Tuesday, February 13, 2007

what a weekend

Well, there's no beating around the bush here. We went to NIH on Friday for chemo and the docs wanted to see Sean about his chest congestion to make sure he didn't have any infection that would prevent him from receiving the chemo. There was no infection, but the doc was not pleased with Sean's physical state. So he sat us down and informed us that he feels as though it is time to update Sean's will and sign a power of attorney. He feels as though all of Sean's physical symptoms are tumor-related and that there is no further treatment he can give him at NIH. So that is where we are with NIH and our docs there.

Now, you have all met Sean and know that he is "hard core" and a very determined individual. He is convinced that this is something that can be beat and he is the man for the job! So we are researching all of our options, traditional and alternative. Of course, he is still taking chinese herbs twice a day and we will be visiting the chinese doc by the end of the week or next week. We have a neighbor who practices Reiki, which is a Japanese healing therapy that Sean really enjoys so we have her on-board. We have also put a call in to a physical therapist that Lauren recommended.

So we have an MRI on Thursday, and are anxious to see what it shows. We are scheduled to have an evaluation of the MRI at NIH on Friday, but we haven't decided whether we are going to go for this or not. We may just go see our outside oncologist instead and seek further options through her. There is a drug that we have not tried yet that we are looking into and discussing with the docs.

We are hopeful and Sean is not done yet, he has told us that he has a lot more left to do. We are staying positive and appreciate all of the positive thoughts and prayers that everyone is sending our way. They make such a difference.

11 comments:

prumom said...

When Sean was two years old, he thought he was a truck, and made truck noises, and beat his head against anything in his way to prove he was a powerful truck. He often had stitches. Well, maybe twice. I am not surprised by his insistence that his work is not done, because he continues to inspire and impress. He also has a huge heart, and more guts than brains, and we did not make dumb kids. He is well matched in his mate.

Edel said...

Sean.... we're right behind you!! Focus, determination, strength, tenacity, optimism.... the things we all know and love you for.
You are both a huge inspiration and we send you all our love. Thinking of you every day.. Edel & Brian xx

pam parto said...

You guys looked great today. I hope we get some good news tomorrow. Pam

Anonymous said...

Are you going to make me fly across the country to snowy, cold, wet Baltimore from the beautiful 70 degree California sunshine and kick some butt???!!! You are both an inspiration to those of us who don't appreciate how good we've got it (..it really was 70 degrees today). Conlon and I love you both more than you can imagine. We know that you have more energy between you than the rest of us put together and you are most definately putting it to good use right now. I'm looking forward to seeing you both next week. Stay strong and good luck tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

I know that there is power in prayer - I continue to kep both of you in mine. Shelly

Steve Wallace said...

Sean,

First let me CYA by saying I don't get all touchy feely and nicey nice just for anyone! I know I've told you before, last year when I was down and out, you were a bit of an inspiration. You have a love for life that is rarely seen. You will get past this, and when you'll be a lot more wise for it. You've had more life experience than all of us combined and that is all the more reason to keep fighting. I know you'll do it, we all do. So keep givin' um hell!

Steve

pam parto said...

Steph, I know you were very disappointed with Cheryl yesterday. Don't let her get you down. I'm sure Dr. Hoo gave Sean some good drugs and she is very positive. And hopefully Dr Rosh will have some good stuff to say. So just keep fighting and finding positive people to be around. If they don't want to be supportive then you are better off without them. Let us know what you find out on the scans when you get them. Hopefully good stuff!!! Mom

Anonymous said...

Dear Stephanie and Sean

Greetings from Foxford - Ireland.
We are thinking of you every day. You are in our prayers at all times. We keep up to date by reading your reports. You are both so brave.

Love Carmel xxx

kbounds said...

I think about both of you everyday. Keep strong and keep searching...Karla

Anonymous said...

Sean & Steph,

I'm thinking about you guys here all of the time. I went ahead and sponsored one of our dogs at MAGSR in your honor: http://www.magsr.org/femaleadopt.htm#geisha I know Sean has always been a big fan of the white GSDs :-)

Hang in there, better days are ahead, I just know it. I love you both!!

Jenn

PS -- Give Brutus some hugs & kisses for me :-)

Anonymous said...

Sean and Stephanie,
You have both been an example to me and my family time and again as to how the human spirit can achieve amazing things. Throughout my life Sean has shown me that sheer determination can accomplish unbelievable things, and it's changed the way I look at life. You both make the lives of those around you better by your example. Our thoughts are with you all the time, and we love you both very much! Keep up the fight!