Hello again! November has been refreshingly uneventful, although that’s only relative to some wild months. There are many activities taking place in the fight, but Peter and family have had more normalcy in day-to-day life than they have in a long time — probably as much as anytime since diagnosis 15 months ago.
First of all, Peter looks fantastic. He has been on an appetite enhancer that’s helped to fill him out again. You can see for yourself how good he looks from this picture at the Children’s Cancer Research Fund Gala. Here he is, with Parents, in front of his award-winning butterfly drawing. In fact, he was so dapper that he made the rest of us look like bums (Except you, Erika. You look great).
As treatment goes, he’s on cycle 3 of accutane. These are the pills that can cause headaches, irritability, and skin dryness. All side effects have been worse this round, but he’s doing very well. His blood pressure has been monitored consistently, since it was recently high. It has been in check with help from additional medication.
On Tuesday he’ll be in Minneapolis for a meeting with the Pediatric Nephrologist to check on his kidneys. The hospital in NY is requesting another renal scan, so maybe they’ll do one, but they’re not sure exactly what will happen during the consultation.
The next scheduled appointment is on the 29th. He’ll be back at the U of M for an echocardiogram, blood work, and a meeting with Dr. Weigel. Blood will be drawn and sent to NYC to test his HAMA levels. In review, this level determines when he can continue with the antibody treatments in NYC. He is currently HAMA positive and his levels have been dropping. When he’s HAMA negative, he can resume treatment.
If he is HAMA negative, which would be great, then the 3F8 antibody treatment may interfere with Christmas plans. Not ideal. But the current schedule only shows another early January trip to NYC for testing, so we’ll see.
Finally, one of Peter’s friends that he met in the hospital in NYC needs the prayers of Peter’s People. Little Gus, from Miami, and his family, Gus, Theresa, and brother Miguel became close with Peter and family during their trying times. They’re a fantastic family and Little Gus’ blood counts are staying too low to undergo the surgery he needs.
Click here to visit his site.
Wow!!! You look fantastic Peter!! Tell your mom and dad they don’t look too bad either. Your butterfly picture is pretty cool too! Our prayers continue to flow for you……that you will keep feeling better and better, and that you will be able to get your 3F8 treatment in NYC….AFTER Christmas. :0) Keep up the good fight!!!!
Hi Peter and gang,
Hoping things go well on Tuesday and on the 29th. Peter, you are one handsome dude – you better watch out for those girls in school!! Still praying and believing buddy!!! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Tell your dad that I hope he has a great hockey season. Also hope you can strap on those skates. Take care and eat lots of turkey and goodies on Thursday.
God Bless you,
Nancy, Bryan, Jake and Abby Bushey
Peter,
You are so handsome!!!!! What a great celebration and an honor for you. I hope your time at home has been lots of fun. How has school been? I bet your classmates and your teacher are happy to have you back. Be sure to eat lots of turkey and potatoes at Thanksgiving and you’ll be feeling even better before you know it!!!!!!
Erika and Ty,
We wish you a VERY Happy Thanksgiving. God Bless you and your families this holiday you have so very much to be thankful for.
We think of you often! Take care,
The Olson’s
Ty, Lisa, Paige, Drew & Hallsey
Wow!!! You all look great 🙂 Peter, I just LOVE your butterfly picture! I looked at your friend Gus’ website, and he looks like a fun guy to have around! I’ll keep him in my prayers too- it sounds like he could use them. Have a great Thanksgiving! Make sure to eat lots of turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie! YUM!
Peter and family~
Just wanted to let you know we are thinking and praying for you daily still. We had so much fun at your last benefit. You looked great! You look awesome in your picture with mom and dad too! We will also keep your friend Gus in our thoughts and prayers also. Logan would love you to teach him to skate sometime next year! Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
All our love and prayers~ Ryan, Megan, and Logan
Dear Eigner Family~
Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for and we thank God for his blessings on your family. It is so wonderful to see Peter with so much energy and that wonderful smile of his! Enjoy your family and the holiday. We are constant in our prayers for all of you!
Love,
Rod, Sue, Jenny, Ryan and Molly
11/21/07
Dear Peter & family,
Just wanted to congratulate on your award and you look so handsome in your picture. We are so happy that you have gone to school and doing well. Remember your “Nurse Erica” at the University? She is my daughter and keeps checking on you so when you are at the U again stop to see her at her new job. Happy Thanksgiving to you and all of your family. I keep you in my prayers daily.
Tamy, John, Ashley and Riley Cullinane
Erica, Kevin and baby to be Drake
Happy Thanksgiving to You and your family Peter. You are one good looking kid and an artist! I bet you are a smart one too, now that you are back at school. Thinking of you and your family lots and sending prayers to you as well as your friend Gus.
Boy, you sure DO look great!! Keep up all of the hard work you’re doing to help other kids. It’s great to see you doing so well! Take care.
Boy Peter,
You are so handsome. We’re so glad that you’re doing better and we send our love to you all.
Uncle Ed and Aunt roz