History

Journal History

Sunday, July 6, 2008 12:59 AM CDT

Well its been a really long time since I have posted an update.Its been 6 years since Sydney's ended treatment and she just turned 12 2 weeks ago.We've come a long way from those very scary times of wondering what was going to be of my little girl.Wow its amazing how time has passed ! She's doing just wonderful growing like a weed she's now taller then me.She's grown into this amazing beautiful young lady going into 7th grade.I hope for the people that find this web page that it gives them the strength and hope that this nasty disease can be beaten.I really dont know what more I can say so thanks for the the prayer's that were sent Sydney's way she really is blessed.

Wednesday, August 4, 2004 1:16 AM CDT

Hello
I wanted to do a quick update on Sydney's page.It's been such a long time since I've posted anything.Its now 2 1/2 yrs since Sydney ended treatment.She continues to be doing great, thriving in everything she does and living life as a regular child.She's such an amazing kid.Here's what going on with Sydney,she has passed 2nd grade and going into 3rd this fall.We still see the Onc every 3 months for blood draw and chest X rays.The Dr feels Sydney can start having MRI's yearly now insted of the 6 months like we have done since tx ended.She still has the cataract in her left eye,it dose not appear to be changing or affecting her vison so we're just going to leave it alone for now.So to sum things up Sydney is doing great.I want to thank you all for stopping by.God Bless
Rachel mom to Caitlin & Sydney

Sunday, February 8, 2004 6:35 PM CST

Hello
It's been awhile since I last updated Sydney's page.I am happy to say it has now been 2 yrs since Sydney ended treatment.We had an MRI and chest X ray in January and all was clear.PTL Sydney continues to be doing wonderful,shes so happy and full of energy looking at her you would never know she ever had cancer.Her oncologist has recommended that she start seeing a diffrent Onc one that deals with late effects of cancer & rads.So thats who we will be seeing from now on.So all in all life has really been great.Thankyou all so much for stopping in to see how our little Syd is doing and please remember to sign the guest book she loves reading the messages.
God Bless
Rachel mom to Sydney & Caitlin

Wednesday, September 24, 2003 0:06 AM CDT

Hello
Its been awhile since I last updated.Summer is over and the kids are back to school.I know I sometimes go for awhile without a post and I'm sorry.Things have been going great Sydney continues to be doing wonderful.She's now 21 months OT.She was due for and MRI this but we had to reschedule it,we normaly do it with sedation but Sydney has had swollen tonsils these last few months and they doctors were afraid it might cause her breathing problems during sedation.So they now ordered a general anathisa(sp) MRI.
In the mean time we have seen and ENT and there going to take her tonsils out,but that might be a month or two,They want to do and echo gram of her heart before the surgery.And also mentioned that the tonsils ectomy is a 2 wk recovery time.Yikes what happen to it being a minor surgery.Works just gonna love that.She did have her chest x ray and it was clear.TG
The kids are real happy to be back in school Caitlin's doing great school comes easy for her.Sydney is doing real good too,she has to work alot harder and gets easily frustrated,but she's gettin it.Thankyou all so much for checking in.Please sign the guestbook so we know who was here.
God Bless
Rachel mom to Sydney & Caitlin

Monday, June 30, 2003 11:02 PM CDT

Hello
Well we made it through another birthday party with nobody hurt.PTL
We had Caitlins party at the skate ranch
on Saturday.She and about 6 of her friends had a blast,including her lil sister Sydney.Caitlin's real birthday is July 3rd so we will have cake and sing to her Thrusday.And a couple more presents too,she wants a bird I'm thinking paraket!
I think it will be cool I don't mind churping.Well on to Sydney when Caitlin first mentioned a skating party Sydney instintly said "I'm not going" she can't skate.I said we'll teach you.Her respone No I'll Never Learn Too.Well we got there and got her on skates she fell several times she was getting mad,then said she wanted them off.I would'nt let her take them off,if I'm on skates we're gonna do this.She didnt like me helping her.Finally she just hung on to the wall and managed to make it around the rink several times.I went about trying to remember how to skate myself.I'm 32 it's been almost 20 yrs for me,It;s just like riding a bike.It was funny my husband are like 2 lil kids racing around the rink.I would go over to Sydney and ask how's she doing,and she'd tell me go away,your distracting me.Needless to say by the end off the party Syd was making it around the rink without holding on.She's my HERO.When she makes up her mind she is one determined little girl.Another note Sydney started her summer school classes for reading.She goes Mon thru Thrus for an hour a day.She needs the help.During her treatment she missed over 70 days of kindergarten.I know it's only K but it preps them for first grade and this year she struggled with her work.Well thankyou all for stopping in and signing Sydney's guest book,She likes reading what everyone writes, and it makes reading fun for her.I always like to add how wonderful I think Univ of Mich is,there doctors, nurses and staff are the greatest.God Bless
Rachel mom to Sydney & Caitlin

Monday, June 30, 2003 11:02 PM CDT

Hello
Well we made it through another birthday party with nobody hurt.PTL
We had Caitlins party at the skate ranch
on Saturday.She and about 6 of her friends had a blast,including her lil sister Sydney.Caitlin's real birthday is July 3rd so we will have cake and sing to her Thrusday.And a couple more presents too,she wants a bird I'm thinking paraket!
Anyway on to Sydney when Caitlin first mentioned a skating party Sydney instintly said "I'm not going" she can't skate.I said we'll teach you.Her respone No I'll Never Learn Too.Well we got there and got her on skates she fell several times she was getting mad,then said she wanted them off.I would'nt let her take them off,if I'm on skates we're gonna do this.She didnt like me helping her.Finally she just hung on to the wall and managed to make it around the rink several times.I went about trying to remember how to skate myself.I'm 32 it's been almost 20 yrs for me,It;s just like riding a bike.It was funny my husband are like 2 lil kids racing around the rink.I would go over to Sydney and ask how's she doing,and she'd tell me go away,your distracting me.Needless to say by the end off the party Syd was making it around the rink without holding on.She's my HERO.When she makes up her mind she is one determined little girl.Another note Sydney started her summer school classes for reading.She goes Mon thru Thrus for an hour a day.She needs the help.During her treatment she missed over 70 days of kindergarten.I know it's only K but it preps them for first grade and this year she struggled with her work.Well thankyou all for stopping in and signing Sydney's guest book,She likes reading what everyone writes, and it makes reading fun for her.I always like to add how wonderful Univ of Mich is,there doctors, nurses and staff are the greatest.God Bless
Rachel mom to Sydney & Caitlin

Friday, June 20, 2003 3:48 PM CDT

Hello
Thankyou all for signing Sydney's guest book,with the many wishes for a happy birthday.Sydney had a wonderful day.She and twelve of her friends had a blast running and playing in the jungle gym area.Most even tried to climb the rock wall.Sydney did and made it to the top and got to ring the bell,she's been there a few times and kinda has it down pat.One party down and one to go Caitlins party is planned for June 28 at the skate ranch.I better get the knee an elbow padding out for this one.The kids are finally done with school and Sydney has passed all of her classes and is moving on to the secod grade.Cailin has done just as well and is going on to the fourth grade.We are so proud of both of them.We are planning a family vacation in July to Wildwood New Jersey we haven't been there in almost 15 yrs but they do have an awsome boardwalk with tons of rides and waterslides.Sydney continues to be doing great and we only see the oncologist every 3 months,she has and MRI and chest X ray scheduled in September.By Sept.Sydney will be 20 months off treatment and maybe I'll be able to relax a little more and not worry so much.As I come to a close for today I would like to thank Univ of Mich doctors and staff, they have been a blessing to us.Thankyou all for visiting and signing Sydney's guest book,it means alot to us.
God Bless
Rachel

Thursday, June 5, 2003 9:21 AM CDT

Hello
Well it's June already.And Sydney has a birthday coming up June 13th she will be 7 years old.Words cannot describe how I feel.To think in March of 2001 I didn't know if she would be turning 5.We are very blessed.Sydney had a doctors appt last Wednesday.They did a physical exam and chest x ray all was normal.Pretty much said she looks great see ya in 3 months.I still worry but it seems to lesson as time goes by.17 months off treatment! HOORAY
So we're planning a birthday party for Sydney with all her class mates at a place called happy tymes (like chucky chesse) She's so excited.Then in 2 wks it's Caitlins turn she wil be 9 and she wants a skating party.Caitlin's birthday isn't til July 3 but we try to have it at the end of June because most families are away over the 4th of July weekend.After these parties I think we'll be the ones stuck home on the 4th of July broke.LOL
I alway like to mention how greatful I am to the Univ of Mich medical staff, they were so good to us.God Bless!
Rachel

Thursday, April 24, 2003 9:47 PM CDT

Hello
Wow !! Its been a while since I last updated.First Sydney continues to be doing great!! 16 months off treatment and her last MRI & chestX rays were all clear. And if I may say a beautiful head of hair. We've made some big changes in the last few months.In Febuary we packed the house & family up and moved back to our home state on PA.I've wanted to come home for awhile but wanted to be sure Sydney would be Ok to move.We waited til she was off treatment for 1 yr.Even thought shes off treatment she still gets seen by the Onc. and radiation doctors etc...Dr Williams from U of M said childrens hosp. of Phila was a great hospital and transfered us to Dr Womer's care. Sydney has already seen Dr Womer seems like a nice Dr.I learned that he specializes in saracoma's that made we feel pretty good.I will never forget Univ Of Mich its great Dr's and staff they were so good to us.Both girls seem to be adjusting well they like there new school and friends.I'm so proud of them for every thing our family has been throught they just go with the flow.Sydney is going to be 7 in June and she was 4 when she was dx with cancer.I know it left a lasting impression with her,when she plays dolls she tells me her dolly hasnt eaten in days because of her cancer.We try to be normal but kids just say the darndest things.To sum it up Sydney's doing wonderful cancer free and full of energy,what more could a mom want.I will be adding new pics soon.We've been back in Pa 2 months but seems like we've just finally getting settled in.Thankyou all for checking in and the continued prayers.God Bless
Rachel

Saturday, December 14, 2002 at 12:04 AM (CST)

Hello
Its been awhile since an update and its a specal week coming up for Sydney.She will be star of the week in Mrs Mazzole's 1st grade class,and she is very excited about it.Which to me is the best class in Timberland Charter School.Tonight we filled out her question form of all of Sydney's favorites foods & colors an especially her favorite kitty Oreo.So as you can see Sydney is doing wonderful and continues to love going to school and learning how to read.It so much fun watching her sound out these letters and make a word.It"s amazing, to know this little angle went thru a year of being ill with no compaints and has come back so strong...She Is My Hero.Thankyou to all our family and friends an especailly the doctor's & nurses at Univ of Michigan.
God Bless

Rachel mom to Sydney

Saturday, December 14, 2002 at 12:04 AM (CST)

Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at 11:21 PM (CDT)

Hello Its been awhile since an update.Sydney continues to be doing great.She is enjoying school and loves Mrs Mazzole.She's a wonderful teacher.
Life seems almost normal again.Keeping busy is definetly a plus and that the kids can do for me.The girls are going to cheerleading on Tuesdays and awana club on Wednesdays.Sydney is a sparky and Caitlin is a chum.I think the names are so cute.Awana club is thru the chruch what a great class for the kids.Especially with everything Syd has endured this last year.It teaches her about Our Lord in a way a kid can understand.Are faith is stronger then ever.Its been a long journey but we made it.A great big Thankyou to the Drs and staff at Univ of Michigan.And Thankyou to our family for seeing us throught this journey.We Love You All
God Bless
Rachel

Wednesday, August 21, 2002 at 01:35 AM (CDT)

Hello
Well Sydney is now 6 months off treatment.We had an MRI on Monday and the word is ALL CLEAR.We are very excited that Sydney is doing so good.I'm also proud to report that Sydney is going into 1st grade this Thrusday.She is very excited no more half days our little girl is now a ful time student.I want to thank our friends and family for being so supportive during this journey.And a great big thanks to the Univ of Michigan doctors an staff.Thankyou all for looking in on Sydney.God Bless
Tim & Rachel Nickisher

Monday, July 08, 2002 at 02:27 AM (CDT)

Hello
WOW is July already,The months seems to be flying bye.We took a vaction to Daytona Beach Florida in June.We all had a great time,we got to take the kids to Universal Studios and it was soooo much fun.Sydney has been doing great.I love seeing her just being a kid with not a worry at all.She has grown hair its still short,but shes just so beautiful.Now we can actually go out with people stairing at her.It was so frustrating the looks an stares she would get for having no hair.I would have rathered they ask me whats wrong with her.
I'm just so glad we're able to put that behind us.I count my blessing everyday.
I'm back working and I'm really enjoying it.The hours are a little bit crazy but the money makes up for that.Well its be awhile since my last update,but they way I see it is no news is good news.So again A Great Big Thankyou to our Family an Friends for seeing us through this journey.
We Love You
God Bless
Rachel & Tim Nickisher

Tuesday, April 23, 2002 at 04:17 PM (CDT)

Hiya
Well it's been a while since my last update.Life here at the Nickisher's has been great! Sydney looks wonderful she's got good color and hair ..yes I said hair
She has really been enjoying herself without chemo and blood draws.It really is good to see her being a kid again after this last year Sydney was forced to be more mature then other children her age.Tim and I are very proud of her. We are just so happy things are going good,We count our blessing everyday.We did go to U of M today for a checkup.Everything was good..we do have a chest X ray next month but lets not worry about that just yet.I am also happy to say I'm going back to work.I feel its what I need, try focusing on something other then cancer it can be so consuming an literally make you nuts.Well Thankyou all for signing Syd's guestbook it makes her so happy.Thankyou again.. Friends and Family for seeing us through this journey.
We Love You !!

Tuesday, March 05, 2002 at 08:47 PM (CST)

Hello
Its been a while since I last posted.Things here are slowly trying to get back to normal.Sydney is enjoying being off treatment and being in school ful time.We are going on Sydney's Make a Wish trip next Friday,A Disney Cruise to The Virgin Islands is just what the doctor ordered.
We are all very excited.I'm just trying to get her healthy again since shes been off treatment she has had several colds this last one struck Saturday,with fever and all.I was a nervous wreck first fever off chemo.I didnt know what to think so I called U of M.They said be calm and that its probably just a normal cold.And try to start treating her like a normal child.
Thats easier said then done.But we're trying.Thankyou all for signing the guestbook.And a special Thankyou to our Family and friends for seeing us through this journey..We Love You !!

Tuesday, March 05, 2002 at 08:47 PM (CST)

Saturday February 16, 2002 11:42 PM CST

Hello ..And Thankyou all for signing Sydney's guest book.Well we got word on Thrusday that Sydney's end of treatment scan were all good.Bone Scan an CatScan were both clear.The MRI of her orbit (eye)
showed a sliver of what the doctors call scar tissue.Dr Williams called me on the phone that morning to give me the results.We're due back at the clinic on this Tuesday the 19,First in surgury to have Sydney"sa port removed then to see about follow up instructions for many scans in months to come.Thanks again to all the Family and friends who have supported us through this journey. We Love you !

Monday February 11, 2002 1:00 AM CST

We had a god day today.I think Sydneys counts are finally coming back up..her cold seems to be getting better an the coughing isnt so bad today either.Its been very scary these last few days fully knowing a common cold can cause serious damage to someone battleing cancer.I can only hope to use the word cancer free soon.My stomach is already turning from worry about the results of this weeks scan.I can only sit an pray I already feel blessed by Sydney making it through treatment.Thanks again for signing the guest book.I dont know why there not there for everyone else to read ..But I can see the when I've edited the page for m spelling corrections.LOL I will work on fixing that.I'll post again tomorrow.Rachel

Saturday February 9, 2002 9:45 PM CST

Hi wanted to post again.Sydney was admitted in to hospital Thrusay night after hitting the 101 fever.They treated her with antibiotics and observed her for 36 hrs Sydney"s blood counts are starting to recover it sees very slow this time.I spoke with the doctor tonite also concerned about her still having a fever its only 100 so they said to just watch her for now.I'll finally be happy when her counts come back up which I hope is soon.I'll post again later

Wednesday February 6, 2002 11:30 PM CST

Hiya Well after almost a year I've finally got a page up an running.This nightmare all began back in March 2001 Sydney woke up one moring with a puffy eye.To be honest I thought the girls her horse playing around an Sydney got hit in the eye.An didnt think much ofit.A couple of days went by an it didnt look any better.So i took her to the eye doctor which told me looks like allergies I took his word for it..an gave her the drops he perscribed.Finally after another week an its lookin ever worse the eye by that point is pushing out of her socket.Back to the doctors then the Cat scan was order I knew that moment after seeing the techs faces something was wrong.
About 20 mins after getting home I got the call.Withn hours Sydneygoing in for surgury an then that word was used Rhabdomyosarcoma.
I think I went numb how could my baby have cancer.After weeks of terriable thoughts I knew we we in for the fight of Sydneys life.An now 42 weeks of chemo an 5 weeks of radiation her we are.

Wednesday February 6, 2002 11:29 PM CST

Wednesday February 6, 2002 11:21 PM CST

Hiya Well I've finally got a page up an running.After almost a year of going through treatment Sydney has hopefully taken her last chemo.It has been a rough journey but we made it.We still have scans to do they are Feb 13 n 14.I'm prying for the all clear.Sydney is so looking forward to her Disney cruise in March shes asks every day when are you going.I think I'm just as excited too.

Wednesday February 6, 2002 10:51 PM CST

This page has just been created. Please check back for additional updates.Sydney was diagnoised was Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma

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