The surgery is scheduled for 10:15 AM tomorrow and could last six hours. The surgeon, Dr. LaQuaglia, with a reputation as a miracle worker, hit Erika and Ty with a dose of reality today. This is a life-threatening operation, not a simple inspection. He said the mass is intertwined with arteries (as it was before). The arteries could be damaged and cause bleeding and bowel obstruction. He might need to take Peter’s left kidney.
Yes, this is more dramatic than anticipated. The mass was often referred to as a “little spot”, not a full blown mass winding around his abdomen. Worse yet, Dr. LaQuaglia sees signs on the most recent scans that lead him to believe there is neuroblastoma in the mass. If there is NB, the type isn’t known (new, old, recurrent).
Back to the surgery. This operation will be a horizontal incision beneath Peter’s rib cage, while the other surgeries were a vertical incision directly in the middle of his stomach. His left lung will be deflated. He will have four marrow samples taken from his pelvis. A breathing tube will be inserted and he will be in intensive care for one to three days. The doctor recommended an epidural for post-surgery pain.
A whole pile of fright and dread was heaped on Ty and Erika this morning. Peter will be enduring the physical pain for a while and answers from the pathology will come in five to seven days. There is plenty of reason to hope for success tomorrow and better news in the next week. Peter has surprised us repeatedly over the last year and I believe he will do so again. Nevertheless, your prayers are encouraged.
Peter and Family,
We will be thinking of you tomorrow.
The Smiths
Ty and Erika – Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all constantly tonight and tomorrow. Stay strong…..
Peg & Ron
Ty, and Erika. I will be thinking about you guys tomorrow. He is a little fighter… He will do just fine tomorrow.
Stay strong, and we will all be praying.
Jill
Whew. Yes…. most definitely a huge pile of fright and dread. 🙁 How else can you describe it? Just when you think things are clearing the last hurdle… more obstacles come. As we near Peter’s one year anniversary marking his original cancer diagnosis – I stop and think back to the very day that Erika shared the horrific news with me. It was like the world stopped for a split second…. then the tears flowed out of me for days. (literally…) Then we all gained a better understanding of what was going on, we took a deep breath and we realized that all we could do was hope… pray…. and let God take care of the rest. Well…. here we are almost a year later – and we have followed this remarkable young man through this journey. We have cried, we have laughed, we have prayed, we have wondered and we have rejoiced. Peter has jumped every obstacle like a true champion. He has fought through more pain then most of us can even imagine. He has had one obstacle after the other fall before him… and he always hops over it with a gleam in his eye, a smile on his face, and more strength and wisdom than anybody I know. Peter has taught us all that we can’t live in fear…. remembering his quote in the Brainerd Dispatch – “Don’t be afraid. The doctor’s wont hurt you. They just want to make you all better.” I think as we approach 10:15 am Friday, August 3rd, we need to hold our heads high to the heavens, say a bunch of prayers, and remember that Peter’s doctor is going to help make things better. We need to do the same thing that we have done for Peter this entire time. We need to hope, we need to pray and we need to let God take care of the rest. He’s done a pretty awesome job so far!! Oh… and we have to remember that the young man receiving this surgery is Peter John Eigner… the bravest, most courgeous, toughest boy around.
Peter was reluctant to give me a hug before heading to the cities on Tuesday evening. Perhaps he is already to ‘old’ to be hugging girls in front of his friends??!! 🙂 Anyway – I am so glad you finally agreed to give me a hug, young man! We’ll be thinking of you with so much intensity as we draw nearer to your procedure time tomorrow. We will pray constantly tomorrow for a safe and successful surgery, for God’s guidance in helping Dr. LaQuaglia successfully perform the procedure, for great results and for peace and serenity to surround Ty & Erika as they await the news that Peter’s surgery is done….
Thinking of you all and praying with intensity!
Pete, I love you!
Love, Jenni and family
You can do it Peter! We’re rooting for you. Jake and Callie are going to be participating in the Miracle Kids Triathlon in a couple of weeks. It’s a kids triathlon to help raise money for kids with cancer. They, of course, will be racing in honor of you! As always, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take care.
Thinking of you,
Amy, Rich, Jake, Callie & Kira Peterson
Peter, Ty, Erika and family,
Our many, many prayers are constant as you await surgery tomorrow and the recovery days that follow. You are such a fighter, and this is another battle that you will be victorious over!!!!
I am sure your minds are reeling with all of the possibilities, stay strong and continue your faith, there are countless people that will enter that room with you tomorrow.
GOOD LUCK PETER!
We will be thinking of you!
Much love and endless prayers from the Olson’s
Ty, Lisa, Paige, Drew & Hallsey
Eigner’s~
As always you are in our thoughts and prayers. Tomorrow will be a tuff day on all of you. It’s so hard to come up with the words to say to you all. Even though we have been in your shoes with Logan’s surgery, chemo, waiting for test results etc. we have not had the journey you have had, and our hearts go out to you and especially Peter for all he has endured. He’s so strong and has come so far, that he will fly through this surgery as well. We are praying for clear results and no new NB. This diease is the worst!
As we have always said, we are here if you need anything. Please call and just let us know. Keep thinking of the positive, and know that Peter will continue to fight, and win this battle.
All our love~ The Fogarty’s
Peter and Family,
God bless, God bless, God bless. It has been so great seeing Peter at Jenni’s. We are praying for your surgery and recovery so that more worry free daycare days can be had in the future.
Hang tough Peter. You are so strong.
Love,
The Bastians
Dear Family…….
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and Peter. If anyone can jump this hurdle………we know Peter can.
Much love to you all………
Uncle Ed and Aunt roz
Eigners-
I will be praying for your family tomorrow as you
jump over yet another hurdle in the fight!
Peter, stay strong!!
Shannon Haugh
Eigners,
I think and pray for you all often. I will be praying that everything goes well tomorrow!! Good Luck tomorrow Peter, stay strong!!
Cassie O’Connor
Dear Erika, Ty, Peter, and family,
We will be praying for you more than ever tomorrow. I will put post-its around the house tomorrow, “Pray for Peter”. Give Peter a big hug and kiss from all his friends in Minnesota. God bless you and keep you in His care.
Love,
Bette and Terry
Hi Pete, Ty and Erika
We will be saying big prayers for you buddy. You are in our thoughts and prayers continuously. Stay strong and don’t give up on this fight. You have done so well this far. Good things happen to good people.
It was so good to see you at the Relay walk. You did a great job Pete giving your speech and walking all the way around the track. I will wear my t-shirt with great pride to be a part of such a great team of people like “Pete’s People”. I am sure all of them will be praying for you just like we will.
Take care and Gods Blessing to all of you.
Jill S.
Dear Peter and family,
We will hold you in the light and in our heartfelt prayers. May this hard journey be done and let you and your family return to a more normal, healthy and happy life very, very soon.
Sincerely,
KT Kelley and Peter Wolkoff
Ty, Erika & Peter,
We are all praying for you and are confident that Peter will win yet another battle. Hang in there and stay strong tomorrow. We’re right there with you.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Love Uncle Roy, Auntie Macer, Grace & Lily
We’ll be thinking of the three of you tomorrow and keeping you in our prayers.
Hi Peter and Family,
I just read Uncle Matt’s update and know that you are now in NYC. The entire Westrum family sends their love and prayers out to you. Stay strong Peter, we are praying for you every day, especially tommorrow.
May God Bless you,
Pat and Sandy Westrum and Family
Ty and Erika,
Many thoughts & prayers today, tonight, tomorrow & continuing for Peter and the 2 of you. May God continue to give you his love and strength. Your situation is just too hard to believe…….no child or parents should have to go thru this.
Our love, Diane and Tip
Ty and Erika,
Many thoughts & prayers today, tonight, tomorrow & continuing for Peter and the 2 of you. May God continue to give you his love and strength. Your situation is just too hard to believe…….no child or parents should have to go thru this.
Our love, Diane and Tip
It seems like you have a tough opponet tomorrow morning Peter, but Team Eigner is so strong and even more heroic. We know that you will come through as the champion and stronger than ever.
God Bless, you are in our prayers. May you get sleep and sweet dreams tonight to rest up for your latest challenge.
Peter, give your mom and dad a hug for us, we will be thinking of them along with you tomorrow morning.
Love,
The Enebaks
Ty & Erika,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong. We will be thinking of your family tomorrow.
Eigner Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
God Bless
Sheila, TJ, Josh and Madison Ask
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Our thoughts and prayers are always with You Eigner Family, even more so now. You are all strong and your continued faith will carry you through this rough ride. And we will be waiting for you all to come home with open arms. Peter, I will have a salami and some cheese and crackers waiting for you along with a bottle of wine for your mom and dad. I will hold your grandma close till you get here.
Lovingly, with Prayers.
Carol and Annie and The Gang From North of the Border
Eigners,
Kris and I will be thinking of you all day tomorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are always with you.
Stay strong Pete!
Love,
Chad, Kristine, Lauren and Michael
The Eigner Family,
My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you during this increasingly difficult time
Hang in there Peter!
God Bless
-Mike
Our love and prayers are with you, Eigners. We’ve had company but just had to quick sign on and get an update. Oh my, what a journey this has been for your family. There will be lots of prayers on Peter’s behalf this morning.
Thinking of you during another very stressful time.
Dee
Erika, Ty and Peter-
You continue to be in our thoughts and Prayers. I think we will all be watching the clock this morning as you go into surgery, and so just know all of us back here in MN will be wrapping our arms around you as you enter surgery.
Good Luck and may God bless you all.
Beth, Dan, Clara, Liam and Maggie
Ty, Erika and Peter,
Even though you are far away, we hope you can feel all of the love and prayers that surround you today and in the days ahead.
The Okeys
8:45 our time – which means you are alreadry most likely in waiting mode. We are all with you in thought; can only imagine what you must be feeling. We will wait with you.
Love and hugs and prayers to you-
Peg and Ron
Ty, Erika and Peter,
Our prayers are with you all. We know that Peter will conquer this like every other obstacle along this long and difficult journey. You have so much strength, faith, and the support and prayers of friends and family….may that comfort you through today and Peter’s recovery. We’ll be thinking of you and praying!
God Bless,
Lori, Cary, Luke, Brooke, and Erica
Dear Eigners…my heart and prayers are with all of you, including the larger Hanson and Walen clan, requesting peace, strength, tenderness for all of you. Claudia
Dear Ty and Erika. We are praying that the Lord Jesus Christ extend His abundant grace and mercy to you and Peter right now. He will be glorified in this as in all situations, and we are interceding for a complete recovery for Peter. May His peace rest on you this day.
Tracey & Rob
Dear Eigners,
My heart aches for you. I will pray for healing for Peter and peace for you as he goes through his surgery. You will continually be in my mind, heart and prayers today.
Miriam
Dear Eigners,
I talked with Mary this morning who shared the new developements on Peter. I have only met Peter one time, he is a very inspiring person, and such a little one.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers frequently and today you are there almost every moment, the blue bracelet is on my wrist.
Peter has come through so much and you have all been so courageous.
Please know that there are so many of us in spirit with you.
God Bless and may today be some better news than yesterday, once the surgery is over.
Kay Strand
Dear Ty, Erika, Pete and the girls,
I think the entire town of Brainerd is praying for you at this moment; that kind of message cannot go unanswered! We wish we could lighten your load in some way, but maybe just knowing that everyone’s heart aches for Peter helps in some way. All our thoughts and prayers are with you today.
Freemans
As always … you are in our daily thoughts and prayers … just more frequently today as I touch my miracle band. Hang in there Peter, we are looking forward to hearing much better news in the near future as you continue to battle the “path thing”.
or rexann@telus.net Sincere best wishes to Peter and all of you in the Eigner family.The strength in all of you is incredible.We check Peters Page often with prayers in our hearts.Thanks to “Uncle Matt” for your efforts in making us feel so close.Our love to you all.
Ty, Erika, Peter and girls,
God Bless you today. Please know that we are praying as always for you. Stay Strong and recover quickly.
Chris
Dear Eigner Family,
We too are praying for Peter today! Keep fighting!
Kim and Kyle
Peter and family, We will lift you up in our prayers. We pray that God will grant you all his peace and presence through tis very difficult time. love, Kerry and Julie Smith.{friends of Ed and Roz)
Just wanted to let you know that we are all thinking of you, little buddy! Gramma Barb shared a teary eyed hug with me this morning — and as she left, she quietly whispered, “God is good.” We know this is true because He has been present with you as you have endured and battled this nasty disease for the past year. I can’t help but believe that He is surrounding you with peace, love and serenity today. The clock is ticking – and that means that the surgery is nearing completion. We anxiously await good news! And, yes, I too think the entire city of Brainerd is praying for you today. God can’t possibly ignore all of our requests! 🙂 The girls are proudly wearing their “Peter’s People” tshirts and my phone has been ringing non-stop today with my friends and family hoping that I have further news to share. It’s pretty cool Peter…. you have SO MANY people who are so concerned about you and who are praying and praying and praying for a great end result! I hope our thoughts were dancing around in your dreams as you rested peacefully during your procedure today……..
Ellie recently sat on my lap… and we quietly talked about Peter. She offers the following prayer for you Pete: ( and I repeat this verbatum!) “God bless Peter. God bless mommy. God bless daddy. And keep Peter safe when he gets his belly cut open!” And if only you could have seen the look in her eyes…..
Eagerly awaiting the post-surgery update…. and meanwhile, sending oodles of love and endless prayers~
Jenni, Emily, Lily, Parker, Kate, Ellie, EmilyAnn, Emi-Grace, Baden, Tate, Mitchell, Mallory & Carly (whew…..) 🙂
It’s 2:24p.m. NY time and if everything went as planned, you are in surgery right now. Thinking of you now and will continue to! Look how many comments were made in the last 24 hours. You have a very strong team behind you!
Matt, Darcy, Charlie & Willie Franklin
Hi Eigner’s,
It fits perfectly that Peters doctor is known as the miracle worker because yes we believe in miracles!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you (as always) during this long and difficult day. Stay strong and keep fighting – it’s working. God bless you Peter.
Take care,
The Busheys