Surgery is Complete

Peter is in recovery at 6:00 PM central time. Ty and Erika haven’t seen him yet, but know he has lots of tubes sprouting from him. He is doing well.

They did not need to deflate a lung and they did not remove a kidney. The surgery was difficult, because the mass was wrapped around the arteries and apparently lymph nodes were fused into it. They took their time and felt that the entire mass was removed.

The initial report on the mass is that it contains active neuroblastoma. It is not known whether this is old neuroblastoma that has been continuing to grow or whether it is a recurrent tumor, but hopefully they can determine that after thorough pathology. I guess the hope in this case is that it is ‘old’ NB.

Confirmation of active NB — new or old — is a heavy blow. Peter’s parents are understandably rattled. We all are. The future holds more chemotherapy and discomforts for Peter.

He can and will get through this. As far as I’m concerned, he’s still on the path to being cancer free. No one promised the path would be straight. Maybe this turn is somehow essential for his full recovery. Peter is resting on the other side of an important and dangerous milestone this evening. Let’s be thankful for that.

21 Replies to “Surgery is Complete”

  1. Hi Peter, Ty and Erica,
    We were with Grandma/Mom today for a bit and heard the news. I am so grateful for this outcome of the surgery. You and all the family will be in our thoughts and prayers daily.
    Love, Teri

  2. Hi Family,
    We have been checking in and saying prayers all day. Peter you are the bravest person we know …Ty and Erika.you are astounding. Hang in there and know that you are loved.
    Uncle Ed and Aunt roz

  3. Thank you for all the updates. We are keeping a strong Peter and family in our hearts and thoughts throughout the journey. We are so grateful that there are ‘Uncle Matts’ out there to serve as the communicators when our words just don’t come or seem insufficient. The lessons your family is teaching all of us through your stoic, steady and optimistic views through chaos and uncertaintly should serve as a frame of perspective for our community each day and in the future. Many thanks and blessings to you all.
    Kathleen, Mike, Rebecca and Jack Westafer

  4. I have been watch The website – you all remain In Our Prayers..
    I am here for you if you need to talk.. Please hold each other Tight
    and Give Peter a Big kiss from Our Family.. I still remain very Positive on The Long Term outcome. Peter is one tough Boy..

    Love
    The Cohen Family

  5. Ty & Erika~
    I can only imagine how the two of you must be feeling right now… as a parent, my heart aches for Peter and it aches just thinking about all the emotions that you are forced to deal with. Thank God the mass was successfully removed with no complications. That’s one more miracle that Team Eigner can add to their list of accomplishments! It’s unfortunate to hear that the mass is believed to be active NB – but I guess you could say the silver lining is atleast they decided to do the surgery and were able to find it and remove it now before it spread again. You have all been thrown a small setback in this long journey – more chemo, more hospital visits, more meds, more trips away from the girls… the path to the winner’s circle isn’t always easy, but Peter never seems to get lost. He always finds his way around the obstacles and I have a sneaking suspicion that he’s about to snake his way through this one, as well! 🙂
    I am relieved that the surgery is complete. I hope Peter is resting comfortably. I pray that you all get a good nights rest and we pray for each day ahead to get easier and easier.
    Stay strong and continue to believe in miracles. I know I believe….
    ****With all our love, and many prayers for healing, strength, peace, serenity and guidance as you get through the upcoming days****
    Peter – I love you.
    Love~ Jen, Ryan, Emily-Clare, Lily and Parker

  6. Peter, Erika, and Ty –
    God is with you holding you tight and keeping you close. My family (Holmquist, Koshiol, and the Latzke’s) are praying and thinking of you all the time.

    We are all honored to say that I know your family!

    In our thoughts and prayers!

    The Holmquist’s, Koshiol’s, and Latzke’s

  7. The Eigner family
    What a relief to hear that Peter is safely out of surgery!! We have thought about and talked about you guys all day. Many prayers!! Stay strong and remember, Peter is in the right place. Your family was sent there for a reason!! Take Care…we will pray for Peter everyday.
    Love
    Glenda,Steve,Josh,Megan and Jacob

  8. Peter ,Ty and Erika,
    We are so relieved that doctors took their time and removed the whole mass with no complications this is good news! Finding active NB is unfortunate but Peter is a fighter and he will over come this as well! Our prayers are with you at this emotional time. Remember Gods never ending love is all around you and his steady hands will guide you .
    Hugs to you all,
    Dean ,Denise,Bren,Blake,&Tiffany Smith

  9. Good news that the complete mass was taken out. Active NB is not what you or we wanted to hear but it is out of Peter’s body not causing anymore problems. We have prayed since August when we first met online and will continue too. A great big email hug all the way from Hawaii.
    Aloha,
    Team Mersburgh

  10. We are so relieved the surgery is over and the NB has been removed from Peter’s body. We continue to pray for Peter’s full recovery and for you all to have the strength you need to fight this battle. We’re sure Peter will win the fight.

    You’re in our thoughts and prayers-
    Shannon and Eli Wilson

  11. Ty, Erika and Peter,

    We are praying for all of you everyday!! God Bless all of you. I know he will help to keep you all strong and positive.
    Keep fighting Peter, YOU CAN DO IT.
    The Nahorski’s
    (your cousin’s Macy and Brooks neighbors)

  12. Thank you so much for the complete updates, Uncle Matt. We all continue to pray for Peter and your entire family through all of this. Peter is strong and we DO believe in Miracles! God Bless you all,
    The Westrum Family

  13. You are still in our prayers each and every day! Keep fighting Pete!

  14. Ty, Erika and Peter,

    You are in our thoughts and prayers continuously. Glad to hear the surgery was successful. Life works in mysterious ways, with every step forward it seems we sometimes end up two steps backwards. Hopefully, the pathology report will bring good news in the weeks to come.

    Peter you have been a great fighter through all of this and your strength is amazing. You and your family have touched our lives throughout this journey and we hope and pray this next path will lead to another miracle.

    DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES? YES!! Peter you have shown all of us that miracles do exist. Keep on fighting!

    Andy, Jen, Jacob and Brady

  15. Peter and Family –

    We have continued to follow your journey and have prayed daily for healing. We pray that this is only a bump in the road and that you can continue on down your road to recovery and complete healing. Noah says , “HI”. Take care and God Bless!

    Noah and the Scherping Family

  16. Good Shepherd gives praise and thanks for successful surgery and hopes for quick recovery and ultimate health for Peter.

  17. Hey Eigners,
    We are thining of you constantly. Peter took on another challenge and appears to have come out the victor. Peter you are more brave and courageous than anyone could have imagined, you have shown your good genes from mom and dad and also a showing of how you already know how to gut it out and get things done. Another milestone, another goal you have completed, and we are so happy the surgery was successful.

    God Bless your whole family, we look forward to hearing a positive report from the testing and hope your recovery is swift. Peter, give your mom and dad a kiss, the must have counted the minutes until they saw you again safe and sound.

    Keep strong! We are confident you can pull through what appears to be one more challenge.

    Love,

    The Enebaks

  18. Praise the lord for this good doctor….like Ty said from the beginning, there must be a reason for us going to Sloan Kettering. I’m so thankful they were able to remove the mass. It’s just so unfair for Peter to have to go through any more…such a brave little guy. Hang in there, Erika and Ty….I’m sure you are feeling totally drained with all the emotions and fear. Thanks again, Matt, for the updates.
    God Bless!

  19. Peter, You and your family have been in our prayers. We are so thankful for the outcome of the surgery. We have been checking the sight all day. Give your mom and dad a hug for us!

    Luke and Emily Johnson

  20. Prayers are being said this Saturday for a day of great healing, strength and recovery for Peter…. and for much peace and rest for his remarkable mommy & daddy! Hang in there Ty & Erika…. please whisper to Peter that I love him!
    With abundant love~
    Ryan, Jen, Emily, Lily & Parker

  21. Oh double drats! I am so sad your journey has taken an abrupt detour. We hold you close in prayer. May God grant you patience, courage, and strength. Give each other a hug, Ty and Erika, and hold each other close. It seems we parents of “Cancer Conquerors” are so busy holding our children that there is so little left for each other. And as you know, we do the best parenting and caring when we are united in love. So on this day find a moment to do something for your relationship. OK, I’m done with the sermon now.
    All our love and healing energy to Peter!

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