Peter is doing “great” according to the doctors. Given the severity of the treatment, the following conditions are within the scope of “great”.
- His painful mouth sores have traveled to his throat and stomach
- He’s on a pain narcotic called Fentanyl that causes him to sleep more than he’s awake (which is OK)
- Fentanyl makes him very itchy, causing a rash, that is now being treated with Benadryl
- He has a congested throat (mucusitis), but coughing is extremely painful, so his airway can be restricted
- His oxygen is measured constantly and he’s been getting oxygen during the night as a precaution
- He has a “little sucker” (like at the dentist) to remove saliva and mucus from his mouth so he doesn’t drool and to keep the fluids out of his stomach and prevent vomiting
- Periodic vomiting continues, nonetheless
- He has spiked a fever that comes and goes, regardless of the Tylenol
The above conditions are expected and therefore aren’t bad. He’s trying to avoid unexpected conditions and so far, so good.
Peter had a chest x-ray for pneumonia and blood cultures for other infections, because of the fever and congestion. The x-ray came back negative and the blood culture results aren’t back yet, but they expect to get some positive cultures, since his defenses are so low. Again, some infection would be within the norm.
It’s heartbreaking to see him when it’s apparent that everything hurts. If you ask him, “How are you doing, buddy?”, he might only move his eyes to look at you for a second (normally he’s likely to emphatically point at you, declaring that you play him in whatever game/activity/sport is on his mind). A verbal response is painful. Even opening his mouth can cause pain.
So the plan is to keep him as comfortable as possible while he grinds out these tough days. Every cell’s energy is being used to fight right now, but he’ll be playing games with us again soon.
Our hearts go out to you and our prayers go up for you!! How appropriate that our wrist bands say”Do You Believe in Miracles”–YES!
We believe in YOU!!
Eric, Renae & Kyle
It is so very hard to see brave little people suffer. And to explain to them the why and when they will feel better. Most adults could not handle the chemotherapy and side effects of BMT as well as Peter J. We wish you to have this difficult time pass as quickly as possible and wish you healthy cells and pain meds that give you ease. We are thinking of Peter J. and his family and friends with great hope and empathy.
sincerely,
KT Kelley and Peter Robert Wolkoff
To my sweet Peter John~
Wow. So that’s what’s considered “great” huh??! 🙂 Peter – my heart aches for you and I can’t imagine what you must be going through. You are dealing with more discomfort right now than 90% of us will deal with in our entire life. Next time I have a “splitting headache”, or a “bad cold”, or an “upset tummy”….. I need only envision you, sweet Peter, and realize that there certainly are tougher things in life. You are only 4 (although, that big #5 is getting closer!!) and you are coping with more than any adult could dream of. It’s simply unfair that you – Peter John Eigner – fell victim to this nasty stuff called CANCER. It is so unfair. Fortunately, this “path thing” was too dumb to realize that messing with Peter John was pointless…. because Peter is a FIGHTER… a WINNER…. the STRONGEST, BRAVEST, most COURAGEOUS boy in the whole entire universe. And to those mouth sores and that mucusitis and that vomit and that rash and that “sucker” and that fever… I say “be prepared to pack your bags, because Peter is going to be victorious real soon and you’ll be nothing but a nasty memory!!!”
Peter, as I sit here looking at the dust on my computer desk, the million toys that Lily has spread all over the playroom floor, the laundry that is piling up in heaps and the beds that are unmade, I think of you and how you and your mommy & daddy will someday, too, have only this “simple” worries in life. Keep fighting Peter. We are praying so hard for you. As I stare out my window at the sun-shiney day, I feel spring in the air…. and I envision you and your sisters sprinting around in the front yard with the daycare kids REAL SOON! Keep “grinding out those tough days” so that you can frolic in the sun, the rain and the wind this summer. Soon the tough days will be over.
We think of you and your mommy & daddy countless times each day and I often dream of you at night. In my dreams, you are cancer free and doing all the things that (almost 5 year old) boys should be doing. It makes me smile….
With love & prayers~
Jenni, Ryan, Emily, Lily & Parker J.
Keep fighting hard, my friend.
Praying like a warrior.
Peter- We are sooo sorry you have to go through all this pain to get better! You are one brave kid who puts up with what is thrown at you. We pray for you everyday, and want you to know how much we fell in love with you, with only meeting you once! We know this journey is tough, but we also know there are better days ahead.
Hey Peter!
Thinking of you everyday. Sounds like things may hurt a little for you now, but keep fighting strong. Every day that goes by is one day closer to feeling better. We say our prayers for you and your family often, and we can’t wait till you get back to Brainerd. Your Dad may get a smile if you tell him that Tanner won the Free Throw contest for first graders at Nisswa School! I don’t know if I can get him a Basket Ball!!
We hope you get a chance to watch the Wild and or Gophers tonight! Cheer them on! God Bless you Peter, you are one terrific young boy:)
Love,
Kim, Colette, Tanner & Taylor Larson
“God Bless Peter and help him get better.”
Baden says this every night and often more than once; sometimes because he is looking to delay bedtime and sometimes just because. Either way, we always let him stay up later to say his prayers and always to include you in thoughts.
Love the Bastians
Keep up the good fight Peter, we are with you in Wisconsin.
Keith & Carey.
Wow – what you are going through little one…….. sure makes one wonder ‘WHY’ often!! Just keep up the battle – the thoughts and prayers are sent often! Ty and Erika – we are thinking of you all with heavy hearts, but are so hopeful for the end of this chapter in you lives. We look forward to knowing your gorgeous little family is back together at home again for good! Stay strong –
Peg and Ron
Eigners: Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you and Peter we hope your days get better really soon. We cant even imagine what you must be going through , you are a true Warrior and keep fighting as hard as you can and keep getting lots of rest, the angels WILL watch over you.
Hugs and Prayers to you all,
Love, Uncle Chuck and Aunt Rose
Dear Peter and all, I am so proud of the way you are handling all this. You are a true fighter and good guy. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Hugs to you all, God Bless, Cheryl Bailey
Peter-
We are thinking about you!
You are so strong. Keep fighting.
Our prayers are with you.
Love,
Jake, Becky, Henry Emma, Sam and Zach
Dear Ty and Erika,
Thanks for sharing your difficult journey with us. I am Matt Rabe’s Mom and Amy Rabe’s Aunt. I’m sure you don’t recall, but I work at the National Marrow Donor Program, also referred to as the NMDP. We facilitate Blood Stem Cell transplants (also called Bone Marrow Transplants) for children and adults like Peter that must have a stem cell transplant, but either due to their disease or the unavailabity of a releated stem cell donor, they must use a unrelated donor as a source of their cells for a Blood Stem Cell Transplant (not to be confuse with a Embryonic Stem Cell Transplant).
I think of the journey you are all facing on a daily basis. You have also helped me really understand the importance of what I do at the NMDP. Providing Stem Cell Transplant for patients such as Peter is why the NMDP is in existence. I don’t have the opportunity to work directly with patients so following Peter’s challenges helps me see how important our mission is. I feel like I know him as a personal friend. I hope in my job, even without direct patient impact, I can help many Peters.
Working in the field of Stem Cell Transplant I do know, as previously stated in journal entries, Peter is at one of the best Bone Marrow Transplant Facilities in the world. Others should only be so lucky.
Best Wishes,
Fran Rabe
Peter, We continue to keep you in our prayers. Ruthie knows how yucky you feel and she is praying too. You will start feeling better soon. Many people love you and are praying for you here in Hawaii. Aloha, Dan, Charlene, Thomas, Rebekah and Ruthie Mersburgh
Peter
We are praying for you and your family everyday.
Lots of love
Jim, Angie, Hayden, and Addison Oster
Peter & Family,
We think of you everyday! You have had such a long journey and have been so brave up to this point there is no doubt you are in for a strong finish! Do you have any room left on your walls for more pictures? Charlie loves to draw volcanoes and robots and I am sure he would be thrilled to draw some for you.
Erika – if you need a break and want to get out for a run, I would love to meet you. Let me know!
The Franklin Family – Matt, Darcy, Charlie & Willie
The Eigner Family
Thinking of you guys everyday. Sending up prayers more than once a day. Checking your site constantly for good news. You guys remind us of how precious family is!! Keep up the positive attitude and the fighting spirit!
The Ellingson family,
Glenda Steve Jake Megan Josh
Eigner and Hanson Families-our hearts go out to all of you every single day. A child, especially your own, in pain has got to be one of life’s biggest hurts..but Peter has shown that he is not just any child but one strong and special young man. Remember, as the last entry says, that you all in fact are reminding many of us reading each and every day of some pretty important life lessons..how precious family is, among many others.
Our prayers go out morning and night for all of you. Keep fighting and more important, keep WINNING!
Corey, Tonia, Johanna and Georgia Jorgenson
Hi Pete Buddy
I am saying continuous prayers for you these days. I hope you will soon be over this pain and onto the fun activities again.
Stay strong little buddy. You can do it, you are such a fighter.
Take care and I hope to see you soon.
Ty and Erika, I pray for your strength through all this. Take care and let me know if I can do anything.
Love ya
Jill S.
Hello Peter~
Just wanted to send you my daily dose of love….. and let you know that, like everybody else on your team, I am thinking of you several times a day and hoping that things are continuing to go “great”. I can’t imagine you feel “great” right now, but I guess if the doctors are pleased with your response, then we ought to continue to believe that this will be over soon. 🙂 Hang in there, my sweet boy. I believe in you!
With love and sun-shiney wishes~
Jenni
Hey Peter- I keep checking your site periodically to see how you’re doing and where you are at with your fight. Sounds like you are a trooper! My littlest boy has been sick this past weekend and it has been tough for me to see him so sluggish. I think of you and your bravery and I am inspired. Wow…you are one tough cookie! Keeping your spirits up isn’t always easy, but you’re doing a fine job. You’re in our thoughts & prayers.
Bryan & Tonia Johnson (Uncle Matt’s friends from RHS)
Peter and family,
I am sorry to hear that you are not feeling the best, but unforntunately it is part of the process??? It sounds like the doctors are pleased with your recovery up to this point, and that can only be a good thing!! You just keep up the good work and keep fighting. Easier said than done I am sure………we’re not the ones feeling down and out! Take care and heal fast!! Hope you’re feeling better soon!
Love and prayers,
The Olson’s
Ty, Lisa, Paige, Drew & Hallsey
Peter & Family,
We think about you everyday. I know it’s a hard process but stay strong and keep fighting. We can’t wait to see your smiling face again.
Love,
Chad, Kristine, Lauren and Michael Krueger
As with everyone else we are checking your website daily to see how you are doing. Hang in there………stay strong. We believe!
Praying daily,
The Musielewiczs’
Peter and Family,
We are certainly praying, as is everyone else, for this process to pass swiftly and for you to get back to being the healthy child that you were. Stay strong for each other……you are in our hearts always.
Uncle ed and Aunt roz
Hey little guy,
I know Jan Hanson who is related to you and she asked me to pray for you and I am. I am praying that you will feel Jesus close to you and you will be feeling like playing games again very quickly.
Kathy