we will do whatever we have to in order to encourage him to keep fighting. He will go 21 days from the end of Chemo and then start again. Of course, this is all subject to change, but I will give you the information as I get it.
Thanks for all your prayers! WE love you all!
As for Seth....he is receiving heavy duty Chemo for 5 days as wells as injections into his spine 2 times per week. This is undoubtedly going to make him a very sick little guy, but from what everyone has said, this is the best next step. He is so strong and knows nothing but to fight so we will do whatever we have to in order to encourage him to keep fighting. He will go 21 days from the end of Chemo and then start again. Of course, this is all subject to change, but I will give you the information as I get it.
Thanks for all your prayers! WE love you all!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Seth's progress 12/30/2009
At midnight last night Seth was to start Chemo. Shannon told us to expect him to be pretty sick through time as he is going to get very heavy doses and several types of Chemo. He is going to be able to leave his room as long as he has a count and as long as he isn't hooked up on Chemo. Once his count is down, he won't be able to leave his room. And from what it sounds like he won't want too! Just a reminder, this round he is going through is to achieve remission...then on to the bone marrow transplant. The sooner we get there, the better, so your prayers for a speedy remission are greatly appreciated.
Also, there will be information posted here for a Spaghetti dinner on January 18th to raise money for an organization called Riders Against Cancer. This is a group that helped raise money for Seth in the fall. Darin and Nick (my brothers, seths dad and uncle) are heading up with a gentleman named Brent to get this organization "legalized" and recognized as a charity group. This organization will help families dealing with Cancer. Whether they need help with bills, living expenses, etc. The organization wants to have money to help them. This dinner will be to raise the money necessary to pay the attorney fees to get the organization set up. Also to continue to raise money for Seth. It will be held at Noah's in Sandy and the suggested donation will be $10 per person, $35 for family of 5, $2 raffle tickets and any other donations you feel inclined to help with. I will get more information or you can visit the group page on Facebook: Riders Against Cancer.
We are still looking for fundraising opportunities if you have any ideas or would like to help, please let us know! Remember to keep praying for Seth, Darin, Shannon and kids! We love you all!
Also, there will be information posted here for a Spaghetti dinner on January 18th to raise money for an organization called Riders Against Cancer. This is a group that helped raise money for Seth in the fall. Darin and Nick (my brothers, seths dad and uncle) are heading up with a gentleman named Brent to get this organization "legalized" and recognized as a charity group. This organization will help families dealing with Cancer. Whether they need help with bills, living expenses, etc. The organization wants to have money to help them. This dinner will be to raise the money necessary to pay the attorney fees to get the organization set up. Also to continue to raise money for Seth. It will be held at Noah's in Sandy and the suggested donation will be $10 per person, $35 for family of 5, $2 raffle tickets and any other donations you feel inclined to help with. I will get more information or you can visit the group page on Facebook: Riders Against Cancer.
We are still looking for fundraising opportunities if you have any ideas or would like to help, please let us know! Remember to keep praying for Seth, Darin, Shannon and kids! We love you all!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Update 12/28/2009
I just returned from visiting with Seth and Darin in the hospital tonight. It was great fun to play with Seth who is acting as though he feels fine. he is such a cute kid and he makes me happy! Darin was there and Shannon was home getting stuff together for another long stay at the hospital. Here's the scoop.....The Doctors have decided to throw everything they have at this Cancer. meaning strong Chemo with some that is part of a new trial. They will do injections in his spine as well. In order for Seth to receive the Bone Marrow Transplant, which he now needs, he will have to achieve remission. That is the sole goal for the next 2 months. It is likely he won't leave the hospital for at least 6 weeks, mostly likely 8.
I am so emotional as I write this and as I am trying to give you the facts I guess I feel like I am at liberty to interject some of my own feelings...since I am the blog author :) First, I ask for your prayers. I believe there is hope, always. I believe we can NEVER give up hope. I know that prayers are heard and answered. We have seen the power of prayer over the past months and frankly I expect nothing less than answered prayers as we continue. No doubt this has knocked us off our feet. But we must have hope. Second, I ask for you to keep your positive comments coming. Sometimes it seems as if there is nothing we can say, but I know your positive, loving, faith promoting comments help bolster in the darker moments, so PLEASE send your messages of love and support to Darin, Shannon, Seth, Corbin and Jenna. I promise, they read this blog and the comments! Third, I ask for you to help brainstorm with us for fund-raising opportunities; including being willing to help organize, host and donate. This is a very financially taxing challenge and we are committed to help them get through it with as little financial stress as possible. I know that many of you have some incredible creativity in making things, getting donations and just giving super ideas....so please let them flow, we are ready!
We love you all so much. This has been so amazing to see how wonderful people have pulled together for SethMan...so please, keep praying and pulling...
Praying for SethMan
Seth was re-admitted to the hospital last night (12/27/2009) for a bacterial infection which we were told was "normal" for kids in Seth's situation. However, what Darin was trying to keep private through the Christmas festivities was that Seth Spinal fluid showed a white count of 87. This is not good and although we thought it could be from the infection, we found out this morning it isn't. The cancer is back. At this point I now few details, but I will be posting today as I get them. From what Darin has been told at this point, Seth will go the Bone Marrow Transplant Registry and that is the next step....what leads up to the actual transplant I don't know as of yet. Darin is heading to the hospital to be with Seth and Shannon and to gather more information. I will update when I know something. We appreciate your prayers on his behalf.
Also, we are accepting donations either through Paypal or to a family member in Seth's name as there are several huge expenses that have arisen the past few weeks and with this news of Seth going back to the hospital it will become more difficult to meet them. We know you have all be so generous and hope you know how very much we appreciate your love and support!
If you want to know when there is an update to this blog, become a follower or email me your email address and an alert will go out when there is an update. (dtwebarker@msn.com)
Also, we are accepting donations either through Paypal or to a family member in Seth's name as there are several huge expenses that have arisen the past few weeks and with this news of Seth going back to the hospital it will become more difficult to meet them. We know you have all be so generous and hope you know how very much we appreciate your love and support!
If you want to know when there is an update to this blog, become a follower or email me your email address and an alert will go out when there is an update. (dtwebarker@msn.com)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The final round and a HUGE surprise...
Seth went back to the hospital on Tuesday, November 10th for his final round of Chemo. We are all very anxious for this final month. Needless to say we have anticipated the completion of this phase and are very ready to let this little guy get back to being a normal 2 year old.
So the surprise in this final round is that Sethman will get to go home tomorrow for a 5 day 'home visit' and then return for 2 days of Chemo and count recovery. This is so exciting just due to the fact that he has more room to roam at home and mom and dad get to sleep and function on a more "normal" basis. Of course, all of this can change and I will keep this final month up to date more regularly as we will find out what the next weeks, months and years have in store for our little Sethman!
Keep the prayers coming! GO FIGHT WIN Sethman! We love you!
So the surprise in this final round is that Sethman will get to go home tomorrow for a 5 day 'home visit' and then return for 2 days of Chemo and count recovery. This is so exciting just due to the fact that he has more room to roam at home and mom and dad get to sleep and function on a more "normal" basis. Of course, all of this can change and I will keep this final month up to date more regularly as we will find out what the next weeks, months and years have in store for our little Sethman!
Keep the prayers coming! GO FIGHT WIN Sethman! We love you!
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