History

Journal History

Tuesday, February 7, 2006 1:33 AM CST

I know it has been a very long time since the last update, but as I've said before- no news is good news.

Marshall is doing great in school. He has had a bad past three days because he has a talking problem. His teacher said he isn't getting any of his work done, so I told him he will have to do it at home if he doesn't do it at school, in addition to his regular homework.

I am going to school full time, but still have plenty of time for Marshall, except on Monday nights when I have a four hour class. He hangs out with his buddy Eli until his dad can pick him up.

He isn't too excited about karate anymore. He pretty much lost all interest in that once he got his black belt.

We are taking Marshall to the Budweiser Shootout on Saturday Feb. 11th- it's a much shorter race than the Daytona 500, so we thought he could handle it, the 500 is a little too long for him. He's excited and everyday he tells me how many days we have until the race. He is excited about seeing Jeff Gordon, his favorite driver.

All of Marshall's most recent scans were fine, and he is in perfect health. Next month we will be celebrating four years of being cancer free. The five year mark is where it is pretty safe to say he's cured, although doctors don't like to use the word cured. With neuroblastoma the longer he goes without relapsing the chances of survival increase tremendously.

That's all for now. Marshall's doing really well, he's smart, he's healthy, and active. He's a little smart alec too, but that's to be expected- look at who his parents are.

We're just waiting for the pool to open so he can start swimming again, he loves to swim.

Friday, September 2, 2005 9:40 AM CDT

Marshall is doing great. He loves school, and is doing very well. He loves his teacher, and he is making lots of friends.

We are getting ready for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, so anyone who wants to be a part of it should contact me as soon as possible. I will be sending letters and emails out soon, with lots of information. My moms group is planning on helping, but we need a lot more than that.

Marshall is still enrolled in Karate but he doesn't like it anymore, and he never wants to go. Once I get in the groove with my school schedule, I will start bringing him again and hopefully he'll get back into it. Ever since he got his black belt he has completely lost interest.

We are going to Kansas for Christmas. I know Marshall will hate the long car ride, but he'll enjoy it when we get there, especially if it snows.

We are planning to have Marshall's birthday party at the movie theatre this year. I never want to do another Chuck E. Cheese party, and he's getting too old for Build-A-Bear.

Things are uneventful medically, which is absolutely fantastic news. He's in great health, growing like a weed, and is more intelligent than I ever remember being at that age. He has outgrown almost all of his clothes, so we will need to go shopping for some outfits pretty soon. He still hates underwear, he will wear boxer shorts, but he'd rather wear nothing at all.

I guess that's it. There's not really much more to say, Marshall is doing really well, and that's great news.

Friday, June 10, 2005 1:30 PM CDT

It has been a long time since I last updated, but as I have said before- no news is good news. In this case it's great news. Marshall has been doing very well.

Marshall's summer vacation began on May 20, he ended the school year with mono, but he's doing fine now. His latest scans have been clear. The mono incident scared us quite a bit, because he was complaining of throat pain. We felt bumps in his throat, so immediately took him to the doctor. Once she ruled on strep, we really got scared. She ordered blood work, and it took a few long days to get the results. We were actually happy that it was mono. But looking at it from our persepctive, you could probably see why. He's fine now, his mono is gone, and he's happy and healthy.

Marshall frequently mentions things about when he was getting treatment. One day he asked me if I was mad at him for getting cancer. Isn't that sad? I told him no, and he said "But Cancer is bad." And so I explained to him that cancer is bad, not the people who get it.

We thought that his growth would be delayed, but it seems he grows more and more everyday, and he's pretty much the same size as all his friends that are his age. He doesn't seem to have any problems socially or otherwise. He did have a bad school year, but that wasn't because of long term effects of chemo, that was because of stubbornness. Marshall doesn't like to do things that are not on his internal agenda. Marshall marches to the beat of his own drummer.

We took him to see Star Wars Epsidoe 3, and he fell asleep during it. He wants to see it agian, and he said he'll stay awake this time, so I guess we will see.

That's all for now. Oh, and anyone that wants to help with our Relay for Life 2006 team please contact me at mardawer@yahoo.com

Tuesday, August 24, 2004 10:01 PM CDT

It has been quite awhile since I've updated, but no news is good news. Marshall had a bone marrow biopsy a couple weeks ago, and he's supposed to get a few scans soon- I have to reschedule them. The doctor told us this last biopsy is the final one he'll get,unless they have a reason to do another one.

Marshall is doing very well,and is happy, smart, and sweet as always. He's a doll. He got his first degree black belt on June 12, but has completely lost interest in Karate.

He just started Kindegarten, and seems to like it. I think he's a little unsure about it. I hate it. I hate bringing him to school, I really hate dropping him off and not being able to talk to the people that are responsible for his well being during the day. He's been with me most of his life thus far, and I think he's alittle concerend aobut me leaving him all day. He was in preschool, but only while I was in class. This is all new to him. I hate that he's going to school. It's making me crazy.

But enough about that. The important thing is Marshall is doing very well, and is healthy, and strong, and happy.

Wednesday, April 28, 2004 9:01 AM CDT

Marshall had his port taken out on April 15. His chest is a little bruised, and the area where it was removed from is a little itchy, but he's doing fine.

Right now, Marshall is into "The Lion King." He watches that movie everyday.

He had another Karate graduation on Saturday the 24th, and he finally got a chance to break a real board, and he did it after only four tries. I got it on video tape, he's very proud of himself. Mr. Moore signed and dated the broken board and let Marshall take it home, I'm going to see if I could figure out some way to display it.

He has his formal black belt graduation in June, and he'll get his black belt with his name on it.

I am off for now, I know I have not been good about keeping this page up to date, but no news is good news, right?

Wednesday, September 10, 2003 11:03 AM CDT

It has been a very long time since I've last updated this page. There really isn't too much to say.

Marshall is doing great. he's been cancer free since March 2002, and he just had a bone marrow biopsy on August 28 which came back normal- Yayyyyyyyy!!!!

I started school on September 2nd, so Marshall started day care, and he likes it- he might start going full time pretty soon, I'll have to see if I can live with that.

Marshall will be getting his black belt very soon- probably within the next few weeks, and on October 18th he competes in the Fall Nationals in Orlando. I'm thinking about taking him to Disney World or someplace fun the day after, but I don't know, that's a lot to pack into one day for a little one.

Marshall's teacher's name is Ms. Kellen, and he seems to like her. He won't tell me the names of any of the kids. I guess kids aren't real big on introducing themselves.

We drove to Kansas a couple weeks ago, and Marshall had fun. He really liked St. Louis, I don't know why he was so excited about St. Louis, but he was. We drove up, and down mountains through northern Georgia, and Tennessee and he likes that too- but the ride home was another story, he was ready to be home, and did not like the drive. I doubt we'll ever drive it again, next time we'll have to fly, he should like that.

Marshall will have a nurses visit sometime this month for a port flush, and I'm going to talk to her aobut getting the port removed. And he won't have to see the doctor again until November. I'm glad we don't have to be at the hospital and Nemour's all the time now, but it was often a lot of fun for Marshall, and I miss that part; but I will have to get over it.

I guess that's it for the update, there's not really much else going on around these parts, and I really need to think about getting back to class.

Thursday, March 13, 2003 3:36 PM CST

Marshall has been cancer free for a year. Yayyyyyyy!!!!

Eric and I took Marshall to the hospital on Monday March 10th for a CT scan and a bone scan. It did not go well, Marshall was not as cooperative as he has been in the past- he was great for the nurses, but mean to his parents. We got the results yesterday, and they were normal.

His bone marrow biopsy was this morning, and I am so tired now. He had to be at the hospital at 7:30, and his biopsy was around 10:00. He woke up pretty quickly afterwards so we didn't have to hang out at the hospital for hours and hours.

Marshall is still in Karate, he loves it (most of the time). He's probably going to skip it tonight, although he doesn't seem to be uncomfortable. He goes almost every day, and does really well considering most of his classes are an hour long. He usually says he doesn't want to go, but once we get there he's happy.

Marshall is going to be an honorary survivor at the Relay for Life on May 3rd, and his Karate School is going to do a demonstration, Mr. Moore said he's going to include Marshall in the demonstration.

Everything is going really well, hopefully everything will continue to go smoothly and we can put this whole cancer nonsense behind us.

Sunday, January 05, 2003 at 12:49 PM (CST)

It has been a very long time since my last update. Everything is going well, and Marshall is doing just fine. He'll have another bone marrow aspirate this week, and hopefully I'll be able to update the site more thoroughly.

Friday, July 12, 2002 at 03:59 PM (CDT)

Marshall had a bone marrow biopsy yesterday, so we should have the results in about a week. I feel pretty confident that we are gong to hear good news. He has had pain after his last few biopsy's, and yesterday was no different so he was given morphine. He was a real grouch afterwards, but i'd be grouchy too if someone was digging in my bones. He slept most of the day, but did get up to play for a little while.

I enrolled Marshall in Karate in May and he's doing so great. He got his orange belt on June 21st- and had a little graduation, it was so cute. His instructor, Mr. Moore is very good, he's really patient and great with the kids. And Marshall loves everyone there, and they all love him too, of course. He's so irresistible.

We're taking Marshall to Six Flags over Georgia in September, and Wild Adventures next month, hopefully. We have the World Passport from Give Kids the World, so we get free admission to a lot of places until March 15, 2003. We are going to try to go to as many places as we can that are on the list.

I will hopefully be able to post some karate pictures pretty soon, so everyone can see how cute Marshall is in his little uniform. I took some pictures of him in his sparring gear- he looks really cute- and TOUGH.

I'll try to get those pictures soon, and I'll update when I get Marshall's biopsy results.

Saturday, March 30, 2002 at 10:51 PM (CST)

Well, it's about time for an update,although things have still been pretty uneventful. Except for Marshall's dream trip. Aslan House sent us to Orlando for a week to stay at Give Kids the World, and to go the all of the theme parks- Marshall didn't have to wait on any lines and got extra special treatment everywhere we went. He was even Knighted at Medieval Times- which was in my opinion the neatest part of the whole trip.

We went to the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, MGM, Universal, and Islands of Adventure- we also could've gone to Sea World and EPCOT, but chose not too. We saved our Sea World tickets and will use them later. And we also ended up with two extra Universal/Islands of Adventure tickets, so we'll be going back there soon too.

Marshall really liked Give Kids the World. It was pretty amazing- we were pampered there. They lent us a video camera for two days, so we even have a nice little movie of our vacation. There is so much to tell aobut it, but not tonight, I'm tired- and tomorrow is Easter- and the Easter Bunny is due to bring MArshall's basket any minute now.

Don't forget to sign the guestbook.

Thanks-
Dawn

Tuesday January 29, 2002 7:06 PM CST

I haven't updated in awhile because things have been pretty uneventful until recently. Marshall is having a good day, despite having chemo earlier today. He's been having headaches that we thought a little head cold was to blame, but the cold is gone and he still seems to be complaining about his head. So, he will get a CT scan soon. I'm waiting for his nurse to let me know when.

His most recent biopsy was on Thursday, January 24th, so we should get the results back soon. We never got his BIS results from the biopsy he had in December because it was never sent to BIS- I was pretty upset about that. You'd think when a child's little bones are dug into, they'd make sure it got sent to the right place. Thank God his treatment didn't depend on the results. This is the second time this has happened, and it shouldn't even happen once. I'm still fuming about it, but there's not really anything they can do about it now.

Marshall is talking so much now, and he does not shut up- which I don't mind, my talks with Marshall are really just about the most intelligent conversation I ever have. Sometimes he blows me away with the things he knows.

He started this most recent round of chemo on Sunday Jan 27 at the hospital. actually got him to eat breakfast- it was bacon dipped in butter, btu at least it was something. There's definitely a lot of calories in that, and calories are important when you're a chemo patient.

He is still on Accutane, two weeks on, two weeks off. He's on the on cycle right now, and he'll be finished on Friday February 1st. Right now he's getting cephelexin for an infection he had that caused an ugly rash. He had impetigo, but it seems to be all cleared up now.

I took Marshall and all his little friends to see Harry Potter. I think I was more impressed with it then the kids were. The theatre was packed and the only children there were the ones I had with me.

Making Strides is on Saturday February 2nd, and Marshall and I are both walking. We are going to have a lot of people there cheering him on. Of course, Marshall isn't going to walk the whole five miles- I will have his stroller with me. Thanks to everyone who helped raise money for the American Cancer SOciety with this event.

Relay for Life will be coming up next, sometime in the Spring, and we are going to form a team to participate in that. It's an overnight event, but I won't make the whole team stay out all night.

Well, I think that's about all I have to update with. Marshall has chemo tomorrow, so we need to be off too bed soon.

Friday, November 30, 2001 at 11:49 AM (CST)

Marshall is getting chemotherapy this week. It has been very uneventful. He has to get it tomorrow after the ACS Christmas party, too- but that's o.k., he'll have fun at the party. He's still getting irinetican, and he's handling it very well. He's had no hair loss, hardly any nausea, and has only had two hospital stays since he started the irinetican in February- and both of those stays were related to dehydration. He's drinking a lot more, and he's eating a lot better than he ever has. He's off the pediasure, or as we called it, "bites".

A few funny things that have happened the past couple days:

-The other morning Marshall woke up and I was getting him ready to go for chemo, he said "Dawn, I want some bacon."
-At Denny's, Marshall sees a woman with glasses and kinda short dark hair, and he said "Look Dawn, it's Harry Potter."
-He frequently asks for his cousin Addy, someone he hasn't seen very often, but he remembers her, it's so cute. He'll be happy at Christmas when he'll get to see her.
-He throws a fit when we leave the doctor. He loves going to the doctor. What a crazy kid.
-I had all the kids I watch in my bedroom while Marshall was playing by himself, because he's real independant, and he runs in my room and says "Hey, what's going on in here?".
-If I pretend like i'm going to cry or if I say I'm sad, he'll desperately say "I love you, Dawn."

That's about it for now. He's always doing and sayinf funny things. I was being harassed about updating his journal, so I'm updating it, I know it isn't going to win any pulitzer's.

I have to run now, Danny is here and he wants to watch Power Ranger's.

Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 10:07 PM (CST)

Marshall's November 1st bone marrow biopsy results are all negative. His resutls have been negative before andcome back positive the next time around, but I can feel assured that the chemo is working. He won't start another round of chemo until the MOnday following Thanksgiving, which is going to be an even rougher week than normal with the Christmas shopping traffic.
He had an IV IG infusion today, and did well on three hours. He also got his pantamedine today. He sat in the infusion room and watched Shrek and Jurassic Park. It was a long day.

Marshall is scheduled to have chemo on his birthday, so I am brining him cupcakes to the clinic. No one wants to have chemo on their birthday, so he deserves a party. His birthday party is going to be on December 8th. I'm really looking foreward to it, I think this will be his funnest birthday yet.

Christmas is going to be a great this year because he's really old enough to get into it. It's been fun every year with Marshall, but I think this year will be a real blast. Mommy and Daddy Claus have a lot of goodies for him. Hopefully he won't be in the hospital for Christmas, I have no reason to beleive he will be, he's done so great so far and has had only two or three hospital stays since the irinetican started back in February.

I'm a little nervous, because he won't be getting irinetican anymore after February 2002, so I am wondering whats next. The consensus seems to be that chemo alone won't cure him.

The ACS Children's Christmas party is coming up, and I'm excited, and I'm going to Marshall excited too. I know it's silly, but I like thingsl ike that, especially with a fun guy like Marshall to do them with.

I took Marshall and his friend, Danny to see Monsters, INC at the drive inn the other night, and he seemed to like it. I loved it, it was very cute.I highly recommend it.

That's all for the update right now, I really have nothing new to share other than the grand biopsy news.

Check again for updates-
Dawn, Marshall, and Eric

Sunday, October 28, 2001 at 12:20 AM (CDT)

Marshall starts a new round of chemotherapy on Monday (Irinetican). He gets it for five days in a row. On Thursday he gets a double whammy- a bone marrow biopsy AND chemo. That should make for an interesting day.

We took Marshall to the fair twice. THe second time he rode a few rides with dad- he loved the bumper cars, the scrambler, and the baby himalaya. He also rode a little NASCAR ride, he rode in the Jeff Gordon car.

Marshall's going to be Jeff Gordon for Halloween. His costume is so cute. We bought it at AutoZOne, I couldn't resist it-not because I'm a NASCAR fan, but because Marshall wanted to be a race car driver. I don't think anything can top last years costume though, he was the cutest little Eeyore.

We've made two attempts to take Marshall to the Spooktacular at the Zoo, hopefully tomorrow night will be the charm. I am just so tired by five in the afternoon, that I don't feel like doing anything.

We are looking foreward to a rough chemo week. Now that Eric is on the day shift,I have to get up in the wee hours of the morning to drive him to work- than I have to come home and get me and Marshall ready to go to the doctor. And than we get to spend our day at the clinic, and than go get Eric at work. Mondays are worse than any other day, but I think this week Thursday is going to be the real bad one.

Marshall has a ball at the clinic. He's into The Wizard of Oz, Choo choo trains, and Power Rangers now. I think this Christmas will be really fun with him.

I better run for now, I think that's about all I have to update on. I'llpost something new after Halloween. Happy Halloween everyone.

Thursday, September 20, 2001 at 12:33 AM (CDT)

Marshall's most recent biopsy came back positive. He has two nb cells per million on one side, and one per million on the other side. But we willnot lose hope. This is just a set back, nothing more. The plan is still the same, he will stay on chemo for about eight more months, and than we'll go from there.

He got pantamedine yesterday through his buddy (his port o cath). He wasn't scheduled to see the doctor, but he didn't feel well, so he saw him anyway.So Marshall had to spend the night at the hospital last night, because of vomiting and dehydration. But he's home now and he's fine. He's a little cranky, but he has the right to be.

We are having a party for him on Sunday Sept. 23rd, anyone who can come it is at our house and will start at 4:00. It should be a lot of fun, especially with Marshall there since he is always the life of the party.

He's still into the dinosaurs and asks to watch them all the time. He likes Veggie Tales from time to time but a singing tomato is no match for a T-Rex.

Hopefully our next update will be good news. Think about my little guy, he needs the support. Thanks to everyone.

Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 11:33 PM (CDT)

Marshall is cancer free. His last bone marrow biopsy came back zero per million on both the left and right side. He still needs to continue chemo for awhile, at least a year, but he is doing very well and is just as strong and energetic as ever.

The other day someone asked me if Marshall gets at least one hour of physical activity a day. Hmmmmm...apparently she couldn't tell. He is a ball of energy. He does not slow down for anything. He doesn't know he's supposed to be tired, weak, and sickly. He started this course of chemo two days ago and he has not let it bother him. Yes, he is a crab at Nemour's when the Benadryl kicks in and he starts to feel tired- but it's not because he minds the chemo, it's because he doesn't want to go to sleep. There are too many things to do, and people to see.

Marshall is also still taking his Accutane. He painted with Miss Joli today at Nemour's, and the paint was in syringes, and Marshall pointed to them and said "Accutane". I thought it was funny.

He's sleeping right now, and I really should be following his lead before he wakes up and decides it's party time. I will keep everyone posted on anything new news as soon as I can.

Don't forget to sign the guestbook.

Thursday, July 26, 2001 at 10:41 PM (CDT)

I have not updated in awhile, so I guess it is about time I do. Marshall is doing well, he's sleeping soundly right now. He is such a cutie. He has a bone marrow biopsy this morning, and was pretty uncomfortable when he woke up from the anesthesia, he was itchy-- my poor little guy. He'll be fine though, he's a little fighter-- and after he had a real good nap today he was fine, and happy- he played with his buddies Jade and Aaron, and got to go visit his "mom"-- which is what he calls Jade and Aaron's mom, the little booger.

I took Marshall to see Jurassic Park III tonight, and he seemed to like it, he got real excited about the dinosaurs. There was a character named Eric in it, and he kept saying Eric, through out the movie-- but the character he was calling Eric was actually named Billy- go figure.

As far as health issues, Marshall'slife has been pretty uneventful. No fevers, no real problems, nothing noteworthy. He should be starting chemo again next week, but I have not heard anything yet, I'll have to cal Nemour's tomorrow to check with them.

Marshall had an exciting summer, his cousin Marina visited from Alabama, and he had a ball with here- although he never wanted to be left with her, he only likes mommy and daddy. His Auntie Debby will be staying with us for a little while beginning this Saturday, and I know he will love that.

That's really all I have for right now, no big news. I'll post the biopsy results as soon as I have them.

Saturday, June 16, 2001 at 10:46 PM (CDT)

Marshall had a bone marrow biopsy this past Thursday, it will take about a week for us to get all the results back, we are hopingfor good news- of course, but if the news is less than perfect, we know they will be one day.

There's nothing really new to say, except that Marshall starts chemo on Monday, and it's outpatient, so no awful hospital stays.

Marshall hasn't had to stay a night in the hospital for a long time. He used to end up in the ER, and than admitted to 5Wolfson after every course of chemo, but he's been doing really good this time. There is really nothing they can do for him at the hospital that we can't do for him at home, accept IV antibiotics, but I'd rather drive him back and forth to the clinic to get them than to stay in the hospital.

Marshall might get to go to Disney World again in September, hopefully this time he'll be old enough to have more fun.

I am so glad I can stay home and babysit so Marshall can make friends- he has a new buddy now, Danny. So now he has plenty of little friends to play with. He has been playing cars with Aaron almost all day today, but now Jade and Aaron are asleep- but Marshall is still going at it.

We are going to pick up Marshall's Cousin Marina tomorrow in Alabama to bring her home with us for awhile. Marshall loves her, and she's a really big help. Hopefully I will be able to take her to Wild Adventures or Islands of Adventure before she goes home.

Sunday, May 06, 2001 at 02:49 PM (CDT)

Marshall started radiation on Thursday May 3, it was pretty uneventful. So far he's had two rounds of radiation, and so far has had no icky side effects. He is quite a little trooper. His radiation oncologist is Dr Schoepple, and she's really nice.

Marshall may receive chemo ina week or so, even though he'll still be getting radiation, so he won't be so far behind on his irinetican. I will talk to Nurse Verna tomorrow to discuss that further.

We went to the movie today. It was Marshall's first timea t a movie theatre, we went to see THE MUMMY RETURNS. He sat through the whole thing, he's such a good boy. He seemed to like it. I know, I know- it wasn't exactly a children's movie, but it was more exciting. SHRECK will be int heatres soon, so I will take him to see that, it's a kids movie.

My little guy is growing up. He's talking so well, and is getting to be pretty stubborn- I wonder where he gets that. His favorite movie is Space Jam, and he can name all the different types of balls he has- volleyball, baseball, basketball (his favorite) soccer ball, golf ball, football. I bought him a cheap little golf set at Walmart the other night, andit got pretty torn up, but he really likes it.

Marshall met Mark Brunell a couple weeks ago at the hospital, and got an autographed trading card, and a HotWheels playset. He lovces the play set, and has played with it a lot.

There's not much to tell right now. Nothing exciting is going on, we're just waiting for that day to hear Marshall is in remission.

Monday, April 16, 2001 at 07:22 PM (CDT)

Marshall started another round of chemo today. It is going to be topotecan this week, because it doesn't make him sick- he starts radiation next week, and the doctors feel that topotecan will be best since he does not get sick with it, and they want him to be as "healthy" as possible during radiation.

Marshall talks so much now. he requests to watch t.v., he asks for chips, and knows both mine and Eric's names- he calls Eric dallo, and he calls me Dawn and Mom. We'vwe got to get him used to calling me mom, I'm old fashioned that way (haha).

Marshall has little friends that he plays with almost everyday- Mikey, Jade and Aaron. I think Mikey is kind of his best friend, but he likes Jade and Aaron, too.

We had a little Easter party for Marshall on Saturday April 14th. Jade, Aaron, and Mikey were there, and his Godparents Heather and Bill brought their kids Marissa and Trevor over. Marshall's Grandma Dee and Uncle's David and Donnie also came.

Marshall is going to participate in the survivor's lap at the American Cancer Society's Relay for life at Fletcher High School on Friday April 20th. I know he'll have fun at that.

That's all for now, I'll keep everyone up to date.

Thanks for visiting, don't forget to sign the guestbook.

Sunday, April 01, 2001 at 10:00 PM (CDT)

We went on our trip to Orlando, and it was a blast. Marshall had a really good time.

We got to the hotel on Sunday, March 18th in the afternoon. We went to Universal's City Walk and ate dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. Marshall had something called Jimi Chickenstix, or something like that- they were chicken nuggets shaped like guitars. He didn't eat them.

We went to MGM and the Magic Kingdom on Monday. Marshall got a private meet and greet with Bear from Bear in the Big Blue House. Marshall didn't seem too incredibly impressed, but I think he may have been a little happy to meet THE Bear.

Marshall's favorite things were the tram, the monorail, and watching the roller coasters. He also liked Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure- he really seemed to enjoy the Cara "Seuss" el, and the "One Fish, Two Fish" ride. He also liked all the little play areas the theme parks all have now- like Shamu's Happy Harbor at Sea World, and Feivel's Playland in UNiversal Studios..

Marshall's wish trip was the topic of a human interest story in The Beaches Leader- and the reporter wrote a very nice article, and put a picture of us with Bear in the paper. I got several copies, but I need to go Xerox some more- a lot of people want one.

Marshall has had his second round of irinotecan, and will have a bone marrow biopsy probably in less than two weeks. I am praying that the marrow is clean, of course. Even if it is clean, he's going to continue chemo. He's on Amoxicillin right now for an ear infection, and is also getting his neupogen shots, and Accutane. He's so good about taking his medicine.

Marshall is going to have a nice Easter. I got a lot of treats to put in his basket, and he's going to at least two Easter Egg hunts. He's going to have his own little Easter Egg hunt here at home with the kids I babysit, and maybe a few other friends.

My moms group helped us out last week with dinners, since Marshall had chemo. It's really difficult for me to get motivated to cook after sitting at the clinic for a few hours.

I think that's all for now. ANother update will follow shortly. Keep my little guy in your prayers.

Thursday, March 15, 2001 at 04:05 PM (CST)

Marshall's first course of irinotican went well. One fever, it was an ear infection. His counts never dropped, so no worries about a compromised immune system. He did get pretty grouchy, and acted like he was in discomfort several times through out the last few weeks, especially at night, but nothing major. I will be sure to mention this to the doctor the next time he sees him.

We leave on Sunday, March 18th for Marshall's Dream Trip to Disney World, Univeral Studios and Sea World. It has been provided for him by Dreams Come True. We are all very excited about going. I am really anxious to see Marshall's face when he sees the happiest place on earth.

We went to Dreams Come True to pick up his "Dream Kit" yesterday, and they (Susan, and Brandi, Dream Coordinator's) had a little party for him. He was very happy, and smiled constantly.

Included in his dream kit were three t-shirt, one for Marshall, one for me, and one for Eric-- Eric refuses to wear his the same day me and Marshall wear ours, but I really, really want him to. I'll probably end up getting my way.

I'll post another update when we get back.

Thursday, March 01, 2001 at 10:35 AM (CST)

I am sorry to say that Marshall has relapsed. His bone marrow results came back last week with two in a million neuroblastoma cells. We met with his doctor on Monday, Feb. 26, and he answered all of our questions- most before we even asked them.

He started chemo on Feb. 26 (irinotecan) and will be on it for quite sometime. He will have a biopsy in approx. two months to see where we are as far as those nasty cancer cells.

I still feel confident that my baby is going to be fine. He is still a happy as ever.

Monday night was the most eventful night through out Marshall's cancer battle- but he's fine now.

I never thought about relapse, or how I would react- but I am handling it just fine-many people have asked me how I can be so calm when my child has cancer; my answer is I have to be. What good would it do Marshall for me to be a hysterical wreck? It is important to be calm, and cool- listen to everything the medical team has to say- it's very important to be informed about anything you undertake, but when it involves your child's health, it is at least triple the importance of a basic situation.

We are trying to have fun, I want Marsahll to enjoy his life to the fullest. We are going to try to take him to Disney World at the end of March, if finances allow. He is going to see Bear in the Big Blue House LIVE at the Times Union Centre- he doesn't understand that now, but when we actually get there, I think he'll be quite excited.

Oh, and Marshall met Tony Boselli of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and had his picture taken with him-- and his airheaded mother didn't even know who he was. How can I be a Jacksonville Native and not have every Jaguars face commited to memory, you ask? I'm sorry, there's no excuse. ;).

I haven't posted any new photos, but will shortly, so please check back for pics.

Don't forget to sign the guest book.

Tuesday, January 16, 2001 at 11:46 AM (CST)

Marshall is still doing wonderfully- still cancer free, and still my best friend (of course).

I find that I don't really complain about everyday problems so much, and when I do- well- when I look at that pile of laundry that needs to get washed and put away, and when I trip over toys laying in the middle of the floor, and when I am too tired but still need to give Marshall a bath, I think "He's cancer free". I may be tired, but Marshall is alive, and he's well- thing sliek laundry, and a messy house seem so stupid to be concerned- at least I have a child to make the mess I dread cleaning up.

Marshall is busy all the time, and he's talking so much- sometimes he jabbers so much he starts to sound like the adults in the Charlie Brown cartoon.

Making Strides is on Feb 3rd, don't forget to send MArshall your donations so he could have a whole bundle of money to give the American Cancer society.

Thursday, January 11, 2001 at 08:46 AM (CST)

Marshall's most recent scans came back to us with wonderful news. We're so happy. We are amazed at how well he's done, he was never down in the dumps, and never seemed to feel sick- he was even alittle livewire after his surgery to remove the tumor. What a little trooper.

He is now on accutane (cis retinoic acid), and takes it very well. He's always been a good medicine taker.

His favortie food lately seems to be pizza. We're so happy he'll eat anything that we let him have all the pizza he wants. He's putting on weight, but is still a bit on the small side. He's so adorable, just the cutest child I've ever seen in all my life.

I babysit now, so he always has someone at the house his age to play with, and he loves it. I'm so glad that he has playmates now.

That's all for now, I will update more later.

Thanks for visiting.

Monday, October 23, 2000 at 09:21 AM (CDT)

It's about time I update Marshall's journal. So far so good, post transplant has been uneventful. My little guy is talking A LOT, and is just as sweet as can be.

He is going to be Eeyore for Halloween, his Aunt Debby made him an adorable costume.

We spent the weekend at Boggy Creek Gang Camp, and Marshall had a ball. He's a little party animal. I'm so glad that he is so outgoing. He went swimming, boating, and dancing. He made his Grandma's cards in arts and crafts and got a tshirt at the camp store. He had big, big fun. I would love to bring him back one day.

Marshall's biopsy and scan's are coming up, so I will keep everyone posted.

Thursday, August 24, 2000 at 04:15 PM (CDT)

Marshall is HOME!!!! Yippee-skippee!!!! He's doing very well, and is happy, happy, happy.
To all his wonderful nurses who took care of him- you know who you are-- hugs and kisses from the Cutting family, you are all angels. We love you!!!!! Fern, Cara, Kerrie, Dana, Dana, Dana, Stacy, Missy, Meredith, Lisha, Sherri, Jennifer, Tim- if I forgot to mention anyone's name, it is my brains fault, not my heart.

Monday, August 07, 2000 at 01:23 AM (CDT)

Sunday, August 6th was Marshall's day of rest. SO far, he handled the chemo well, and is finished with that part fo this hospital stay. He will receive his stem cells tomorrow sometime. So, I better get to bed so I could be tehre when he gets them.

It's done through his iv, just like a blood transfusion, no big deal. But I still want to be there for it.

The nurses and doctors have told us that this week will probably be the worst one for Marshall. So we will have to make him as comfortable as possible.

Keep my boy in your prayers, he is going through a lot mor ein his 19 months than a lot of people have to go through in their intire lives.

His grandma Dee is at St. Luke's hospital right now, and she hasn't been able to visit Marshall since he's been in the hospital. Hopefully she will be able to come see him soon.

Marshall has had a lot of visitors including Dr. Banko, The Music Lady, Dee Ann, Heather and Michelle, his Auntie Debby and Cousin Robin, and his Uncle's David and Donnie. Plus many other hospital personnel including one of his favorites, Nurse Stacy.

Monday, July 31, 2000 at 03:08 PM (CDT)

Marshall is on Day four at the hospital. This is his third day of chemo, getting his bone marrow ready for his transplant. So, far he is doing pretty well. He has been a little grumpy, but who could blame him?
Witht he chemo he's getting right now, he has to get a bath every six hours, and we have to wear gloves to protect our hand, because it can excrete through his skin and cause burning. Right now, we notice light rashing wear they keep the monitor leads, but other than that, no other marks.

Keep him in your prayers!!!

Wednesday, July 26, 2000 at 12:48 PM (CDT)

Marshall's stem cell transplant has been delayed again so he could finish this anti-viral medication he is on.

He had his sugery to have new broviac's put in for use during his transplant. He is doing very well. I think he was a little uncomfortable when he woke up from his anesthesia yesterday, but he seems to be doing fine now. He was admitted to isolation to get ready for his transplant, but his doctor came in and said he would get to go home, and come back on Friday.

SO, it isn't that much of a delay. And now I have more time to prepare, and pack a little suit case for him.

Tuesday, July 25, 2000 at 01:46 AM (CDT)

Marshall will have surgery today. He is having a new broviac placed for his stem cell transplant. He is scheduled to begin the transplant chemo tomorrow. So, we are all nervous about that.

Marshall is doing very well, and he is actually interested ineating- FINALLY.

We are looking foreward to him being NED so we can move on. We plan to have an extravaganza for him. AND when he is four or five we are going to take him on a well deserved trip to Disney World.

Friday, June 30, 2000 at 11:31 AM (CDT)

We got a call from Marshall's nurse, and we were told that his marrow is clean. This was on June 9th. We had a little party for Marshall with ballons and a cake. His grandma Dee, Godparents, and Aunt Debby came.
The next step is scans, and labs, and than his stem cell transplant.

Sunday, April 02, 2000 at 07:01 PM (CDT)

Marshall starts another round of topotecan tomorrow for five days. It will be outpatient, and we will not have to stay in the hospital. This will be his fifth round of topotecan, and his tenth round of chemo since July 1999. Once he recovers formt his chemo he will have another bone marrow biopsy. If his bone marrow tests negative for neuroblastoma, he will go in for a stem cell transplant.

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