I'm sorry for the lack of updates. Our internet connection is pretty spotty and when we do get it, it's slower than dial-up. But I'm on now, and here's where things are:
Dates are set. Aimee goes into Boston for a colonoscopy on Wednesday the 17th. (This is to ensure no damage occurred during earlier treatments that could worsen through NCIs treatment.) On Monday the 22nd, we fly out again to Maryland for the long haul. We'll be there until at least October 15th. Xavier and Tilly will have to stay with Beth and Al; it will be tough on them and us, but it's the only way we can do it.
So, for three weeks, Aimee will undergo a series of three treatments. The first week, she'll go through some very strong chemotherapy that is designed to destroy her immune system. During the second week, they will introduce the TIL (Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes) cells they have been growing from the tumor that was removed, building up her immune system from scratch. The final week, she'll go through IL-2 in an attempt to boost the effectiveness of the new cells. It's gonna be a rough ride.
I'll keep you posted.
22 comments:
Dear Aimee,
You are so strong we know you will face this with incredible courage. Before the colonscopy please have a drink. May I suggest a mudslide? If it's in the morning a bloody mary and at a place that really knows how to mix drinks.
The kids will do famously. They will be busy with their cousin and indulgent Auntie. No worries- we love you!
Dear Aimee and Will, we know that this will be a very difficult time for you both. We pray that all this will go without a hitch and that before you know it, you will be back in MA and in the arms of the extended family. And who knows, maybe next summer, you'll be visiting us here in KS, riding horses, viewing Cowtown and the zoo, boating on Grandpa Bill's boat in El Dorado, and hanging out with the cousins, instead of doing treatments in Boston. That's what we are banking on.
So rest and heal and count on all our prayers, sacrifices, and good wishes. We are so proud of you both. And you are our heros.
May God bless you and our whole family.XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
God bless you Cowans!!
I am in awe every time I visit here - your faith, your courage, and your wonderful family are just incredible.
Our prayers are surely with you and with your kids. May God's grace be with you!
With love,
Katy, the Wilsons, and the Borses
Dear Aimee' and Will,
Imagine that I've actually gotten organized enough to send you a huge box, as beautifully wrapped as I could manage.The paper is just off white and covered with images of wildflowers. I tied it up with a huge, gentian-blue silk ribbon and packed it ever so carefully before I sent it off to you, lest anything inside be disturbed even the tiniest bit. When you opened it you found all the love and prayers and hope and courage that I could find. All for you.
Love,
Deborah/Ms.E.
As stated by Meg and Greg below, Aimee, you're my hero !!! Your amazing strength and faith is such an example to us all. You're in my thoughts and prayers often and I have people at work praying for you too. A friend of mine who ministers to prisoners leads them in a prayer group. He says they pray fervently for many sick and are batting a thousand. I'm giving him your latest update to take with him to the prison this Wedsnesday. Hang in there ! You're amazing !!! Kat
Dearest Aim and Will,
Praying extra hard in these days and will get as many friends as I can on the band wagon over here.
Tons of love to you all,
Nee
Dearest Will and Aimee;
I know that there really are no words, but be assured that you are in our prayers, and the prayers of countless others whom we have commisioned on your behalf. I know the kids will do wonderfully, and we pray for the same resiliance in you both. You are blessing so many people by your amazing example...we will never stop praying for your TOTAL and COMPLETE healing! We love you so much!
Annie and Adam and boys
Dear Aimee and Will,
It's hard to know what to say: we are awed by the strength, grace, and love that you both clearly possess and give even in such a hard time. It is a long journey you have been on together now. Thank you for continuing to share pieces of it with so many of us who love you so much.
Hilary and Kevin
Hey Guys!! I am thinking of all of you often, and so is everyone here at TMC. We love you very much and pray for you often. Hugs, kisses, and chocolate,
Annie J. :)
Hi guys, is it ok to update alumnae in Montrose?
Let me know!
Aimee,
I have had trouble staying awake to try to contact you, but please be assured I have been thinking about you every day. We love you and would or will do anything we can to help.
-Dot
Dear Aimee,
I am thinking of you and sending you lots of love, good wishes, and cheer. Please do keep us updated on the blog.
With love,
Pallavi
Dear Aimee--
Wishing you renewed strength, more comfort and progress in your recovery following this tough treatment.
Hoping that the energy/power/spirit of all the people who are thinking of you, praying for you, loving you, counting on the best for you and your family will give you that extra dose of
courage, strength and faith during these next few weeks.
hope to see you back to
teaching next year,
peace and love,
Carolyn
We're thinking of you and miss you. Hope to see you soon.
xxoo Whit
Praying and hoping all went well yesterday! Now, on to better days!
Love from KS!
Dear Aimee,
I wish you all the best at the NCI in Maryland over the next few weeks. My entire network of family and friends is praying very hard for you and your family.
Do say "hello" to my little friends Xavier and Tilly for me! I miss them, and look forward to another day at the park with them soon.
With thoughts and prayers always,
Maureen Mooney
Dear Aimee and Will,
Constant thoughts and prayers from here, and sacrifices unheroic, but offered with all my heart. I can't look at the current students without seeing you too--and that's a good sign for them and for us. Not that any of us qualify to compete in your look-alike photo contest, but still there are bright eyes, high spirits. --Much love, Mary (Mumbach)
Just wanted to let you know that we ae still constantly thinking about you and praying. Be well!!
Hi Aimee ! I'm thinking of you a lot and praying for you. Hang in there ! I know medical stuff is never fun, but You can do it !!! Ciao for now ~ Kathleen
Hi, yes it's the annoying blogger junkie again. Could you please update when you get settled? We'd like to know all the details, your room color, nurses names, hospital gown style, bed for spouses or put out your back pull-out? What does your window look over, how is the food, you know, the good stuff...
Praying in the meantime that you're both doing ok.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Aimee and WIll - I check the blog every day and get updates - we have been praying so hard that this new therapy gets rid of this cancer once and for all. You guys are so strong and so inspiring and I am so amazed by your courage. God Bless You both and know that our prayers are with you! Nicki, Shane, and kids
Post a Comment