My wish for the new year, one more sail

[teshannon]

Originally Posted by bubb2

Courtney, was released from Northwestern U. hospital last night. It has been a long 2 and 1/2 weeks. She did not make to the blues concert.

During her hospital stay her weight fell below 100 pounds. But it is coming back up now. The cancer is more extensive than first thought. The Dr's. were mega dosing the radiation treatment to her pelvis. She is burn like a cinder.

She starts a new round of chemo therapy this week. Her pain is under control. All we can do now is to pray and wait to see if the chemo works.

I want to thank you all, DJ, Sway, Hog, PB, Alex, Cardiac,Cam, Jrd,and all of you/those I can't think of right now. Thanks again to you all.

We keep praying for her. You are a great father!

[werebeagle]

Bubb

Thanks for the update, and the prayers are continuing. If you need anything, let me know.

[Rockter]

Best wishes there Bubb.

Rockter.

[DJEVANS]

Bubb,

The prayers are still flowing from our family to yours. I can't tell you how much your story and your daughter's feistiness have touched my heart. I have come close at times to becoming a cynic--it is people like yourself and Courtney who keep it from happening. Thank you again for sharing and letting us offer support.

DJ

[bubb2]

Update on Courtney

She has been in and out of Northwestern twice since my last post. She has been having terrible pain in her back, The Dr's thought it was because of the aggressive radiation they were giving her.

Yesterday's MRI scan shows she has a spine fracture of T-9 vertebrae. This is because she has loss so much bone mass. The Orthopedists and Neurosurgeons were called in. They decided they there was nothing they could do because there is just not enough bone left to "Pin or screw too" to stabilize her spine. They are going to fit her with a body brace. She is deteriorating faster than anyone thought she would. She is not responding to the Chemo therapy. Her red blood count is in the low 5 range it should be over 10 or more.

I am leaving for Chicago shorty as there are hard decisions that need to be made over the next few days.

To think, that this young lady was earning her living dancing in November and it looks like she will be in a wheel chair by the end of the month.

Cancer is not fair and it sucks!

[sailingdog]

Damn... Sorry to hear that Bubb. Give Courtney a hug for all of us here on Sailnet. You're right... Cancer is not fair and it sucks... and the ones who often get it really don't deserve it.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[sailhog]

Argh.
Bubb,
Is she conscious/alert? Sounds like she can at least communicate her pain?
I was thinking of Courtney and you yesterday as I listened to an interview on NPR with a comedian (Robert Schimmel)who was expected to die from his cancer, and then went on to not only survive, but thrive. He wanted to die during his chemo treatment, but his father kept pushing him and pushing him. His book is called "Cancer on $5/Day." Here's the link
Amazon.com: Cancer on $5 a Day* *(chemo not included): How Humor Got Me Through the Toughest Journey of My Life: Robert Schimmel,Alan Eisenstock: Books

I can feel your anguish, Cap'n. Gotta hang in there. Of course I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. Just know there are people you don't know who live far away and who are thinking of your baby girl.
Sailhog

[PBzeer]

I wish there was something more than prayers and positive thoughts to give to Courtney, your family, and yourself. I don't think I'm alone in saying if there is anything else that we can do, then let us know.

[CKDK08]

My thoughts and prayers are still going out to you both. Hang in there.
Craig

[ReverendMike]

There are many people here thinking of you both. Be strong.
Mike