Striking Back with Cody: MD Anderson Pre Surgery Update

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

MD Anderson Pre Surgery Update

Today is day 2 in Texas and the past two days have been packed full of appointments. Yesterday Cody's day started off with an EKG(echo cardiogram)at 11:30 (central time), which is a ultra sound of his heart. He had appts every few hours which included labs, chest x-rays, nursing assessments, and the last one being a CT Scan that was at 8:40 p.m.

Today on the schedule: Audiology consult, Anesthesia Assessment, a PETCT and an appointment with the Pediatric Oncologist Dr. Pete Anderson.

Tomorrow is a little bit lighter as far as appointments as of now the only things on the schedule are a Pediatrics consultation and an appointment with Pediatric Surgery.

Friday they just have blood work. They need to type and cross Cody before surgery.

They are doing well considering but I think the emotional toll is starting to hit them all. They are pretty tired from traveling and from bouncing around from appointment to appointment. They really haven't had much time for anything. They won't know what time Cody has to check in for Surgery until Sunday morning. They are supposed to call in the morning and they will give them the check-in time. Surgery is scheduled for first thing Monday morning and will last 12-15 hrs so we won't have any answers until probably 10:00 that night.

I fly out on Sunday morning and will be in Houston until Tuesday. I know it is a short trip but I didn't want them to have to do this alone. I will at least be there to see Cody before surgery and help keep my parents company during surgery. Depending on how Cody is doing and if they are allowing visitors I am hoping to stop in in the morning to see how Cody is doing before I fly back home on Tuesday. I will do my best to update as new information comes in throughout the surgery and the recovery after. My parents are going to be so consumed with Cody and what is going on that they will not be able to do it themselves so I will do my best to keep everyone in the loop. I know there are a lot of concerned people who want to know how he is doing. Thank you all for your support and prayers, Cody needs it now more than ever.

God Bless,
Cheryl

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A little about the Cancer

Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, also know as DSRCT, is considered a childhood cancer that is predominantly found in boys and young adults. It is an extremely rare, highly aggressive cancer that is usually found as masses in the abdomen. Desmoplastic small round cell tumor is frequently misdiagnosed which is why the prognosis remains poor. This is an aggressive, rare, fast spreading tumor.

There is no standard protocol for treatment but it usually includes aggressive Chemotherapy, Radiation, and Surgery.

A special thank you...

Russ and Janae want to personally thank their families for being so supportive. They wouldn't be able to do this without each and every one of you. There have been so many donations coming in and fundraisers being put together by members on both sides of the family. Thank you so much for all the love and support.

"You don't choose your family, they are God's gift to you, like you are to them" - Desmond Tutu

A big Thank You, also, goes out to the the Town of Winnemucca. The community has pulled together in so many ways to show their support it is overwhelming. Thank you!!!

Thank you to Connors Drilling and all of the employees. Connors asked the employees, Russ's co-workers, for a voluntary paycheck deduction that would go to Cody's Cancer Fund. A big thank you to all the many generous people who participated. Thanks to you a good chunck of money was raised to help with Cody's medical costs.

Upcoming Fundraisers

Striking Back with Cody Wristbands Awareness wristbands can be purchased at the HAMS in Winnemucca for anyone interested in showing their support. Family members also have awareness bands or know where to get them. 2 Brothers Communications Fundraiser 2 Brothers communications Verison Wireless 508 W Winnemucca Blvd. Ste B Winnemucca NV, 89445 (775) 625-2355 April 1st through May 31st 2 Brothers Communications will donate a portion of sales for ANY new activation or upgrade (no stipulations) to the families of Cody Nielson and Kylie Hilbish. Verizon Wireless has also agreed to match the donation with a contribution of their own.