Striking Back with Cody: Back on Chemo

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Back on Chemo

Cody and his Mom made a trip to Logan to stay with our Grandparents and visit the rest of the extended family last weekend. It was nice to see everyone. Grandma counted 26 people at her house. Everyone stopped in to visit throughout the day. It is so nice to have such a loving supportive family.

Cody finally started chemo again after having a few weeks off. It took longer for his blood counts to come back up than they expected. Monday March 14th Cody started taking Cytoxan orally (by mouth) he will take that every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Tuesday the 15th Cody and his Mom headed to Fallon to see Dr. Perez and get his once a week dose of IV Chemo Navelbine. It was so nice to not have to travel so far for chemo.

Cody is planning on going back to school after spring break on April 4th. He will start of by taking just a couple of classes and slowly ease back into it. He will continue to take courses online as well. They are also talking about having a tutor come to the house for a few hours a week as well.

They do have to head back to Texas on the 27th. Cody is scheduled to have a scan on the 28th and then a follow up with Dr. Anderson (Oncologist) and Dr. McAleer (Radiation Oncologist) on the 30th to go over the results. Praying that we get good news next week and Cody's scans will be clean with no signs of cancer.

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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.