A Dose of Reality (before the dose of chemo)

Peter and parents had their consultation with the BMT doctor yesterday and it was a grounding experience. Their original impression about the BMT was that the procedure itself is fairly simple, while this final round of chemo is to be a difficult dose. Over the past two weeks during the work up and testing, the real risks have become more clear.

Yesterday’s consultation crystalized some realities. They were reminded of how Neuroblastoma is one of the most difficult childhood cancers to survive. They were made aware of a small remaining mass in Peter’s abdomen; While this mass didn’t “light up” as cancerous in the scans, they didn’t know about a remaining mass (this is causing some confusion that will be sorted out). They learned that as well as Peter is doing, in a perfectly disease-free scenario, the high chemo dose and BMT wouldn’t be necessary. And they heard about all the risks of this aggressive treatment, such as infection. But the ultimate risk is that some don’t survive this 100-day journey.

Everyone is positive. This news is just a reminder of what a white-knuckled ride that Peter is still on (highs and lows, twists and turns). I’ll try to get  more specific information about the new developments, but please keep the Eigner’s in your thoughts. The next few weeks will require more strength than anticipated.

20 Replies to “A Dose of Reality (before the dose of chemo)”

  1. Hi guys, just wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts as you begin this “journey”. We’ve been saying extra prayers for Pete’s healing, and strength and peace for your whole family. Love, Maggie

  2. Peter,

    We wanted you to know that we are thinking of you and wish you a speedy recovery. We work at the Lance Armstrong Foundation and know firsthand that life after cancer can make one stronger. Unity is strength, Knowledge is power, and Attitude is everything.

    LIVESTRONG,

    Kim and Sara

  3. The tears are flowing….
    Not exactly the happiest of news that we are all so used to reading about…. but I guess we do need a dose of reality now and then.
    Ty & Erika – as a parent of three young children myself, I truly, honestly, simply can’t imagine the pain and fear you must be feeling. I do know what it’s like to have “sick” kids and I do know what it’s like to “worry” about my kids…. but I would be lying to you if I said that I “know what you’re feeling”. It must be incredibly painful to hear the honest truth from doctors…. and to know that your precious little boy is about to undergo some tough days. I can’t imagine….
    Peter is like one of my own kids, as are the rest of the daycare kids, so I sit back here at home feeling helpless and wishing there was something we I could do to make your road easier. Hearing the “truth” makes my heart sad…. but knowing that Peter is an incredibly tough human being, I guess I have to smile and be glad for that. 🙂
    My mother-in-law always says “This is the day the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” I guess we have to be thankful for each day and know that the Lord will guide you and Peter and the doctors down the “battle path.” I have learned that God doesn’t give you something you can’t handle….. and He will be there with you as you take the twists and turns on this bumpy ride. Peter has proven to us that he can take anything that is shoved on him and roll with it. We must continue to believe that Peter will again show us his strength and his courage. The next 100 days may be the toughest days of your lives – please know that every person who knows you is standing strong and willing to be your pillar of supprt whenever needed. The power of prayer is an awesome thing… and we continue to send them your way.
    With un-ending prayers, loads of love and wishes for God’s guidance~
    The Kelley’s {Jenni, Ryan, Emily, Lilyanna and Parker}

    Peter~
    I love you buddy. I love you, I love you, I love you….. forever and ever and ever…. promise me you’ll fight hard, ok???? We need your smile back at daycare as soon as possible! You have been through so much over the last (almost) 7 months. Just hang in there and give it all you’ve got…. you can’t give up now, Pete. FIGHT!! Fight!! FIGHT!! Promise!!??
    Love you like one of my own~
    Jenni 🙂

  4. There are no words to express the amount of prayers I will say today…. I love this family and Peter is one amazing little man. I will have you in every thought. Stay strong Pete!!!!!

    Love the Eigners,
    Trent,Melissa,Buzz,Cole,Quinn,and Van

  5. Hey Pete,

    I had my first graders paint pictures for you yesterday at school. They will be coming in the mail soon to decorate your room. Stay strong and you are in my prayers little man. Just think, less than a month until opening day for the TWINS!!

    Take care!

    Kels

  6. Hi Peter,

    I sent a picture to Uncle Matt to put up in your room. It’s a picture of Grandma Mary and me in our matching pajamas! How silly is that? Barron came to say hi to me yesterday. He was having fun in the snow.

    Our love to you and Mom and Dad. If there’s anything you need, just ask and we’ll see that you get it.

    Hugs,

    Janet

  7. Hello Peter and Family ~

    We wanted to let you know that you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as you begin the 100 day journey.

    Keep fighting really, really hard!!
    WE KNOW YOU WILL WIN!!

    TJ, Sheila, Josh and Madison Ask

  8. Hi Guys- Ty -it was very Good to talk to you Yesterday- i am very Happy The Lord has Put our Family’s Together.. Having Said that – You must keep Fighting This Fight to Win 100 % – My Son Jake also had a small area That Did light up right as We started BMT… The High dose chemo-
    The accutane,, The radiation is still to come…. That littlle spot will be gone soon – I juts Know it.. Please stay 150 % positive and keeping doing what you have been doing..The Lord is always in Control… Peter is Going to do fine… he his so tough… keep everyone around you that is healthy and Take 1 day @ a time… The Prayers are very strong around the country.. They make a huge Difference.. You & Erica have done so well.. keep it going and Soon Peter will be on Top of The mountain… I am sorry – I know where you are and I just want to help you guys stay Strong.. Peter will feed off of this – Everyone willl… Good Luck Guys..

    Love The Cohen family

  9. Hi Eigners –

    No, there aren’t too many words to explain the feeling after reading today. I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes; I cannot imagine what it must feel like for you all.

    You all continue to be in thought and our hearts every single day. Jen shared some of the news from your phone call, Erika. I know she so looks forward to ‘normal’ again: having the 3 Eigner kids back in daycare! Stay strong – ALL of you! Feel all the strength of the thoughts and prayers going out to you.

    As ALWAYS – if we can help in any way – please let us!

    Love – The Allords

  10. You can lick this final “path thing” hurdle Peter … stay positive … after all you know we are looking forward to whooping the Vikings next year. Did I say that? A slip of the tongue what I meant to say was: We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings We Like the Vikings … you owe me some bites to help keep up your strength to get through this newest challenge!

  11. Our never ending prayers for Peter are always there. Keep the Faith and all the positive energy you can flowing. I know it always is probably not that easy but if anyone can do it , it is all of you.
    I just wish we were closer to be there to help you out in any way that we could, but know that if you need us for anything just let us know.
    Peter: keep up the good fight like you have been and stay as strong as you can. Try and rest as much as possible and keep taking even small bites of food when you can. May all our love flow to you to give you the positive energy you need to help you through the next 100 days.
    Lots of Love,
    Uncle Chuck and Aunt Rose

  12. Peteman,
    It was great to talk to you tonight buddy, I’m glad you sounded like your regular self. I think trying to bring a dolphin back from Florida could be kind of tough, so I’ll stick with some posters, stickers and balls. We’ll make sure to send more prayers your way too. WE LOVE YOU BUDDY. Oh, the girls say hello too.

    Love Uncle Troy & Auntie Macer

  13. Dear Peter,

    Just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you everyday!! You’re a strong boy and know that you are going to sail through this next treatment with flying colors!! Our boys, Ryan and Redmond, say hello and are following you through your website.
    Stay strong and give you’re Mom and Dad a big hug for us.

    Lots of love,

    The Savage Family

    xoxxoo

  14. Dear Eigner Family,

    We are sending our thoughts and prayers to you from China:-). Please know that you will be in our hearts.

    Josh, Tifani, Taylor and Jasmine Sadek

  15. Hi there Pete,
    We’re thinking of you and praying extra hard that this “path thing” says goodbye for good. Just know that we have so many people praying for and sending get well wishes to you. You are special……..keep fighting.

    love,
    Uncle Ed and aunt roz….and our silly dog Harley John

  16. My tears are flowing at work! You guys are so strong! I remember crying for Paulie when we found out he had epidermolysis bullosa. He was 2 weeks old. Mom and I had to fly him out to Stanford University for testing – and it was a struggle to keep from crying seeing all the children with this terrible disease.

    My heart goes out to you all. Truly, God is with you and your family. He is watching over Peter and has his hand in everything.

    You are in my prayers! See you all in June! Wendy

  17. Peter, Ty, Erika and family,
    We wanted to let you know your are in our thoughts and prayers.
    We are truly amazed by the fight in Peter and the strength of your family.
    We can’t begin to imagine what your are going through but please know we are praying for you.
    Keep up the fight Pete!

    Todd, Heidi, Tyler, Zach, and Tory Brown

  18. Ty, Erika and family:

    Our hearts go out to you. Stay strong and positive. Attitude IS everything. Peter, you’ve accomplished so much… you are a STAR -you can do this! We’ll be praying for you.

    Sara, Kevin, Marley, Ty & Kaia

  19. Dear Peter, Erika, Ty, and family,

    We will be praying for good results and healing and that the 100 days go as well as they can possibly go! We will pray for Strength for all of you. Know that you are in the hearts and prayers of people from Coast to Coast and even all over the world!! Thinking of you down here in Naples, Florida.

    Love,

    Your friends, Terry and Bette Noble

    PS We would like to meet you when this is over and introduce you to our two grandsons! You would have fun together! Hang in there, Big Guy!

  20. Dear Eigner’s
    My heart hurts as I read these posts. I truely cannot even begin to pretend that there is an understanding of what you have and will have to face in the road ahead. I envision this “Team” and their endless prayers and daily thoughts as a circle that is surrounding you. You will never be able to fall too far as we are always here too keep you standing.
    The journey to date has been one of great accomplishments, Peter is a fighter, he amazes me in all that he has endured.
    There is no stopping him now………
    Peter- you just keep doing what you do, it is working!!!!
    If we can help in any way, shape or form, PLEASE do not hesitate to ask, and if that asking just means extra thoughts an more prayers you got it!!!
    Take Care and Good Luck. We will be thinking of you!
    The Olson’s – Ty, Lisa, Paige, Drew, & Hallsey

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