Peter is essentially in the same condition this morning. His vitals are stable. The ventilator pushes air into his lungs, but his lungs still need to absorb the oxygen, and thankfully they are. Yet something bad is going on in his lungs and his doctors aren’t sure that it’s pneumonia. He never really had a fever and some blood counts contradicted a pneumonia diagnosis. It takes a while for the cultures to grow and identify, but maybe it’s viral. They are bringing in a specialist from neurology and infectious disease to help.
If this sounds weird, it is. It is for a couple different reasons. First of all, it is a freak occurrence to have a patient be released from ICU after surgery, only to be re-admitted almost immediately. Secondly, Peter has been fighting for his life against cancer. Today he’s fighting against… something else, some infection? Whatever it is, its origins aren’t even necessarily related to the surgery, much less cancer. Sure, he wasn’t in much condition to fight infection after surgery, but what it is and how it started are open questions.
Now for the good news. Ty and Erika were debriefed on the tumor pathology report. The doctor said that Peter has never been in a better place in his fight against cancer. He felt that the neuroblastoma was old and beat up from the chemotherapy. He did not feel that this was new, aggressive neuroblastoma. They were very pleased with what they found. In fact, their plan for further cancer treatments would NOT include chemotherapy. They would just radiate the site and try to work his way into further antibody treatments.
That news is very exciting, given that the scare of recurrent and aggressive cancer has been hanging over our collective heads for days. But in order to finish that fight, he needs to win this immediate battle. A sign of hope is that only his lungs seem to be affected right now. His other organs appear healthy and functioning. His lungs are taking oxygen. It’s just going to take time. It could be up to a month on the ventilator, but hopefully less than two weeks. They will look for slow and steady improvement over a week and evaluate. The oxygen and drug levels will be manipulated little by little to see how he can do on his own. And we all know he’ll do great soon enough.
Thank you so much for taking the time to update us!! Peter and you ALL are never far from our thoughts! Whew….. thank goodness for the great pathology report!! What a bummer about the lung issue. We continue to hope and pray.
Barb – please feel free to call if you need any assistance once you get home with the girls. Anything at all that we could do would sure make us feel of use to the Eigners!
Send lots of love to you all!
Peg & Ron
Thank God for the good news on the Cancer…. We continue to pray that he progresses steadily in his new battle.
Bob and Karen
Praise the Lord things sound like they are going in the right direction. We will keep praying that they figure out what is affecting little Peters lungs soon.
Many prayers.
Jill S.
Peter, Ty & Erika,
Way to rally Peter! Keep it up, and get those lungs healthy and strong again. Hopefully the doctors will have an accurate diagnosis soon. The waiting game can be excruciating. Speaking of, what great news on the path reports…that news was well worth the wait! You are such an inspiration, and have touched so many through your journey. Continue to fight and make your mark Peter!
Thinking of you,
Amy, Rich, Jake, Callie & Kira
Wow, Peter you really know how to keep your doctor’s earning their money. Hopefully this time tomorrow, the lung infection will find out that it can’t win and will give up and go quietly. It doesn’t know who it took on when it picked the Eigners. With the combined power of Eigners, Hook-Virnigs and Warrior power it doesn’t stand a chance.
Keep pounding the prayers and the power sticks!
Love to you all,
Bonnie Ives-Virnig
Hopefully this is just a minor detour on the road to a full recovery. We’ll keep you in our prayers Peter! You’re beating the path thing and now you just need to fight a little harder to beat this lung infection! God bless!
Peter,
You are one amazing person! =)
We love you all,
Tony and Emily
Every big battle won must consist of smaller fights along the way. Peter, the amazing anf inspiring fighter, has shown his will and strength and ability to fight and win the BIG fights (further evidenced in Uncle Matt’s good news above-thanks once more from one more outsider for the updates in tough times Matt) so this bump in the road is one he will surely overcome and win.
prayers keep pouring forth to you all from around the world. further, while its not the most important thing at the moment, life lessons for so many of us on the outside of this ‘camera’ looking in keep coming forth. God has His ways and He has His plan and through young Peter all these things are happening.
We are thinking of you and continually praying for you all.
The Jorgensons
To the Eigner’s and Hanson’s,
We are all praying here in WI that things God will grant you the gift of your smile once again. It certainly is an infectious smile and more powerful than the infection that you are now fighting.
Evan (the boy you walked down the aisle with in Uncle Matt and Auntie G’s wedding) had his 6th birthday yesterday and his birhtday wish was for you to get healthy- FAST!!!
We are leaving to go camping for a few days and will be anxious to hear/read how you pull through this when we return. YOU CAN DO IT- we all believe in you and your great family!
Prayers and Love,
The Solomon’s
Matt,
Thanks for the update. I’m sure this is difficult for you too.
Great news regarding the cancer. Way to go Peter!!!
Still praying hard for you all.
Love to everyone,
Jan
Thank you Matt! I’ve been holding my breath and waiting for an update all morning. Wisconsin is pulling for Peter!
Wishing hope & health,
Evan’s Grandma
Peter~
We knew that you were a fighter, but how big still surprises us. We are so pleased to hear of the news about the pathology. No one could ask for anything better. You still amaze us daily with how much you have been through. Now let’s get this infection under control, and figure out what the heck it is. We are praying for the doctor’s to come up with a answer for you and your family. You keep fighting, and we’ll keep praying.
Lots of Love to you and your family~ Ryan, Megan and Logan
Peter
I am still praying every time I think of you, and latly that is constantly just ask my kids (thay are praying too) .
coach Karen
Good news on the pathology report…yea!!!!! And good to hear Peter won’t have to go through chemo again!! Now to finish this battle against the infection. Very interesting and informative note, Matt….thanks. Thinking of you all!
Dee Wade
Sounds like good news along with one more challenge. Go Peter!
God Bless! We know you can get those lungs working.
Love,
the Enebaks
Peter, We have many people praying for you as we posted your website link on Ruth’s website. Many of our friends at Halelewa Baptist Church has commited to uphold you in their prayers. So glad to hear that the NB is just old stuff and nothing new. Sending lots of aloha and warm Hawaiian sunshine to brighten your day.
The Mersburgh’s
I cannot believe all that has happened over the last few days. I can only imagine the turmoil that all of you have been under. I want to let you know that all the Winkelman’s are thinking of you continually. We are praying constantly and hoping to see all of you back at home soon.
Wendy, Bill, Marlys, Paul, Erin, Kelly, Paul, Brad, Jody, Nicole, Kyle and Mike
Thank You for all the updates. We can’t tell you what it means to hear how Peter is doing. Everyone in Forest Lake, MN is praying hard for you Peter and for all your loved ones who are there supporting you.
Our Love,
Uncle Ed and Aunt roz
Praise God for the great news on the cancer! Lord, we pray to you right now for a miraculous healing and recovery regarding Peter’s lungs. We beg You for Your mercy and grace to heal Peter. In the name of Jesus Christ, the Name above all names, we beg You Father for what only You can do thru the healing power of Your Holy Spirit. We will be very careful to give You all the praise and glory for Peter’s healing. In Jesus’ Name we pray.
Emily rolls her eyes at my everytime she sees me log on to your website. Does she think it’s bad??…. No! She just cant’ figure out why I feel the need to do so every 15 minutes!!!! It is for the above update that I find the need to constantly be checking!!! What great news! This has been a rough week – for Peter, for his family — and for his support team who can only sit and patiently wait for web-updates. When a person chooses to do childcare for a living (as I do), they take on a huge ‘second family’. Peter and his sisters have been a part of our daycare since Peter was 16 months old. I spend as much as 40 hours per week with these kids… and so when one of them is hurting and suffering as Peter has been – it is very hard! You develop such a special bond with these kids…. they honeslty feel like one of your own kids. You love them and worry about them just as you would your own children. As I sat here so many states away from Peter and his family – I couldn’t help but cry and wonder, “what if…”. It really was not a fun week….. but, here we are – one week post surgery – and although it has been a grueling week for ‘team Eigner’ … we now once again hold happiness in our hearts and show off the smiles on our faces! Peter has proven once again that miracles do exist… this is wonderful news to begin a beautiful weekend! 🙂
We are thrilled that the pathology report came back as positive as it did! This is indeed a miracle! We pray with intensity that Peter remains comfortable and that the upcoming days hold more answers regarding his fragile lungs. I truly believe the presence of his family is aiding in his success. Hold one another tight – and know that we believe….
With all our love and prayers for peace and more good days~
~Jenni, Ryan, Emily, Lily & Parker
P.S. With school being 3 short weeks away, I can only assume that Peter may have to delay kindergarten. This is a minor worry, as Peter is quite genius! However – remember, Erika, I am a licensed Elementary Teacher — and it would be my honor to aid Peter in any way I can in some form of “home schooling” during daycare hours. Just a thought to stash in the back of your mind…. 🙂
I do beleive in miracles— I have watch it happen with Peter. Amazing.
Keep healing little guy, soaking up all the love and prayers coming your way. I look forward to meeting you!
Eigners –
We continue to hold you all in our hearts as God holds you in his arms – our prayers continue for Peters healing –
Hugs and Hope
johnsons
I was glad to read the cancer news. I will continue to pray for this other business to be gone soon and Peter getting back to his old self sooner than later. God Bless and stay strong, Cheryl Bailey
Great news on the Pathology Report.
Peter your one heck of a tough kid, keep battling.
Blaze
Eigners,
We are praying harder than ever! Stay strong, and KEEP FIGHTING PETER!!!!!
Lori, Cary, Luke, Brooke and Erica
GREAT NEWS !!! We do believe… Hope the Drs. can figure out what and where the infection came from and then you will be on your way to getting better.
We think of you all and really appreciate the updates Matt. Thank You so much
You all are being sent so much love and prayers that I am sure you can feel it surrounding you. We DO BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
Love,
Uncle Chuck and Aunt Rose
When it comes to you, Peter – should there be any doubt!! The pathology news was great – and we know before very long – it will be more good news about your lungs – you keep FIGHTING! We’ll keep praying.
Love and prayers to all of the Eigners.
Dave and Kathy Trees
I, too, am continually praying for Peter’s full recovery, and especially now with this lung development. The good Lord has placed him in a special and loving family, and I am certain he is feeling all your support. My prayers go out to you all.
Hi All,
That is great news! More to come, that I am sure of.
Hang Tough!
Amy, Robert and Emerson Gordon
Thanks for the factual updates. Looking @ the support system, there are a lot of people in the loop who care and want to know. The enouraging message is that every single one of us believes Peter is capable of beating the odds; no matter what the odds.
Lots of lessons in life leaned over the past year and every one of them will serve us all better in the future. Pete’s been the leader in that category and he is an extension of his Parents, Grandparents and relatives with all the energy to do what they have to do. The main lesson learned is to plain and simple “tough it out” and “never quit” regardless of all the unknowns. The second, and equally important, is the amount of “real love” generated toward Peter and his family and “behind the scenes” major league contributors when the chips are on the line.
Seems like you get to know the people writing as well as the family. Everyone is doing what they are capable of doing. Their level of giving allows them to look in the mirror and like what they see. Keep it up, Peter. You, your family and society will be the beneficiary. -ole gringo-
Thank you Matt for your continual updates to Peter’s site! Without you this entire prayer and support team for Pete would not be as strong as it is. Pete’s family, which we have now become, appreciate all your time in keeping us updated on Peter’s battle. The Baker’s
We too thank you Matt for the updates. So happy to hear the pathology reports were good. Will continue to pray for Peter and your entire family.
Love, The Rozinka’s
I’ve just been updated on all the past weeks events! My gosh you guys have really been tried and tested. I’m praying hard for Peter and the rest of his family in hopes he’ll do what he does best- come out of another battle w/ flying colors! I believe 😉
It was so good to read the website & get some good news. We are thinking of your entire family. We identify with the grandparents and how heartwrenching this year has been for them. All of you are in our prayers but especially Peter the little warrior.
Tip & Diane
Great news on the pathology report. We’re steadily sending recuperating energy your way.
Dave, Andi, Jesse and Bailey
Way to go Peter. Keep up the fight. One battle at a time…you will win. We believe in you.
More prayers to help with the next step.
believe not beleive! watched not watch. See previous comment. Yikes!
Hi Eigners,
Good to hear some good news. Keep the fight going Pete!!!! Our thoughts are prayers are with you and your family. We will be continuing to pray with all our might for you to get your lungs healthy again. Hang in there Eigners.
Bless you Peter,
The Bushey’s
GOOD NEWS ON THE PATHLOGY REPORT. KEEP FIGHTING PETER.
OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS .BMC PEDIATRICS
Dear Eigners,
My whole family and I are praying and thinking about peter, it was so much fun the get a chance to play with him at the neurblastoma confrence. It was so good to see him smile and have so much fun! I know he will be ok, he is such a fighter and we all believe in him!
I hope to see you soon!
Love and Prayers,
Molly Hollway
Good news on the path report!!!! So happy to see it. We have not met Peter yet but hope to someday. What an inspiration. I think of you guys all the time, especially when watching my 7 year old son play and think of yours, so small, but so strong. Get those lungs healthy so you can get on with life. 🙂
Love
Glenda Steve Josh Megan Jacob
I just want you all to know that I think about you daily. You have all inspired me so much. Hang in there, Peter is one strong little guy and I just know that he will overcome this. I am so glad that you update us on his situation. Can you remind me on how to purchase a t-shirt? I would really like one. I want to help any way I can.
Peter, Ty and Erica–hoping that you are all able to get some rest. The Virnig Hook clan have been in washington state celebrating a wedding. Know that you have continued to be in our prayers. The news on the cancer is good and you will defeat the “bug”. we are working on the next piece of Mary’s journey. Take care! Mary’s aunt, Ann.
What good news that Peter is indeed beating that path thing. Our prayers that he will continue to beat the lung issues
The Bastians
Ty and Erika and family……..
We continue to pray and fill our thoughts with hope for Peter and all of you. This week has been extremely hard for all of us in Brainerd, and we know that doesn’t even scratch the surface of how the week has been for you. We are here for whatever you need.
The “hockey boys”, their sisters and friends are part of Peter’s huge extended family. They are all worrying, loving and praying for Peter …each in their own way. It’s a lot of hearts and minds behind Peter as he truly continues to impact so many lives!
Get well Peter and come home!
Love,
Pam
Ty, Erika ,& Peter,
We are so happy that the results showed old NB ! Now we must beat this mystery virus with the same amazing fight that you have given The Path Thing Go Peter we know in our hearts you will be the winner! Thanks again Uncle Matt and Family for keeping us all updated on this journey. Take care and Gods Peace.
Love,
Dean ,Denise, Blake, Bren & Tiffany
Dear Peter, Erika & Ty,
We pray for you every night–slow and steady, right?
Hang in there, keep fighting, and God bless!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Chris, Tammy, Kaitlynn & Alex Meier
Eigner Family,
We continue to hold you in our deepest thought and prayers. Keep fighting Peter! We know you can do it!
Luke and Emily
It is now the wee hours of Saturday morning. Before going to sleep, I just had to check on Peter. I am so happy to hear that the pathology report came out for the positive! We all are praying for a shortest amount of time on the ventilator! While in college I work in the ICU as a “unit secretaryâ€. It is very difficult to see someone you love so dearly just stay still, but it is for the best! He now can use his energy to heal!
My family and I send all of our prayers and love to Peter, Eigner’s, and the Hanson’s.