The Eigner’s passed a milestone over the holiday weekend. They packed up Peter and the girls, left my house, and headed HOME for a few days. This is the first time in three months that Peter has been able to leave the hospital’s proximity. His platelet counts haven’t been great, but his overall health seems stable. Most of the weekend away was spent at Grandma and Grandpa’s with cousins playing baseball (of course), playing ladder ball, boating, and learning sudoku. He was able to see some close friends, too.
This morning he’s back in town for his second-to-last radiation treatment. He wraps up that phase tomorrow and puts another milestone behind him. Yet the road ahead remains long and uncertain. The message on the hockey rink sign that reads “Keep Fighting Pete” has never had more significance.
Next week Peter will go through the same periodic tests (scans, marrow, etc, etc). This time these tests are also used to determine his placement for the next big phase of treatment — Antibody Treatment. This treatment is officially in “trial” at the U of M, meaning some patients that elect to participate will get the antibodies and some will get an alternative treatment. We’re all hoping that Peter gets the antibody treatment and can continue being treated here at the U of M. If he is not accepted here, there is a clinic in New York City that offers the antibody treatment to all patients and Peter will go there. In that case, the Eigner’s logistical dilemmas will only get more complex.
Peter is doing very well, but there are reasons to go through this optional treatment that has side effects (as all treatments do). This cancer is very aggressive and can recur. Peter was diagnosed with the unfavorable histology, which, in my unscientific language, means it’s hard to kill off. Recurrence of Neuroblastoma is really bad. I don’t know how else to say it. It needs to be destroyed the first time around. Ty and Erika believe that the Antibody treatments are the best way to ensure cancer doesn’t return. The specifics on how the treatment is done are different depending on the clinic, but it could be about a five-month treatment involving lots of hospital time.
The battle continues. Peter is winning, but the miracle isn’t complete. Once you get the lead, you need to fight that much harder and eliminate the opponent’s chances.
Pete, we’ve continued to follow your progress in this battle, and to me you seem to be turning the tide in your favor. I am still amazed that God was able to fit such a big heart and strong will in such a little man as you. Keep up the fight Pete, we’re all in your corner.
The Olingers -John, Jane,TJ, Daulton, and Tucker
Peter-
We continue to pray for you and your family. We know that you are gonna win this battle. Tate says “hello”. He hopes to see you at Jenny’s soon.
Take care,
Dan, Ann and Tate Richter
Dear Peter and Family,
After Rod Peltoma “introduced” my family to you last fall, we have followed your progress with concern and a whole lot of hope. We are always amazed at Peter’s strength and spirit. Peter, you are a young-man with a lot of heart. You will be a force to be reckoned with when you are well enough to hit the ice again. You are running a good race and many of us are learning a big lesson about courage and determination. Keep on fighting Peter and family. The Lemke’s continue to hold you in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave, Cindy, Sam and Andrew
Dear Peter – Ty & Erika,
Big heart; strong will; courage; determination; etc. You know, all these words can hardly describe your little being!!! Every time updates like this come to us my eyes tear up – this has been such an unbelieveable journey! Jen shared with me the updates she got from you yesterday; we, too, are very anxious to see you back to some ‘normalcy’ in your lives (can hardly wait to see you ALL at Jen’s again)!!!
Thinking of you all – often!
Peg and Ron
Peter, my friend~
I promise you, I WILL KEEP PRAYING…. I think it’s quite obvious that you will “Keep Fighting”…. you have done nothing but fight for the last 9+ months and I know you aren’t about to stop now! Even though the journey is not done and the entire miracle has not been completed, you have certainly taken a heck of a journey thus far…. and I think it goes without saying that YOU ARE a miracle and, yes, I do believe that the entire miracle will be completed real soon. Getting the “ok” to start school and COME BACK TO DAYCARE!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 is another step towards completion! Hang tough, big guy…. fight with all your might…. enjoy each day… take the journey one day at a time. With your team praying behind you and with your fighting determination, you will be free from doctors, hospitals, needles, tests, etc., real soon.
We love you Peter – and are waiting with open arms here at daycare.
Love~
Jenni, Ryan, Emily, Lily & Parker 🙂
Praying that life can get back to “normal” for your whole family…fighters, every one. God bless you, praying like a warrior.
Hey Pete – was sure nice to see you and your familly this weekend. Anna graduates tomorrow from Brainerd High School. She’s my last Warrior so I’m ready for some new ones. I can’t wait until I’m in the stands cheering for your and your sisters when you play again. You can sure hit the ball!!! This winter (when it’s not too cold) maybe I’ll come over and push you some pucks and see that awesome slap shot. Anyhow, just wanted to say hi – hope your stay at the hospital goes quick this time. Hugs to all.
Peter and Family,
First of all continue the good fight! Your story continues to be an inspiration and the perseverance you all have shown is to be admired!
Although we have not met, I think about how courageous you are and it is an amazing thing. On June 16, I will run the Grandma’s Marathon and it will be in honor of you, Peter. I hope I will show a fraction of the courage that you continue to display.
As a side note, if anyone is interested in helping out the Eigner’s I am collecting pledges that go directly to the fund established for Peter. If I am unable to complete the marathon in under 4 hours, I will contribute 10% of the total pledges/contributions.
If interested, you can e-mail me your pledge at twins706@hotmail.com. Include your name, address, phone number and pledge amount. I will contact you following the marathon. Or, you can mail your contribution, made payable to the Peter Eigner Benefit Fund, to my home and I will deliver it to Northern National Bank. If this is your preference, mail to: Josh Smith
14701 Lynwood Drive
Baxter, MN 56425
Once again, if I am unable to complete the race in under 4 hours I will chip in 10% of the pledges/donations received prior to June 14.
I will continue to spread the word of your fight and keep up the good work, Peter!
Peter,
Keep on fighting little buddy, we are still following your progress every step step of the way. Your uncle Matt is right, once you start to get the upper hand on the opponent, you have to keep battling, if not even harder, to get the win!
God bless you, your doing great! (as well as your mom & dad!)
The Grillo’s
Hello Coach Eigner and family!!
I am glad to hear that you were able to go home for the long weekend! We keep you all in our prayers!!
Jvonne and Tyler Dunphy
To the Eigners and the Hansons,
You are all awesome! Keep Fighting–a Fighting Spirit will see you through. I sure know that Peter has it down. What a kid! You must be very, very proud of him. I can’t wait to meet him someday. We send you our love and prayers and just know that I beat the odds too. You are doing the right thing to be aggressive–cancer is harder to kill the second time–though, again, I was so very, very lucky, blessed, whatever you want to call it. Stay strong, Peter!!
Love from the Noble family 5,
Terry, Bette, Jackie, Mike, and Amy
Hi Family and especially our “hero” Peter,
We’re so glad that you are doing so well and we will keep our prayers going for you. You can do anything you set your mind to ….you are a fighter Peter………..keep fighting.
Love to you all,
Uncle Ed and Aunt roz
We are in awe of your strength and courage Peter. You are doing so well. Keep it up. We are thinking of you and your family!
The Maryland Callahans
Hey Peter:
We are so proud of you for being such a great fighter. Now you must win that battle for good while the path thing is down . Keep up the strenght ! We think of you often and pray for you and your family daily .
Hugs to you all,
Dean,Denise,Blake,Bren&Tiffany
Peter & family,
What great news that you were able to come “HOME” for a few days!!! That had to have been awesome!
It sounds like you have another serious phase to go through that will require you to fight extra hard! You do it Pete, you have been so tough through all of this. You can officailly kick this path things butt!!! Might not be easy but you are a true WARRIOR…….I think the defenition in the dictionary might have your name behind it!
We have never stopped praying for you or thinking about you from the start of all of this and we have NO intention of stopping now! You just stay strong and remember that you have an amazing support system.
Take care,
Love from the Olson’s
Ty, Lisa, Paige, Drew & Hallsey
Dear Peter and family,
We have checked your site almost daily and are so happy to see Peter is doing so well. I hope you get randomized to do the antibodies here in Minneapolis!!
We are holding our 3rd Annual “Alex’s Lemonade Stand ” This weekend at the Mall of America. We welcome you all to come and be a part of the festivities. Our web site for the Mall “Grand Stand” is: http://www.alexslemonade.org/Hollway.php
aLL MONIES RAIDES GO TO rESEARCH FOR cHILDHOOD cANCER. THERE WILL BE SEVERAL nEUROBLASTOMA SURVIVORS AT THE mALL, ALONG WITH 3 GREAT DANCE SHOWS, PRIZES , A SILENT AUCTION AND iCE cOLD tROPICANA LEMONADE DONATED BY Pepsi!
Hope you are around the area and can stop by!
Wishing you well!!
Love,
The Hollways
Hi to all Eigners everywhere.
Hooks and Virnigs keep checking your progress. Peter is looking great. We too are facing the inevitable question of the next step past radiation, although Mary’s radiation is more extensive and intensive than Peter’s — maybe we should just get together and buy a jet. … It probably couldn’t cost that much more than moving to New York, or a joint condo with a nice big picture window?
Hi Eigners, You don’t know me but you know my family, the Midge’s. A good friend of mine Linda Liesers little boy Isaac was recently diagnosed with neuroblastoma also and has been at Childrens since then. I had seen your comment on his sight actually and was very thankful that you had taken the time to write to the Liesers. She hears all the bad that can come of this diagnosis and not so much good. These little guys are so strong to go through this. I believe it is such a struggle but both these boys will beat this terrible disease. I will pray for Peter and check on his progress also, wishing you all the best.
LeAnn Marthaler