Journal History
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Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Greg has been home studying all summer. This Friday he takes his MCATS. He is also finishing up his applications for med school.
Next week he will have his next scheduled scans. Greg requested that we put them off until after his exams this week. They were due in June, but Greg didn't feel that he could concentrate on studying if the scans showed any indication of the return of his cancer. So, we agreed. It's made it harder on his father and I, worried about him all summer, but we've managed. He seems fine. Eating well and putting on a few pounds by working out.
The other excitement this summer has been in getting Matt ready to start college! After a whirlwind tour of all his options.......Matt is headed to Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. He's already packing, even though he isn't going for another month.
So, when Greg returns to Miami and Matt heads to Nashville, Ira and I will officially be Empty-Nesters. Where does the time go?
Thursday, November 19, 2009 6:59 PM CST Getting ready for Thanksgiving. Greg will be flying home next Wed evening. I'll be picking him up at the Detroit airport along with his grandmother (my mom). Can't wait to see him! Greg called and read me his menu choices over the phone......Let's see......Turkey-check, sweet potato pie-check,and leg of lamb????? Looks like I'll have to revise the shopping list.
Friday, September 18, 2009 10:03 AM CDT Hello, Everyone!
Saturday, January 3, 2009 6:26 PM CST Thanks to all for prayers and good wishes. Greg's latest scans are still clear. This past December makes seven full years since diagnosis. We are blessed and grateful for Greg's continued good health.
Friday, December 19, 2008 4:56 PM CST Greg is Home! He arrived in time for dinner last night. Thank goodness he missed the ice storm that is covering all of this area and East of us. He looks fine, already borrowing my car, and off to see friends. Greg will be having his scans next Monday. Keep him in your thoughts, please.
Saturday, December 13, 2008 10:17 PM CST Sorry this update is so long in coming. Greg was home for a whirlwind visit over Thanksgiving. We hardly saw him, he was busy catching up with friends.
Saturday, October 4, 2008 8:28 AM CDT The Orgel household is busy and thriving. Greg is settled in, and enjoying his second year at college. He seems more secure in his world now. He is enjoying his classes,and admits that he's learning "something"? Greg is taking Latin to fulfill his language requirements. We had discussed that as an alternative to the traditional Spanish/French, for a specific reason. Greg has sustained a minor hearing loss as a result of his chemo, making accents and sound nuances difficult for him. Spoken languages are a constant struggle. (Latin is no longer considered a spoken language.) Even English in a crowded, noisy room is trouble at times. Another consideration is his career goals. If Greg does end up in medical school, knowing Latin will defintely help. Ira and I both agree on that. Surprisingly enough, Greg actually likes the class! Will wonders never cease?
Thursday, June 19, 2008 3:17 PM CDT Sorry everybody, that it took me SO LONG to update here! Life is really hectic in the Orgel house. Let's see....
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 2:05 PM CDT Well, how quickly things change. Poor Greg has developed a cold/sinus infection that is really knocking him out. He went to Student Health, and is on ATB's and decongestants. Problem is, he's in the middle of final exams and feels lousy. It's just one of the results of all Greg's been through. Yes, he's healthy, but any time he gets sick......he REALLY gets sick. It's times like this, that I wish I was closer to where he's in school. Greg wanted so desperately to spread his wings and just be "normal". Ira and I just couldn't say no, even fearing that we would be so far away if he needed us. It's been a tough year for us, letting him go.
Friday, March 28, 2008 5:50 PM CDT It's been awhile, I know. But, as they say, "no news is good news". Greg did come home last week for a very short spring break. He didn't even stay the whole week, preferring to get back to Miami to enjoy a weekend at the beach before classes started up again. As parents, I guess we can't even compete. Sigh.
Monday, February 18, 2008 6:49 PM CST Well, Matt has his driver's license and begs to drive at every opportunity. "Mom, Dad, can't you just stay home so I can use the car?". We don't think so Matt, we both work. He does get to drive on a regular basis, running back and forth to track or baseball practice at the high school. Ira and I are delighted to be off THAT detail, at least.
Sunday, January 20, 2008 4:18 PM CST Greg is back at school and already busy with a new semester. He has a new roommate. Andrew decided to join a frat, and moved out over the Christmas break. Greg and his new roommate seem to be getting along fine. He's a junior,
Sunday, January 13, 2008 10:01 AM CST Greg left earlier this week to drive back to school. Yes, I know he's going all the way from Ohio to South Florida...... He insisted on having his car at school. Apparently, getting around isn't nearly as convienent as he had hoped. (I suspect half the reason for taking his car is so Matt doesn't have it here to drive). Greg is taking it in stages, stopping to visit friends along the way. He called this morning as he was getting back on the road. He should arrive at UM by mid-afternoon. I'll be relieved when he finally gets there.
Friday, December 21, 2007 4:27 PM CST After getting some frantic calls from family and friends, I realized that I needed to update the site!
Saturday, December 15, 2007 7:47 PM CST First the best news. Greg's latest scans, done the day he returned home from college, are still clear. 12/07 make it 6 full years since diagnosis. To say we're thankful, is an understatement.
Thursday, November 29, 2007 3:09 PM CST First of all, everything is fine. No excuses, I've just been BUSY! You would think that with one at college, and only one at home, my life would be simpler? Apparently not.
Sunday, September 23, 2007 6:43 PM CDT Next weekend is Parent's Weekend at UM. Ira and I will leave Thursday night. Matt will stay here, because as a 10th grader, he can't afford to miss 2 full days of school.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 6:22 PM CDT Greg has called us a number of times from UM with questions. Most of them have been about course selections, and budgeting time and money. He's not sharing too much about his social life or what he's doing outside of class. Ira and I have asked, but his response is usually "gotta go!" Aggravating, to say the least. We know that he's getting along well with his roommate Andrew. They hit it off right away. One less thing to worry about, at least.
Thursday, August 9, 2007 5:56 PM CDT Greg celebrated his 19th Birthday on August 3rd. We'll wait until I bring Matt home from camp before celebrating. Greg is piling stuff up in the guest bedroom getting ready for his new adventure. He's headed to college! I'm looking at this pile, and wondering--- where is he going to put all this, when he gets to school? Not my problem.
Sunday, July 22, 2007 3:53 PM CDT Greg is gearing up to leave for college. Never thought I'd get to write that!!!!!!!!!! We've been back and forth to "Bed Bath and Beyond", so many times I know what to find in each isle. All four of us are going down to Coral Gables to see him off. There's a 2 day orientation for parents, at the same time that Greg will be settling in. Greg has met his roommate already and they've been busy comparing notes on "who" is to bring "what". No sense duplicating efforts! The whole room they'll be sharing is only 10' x 18'! Not alot of room for 2 boys and all their stuff. Monday, June 11, 2007 4:14 PM CDT Greg is now offically a High School Graduate. Graduation went off without a hitch, baring a few tears. His Grandmother from Philadelphia was there to see it all. Greg, his friends Chase and Andy (Stein), Dr Stein's oldest son.....all graduated with honors. It was all so wonderful to see. We never thought he'd make it so far.....We have been so blessed.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007 12:09 AM CDT Update: Friday, June 1
Thursday, May 17, 2007 11:39 AM CDT All remains well and busy here in the Orgel home.
Thursday, May 3, 2007 8:53 AM CDT Well, we are certainly busy here. It's right smack in the middle of baseball season for 2 boys. I'm spending my life either in the bleachers, or the laundry room washing uniforms, endlessly.... Who ever came up with the idea of WHITE BASEBALL PANTS? AARRGHHH!
Sunday, April 8, 2007 8:58 AM CDT We returned safe and sound from Sarasota, to find SNOW? What happened to spring? It was 70 when we left! The boys had a great time as usual. Both of them are exhausted, still sleeping actually.... Ira and I are wiped out, too. We spent alot of time sitting on bleachers (2, sometimes 3 games a day), plus practices. Don't feel too sorry for us, we had fun, too. All the parents had their own get-togethers every night, sharing stories, food and drinks.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007 11:25 AM CDT All is well. We are leaving this weekend for our annual Spring Break,and headed back to Sarasota, Fla. This will be Greg's last trip. Matt however, will have his full 4 years to look forward to, on OHHS's baseball team. Tuesday, March 13, 2007 3:19 PM CDT Greg and I just returned from his routine (post scan) check up with Dr Stein. I was a bit distressed to learn that Greg has dropped 4 lbs since his last appointment in December. Then, as it was pointed out to me......... Today, Greg is in shorts and a T-shirt. Last December, he was all bundled up. Well, Duh! Spring is showing in Ohio, and of course, the kids are the first to shed layers. The sun is out, most people are in short sleves and light jackets. What a change 2 weeks can make. There's even green stuff showing in the flower beds.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007 10:02 AM CST Well, after Mother Nature showed us what She was capable of, things settled down. By 11AM we were on the moutain under clear, sunny skies. Still cold, though. I admit to struggling a bit with powder up to my thighs. I found myself buried, more than once......
Friday, March 2, 2007 10:59 AM CST This morning, I'm at Alta Mountain, Utah. Family is home and well in Toledo. I'm supposed to be sking with my brother Michael, but Mother Nature has different plans. At the moment, we're in Lodge Lockdown. The mountain and all roads leading to it, are closed. We have had several avalanches already, and the patrol is out, trying to create a few more, to make the mountain "safer". We're having quite a storm, with more than 16" in the last 12 hours. I'm probably going to have to wear all the layers I brought out here, because of the wind.....
Saturday, February 17, 2007 9:43 AM CST Both boys had Friday and Monday off from school for President's Day. Greg is in Chicago for the weekend. Two years ago at a student conference, he met a young man from Chicago and has remained friends with him since. Greg and his friend Michael were finally able to arrange a visit. The original plans called for travel by train, but the weather here and there squashed that idea. So, Greg ended up going by bus instead. Not exactly ideal, but the best we could come up with on short notice. Thursday, February 8, 2007 8:05 PM CST GREG'S SCANS ARE CLEAR! Thursday, February 8, 2007 10:56 AM CST Greg had his PT/CT last evening at 4PM. Still waiting to hear results from Dagmar. Even though Ira and I are hopeful that everything is as it should be, prayers would be appreciated. Thursday, February 1, 2007 6:45 PM CST All's well. Greg has a bit of a cold, but I'm not concerned, half of our neighborhood has one, too.
Friday, January 12, 2007 6:04 PM CST Happy New Year to all. Greg and Matt are back in school, preparing for semester exams. Ira is back at work and so am I. A new semester has started and I'm looking forward to meeting my newest nursing students. Greg is planning on helping out this semester. He's volunteered to be a "patient" when we start teaching assessment skills. After all, he's had plenty of practice! Sunday, December 17, 2006 12:15 AM CST Just 4 more days of school and then the boys are on winter break. Greg is putting the final touches on the last of his applications. We've already had responses from 2 schools, that makes only 8 more to go.....
Tuesday, November 28, 2006 11:25 AM CST We all have much to be thankful for this season. Family, friends and especially, all of the courageous people I've had the privlege of meeting on DSRCT. Wednesday, November 15, 2006 1:05 PM CST I'm practicing for being an "Empty-Nester" this week. Both boys are on school trips. Greg is touring England, Wales, and Ireland. (Poor child!). Matt is in L.A., visiting movie sets and catching glimpses of celebrities. Thus far, I'm fine. I'm using my extra time cleaning out closets and getting ready for Thanksgiving. Wednesday, November 1, 2006 4:16 PM CST Good News! Greg had a PET/CT yesterday. The initial reading is that it is unchanged. No new spots are seen on his liver. Of course, after our last experience, I'm sure the radiologists are going to review those scans with a fine tooth comb.
Thursday, October 12, 2006 9:01 AM CDT Thank you first of all, to all who contacted me during one of my "down days". They don't happen too often, but when they do......OUCH!
Tuesday, October 3, 2006 3:22 PM CDT Dear DSRCT Families.
Sunday, September 24, 2006 7:42 PM CDT Some time ago, Ira and I learned of another teenager here in Toledo diagnosed with DSRCT. Because of privacy laws, we never knew her name. Her family declined to join our site, and we respected their wishes.
Thursday, September 21, 2006 9:53 AM CDT Ira and I returned home last nite. All is well. It looks like Greg and Matt both got taller while we were gone. Matt is FINALLY heavy enough to trigger the seatbelt alarm in Ira's car! This is a 14 year old, mind you...... You would think we never feed him. Wednesday, September 13, 2006 4:11 AM CDT Bonjour! Ira and I are in Cannes, France. We are attending a Retina conference. Actually, Ira is going to lectures while I'm touring..... We call the boys every night and check in. Greg is already buried in the work of senior year, and Matt is in culture shock at the difference between Jr High, and the real deal in High School.
Wednesday, September 6, 2006 9:32 AM CDT Both boys are back into a busy school routine. Greg is already buried in homework, hitting the books as soon as he gets home. Matt is a bit luckier. He has a studyhall every day, so he's getting alot of work done then. Getting up for school and staying awake after, seems to be the biggest issue. Both boys are still on a summertime sleeping schedule.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006 9:36 AM CDT We're home, tanned and rested. Everyone had a wonderful time. The boys met lots of kids from European countries. Airport security was an absolute nightmare, especially on the flight returning to the US.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006 3:59 PM CDT We are on vacation this week. A last minute arrangement to get away after all this stress. Be back on Sunday with an update. Right now we are enjoying the sun in the Dominican Republic. Greg is having fun, being treated as an adult here. Matt is busy playing ping-pong. I am reading, reading, reading. Ira eats and drinks.
Friday, August 4, 2006 10:59 AM CDT Well, Greg certainly had an interesting time celebrating his birthday with his friends. Can't say that it's what we as parents would have choosen, however..... The night before, on August 2nd, Greg attended a concert with his friends. He told us yesterday, what they did. Turns out that on the way home, they made a quick detour to a convience store on the way home?????? At exactly 7 minutes after midnight they had Greg go in and do the following........Purchase a pack of cigarettes, a magazine with "Adult Content", and a lottery ticket! Of course the clerk questioned Greg at the counter. When he showed her his ID, she laughed. Her comment? "That's not fair! You've only been 18 for 8 minutes!"
Friday, July 28, 2006 8:58 AM CDT Ira and Greg returned from the college hunt on Wed. Greg's favorite, surprisingly enough is Wake Forest University. He initally told us that he wanted to attend a larger school, but I guess he changed his mind. He didn't care for UNC at all. Not sure why. Maybe because it rained the entire time he was touring the campus?
Sunday, July 23, 2006 4:28 PM CDT Greg and Ira left this morning for their road trip to visit colleges. First stop is Charlottesville, Va. to see UVA. Tuesday they'll be in Durham NC. to visit Duke, and later in the day, Chapel Hill, to inspect UNC. Hopefully, they'll have time to detour to Carrboro, a little bedroom community 15 minutes away. I would like Greg to see the home we were living in when he was born. I wonder if he's even interested? Time will tell. Wednesday morning the last stop will be Wake Forest University. I am so glad that Ira picked up on a "slight" error I made in mapping out their itinerary! Silly me, I thought Wake Forest University is located in Wake Forest, NC!? But no, it's in Winston-Salem, only a minor hour and a half in the OTHER direction.....OOPS! Tuesday, July 18, 2006 1:16 PM CDT OH G-D! I never want to go thru this again!!!!!!! Dagmar called with the news that Greg's biopsy results are all negative for DSRCT. He has developed some small spots of damaged, poorly healed tissue in his biliary tract. It's called "Biliary Hyperplasia". It was caused by the high doses of chemo and radiation.
Sunday, July 16, 2006 8:55 AM CDT Well, no news as yet. I guess no news is to be considered good news. Dagmar did warn us that results might take a week or more, but the wait is painful none the less.
Sunday, July 9, 2006 11:33 AM CDT THURSDAY
Wednesday, July 5, 2006 3:17 PM CDT Well, first the good news......We arrived, safe and sound. Greg's MRI/cholangiogram went off very early this morning without a hitch.
Sunday, July 2, 2006 11:51 AM CDT OK. Plans are finaly falling into place. Greg and I are headed to NY on July 4th. Ira will follow on July 5th after getting Matt settled at basketball camp. "Thank you" to the Lesinski Family for your help! Greg will have his MRI on July 5th in the morning. Then we'll be free for the rest of the day. We'll meet up with Ira in time for dinner. We were able to get reservations at the Ronald McDonald House, so that's one less thing to worry about. Thursday morning, we'll meet with Dr LaQuaglia to discuss what's next. Dr LaQ's staff was able to tentatively set up a CT guided biopsy for Thursday, too. If that is what happens, Greg will probably stay overnight and be turned loose on Friday. We all have reservations to fly home on Saturday.
Friday, June 30, 2006 9:37 AM CDT I've been on the phone now, for 2 days. Scheduling everything is a nightmare, but I'm sure most of you know that. Ira and I would like to have as much planned before we go, as is possible. That means tests, appts with LaQ and Kushner, and biopsy/surgery, on the books! We simply cannot manage with an open-ended schedule. Ira has his own medical practice, and to leave Matt in the care of friends indefintely, is simply unfair to all involved. We don't live within driving distance, and open ended flights and hotel reservations are almost impossible to arrange. Ditto, for Ira's patients and their needs. Can you imagine Ira's staff calling his patients to say, "Yes, I understand that you can't see, but can you manage for another week, or two?". Ira's partners will certainly pick up the slack, but is is summertime, and they have family plans and schedules of their own. ARRGH!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006 8:06 PM CDT Well, here's the news......The spots are EXACTLY the same size! That said, we're still going to see Dr LaQ. Dagmar hates "mysteries" as she calls them. Yes, we could wait and repeat the scans again, in another month, but why put our lives on hold that long? Once we get to NYC, Dr LaQ either do a biopsy or decide to go in and see what's going on for himself. If he doesn't like it, he can remove it then and there. Either way, we'll get SOME answers!
Tuesday, June 27, 2006 9:31 AM CDT Greg returns this afternoon from his trip to Greece. His MRI Scan is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 7 AM. Dagmar gave me the option of sticking around to find out the results, or going home and wait for her call. I've decided to return home and wait. After all, Greg would have to wait with me, and if the news is grim, I'll have some time to absorb it before talking to him.
Saturday, June 10, 2006 11:50 AM CDT Now Ira and I can only sit until the end of June, waiting painfully to find out if Greg's tumors have indeed recurred. He's on his way to Greece, as he requested. If Greg is truly concerned, he's keeping it from us. The MRI is scheduled for June 27th, the day after he returns. If there is any change at all, we'll be in NY right after the 4th of July Holiday. All we can do now is keep our hopes up. We both appreciate all the prayers and good thoughts on our behalf. We know that we aren't alone. Thank you, all. Monday, June 5, 2006 10:03 AM CDT Ira and I are really angry! Does anyone realize that Thursday will be FOUR WEEKS that we've waited for some kind of response from NY? Well, I've had it..... So this morning with Dagmar's blessing, I contacted our doctors at MSKCC myself. It is our understanding that although Dr Kushner has reviewed the scans, they are waiting in the computer for Dr LaQuaglia to review. I called Dr LaQ's office and spoke with his secretary, Elsa. She knows me well, so this was not a problem at all. I asked her to please "Light a fire under his tail" (Exact words) and get him to sit down and review those scans. Elsa promised to try to convince him to carve out some time in his busy schedule and do just that. I actually told her that I have been contacted by 3 new families in the last week or so. (True), and that if he could not take the time to attend to the needs of patients he already had, that I was NOT about to send him any more! Hopefully that will get his attention! I'll let everyone know.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006 10:14 AM CDT Dagmar finally heard from Dr Kushner yesterday.... Another delay...... Brian wants Dr LaQuaglia to review the scans. Problem is, he's out of town, and won't be back until the weekend. So, now we won't know anything more until NEXT week! At this point, we are going on 3 weeks, so Dagmar is just going back to plan # 1. She's going to repeat the MRI in 4 weeks, just like she suggested 3 weeks ago.! Monday, May 22, 2006 9:29 AM CDT This waiting is just awful! Every time the phone rings, I jump. It's only 9:30 in the morning on Monday and I'm already a bundle of nerves. The phone has already rung 4 times, none of it important. I'm torn between taking the darn thing off the hook, or leaving the house. At least I know Ira and Dagmar know my cell. The nonsense calls won't follow me.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006 9:59 AM CDT This waiting game is taking it's toll. Ira is a mess, Greg is scared, and Matt is asking questions that I just don't have answers for. This morning, early..... I spoke briefly with Dagmar. We were both in the school gym at 4AM, sending Matt and Sean off on their 8th grade trip to Washington DC. She's going to send an E-mail to Brian this morning, asking if he's had time to review Greg's scans yet. The problem is that she tells me he's leaving town for a conference tomorrow. If he doesn't get time before leaving to review everything, it may be NEXT week before any decisions are made. Arrghhh!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006 1:10 PM CDT Dear Friends. As you may know, Greg had his latest scans on Monday, May 8. I am devastated to report that Greg MAY have a problem. The radiologist noticed a very small spot on his liver, that was not there 4 months ago. The confusion is because it is not "lighting up" on the PET/CT as you would expect if it was a recurrence. It's just there. So, last night we went for an MRI with contrast. It didn't help the doctors at all. The problem is this....... The radiologists pulled out all of Greg's previous scans, to compare them. In retrospect, there are 2 other spots as well. One of them, apparently, has been there, unchanged in size????? since 2004. So now the doctors don't know what to think....! We are sending the scans to NYC for review by Dr Kushner and LaQuaglia for their input. We will wait, anxiously, for their reply. Dagmar is of 2 minds..... Leave it alone for now, and do another MRI in a month, or do a biopsy. We'll see what the doctors in NYC suggest, and go from there. Friday, May 5, 2006 8:10 AM CDT Hi Everyone. Well, spring has finally made it to Northwest Ohio. Greg is going to have a busy time, these next few weeks. He is taking the ACT's tomorow morning, followed by a baseball game, and last but not least, his prom tomorrow night. I'm tired just thinking about it! Can't wait to see my son in a tuxedo!
Monday, March 6, 2006 8:34 AM CST Greg continues to be well. We're slowly gearing up for the college hunt. Ira and I are torn between letting him go, and his desire to be turned loose. Certainly, there is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to look at schools out of state but, does it HAVE to include California!? I am pushing for Greg to limit his search to the East coast and Midwest. Do you think that would give him enough choices? He is leaning towards a big city atmosphere. Do you think Boston, NYC, Washington DC,Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta etc, would include a few schools he might like.....Arggh! I guess I shouldn't complain though. He's alive, and well, and looking forward to a future he wasn't supposed to have. Saturday, January 7, 2006 10:12 AM CST We're off to a hopeful New Year. Greg's latest scans came back clear! Greg was diagnosed a little over 4 years ago, and we're ever so blessed that he is here and apparently healthy. My heart and prayers go out to all those who are not so fortunate. I don't know why, or how, we've been so lucky, for luck it appears to be. I know of many others that were treated just as our son was, and they are still sick. I know it's much too soon to believe that Greg is truly OK, but I'm becoming more hopeful, day by day. Greg will be getting his next scan in 4 months. Until then, we can breathe.
Saturday, January 7, 2006 10:12 AM CST We're off to a hopeful New Year. Greg's latest scans came back clear! Greg was diagnosed a little over 4 years ago, and we're ever so blessed that he is here and apparently healthy. My heart and prayers go out to all those who are not so fortunate. I don't know why, or how, we've been so lucky, for luck it appears to be. I know of many others that were treated just as our son was, and they are still sick. I know it's much too soon to believe that Greg is truly OK, but I'm becoming more hopeful, day by day. Greg will be getting his next scan in 4 months. Until then, we can breathe.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005 10:14 AM CST Hope everyone is having a wonderful Holiday season. Greg and Matt won't start their break until the middle of next week, but they're already slacking off! It's been hard to get them motivated enough to complete their schoolwork this past week. The weather here in Ohio has been colder than normal, but mostly clear and even sunny. The snow we got last week is still sticking around, and it still looks beautiful. Greg, Matt, and I even went sledding this past weekend. Chewy loves the swow! Of course, he gets buried, every time he heads out onto the lawn..... The cats aren't nearly as thrilled, prefering to remain inside.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005 7:21 AM CST I changed the background because we're expecting the first snow of the season later today. Of course, it has to be when Greg's grandmother is flying in for the holiday.... Hopefully, she'll arive safely from Philadelphia. I'm sure she'll be really surprised when she sees both Greg and Matt! Greg is taller and more grown up than ever. Matt had his braces removed recently. He's taller, too, but still as skinny as ever! We also have a new addition to the menagerie. Matt has a new kitten.....Like we don't have enough.... We're up to 5. "Spit" is a feisty little thing, and becoming fast friends with Chewy. Wednesday, October 5, 2005 11:54 AM CDT It's been an eventful few weeks! Even though I wrote that Greg's latest scans were clear, it's only half the story. There was a small area of concern. A small spot on Ggeg's left hip lit up. We just didn't want to take any chances so...... First a trip to the regular pediatrician. Diagnosis? Sports related injury. Made sure with a referral to a pediatric orthopedic doc. Same diagnosis. Greg managed to pull a tendon right off his hip bone. OUCH! Apparently, it's been bothering him off and on since the spring, especially when exercising. It just never healed because he's constantly irritating it with constant activity. We're relieved of course, but Dagmar is going to repeat his scan a month early. We were on a four month schedule, but we're going back to three. That means December, not January as we hoped. Actually, I had hoped to go to a six month schedule.......Not yet. Ira and I will worry 'til December, of course. For now, Greg is doing special exercises and taking (more) anti-inflamatory meds.
Wednesday, October 5, 2005 11:54 AM CDT It's been an eventful few weeks! Even though I wrote that Greg's latest scans were clear, it's only half the story. There was a small area of concern. A small spot on Ggeg's left hip lit up. We just didn't want to take any chances so...... First a trip to the regular pediatrician. Diagnosis? Sports related injury. Made sure with a referral to a pediatric orthopedic doc. Same diagnosis. Greg managed to pull a tendon right off his hip bone. OUCH! Apparently, it's been bothering him off and on since the spring, especially when exercising. It just never healed because he's constantly irritating it with constant activity. We're relieved of course, but Dagmar is going to repeat his scan a month early. We were on a four month schedule, but we're going back to three. That means December, not January as we hoped. Actually, I had hoped to go to a six month schedule.......Not yet. Ira and I will worry 'til December, of course. For now, Greg is doing special exercises and taking (more) anti-inflamatory meds.
Thursday, September 8, 2005 7:35 PM CDT We heard today that Greg's latest scans are clear. Thanks to all for prayers and good wishes.
Thursday, September 1, 2005 6:42 PM CDT Both boys are back in school. Greg in 11th grade, Matt in 8th. We're going to be busy this year I'm sure. It's time to start looking at colleges with Greg. It's wonderful to be able to say that! I went back to work this week, too. Time to start introducing another group of new students to the wonderful world of Nursing. I wonder how many I can influence enough to consider Oncology?
Wednesday, August 17, 2005 1:21 AM CDT All is well in the Orgel household. Greg and Matt had a wonderful time at the Maccabi Games in San Antonio, Texas. I went along for the fun. The highlights? Greg and Matt both came home with metals in Table Tennis. I got to see the famous Alamo, AND DROVE TO HOUSTON TO MEET KEVIN! He's wonderful, very sweet. I met Patrick's brother, too. He's coping but it's still very hard for him and the rest of the family.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005 1:21 AM CDT All is well in the Orgel household. Greg and Matt had a wonderful time at the Maccabi Games in San Antonio, Texas. I went along for the fun. The highlights? Greg and Matt both came home with metals in Table Tennis. I got to see the famous Alamo, AND DROVE TO HOUSTON TO MEET KEVIN! He's wonderful, very sweet. I met Patrick's brother, too. He's coping but it's still very hard for him and the rest of the family.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005 1:21 AM CDT All is well in the Orgel household. Greg and Matt had a wonderful time at the Maccabi Games in San Antonio, Texas. I went along for the fun. The highlights? Greg and Matt both came home with metals in Table Tennis. I got to see the famous Alamo, AND DROVE TO HOUSTON TO MEET KEVIN! He's wonderful, very sweet. I met Patrick's brother, too. He's coping but it's still very hard for him and the rest of the family.
Tuesday, August 2, 2005 8:49 AM CDT Greg had a great time in DC. I'm especially glad he went, because he missed his 8th grade trip there two years ago. Greg came home with lots of stories about all the kids he met. He's been IM'ing ever since..... He found most of the medically-oriented lectures boring, unfortunately. He thought that most of them were too basic for his interest level. Could it be that 2 years in the hospital , and having an RN and MD for parents has made him THAT sophisticated and knowledgeable? One thing he noted was the number of kids he met that also had serious illnesses to deal with, even another cancer survivor. Maybe this is their way of coping?
Tuesday, July 19, 2005 12:30 AM CDT Greg left this morning for The National Student Leadership Conference in Medicine. He'll be in Washington DC for ten days. I took him to Detroit Airport and sent him on his way, all alone. I was so proud of him, he looks and acts like a young man, full of self-confidence. We hope he comes home with an appreciation of what his father does every day. More than that, we hope he comes back with the answer to the question: Is this what he wants to do for the rest of his life?
Sunday, June 19, 2005 8:26 AM CDT Life has been busy here, and amazingly normal. Both boys finished school and are busy with baseball, baseball, and baseball. My job is just to keep washing uniforms. Greg has also been keeping busy with playing poker, but we won't go into that......
Tuesday, May 10, 2005 8:18 AM CDT Greg is back, in one piece. (At least for now). He came home from Costa Rica with a new toy...... A Machete! Apparently, most of his classmates did too. Greg brought his father some banana-flavored liqueur and I get to try some new coffee, yum! Spring has finally made it here to Ohio. Chewy and I have been going for some long walks. So long in fact, that I sometimes have to carry him home. Oh well, at least one of us is getting plenty of exercise. I only have one more day at work, then I'm "off" for the summer. One of the advantages of teaching....... Now I'll be able to go to all the baseball games and track meets. Glad the weather is better.
Thursday, April 21, 2005 7:05 AM CDT Greg is having an exciting week. He and 20 of his classmates are on a school trip. Where, you ask? They're in Costa Rica! We've gotten a few brief e-mails from the teacher/leaders. All are well, abet with sunburn and bug bites. The kids are visiting the rainforest, checking out flora and fauna (it is supposed to be educational, you know) and seeing an active volcano up close and personal. In between, they're white-water rafting, horse-back riding, zip-lining, and hiking. Thursday, April 7, 2005 5:25 PM CDT Dear Family and Friends;
Wednesday, March 23, 2005 9:45 AM CST Well, everything here has settled down a bit. Matt's Bar Mitzvah went off with only a few minor glitches last weekend. General concensus? It was a resounding success. I'm still in recovery mode. My feet still hurt and the house is still a mess. We've been eating leftovers for breakfast, lunch and dinner since Sunday..... I found out at Matt's party that my 13yo knows how to dance?! Wonder when he learned that? Greg of course, played "Mr Cool" all weekend. My mother is still here because Sean Stein's Bar Mitzvah is next weekend. Now it's my turn to watch poor Dagmar get frazzled....I get to enjoy the next party.
Thursday, February 3, 2005 7:37 AM CST Greg will have his next scan in April, instead of March. Both the Orgel and Stein (Greg's doctor) families will be celebrating the Bar Mitzvah's of their respective sons in March. Matt and Sean Stein will "come of age" a week apart. Dagmar and I figure we have enough to keep us busy between now and then. Ira and I were concerned at first, when Dagmar suggested putting the scan off for four weeks. We were afraid she was doing it more for our peace of mind, than for Greg's medical needs. She assured us that at this point Greg is stable enough to wait. The true test will come when she schedules the next one. Three months or four?
Sunday, January 23, 2005 10:22 PM CST All remains well in the Orgel household. Greg just finished semester exams, so he had a whole weekend sans studying to enjoy. With all the snow we got yesterday (11 inches) Greg spent yesterday trying to get his car out of the driveday. We told Greg that he could drive to his friend Evan's house, as soon as he did. Of course, Ira and I knew it would take him half the day, and all the streets would be plowed by then...... Greg finally managed to get out by 2PM..... LOL. Either of us would have managed without any trouble, but Greg needed the exprience in the "how to's", and how not to, spin the wheels until the car was in a trench...... We figure it will take him a few more storms before he learns to drive in the snow.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 2:46 PM CST The weary travelers have returned. The cruise was wonderful. I managed some sun time, (not as much as I would have liked). Ira finally bought that digital camera that we've been talking about for months. Hopefully, he learned enough about it for the pictures to come out OK..... Both boys found plenty of friends among their traveling companions. In fact, after they learned their way around that huge ship, we hardly saw them! By the end of the week, Matt was wandering in at about 1:30AM. and Greg, at 2:30 in the morning! At least we knew where they were. Greg did take one unauthorized trip off the boat at 11PM one nite. We were panicking that he wouldn't make it back on, before we left port at 12:30! Turns out, all the shops were closed by then, (gee, imagine that) and he and his friends were back in twenty minutes......All in all, it was quite an adventure. Not sure we'd do it again, though. Once was enough. At least we can say, been there, done that.
Friday, December 17, 2004 7:59 AM CST Hope everyone has a good Holiday, and school break. The Orgel Family is leaving town tomorrow for a warmer climate. We are taking a cruise, and catching up on sunshine and each other. We will return the day after Christmas. Best wishes to all, for the coming New Year.
Thursday, December 9, 2004 1:33 PM CST Ira called me at 10:30. Greg's scans came back clear! It took me 'til now to get home and post this message. Thanks to all, for all the prayers. We couldn't get thru this without you. BETH
Thursday, December 9, 2004 7:11 AM CST We are still anxiously awaiting word of the results of Greg's latest scan. For the first time, it was done at at a free-standing clinic. This was a result of insurance issues (always one ofour favorite organizations)and because we had a PET scan done at the same time. So now, we wait. Ira and I are just not used to this! Because Greg usually had his scans at the Toledo Hospital, it was not unusual to get almost immediate word on results. This time, the scans are being reviewed by and unnamed radiologist, who is totally unfamiliar with Greg, his history, or familiarity with his previous scans! Then, we wait for the results to be sent to Dagmar Stein, who will probably hand carry them downstairs from her office to the radiology suite at Toledo Hospital, to be re-read by someone familiar with Greg.....Then, she calls us. Now we know how the rest of the real world works, and we don't like it any better than the rest of you. So please be patient, you'll all know as soon as we do.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004 9:08 AM CST We have a date for Greg's PET/CAT scan. It will be on December 7th. We are nervous, but hopeful. Prayers would be appreciated.
Thursday, November 4, 2004 12:53 AM CST Greg is going to have his next scan in the beginning of December. We don't have a date quite yet, but we wouldn't mind if friends started praying a little early. Ira and I are anxious about this one, for two different reasons. One, this is going to be a PET/CT scan, something Greg hasn't had before. The idea is to see if there is any tumor, sooner than what could be seen on a regular CT. The other thing that makes us nervous, is the timing. As of December 4th, Greg will have been sick for exactly three years. Ironically enough, we are planning to take the exact Chrismas break vacation, that we cancelled so suddenly in December 2001. We are well aware that Greg has been more fortunate than most young victims of this terrible disease. We are hopeful that Greg will continue to be tumor free, but understand that the odds are still against him. Even though Greg has "graduated" to scans every three months instead of every eight weeks, it is a mixed blessing. Now we wonder if we are waiting too long in between scans. In the meantime we are enjoying the presence of a normal teenager.
Thursday, November 4, 2004 12:53 AM CST Greg is going to have his next scan in the beginning of December. We don't have a date quite yet, but we wouldn't mind if friends started praying a little early. Ira and I are anxious about this one, for two different reasons. One, this is going to be a PET/CT scan, something Greg hasn't had before. The idea is to see if there is any tumor, sooner than what could be seen on a regular CT. The other thing that makes us nervous, is the timing. As of December 4th, Greg will have been sick for exactly three years. Ironically enough, we are planning to take the exact Chrismas break vacation, that we cancelled so suddenly in December 2001. We are well aware that Greg has been more fortunate than most young victims of this terrible disease. We are hopeful that Greg will continue to be tumor free, but understand that the odds are still against him. Even though Greg has "graduated" to scans every three months instead of every eight weeks, it is a mixed blessing. Now we wonder if we are waiting too long in between scans. In the meantime we are enjoying the presence of a normal teenager.
Sunday, September 26, 2004 9:07 AM CDT Greg is getting taller, literally by the day. He has grown a full inch in just 5 weeks! The good news is that he is quickly gaining on his peers. The bad news? We need to go shopping for new clothes,(again). Greg is now firmly in the place that all healthy teenage boys take for granted. He is juggling the responsibility of school, with the demands of an active social life. He has his driver's license, and now we get to do the normal kind of worrying. Where is he? Who's he with? We get to stay up late at nite now, waiting for him to arrive home safely. Quite a change from staying up worrying about a sick child!. Three years ago, I never would have guessed that we'd make it this far. I am certain that a good portion of the credit goes to all of you. Thank you! Thank you! Thank You!
Friday, September 3, 2004 10:22 AM CDT Greg just had a CT scan this week. IT's STILL clear! All those prayers are certainly doing something. Thanks to all of you who take the time and effort to support us. Greg just started 10th grade. He's already hard at work. He is going to take his driving test soon, and he knows that using the car will be dependent on continued good grades. (and behavior). It's absolutely amazing, how the idea of driving becomes such a motivating force! I wonder how far I can go with this...... Let's see; Household chores?, Pet care?, Be REALLY nice to your little brother?......
Wednesday, August 11, 2004 5:47 PM CDT Well, the good news is that Greg is having a wonderful time at the Games. The bad news.....No metals this year. From what I've seen and heard, the Israeli team is unbeatable.! (At least in table tennis). Some of these kids even hire paid coaches before the Games. We aren't quite THAT serious about it...... Greg will spend the rest of the week cheering on his team, and others.
Monday, August 9, 2004 7:49 PM CDT The Maccabi Games started today in Columbus, OH. We haven't heard from Greg yet, but his father was at the Opening ceremonies last night. There are 1000 teenagers at our small Midwest venue. Teams literally from around the world are there. Truthfully, we were surprised. We assumed that most of the international teams would compete either in Boston or Washington, DC. Team Toledo is competing against some the the best teams from 5 different countries! They have come from Great Britan, Israel,(of course) Canada, Venezuela, and Mexico. Teams from all over the USA are there too. Teams came from as far away as California, Florida, Nebraska and Virginia. Greg must be having too much fun to pick up the phone..... Scores for some events have already been posted, but Table Tennis is not among them. I'll check later. Check back, and leave Greg a good luck message.
Friday, August 6, 2004 9:04 AM CDT Greg turned 16 this week. We are thankful that he is still with us, and enjoying life as a normal teen. We celebrated by taking him out to dinner at Mancy's Steak House, a Toledo favorite. We all enjoyed a wonderful meal. Even Chewy had his share.
Monday, July 19, 2004 10:16 AM CDT Well! Greg arrived home safe and sound yesterday. He was lugging two duffles and two laundry bags full of camp/gross clothes..... He was home by noon, and sound asleep last nite by 6 PM! Apparently the kids stayed up all nite before leaving camp. He had a wonderful time, and is ready to return next year. He's been on the computer chatting already with all the friends he's made. He looks a bit thinner, but I'm not going to panic. I'll just see that he eats well this week and hopefully, he'll put the weight back on. Chewy has been at his side constantly. At least now, I get a break (at least from puppy chores, I have mountains of laundry to do). I have to wash the duffles and sleeping bag almost immediately. What fun. Matt and I are leaving early Thursday morning for our scout white-water rafting trip. We are headed to West Virginia for four days of rafting, hiking, mountain biking, cliff-climbing adventures! Matt and I been looking forward to it all summer. Ira and Greg have no idea of the fun they'll be missing. Greg is going to be busy for the next few weeks taking his driving classes and practicing. I guess that's enough excitement! He'll be 16 the first week of August, and WANTS HIS LICENSE!
Saturday, July 10, 2004 9:30 AM CDT Greg has one more week at camp. He has called us a few times to tell us that he's having a great time. Greg has even managed to write to his grandmother in Philadelphia, twice. His postcards to her are apparently even longer than those he sends us. Ira and I are jealous. His last trip took him to West Virginia, for white-water rafting, caving, and rock climbing. I don't know about HIS energy level, but I get tired just hearing about it! We are looking forward to his return. We expect to find him taller, and even more grown-up than when he left. His Pug, Chewy, will be glad to see him, too. Poor Chewy is not getting all the attention he's come to expect. I have this "shadow" trailing after me, everwhere. Sunday, July 4, 2004 10:58 AM CDT Greg is having a great time at Camp Wise! We have gotten a few postcards, and 2 or 3 short phone calls. He has already been to "those falls in NY" (He means Niagra Falls), a Great Adventure theme park, and a Pittsburgh Pirates game. I just sent him a care package with some of his favorite magazines, and hid some chocolate chip cookies in a travel version poker game box. (We aren't supposed to send food). I hope it gets past the counselors...... The house is quiet. Matt just returned from a week at Boy Scout camp where he earned 4 new merit badges. He came back grimy and exhausted. His goal is to make it to Eagle Rank. Ira is extra busy at work because he and his partners are taking turns with vacation time and covering the practice. I'm busy with a whole list of summertime projects to tackle. Our summer is a normal one, for the first time in 3 years. I just hope and pray that Greg remains well. His next CT scan is scheduled for September. This 3 month Ct schedule is harder to adjust to than Ira and I thought it would be. We are so afraid that the delay will cause us to miss something, while we rejoice in Greg's progress.
Sunday, June 20, 2004 12:41 AM CDT Greg left this morning for a full 4 weeks of camp. The house seems too quiet already. We are nervous about letting him go of course, but it's time for him to enjoy being a normal teenager. Greg is a pretty level-headed young man, and we just have to trust him. He knows and understands that he has to take responsibility for his own health needs. He has a few good friends at camp with him and we know they will keep an eye on him for us. Ira and I both noticed something this morning when we took him to the bus. Greg is definitely starting to catch up with his friends, at least as far as size goes. He is just about the same height as they are, and no longer looks too thin or frail. We just hope and pray constantly that he continues to do well. We know that the odds of beating this disease are not in his favor, but we remain hopeful nonetheless. We would appreciate everyone's continued prayers. Beth and Ira
Tuesday, June 8, 2004 9:12 PM CDT Greg's latest set of scans are clear! Now we can relax for another 12 weeks. Greg will be leaving in a week for a whole month of camp activities. He will be going to Camp Wise, the JCC camp from Cleveland, OH. A co-ed group of 15-16 YO teens will be traveling the Midwest and Northeast for 4 weeks. We are sending Greg on his way, with his very first CREDIT CARD! Gulp! I'm not sure which makes me more nervous, The idea if a co-ed group, or the credit card.....Matt will be busy with baseball and basketball camps all summer long. In August, we have the Maccabi Games to look forward to. If Greg comes home with another gold metal, he will be headed to the senior division, held in ISRAEL, 2005! Sunday, June 6, 2004 10:46 AM CDT Dear Family and Friends. It's that time, again. Greg is scheduled for his next set of scans tomorrow morning. This will be his first set at the 3 month interval. Ira and I are understandably nervous. He hasn't been scanned since March. Even though we are reassured by his typical teenage behavior and energy level, we know that it isn't any real indicator of his health. We learned that the hard way, the first time. Please take a moment to say a prayer for him and us.
Sunday, May 9, 2004 2:32 PM CDT Well, spring has finally arrived in Toledo. Greg and Matt are both busy with baseball season. Matt's team, much to the chagrin of his older brother, is having a much more sucessful season. I just completed making summer plans for both boys. After a 2 year break in normal routines, Greg is headed to camp! He will spend 4 weeks traveling with a coed (GASP), group of 15-16 year olds, all over the Midwest, sponsored by the local JCC. Matt will be busy with baseball, basketball, and Boy Scout camps, all summer long. Even Mom is getting into the act, going white-water rafting with the scouts. Lucky me!
Sunday, April 18, 2004 9:51 PM CDT First, the good news.... Greg had a great time in Sarasota, Fla. He played baseball all week. The bad news? The Ottawa Hills teams need LOTS of practice! We were "mercied" so many times, it was getting downright painful! All in all, it was a good experience. At least our teams know now, how much work they have to do! Greg is doing fine, healthwise, and in school. He still hasn't grown much, except for his feet. He is now 2 whole sizes bigger than his Dad. He is a bit taller than I am, finally. He is eating us out of house and home, so I know that growth spurt is coming..... NEWS FLASH!!!!!!!!!!!!Greg was just selected as "Student of the Month" by his teachers. He was selected for his leadership among his peers, and his academic record. Greg has set a new standard for determination and just plain courage, for his classmates to follow. His teachers have told us that when other kids come up with excuses for not completing their assignments, all they have to do, is point to Greg...... We are so proud of him, needless to say. Amazingly, Greg takes it all in stride.... On Tuesday, April 20th, 2004, the Ottawa Hills Board of Education will formally recognise Greg for his achievments. Please join us in wishing him all the best.
Friday, March 26, 2004 12:46 AM CST Well, the news we've been hoping for is finally here! Dr. Stein has decided that Greg is far enough past treatment that she feels confident enough to go to CT scans EVERY 3 MONTHS! Greg's next scan is scheduled for June, after school ends. I'm nervous and relieved, at the same time..... Greg is busy gearing up for a busy baseball season. His pitching arm is giving him some trouble, so we are going to see a Sports Medicine Doc next week. We are confident that it is just the result of not using those joints and muscles very much the last 2 years, but it never hurts to check. I'd hate to see Greg sidelined with a sports injury just as he's getting back into competitive shape. We will be going to Sarasota, Florida for spring training with all of the High school teams and their families. (That's Freshman, JV, and Varsity) The boys, (Ira, Greg, and Matt) are looking forward to living, breathing, watching, and playing baseball all week. Me? I'm looking for sunshine, lazy days at the pool, and SHOPPING with all the other moms.... Wonder who's going to have more fun.....
Friday, March 19, 2004 2:43 PM CST SCANS REMAIN CLEAR! We can relax again. Whew! Greg takes all this in stride. We don't know how he does it. Ira and I stress out for days just thinking about them, but Greg doesn't even bat an eyelash. Wish we knew his secret...... Tuesday, March 16, 2004 4:59 PM CST This journal needs updating! Greg seems fine. He's finished with basketball and now baseball practice has begun......He is scheduled for his next CT scan this Thursday. We are looking forward to May. If all remains well, we go to CT scans EVERY 3 MONTHS! Please keep Greg in your prayers.
Friday, January 23, 2004 12:09 AM CST Scans are all clear! We can relax again for 8 more weeks. I can't help thinking and hoping ahead now... With another scan scheduled in 8 weeks, that will take us to Mid-March..... The one after that, should be sometime in May. Dagmar's plans, as of now, are to go to scans every 3 months after one year of scans at 8 week intervals. It seems so close.....I am almost afraid to think that far ahead, but I can't help it. Wednesday, January 21, 2004 7:35 AM CST Here we go again.... Greg is scheduled for his CT scans later today. We keep hoping against hope that they continue to be clear. Every month gained is a blessing... I will post results as soon as they're available. Please continue your prayers.
Thursday, January 8, 2004 8:08 AM CST The New Year is starting off just fine. Greg played with his basketball team last night and was able to stay on the floor for two whole quarters! First time! His strengh and stamina are obviously improving. Even better, the OH Bears won. UPDATE ON CHEWY-- Pet Therapy Certification classes start soon. I checked the requirements for passing the course, and Chewy already has most of the required skills. The only problem is his puppy exuberance! I'm afraid that the excitement of returning to school will cause him to forget his manners..... Friday, January 2, 2004 3:28 PM CST Happy New Year, everyone! We are home safe and sound. Greg had a wonderful time on vacation, as did we all. There was a large group of teens at our resort, with special programing, just for them. Greg had plenty of company and came home with a list of new friends to keep in touch with. We all had a much needed dose of sunshine and relaxation. After we came home, Greg has a routinely scheduled check-up. I was concerned at first, because Greg hadn't put on any weight! With the way he was eating while we were away, that just didn't seem possible. Then his nurse checked his height. Now we know where all the calories went..... Greg grew! He is now a full inch taller than I am. Maybe we need to go on vacation more often.....
Saturday, December 20, 2003 4:56 AM CST Dear Family and Friends; We are leaving this morning for the family vacation of our dreams. It was the one we cancelled two years ago, just about this time. We have come so far! Now we go, knowing that Greg is as healthy as he can be. Dr Stein has given Greg the "all clear" for activities he has been unable to do for 2 years. He is looking forward to scuba diving with his dad, and finally, eating sushi! We all plan on returning home, tanned and with an added 5 pounds each......
Sunday, December 14, 2003 7:43 PM CST I can't believe that it has been two whole years since this nightmare began. We are grateful everyday for our son's apparent return to good health. Ira and I realize that things could change overnight, but for now all is well. Thanks to all who have suffered and prayed along with our family. Your expressions of caring and concern mean more than you will ever know. As the Holiday Season approaches, we would like to extend our best wishes for a Happy Holiday and a Happy, Healthy New Year. Love, Ira, Beth, Gregory, Matthew and Chewy
Wednesday, December 3, 2003 2:43 PM CST JOY, OH JOY! Scans are clear! Thanks to all for prayers and good wishes.
Tuesday, December 2, 2003 8:31 PM CST Greg had his latest scan yesterday. Still awaiting results.... He has put on another pound or two and is definitely taller! Will post results as soon as they're in.
Thursday, November 13, 2003 11:27 AM CST Greg continues to do well. He is obviously growing and thriving. He is incredibly busy with school and sports. I get tired just watching him! Greg is going to school early in the morning to play table tennis, staying late to work out in the weight room, AND attending basketball practice every night.! Of course, he fits schoolwork in there, somewhere...... Chewy is the only one in the family who is getting a break right now. He is too young for the pet therapy certification course right now. Even though we can enroll him at any time, he needs to be a year old to take the exam. So, we'll start in the spring. In the meantime, Matt and I are going to take him to a weekend "Agility" class. It's basically just for fun, no tests. Chewy will probably love just jumping through hoops and such. Greg's next scan is the Monday after Thanksgiving. Please keep him in your prayers.
Wednesday, November 5, 2003 10:20 AM CST Well, both Greg and Chewy are doing fine in school. Chewy took and passed his "Essential Skills" test just this morning.!!! Gregory, Matt and I have been working hard with Chewy for weeks. We are so proud of him! Greg is doing a good job , too. His grades are fine. I just hope he can keep up the good work as it gets closer to Basketball season! Greg is spending time in the gym practicing, and now has to start planning time in the weight room. Apparently, it's time to get in shape for spring Baseball. Greg is going to have a busy winter, I'm sure. His next C-T scan will be right after Thanksgiving. We'll keep everyone posted. Tuesday, October 21, 2003 3:06 PM CDT I don't know where Greg is getting all this energy! Can it be, he's a normal teenager? He's at school early 2 or 3 days a week, playing ping-pong. Now he's staying after school, to get in shape for the upcoming basketball season..... Of course, he's constantly eating. I don't know when he finds the time to do his schoolwork, given his social schedule.
Thursday, October 16, 2003 10:55 AM CDT Met with Greg's teachers this week to give them an update. Greg is doing just fine, but his teachers needed some reassurance that they can pile on the work! He can handle it! Chewy however, is having a much rougher time in school. He had a puppy temper tantrum in class yesterday. He is the youngest, at 6 months, and has trouble concentrating for a full hour. He wants to socialize, but its not allowed. Chewy found himself in "Time-out" after 45 minutes. By the time he calmed down, class was over. Hopefully next week will be better. He has a skills test coming up! I want his grades to be as good as Greg's.
Saturday, October 4, 2003 3:32 PM CDT Greg is certainly busy with school. Now Chewy is too! We are attending "Advanced Family Manners" class and it's much harder than puppy kindergarden. Poor Chewy was exhausted after our first class, and slept all the way home. Maybe he and Greg should be studying and napping together! Friday, September 26, 2003 10:12 AM CDT Greg's scans all came back fine! Thanks to all, for prayers and good wishes. Keep it up, you're doing great, and so is Greg.... Greg has gained a few more pounds this month, and he is now 5'3". We can relax for 8 more weeks......
Tuesday, September 23, 2003 7:12 PM CDT Greg continues with school. Now, all is talk and planning for the homecoming dance in mid-October. Greg is planning on attending, of course....... He is scheduled for his next C-T scan this Thursday. All prayers and good wishes are welcome! We'll keep you posted with results. Wish us luck.
Friday, September 5, 2003 10:25 AM CDT A new school year has begun!. Greg is busy with all the work that comes with high school. The social schedule is filling up with activities as well. He is going to be playing basketball two nites a week, and he wants to take tennis lessons, too. I hope he remembers that School comes first.... Thursday, August 28, 2003 9:53 AM CDT Chewy went to the vet yesterday for a puppy check up. We have to put him on a diet, and he's barely 5 months old. He is up to 18.3 pounds! He was only 12 pounds, 4 weeks ago! We knew from the start that Pugs have a tendency to put on weight easily, but this is a bit much... We have to cut back on treats, we see. Chewy has changed quite a bit in these past few weeks. He is much more consistent in his behavior. He has turned out to be a delightful, friendly companion. Greg and Matt both work with him every day on lessons. He will be starting his next training session shortly. It's called "Family Manners". At 6 months, he'll be old enough to start certification classes for Pet Therapy. Soon, Chewy will be joining Greg on hospital visits.
Wednesday, August 27, 2003 11:30 AM CDT The school year is off and running. The boys started school yesterday. Matt is now a sixth grader, Greg is in 9th grade. I can't believe that Greg is now in high school! Hopefully it will be a good year for all of us, especially Greg. It would be nice to have him well enough not to lose any time from school this year. Keep him in your prayers, please. They seem to be working.
Saturday, August 23, 2003 10:20 PM CDT Greg returned from the Maccabi Games with a GOLD metal in Table Tennis! His Gold, was the only one for Team Toledo! Two of his teamates earned bronze metals, too. He had a fun, tiring, and exciting week in Houston. His partner in doubles was a young man from Dallas, Tx named Brian, who actually defeated Greg in the singles competition. Greg and Brian were impressed enough with each others' skills, to team up for the doubles competition. They apparently knew what they were doing! The competition was stiff, especially from the atletes from Mexico and Israel. All in all it was a fun time for all. Greg is considering a return next year when the competition is being held in Washington, DC. Matt is already talking about his turn in 2005, when he is 13. We're all trying to get settled in before the school year starts. See all of you soon. Sunday, August 3, 2003 10:51 AM CDT Today is Gregory's 15th birthday. We are delighted, and feel blessed to have a happy and apparently healthy teenager with us. Greg is continuing to put on weight, and we think he's getting taller, too. We know for sure that he is taller than his Grendmother, and he is now looking me in the eye when we face each other. We'll know for sure later this week, when he goes for his regular check-up. Greg is busy practicing his table tennis skills with a vengeance. He leaves next weekend for Houston, TX. and the Maccabi Games competition 2003. Wish him luck, everybody!
Friday, July 18, 2003 4:38 PM CDT Greg had his port removed this week. For the first time in 18 months, HE IS TUBE FREE! He still has much time and energy to make up, but he seems to be doing it all at once. Every day, Greg looks better, and stronger. Thanks to all for prayers and good wishes!
Friday, July 11, 2003 5:04 PM CDT Greg continues to do well. He had a CAT scan this week, which was fine. Now it's time to take his port out. That is planned for the 16th. After that, we feed Greg and wait for him to grow! His weight is almost exactly where it was when he was diagnosed, so any gain now is a big plus. I fully expect him to be taller than me by the end of the summer! Greg is busy with baseball, basketball, his friends and Chewy. It's a busy summer!
Tuesday, June 24, 2003 9:17 PM CDT Greg FINALLY finished all his exams, and schoolwork! NOW, his summer can offically begin! Of course, we just started "puppy kindergarden" with Chewy, so the homework will continue for 6 more weeks..... Wednesday, June 18, 2003 9:16 AM CDT Greg is feeling better all the time. He is finished (as far as we know) with the heavy-duty chemo. Now his job is to get stronger, and back to the job of being a teenager. Greg has been at baseball camp, and playing with the OH team every day. Chewy is keeping us all busy! Monday, June 9, 2003 8:39 PM CDT Greg is really perking up! His energy and appetite are returning to near normal. He is busy trying to make up the last of his schoolwork and exams, so he can enjoy the summer. Chewy, is really keeping him busy! Greg will have a few "down days" starting tomorrow, when he returns to the hospital (briefly) for out patient surgery. He should be back to full activities, again, in a few days.
Tuesday, May 27, 2003 7:06 AM CDT Greg is starting to feel a little better. He still doesn't have much energy, just enough to go to the movies with his dad and brother, and play with his new puppy.... Right now, we are calling him "Chewie", because that is all he does! Greg may change his name, or not. Greg doesn't quite have the energy to return to school yet, but he is hoping to be at his baseball game tonite. Look for him in the stands, with Chewie! Sunday, May 25, 2003 11:50 AM CDT Greg is home! He is very tired, and worn out. Greg has a bit of work ahead of him, his has alot of lost ground to make up. He lost a few pounds in the hospital, of course. Our job right now is to feed him! Greg will be getting all the exercise he needs over the next few weeks..... We are finally going to pick up the puppy he picked out a few weeks ago! I am sure chasing a new puppy around the house will keep him in shape!
Thursday, May 22, 2003 9:51 PM CDT Greg is finally starting to recover from his pneumonia. We never did find out which "bug" was responsible. He missed his class trip, of course, but we are glad that he is finally on the mend. Hopefully, he'll be home by weeks' end. Sunday, May 18, 2003 10:12 PM CDT Much has happened since my last note. Turns out that Greg doesn't have a cold, he has pneumonia! He has been running high fevers since the end of last week. Greg is in the hospital, and on antibiotics. We are hoping that he will be well enough to go with his class to DC, but it may not happen. Friday, May 9, 2003 1:21 PM CDT Poor Greg is down with a cold. He just doesn't have the immune system or the energy to fight it. Just hope and say a few prayers, that he recovers in time to go on his class trip to Washington, DC! Thanks to all! Tuesday, April 29, 2003 8:31 PM CDT Greg is on his 5th course of VP-16 and doing fine. His baseball team had a great opening weekend. They won the tournament! Greg was there and playing the whole time. Everything is on track. Please keep the prayers and good wishes headed our way.....
Wednesday, April 23, 2003 12:41 AM CDT Happy Spring, everybody! We just returned from our first real family vacation in a long time! We all had a wonderful time in Maui, Hawaii. Greg is tanned, and looks great. He is still tired, dealing with the 6 hour time change. It was especially hard for him to adjust. Hopefully, his energy will bounce back in time for his first baseball tournament of the season. Monday, April 7, 2003 11:06 AM CDT Greg continues to do well. We are finally going to be able to take a break and go in a family vacation! With the ice and sleet here in Toledo, the island of Maui sounds wonderful!. Hopefully when we get back, Greg will be tan AND fattened up!
Thursday, April 3, 2003 7:01 PM CST Greg is in the middle of his 4th course of chemo. He feels basically OK, still tires easily and he still has some nausea. None of that is keeping him from enjoying the spring like weather! You will see him out and about, on his bike, on his scooter, and on his rollerblades. Make sure to say hello! Saturday, March 15, 2003 4:32 PM CST Greg is basically back on track and busy at school. He has caught up with his classmates. Also busy on weekends, with a social calender that makes his Dad and I jealous....
Monday, March 3, 2003 11:17 AM CST Greg went back to school today! He looks and feels fine, just a little tired. As long as he stays away from germy things, he'll be fine. Everybody, keep your fingers crossed, AND WASH YOUR HANDS!
Wednesday, February 26, 2003 9:51 AM CST Greg continues to stay at home. He feels fine, and his appetite is back to normal. All we are doing now is waiting for the weather to get better, and all his classmates to get well before sending him back to school. Tuesday, February 18, 2003 1:41 PM CST Greg is going to work from home for the rest of this week. Even though he feels fine, many of his classmates are still ill. Rather that take a chance on getting sick again, Greg will participate by video-conferencing. Hopefully he will be allowed to attend "boy's nite out" at UT on Friday, and baseball camp this weekend. Look for him! Sunday, February 16, 2003 9:17 AM CST Greg feels better every day. His appetite is back and his stomach has been cooperating. We will have to wait until early Tuesday morning to decide if it is safe for Greg to return to school. If there are many of his classmates still sick with the flu, Greg will have to stay home. Dr Stein does not want him to get sick again, and neither do we! If Greg stays home this week, he will still be in class, by using his video conferencing system. Greg will be returning to all activites as soon as he can. We just need to be careful, so he can finish out the winter flu season without getting sick again. Wish him luck! Everybody, remember to wash your hands!
Tueday, February 11, 2003 9:38 AM CST Great News! Greg came home yesterday! The new medicine is working, and his fever is gone. Greg is stuck at home on "flu precautions". That means no visitors and no school 'til next week. Even Matt can't have friends visit. Greg doesn't feel very well right now, he's worn out and tired from not being able to sleep while in the hospital. He is starting to eat better and is drinking on his own, no IV's!
Friday, February 7, 2003 7:27 AM CST We found out yesterday what kind of "bug" was giving Greg so much trouble. He has started on different medications that we hope will do the trick. Greg will be able to come home as soon as his temp stays normal for 24 hours. Friday, February 7, 2003 7:24 AM CST We found out yesterday what kind of "bug" was causing Greg so much trouble. He is now on different medications that will hopefully do the trick. As soon as Greg's temp stays down for 24 hours, he will be home. Thursday, February 6, 2003 7:10 AM CST Greg remains in the hospital. He is still running a fever. He feels OK, most of the time, just bored, and tired. As soon as he is over the worst of the flu symptoms, he'll be home. Greg will probably need IV fluids at home to help him get back up to speed.
Monday, February 3, 2003 9:19 PM CST Greg was running a fever again today so he will be spending the night in the hospital because of dehydration from the flu. It's still hanging on... He feels basically OK, just tired and worn out. Hopefully he'll be home in the morning.
Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 07:31 PM (CST) Greg made it halfway through the week, before running out of energy. I took him to the hospital for a blood transfusion tonite because his count was so low. Hopefully, he will get enough energy back to return to school tomorrow. Greg also had another CAT scan done Wednesday nite with good results. His scans are still clear, as we always hope they are.
Monday, January 27, 2003 at 08:03 AM (CST) Greg is back in school, hopefully to start his next semester full time. He continues to do well on his oral chemo. Still recovering slowly from the flu.
Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 05:55 PM (CST) Poor Greg has spent the last day or so in the hospital. He spiked a temp yesterday afternoon, just in time to miss his brother's birthday party, and semester exams this week! Ira will be bringing him home in a little while. We hope his temp stays down, or back we go to the hospital. Greg isn't really very sick, he just has the same flu that everyone else has, but we need to be extra careful.
Thursday, January 16, 2003 at 11:31 AM (CST) Greg is still having some discomfort from the radiation therapy. We are switching some of his medications around, hoping that it will help. We'll soon see. He is eating, and keeping up with friends and schoolwork, even when he can't attend. Thursday, January 16, 2003 at 10:07 AM (CST) Greg is doing really well. He has been able to go to school every day. He is back to playing basketball, too. Greg has been eating, and I'll bet that when we check at the end of the week, he'll have put on a pound or two....Keep him in your thoughts, and when you see him, tell him to keep eating!
Saturday, January 04, 2003 at 10:11 AM (CST) Greg is recovering right on schedule! His appetite is coming back, and he is gaining back the weight he lost from radiation therapy. We anticipate that Greg will be back in school full time after break. The new chemotherapy that he is taking in a pill, doesn't seem to be giving him too much trouble. His blood counts have dropped a bit, but not enough to worry about. We want to wish everyone a Happy, Healthy New Year!
Sunday, December 15, 2002 at 10:17 AM (CST) Greg started chemo again last night. Part of his planned course of treatment, is a drug called VP-16. It is a pill that he needs to take for 6 months. We hope that the side effects will not be too bad. He may feel icky at times. We know that his counts will drop, so he will have to be careful about infections. Some people lose their hair from this drug, but we are keeping our fingers crossed.... We want to wish everyone a happy holiday season and offer our best wishes for the new year. Beth
Saturday, December 07, 2002 at 12:30 PM (CST) Greg had a set of scans done this week. We were given the results yesterday. Greg is fine.! He has changes caused by the radiation, but that is to be expected. Thanks to everyone for their continued prayers. They're working...... Friday, November 22, 2002 at 01:22 PM (CST) Since Greg doesn't have the energy yet to attend school, we are bringing school to him. Mr Renwand has been busy with the staff at OHES learning how to set up a video- conferencing system that we have borrowed. Hopefully, by early next week, Greg will be attending all of his classes, in a box! His friends will be able to see and hear him during class time. Make sure to look for him and say hello! Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 04:35 PM (CST) Greg has been having a rough time with his stomach and he has been experiencing alot of fatigue, all from the radiation. He has not been to school for about two weeks. All he wants to do is lay around. He is loosing weight which is not good, but he has no appitite. Hopefully this will pass soon. Ira
Wednesday, November 13, 2002 at 07:06 AM (CST) Greg had a follow-up visit with the doctors in radiation oncology yesterday. He is doing very well, according to their experience and expectations. Greg continues to have good days and not so good ones, too. Apparently, the effects of the radiation are finally catching up to him. It means that on some days he will be in school, and others he may miss. The doctors tell us that his lack of energy is normal. It may last for some time, anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Hopefully, for Greg, it will be shorter than months! Everyone's continued prayers and good wishes should help. Keep up the good work! Beth
Thursday, October 31, 2002 at 06:16 PM (CST) Greg is back in school!!!! Doing fine, just tired. He still has his hair , too! All is back on track. Next step, chemo pills for six months.
Monday, October 28, 2002 at 04:20 PM (CST) So far, so good. Greg didn't make it to school today, but will try again tomorrow. His counts are already coming up! He is starting to feel a little bit stronger, and has stopped losing weight. Dr Stein is happy that he is doing so well, and said he can return to school as soon as he feels able. He still has his hair, but we are still keeping fingers crossed..... Saturday, October 26, 2002 at 11:34 AM (CDT) Greg is beginning to feel better. He has lost some weight because of difficulty eating , but not too much to make up quickly. His counts have dropped, too. It is making him tired. Hopefully, his energy will be back in time to go back to school on Monday. Everybody, keep your fingers crossed that Greg gets to keep his hair!
Saturday, October 19, 2002 at 08:18 AM (CDT) Greg has completed this part of his therapy. Chemo ended yesterday. He should start to feel better soon. He is looking forward to the beginning of basketball season, and knows that he has to get back in shape quickly. Next on the agenda is chemo pills for a few months. Hopefully, they won't give him too much trouble. We don't anticipate any, but everyboby say a prayer, anyway....
Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at 10:02 AM (CDT) The good news is that today is the last radiation treatment. The bad news is that Greg doesn't feel well enough to attend school. He has been getting chemo every day this week, and it is enough to keep him home. He will be finished by Friday afternoon. Greg's appetite varies, he eats well when he can. Hopefully he'll feel better in time to return to school next week. Wednesday, October 09, 2002 at 08:41 PM (CDT) Greg has 5 more radiation treatments to go. He will be finished by the middle of next week. He did miss one day of school, because of the side effects, but he is doing very well. Next week, Greg will be getting some more chemo. It will be for five days. He will miss part of the school day, Monday through Thursday.
Saturday, October 05, 2002 at 05:53 PM (CDT) Greg has completed 12 out of his 20 planned treatments. He is doing very well. On Friday, he did call and ask to come home early from school, but we know that it is normal for radiation to make you tired. Other that that, all is well. Greg will be done by the middle of next week. Thursday, October 03, 2002 at 08:52 AM (CDT) Greg is at the half-way mark in his radiation tratments. He completed #10, yesterday. He continues to feel OK, but is beginning to feel more tired than usual. We know this is normal and nothing to be concerned about. His blood counts and weight are still in good shape. Greg will be receiving a short course of chemo during the last week of radiation treatment. He will probably miss some school that last week, but at least, this time, we can plan ahead. Everyone, keep the prayers and positive thoughts coming! Thanks, Beth
Saturday, September 28, 2002 at 08:42 AM (CDT) Greg has completed 7 of his 20 planned radiation treatments. He is doing very well. His blood counts have dropped slightly but they are still normal. We are also coming up on the 100 day post-transplant date. This means no more restictions on activities! Hoorah! Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 06:58 PM (CDT) Four treatments down, sixteen to go... Greg is doing fine. Some indigestion, a little less appetite, but nothing to write home about. All goes well, keep the prayers and good wishes coming! Beth Friday, September 20, 2002 at 06:48 PM (CDT) Greg has had 2 radiation treatments and is already a pro. Walks right in, gets set up, and is done in no time at all. We went to Toledo Hosp today for a quick check up. Greg has put on more weight, he weighs more now than last year! The nurses were delighted to see him with hair. They think he looks like his Dad. Wonder why? Friday, September 20, 2002 at 08:46 AM (CDT) 1 treatment down, 19 to go.... Greg did fine yesterday, his Dad took him, and I missed all the excitement! They tell me the whole procedure took 30 seconds. I get to go today, after taking Greg for a blood count test at Toledo Hosp. Thursday, September 19, 2002 at 09:59 AM (CDT) Greg will finally start his Radiation this afternoon. They promised! Hope and pray that all goes well, please... Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at 04:18 PM (CDT) We were all geared up and ready to start Radiation today, but the machine had different ideas. Looks like Greg will start tomorrow or Thursday instead. All is well otherwise, just a slight delay... Thursday, Sept 5, 2002 at 08:45 AM (CDT) All is well in the Orgel household. Greg is back to a full schedule, with a few modifications. He will not be in Gym this semester, and Industrial Tech is off limits because of dust. Greg feels fine and is enjoying being back in school with all his friends. Our goal now is to keep him in good shape, and hopefully for him to put on a few more pounds before Radiation and chemo start on the 17th of this month.
Saturday, August 24, 2002 at 10:27 AM (CDT) Greg spent a long day yesterday at Flower hospital, preparing for his last stage (YIPEE!) of treatment.Greg is probably the first member of his class to get tattoed!. He has 5 of them, small dots, so that the radiation treatments will be aimed at the same place each day. The staff at Flower have been very helpful, and have already arranged for Greg to be treated, as we requested, at 4 PM each day, so he doesn't miss school. We are all grateful for everyone's continued prayers and support. Keep up the good work! Wednesday, August 21, 2002 at 11:30 AM (CDT) It's official! We got the OK this morning for Greg to return to school! His immune system hasn't recovered fully yet, of course, but it's in good enough shape to handle the usual school crowds. Greg will just have to be careful if any of his classmates are ill.
Sunday, August 18th, 2002 We arrived home late last night, tanned and tired. We all had a wonderful time at the beach, visiting with family and friends. The weather was great, and we all enjoyed ourselves. It was a much needed break for us all. Greg will meet with the doctor who will be doing his radiation therapy tomorrow, and we will find out, too, later this week, if his immune system is recovered enough for him to return to the crowded halls at school. If his immune system needs a few more weeks, plan on seeing him at the end of September. We'll let everyone know, as soon as we do. Keep your fingers crossed!
Monday, July 22, 2002 at 07:20 AM (CDT) Greg is back to normal. He has started back to sports activities, but still tires easily. We have been going to restaurants, and are hoping to get the OK for movies when his blood counts are checked later this week. We are all looking forward to our beach vacation in a few weeks. It will be nice to do things like a regular family......
Tuesday, July 16, 2002 at 09:56 AM (CDT) Greg is almost back to regular activities. He tires more easily, but he is getting stronger every day. Eating is not a problem anymore, either. We still have to be careful, that Greg doesn't pick up any infections, but the doctors tell us that his immune system is recovering right on schedule. Monday, July 15, 2002 at 03:49 PM (CDT) Greg is feeling better everyday. He is starting to eat better as well. Now , we need to get him stronger, that should come with time. He probably won't start his radiation treatments for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Hopefully, that will be done in Toledo; we may need to take him back to New York for the treatments. It will depend on the skill level and experience of the people here. Feel free to stop by or call Greg. Ira Saturday, July 13, 2002 at 09:07 AM (CDT) Greg is feeling much the same as he usually does after coming home from the hospital. He is tired, trying to catch up on his sleep. His muscles are sore from being stuck in bed for so long, too. He feels better today after sleeping in his own bed, and his appetite is already back to normal. Please feel free to plan on some (short) visits this weekend, while Greg gets his strength back. Greg's activity restictions are much like in the past, he just has to be careful to avoid crowds until his bone marrow recovers, and anyone who might be sick.
Friday, July 12, 2002 at 03:29 PM (CDT) Greg was only back in Toledo Hosp long enough to get some antibiotics and some blood. He's home to stay. Beth Thursday, July 11, 2002 at 05:23 PM (CDT) Unfortunately, Greg did not get to stay home long. He has developed a fever and is on his way back to the hospital, but this time at least it is at Toledo Hospital. Hopefully, he will not need to stay there long. Ira Thursday, July 11, 2002 at 08:51 AM (CDT) GREG IS COMING HOME TODAY! HE MISSED THE HOSPITAL RECORD OF BEING DISCHARGED AFTER TRANSPLANT BY ONE DAY, BUT WE AREN'T ARGUING..... THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR ALL THE PRAYERS AND GOOD WISHES, THEY WORKED!!!!
Tuesday, July 09, 2002 at 02:05 PM (CDT) Greg's counts have moved up enough for him to leave his room! The doctors gave him permission to get out in the halls, and even go outside, if he wears his mask today. It still isn't time to come home, but we are getting there.He is also "unplugged" from his IV today for a few hours, to make it easier to get around. Greg has lost some weight, of course, but nothing a few trips to Jans's, won't fix.
Monday, July 08, 2002 at 11:33 AM (CDT) Greg continues to do well. He is still having indigestion and some nausea, but not nearly as much as we were prepared for. Right now, all we are doing is waiting for his white cells to start growing,....and then we are out of here! Beth
Friday, July 05, 2002 at 11:05 AM (CDT) Greg continues to do well. He is eating a little bit. He still doesn't have any white cells, but so far he has not developed a fever. It is hard to get his butt out of bed, but I keep trying. He was given a unit of platelets this morning, which he tolerated well. Hope to see everybody soon. Ira
Wednesday, July 03, 2002 at 01:05 PM (CDT) Greg continues to do well. So far he has avoided some of the more uncomfortable side effects from the pre-transplant chemo. He is keeping his weight stable, and is getting on his stationary bike 2x a day, so he has the energy for a trip to Jan's when he gets home. The doctors are starting to talk about Greg being discharged by the end of next week, if he continues to do well. Tuesday, July 02, 2002 at 09:47 AM (CDT) The Transplant is complete! After all the excitement, the actual procedure took all of 10 minutes.Greg did fine, but he smells funny from the preservatives used to store his frozen stem cells. I think it reminds me of garlic. Most of his nausea is gone, and Greg is starting to eat again. He was up on his stationary bike last night, getting some exercise, too. Now we just sit and wait for his cells to grow. Beth
Sunday, June 30, 2002 at 09:27 PM (CDT) Greg is having a very rough time. He is very nauseated and just feels horrible at this point. Hopefully this will pass quickly. He is starting to loose weight again but at least he has a little to spare compared to the past. He should be getting his stem cells transplanted in 2 days if everything goes as planned. Ira Sunday, June 30, 2002 at 09:00 AM (CDT) Greg finished his last pre-transplant chemo yesterday! He gets to rest for 2 days, and his new cells will be transplanted on Tues, the 2nd. Then, we just wait, until his counts recover, and they turn him loose!
Friday June 28, 2002 Greg is starting to feel the effects from this chemo. He feels worn out and tired. His appetite is slipping, but we are hoping that he will be able to maintain his weight on his own, without TPN. He is going to get a blood transfusion today, and it will probably give him more energy.
Tuesday, June 25, 2002 at 12:47 PM (CDT) Greg and I are getting used to a different routine. The nurses and doctors are just as nice as in Toledo. Greg will not be confined to his room until his blood counts drop, so we are free to wander. We are having our meals in the cafeteria, and finding out where all the vending machines are, for snacks. The chemo Greg is getting is not making him feel bad right now, so he is making friends with other kids, too. Monday, June 24, 2002 at 12:48 PM (CDT) Greg is getting used to his new room at the University of Michigan Hospital. He will be starting the chemotherapy for his transplant later today. He is in room 7684 and his phone number is 1-734-763-7436. Hopefully everything will go well and he will be home in about three weeks. Thanks again for all your help and prayers.
Monday, June 10, 2002 at 08:28 PM (CDT) Greg is ready for the next challenge. I will be taking him up to Ann Arbor Monday morning, when he will start preparing for his transplant. Matt will be home with Dad and his Grandmom. As soon as possible, I will post room and phone numbers. If all goes as planned, we will be home by the middle of July. Wish as luck!!!! Beth
Wednesday, June 05, 2002 at 06:30 AM (CDT) We have an appointment early next week to talk to the Dr. who will be doing Greg's transplant in Ann Arbor. As it stands now, we are anticipating being at the Univ. of Mich. by the last week in June. Greg's blood counts are already coming back up, and he is feeling much better. He is planning on playing baseball with his team this weekend, and has already started exercising to get back in shape. His appetite is coming back, too!
Friday, May 31, 2002 at 06:26 AM (CDT) Greg is feeling better every day. His blood counts are low right now, as we expected, so he is sticking close to home and avoiding crowds. He is eating small meals, and has put on some more weight. Our goal is to have him up to what he weighed last December, before he goes for his transplant. We are still waiting for the doctors to tell us when that will happen. We;ll keep everyone posted.
Monday, May 27, 2002 at 08:39 PM (CDT) Greg had an OK weekend. Went to see Star Wars with his brother and dad. We spent some time with friends, and had company for dinner. Greg still isn't eating, we think that the antibiotics he is on, are killing his appetite. Tonite is his last dose, so hopefully he can start eating soon. Friday, May 24, 2002 at 08:54 PM (CDT) Greg is home.We are offically finished with his 6 courses of chemo!!!!! He is still sore from his new port, but feeling better. He is already starting to eat a bit. We are going to run TPN (food in the iv line) until his weight comes back up to normal. If all goes well, Greg will not be going back into the hospital, except for check-ups, until his transplant!
Thursday, May 23, 2002 at 08:00 PM (CDT) Greg underwent surgery today to have a new infusion port put in. The surgery was a little more complicated than expected, but everything went well. He is in a lot of pain, but hopefully it won't last long. We hope to get him home tomorrow. He is getting a little stir crazy staying in the hospital. Ira Sunday, May 19, 2002 at 09:11 AM (CDT) Greg had his Port taken out yesterday, turns out that the bacteria that caused his fever had set up housekeeping inside it. Now he has a temporary line called a PICC, to give him his last dose of chemo this week. The doctors are planning to replace his Port after his chemo, at the end of the week. (He will need it for his stem-cell transplant.) He feels fine now, busy finishing schoolwork, using his computer, and visiting with friends.
Thursday, May 16, 2002 at 11:35 AM (CDT) Greg was readmitted to Toledo Hospital Monday morning at 1 AM with a high fever, 104. It finally came down with IV antibiotics. But, he still has bacteria in his blood stream. He may need to have his infusion port removed from his chest. He is feeling better though. The surgery to remove the port is a short one if he needs it. We will find out tomorrow. Greg's last chemo will have to be delayed until the infection is all gone Ira
Monday, May 06, 2002 at 02:44 PM (CDT) Greg came home this afternoon! He feels alot better, now that his blood counts are coming back up. Amazing what a few white cells can do.....He is getting some extra calories now in an IV that he will have for a few weeks, until he regains some more weight. (You will see him back at school with an extra backpack).
Saturday, May 04, 2002 at 09:32 AM (CDT) Greg is still running a fever, but it is coming down. His appetite is finally coming back, he spent all day yesterday nibbling on pizza and cheezy bread...Hopefully he'll feel better as today goes on. He is in Room 520-1, if friends care to visit this weekend. Saturday, May 04, 2002 at 07:28 AM (CDT) Greg was planning on going to school on Friday, but unfortunately he was readmitted to Toledo Hospital at one in the morning with a temperature. He most likely will be in the hospital for several days. He is feeling crappy( as he puts it). Hopefully that won't last too long. Ira Wednesday, May 01, 2002 at 05:46 AM (CDT) Greg has been taking it easy this time. Between 2 surgeries, and chemo in between, he is starting to get worn out. He's still Greg, though! We noticed this week that his hair is coming back, but we don't know if it will continue growing, or fall out again with his last chemo.Greg's biggest challenge right now is in trying to gain weight. Eating is no fun when you don't have an appetite. Bring goodies!
Friday, April 26, 2002 at 06:07 AM (CDT) Greg just completed chemo #5.!! He has only one more to go, before his Stem Cell Transplant. The Transplant is scheduled for the beginning of June. He is home now,and will be, for about 2 weeks. Hopefully, he'll feel well enough to return to school by next week.Give him a call, and cheer him on! Sunday, April 21, 2002 at 08:21 PM (CDT) Greg and I will be headed to TTH early in the morning to get chemo #5 (out of 6) started. He will be in room 520-2. We are planning to be home by Thursday. I'll put his phone # up when we get it. Beth
Saturday, April 20, 2002 at 09:28 AM (CDT) Greg is taking it easy, mostly resting and trying to regain some weight before his next chemo. Parents, please encourage your kids to pick up the phone this weekend, Greg will rarely initiate a call.... Thanks, Beth @ Ira
Wednesday, April 17, 2002 at 06:11 PM (CDT) We arrived safely this afternoon. Greg is tired, but glad to be in familiar surroundings. He is scheduled to go back to Toledo Hosp next Monday, for his next chemo. We will be here all weekend, please feel free to call or plan a (SHORT) visit. Tuesday, April 16, 2002 at 02:45 PM (CDT) Greg most likely will sleep the remainder of the day. After his doctor's appointment tomorrow morning, we will be leaving New York City. We should be back in Toledo tomorrow around 3PM if everything goes as planned. See you all soon. Ira
Tuesday, April 16, 2002 at 09:27 AM (CDT) GREG HAS BEEN DISCHARGED! We are headed to the RMcD House today. Greg has an appointment with his doctor, tomorrow morning, and then we can leave. As soon as I can arrange it, we will be home. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and good wishes! They worked!
Monday, April 15, 2002 at 12:57 PM (CDT) Good news! Greg is TOTALLY TUBELESS! He is taking all his meds in pills, and just sent his father out on the street to buy him a hot dog.The doctors are talking (quietly) about getting him out of here tomorrow.... Update later. Everybody, keep your fingers crossed!
Sunday, April 14, 2002 at 05:37 PM (CDT) Greg is going to try and eat a bit tonite. After a week, he is almost afraid to try. He doesn't have much pain from the surgery itself, but he has cramps. They make him very uncomfortable, especially now when he tries to walk. Sunday, April 14, 2002 at 03:31 PM (CDT) Greg is having a difficult day. He is having alot of belly pain. He is trying to walk, but when he does the pain and cramping increase. Hopefully, this will improve soon. He hasn't gotten much sleep over the last 24 hours. Ira
Saturday, April 13, 2002 at 05:19 PM (CDT) GREG HAS MOVED TO A NEW ROOM! He is now in R# 515A. His new phone # is (212)639-4059. Greg is still on liquids, but feeling better. He is taking the pain medicine in pills, and feels pretty good, just hungry! We are hoping that he will be able to eat solids by tomorrow.
Saturday, April 13, 2002 at 10:30 AM (CDT) Greg went cruising last nite around the halls. Dad went and rented a few games for the Nintendo 64, so Greg is all set.... He had some soup for dinner and some juice this morning. The doctors are planning on taking out the rest of his tubes later today, so we can turn him loose. He's already collected a pile of godies to eat as soon as as we get the word. More later.
Friday, April 12, 2002 at 02:17 PM (CDT) Greg no longer has the nasogastric tube! He is going to start with liquids tonite. We went for a short walk this morning, and are planning on at least 2 more, later. He has been out of bed all afternoon sitting up, watching movies, and we are trying to get ahold of a Nintendo 64 from the teen room. He's complaining of being bored, he must be feeling better...
Thursday, April 11, 2002 at 10:37 AM (CDT) We are hoping that Greg will be able to lose a few tubes today. He is planning on getting up and moving this morning. He has a fever, which is common after surgery, but it is making him uncomfortable. Hopefully, he'll feel better later today. Wednesday, April 10, 2002 at 04:49 PM (CDT) Greg has been moved to the regular unit! The doctor has not made rounds yet, so we don't know if Greg can start on fluids yet. He is complaining of being hungry and thirsty, so we hope he is ready for liquids.
Tuesday, April 09, 2002 at 07:42 PM (CDT) Greg is wide awake and watching TV with his dad. He feels very good and has much less discomfort than last time. Everybody keep your fingers crossed, that everything continues to go well....
Tuesday, April 09, 2002 at 02:37 PM (CDT) Greg made it through surgery without any trouble! He is already in the pediatric unit, talking and taking ice chips. The doctor said that he can even try sitting up out of bed tonite.The doctor says that everthing went well, no surprises. Will check in later. Greg's dad will be in the Ronald McDonald House later tonite, and I will be here. Beth
Tuesday, April 09, 2002 at 08:35 AM (CDT) Greg just went in to surgery. we will update as the day progresses. Beth Saturday, April 06, 2002 at 03:33 PM (CST) We just got back after visiting the Museum of Natural History. Of course, we made sure to see the dinosaurs, and a new exibit on the history of baseball. Now that we are back at Ronald's House, we are trying to convince Greg to do some homework...Tomorrow, we are looking forward to visiting with family. Friday, April 05, 2002 at 04:54 PM (CST) Greg had a busy day today at the NY auto show. Last night he presented the game ball to start the boys all american high school basketball game at Madison Square Garden. He is somewhat tired, but now he would like to see a Broadway show. He is trying to get a lot in before his surgery which is scheduled for this coming Tuesday April 9th. Ira Friday, April 05, 2002 at 04:54 PM (CST) Greg had a busy day today at the NY auto show. Last night he presented the game ball to start the boys all american high school basketball game at Madison Square Garden. He is somewhat tired, but now he would like to see a Broadway show. He is trying to get a lot in before his surgery which is scheduled for this coming Tuesday April 9th. Ira Thursday, April 04, 2002 at 03:40 PM (CST) Ronald Mcdonald House. Room # 1001. Phone # 212-639-0101. Settling in just fine.Already see some familiar faces. Going to Auto Show tomorrow.
Thursday, April 04, 2002 at 06:40 AM (CST) We arrived safely in NY this afternoon. We will be staying at Ronald McDonald House, like last time. Our Room # is 1001, and our room phone # is 212-639-0103. Greg and his dad are going to Madison Square Garden tonite to see a basketball game.
Tuesday, April 02, 2002 at 06:40 PM (CST) We are packing and getting ready to leave town, headed to the Big City! We will have a few days this time, for sight-seeing and visiting cousins. We even have a new one, Baby Juiliette, whom we will be meeting for the first time. Greg is especially looking forward to the NY version of the International Auto Show.We will keep everyone up to date. Tuesday, April 02, 2002 at 06:32 PM (CST) We're packing and getting ready to leave town. We will have a few days in NYC for sight-seeing and visiting our cousins. We even have a new one, Baby Juiliette, whom we will be meeting for the first time! Greg is looking forward to seeing the NY version of the International Auto Show, since he missed the one in Detroit.We will keep everone posted and up to date. Thursday, March 28, 2002 at 04:12 PM (CST) We will be going to NY next Thursday, Apr.4th. Greg is scheduled for surgery (his last one!) the following Tuesday, Apr.9th. I will update Greg's site as we get closer to our travel dates.We hope everyone in the Village has a safe, happy, spring break. Beth
Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at 06:49 PM (CST) Greg was looking forward to returning to school today, but that certainly didn't happen! Maybe everybody will be back tomorrow. If not, have fun on spring break! Sunday, March 24, 2002 at 01:34 PM (CST) Greg is finally home! He probably won't make it to school tomorrow, but look for him on Tuesday. Please call him tonite and say "hello"if you get a chance. Saturday, March 23, 2002 at 08:10 AM (CST) Greg's blood counts are finally starting to come up, but they are still too low for him to come home today. Dr Stein is going to check them again, later today, and if they are still going up, he'll be home tomorrow. Greg still doesn't feel well, his mouth is still sore, but he is eating as best he can. At least he still has a good appetite! Thursday, March 21, 2002 at 06:16 PM (CST) Greg has moved to room # 524, his phone # is now 419-291-4941. Hope he stops running a fever, so he can get home soon! Thursday, March 21, 2002 at 06:46 AM (CST) Greg is still running a fever this morning, and his blood counts are still low. Seems like this last course of chemo really hit him hard! He will have to spend another day in the hospital, but his friends can call or visit. His room # is 528, and the phone # is 419-291-4945. Wednesday, March 20, 2002 at 07:08 PM (CST) Greg is still running a fever, but at least we know what it's from. He left the hospital today, just to visit the dentist. What fun! We are hoping that this infection will pass quickly, and Greg will get home...... Monday, March 18, 2002 at 05:48 PM (CST) Poor Greg! He started running a fever earlier today, and now he has to spend a nite in the hospital getting antibiotics. He'll be home tomorrow, and in school by thursday. (we hope) Monday, March 18, 2002 at 06:21 AM (CST) Greg may not be in school today. His blood counts have dropped from the last course of chemo, and he feels tired and weak. This is normal, and will resolve by itself in a few days. Please feel free to call or visit, but make sure that you don't bring any colds or flu with you! Thursday, March 14, 2002 at 07:18 AM (CST) It's been a long week! Greg hasn't completely regained his energy, so today may be a half-day in school. We're sure that by next week, Greg will be back to a regular routine. Note to friends...Please call, and plan on including him in any plans you have for the weekend.Greg will see you all Friday nite... Tuesday, March 12, 2002 at 06:43 AM (CST) Hopefully Greg will feel stronger today. He hasn't been able to sleep well since coming home because our electricity was out, and it was so cold. We're all warmer now! Plans are for Greg to be back in school by the end of the week, maybe even by tomorrow. All his friends will see him at the 7-8th grade dance on Friday.... Plan on it!
Monday, March 11, 2002 at 08:30 PM (CST) Greg is home from Toledo Hospital. He tolerated his chemotherapy reasonably well. He is still having problems with his stomach, which is not unexpected considering what he has recently been through. Now, we need to fatten him up. He has lost a significant amount of weight. Unfortunately, he still cannot eat very much. I am sure he would love to hear or see any of his friends. Please don't hesitate to call. Wednesday, March 06, 2002 at 09:41 AM (CST) We're Home! Greg is glad to be here, and so are we. He's worn out, but trying to eat. Back to Toledo Hosp. tomorrow for chemo, and then home for a few weeks until it's time to go back to NYC.Greg should be back in school by the end of next week.
Tuesday, March 05, 2002 at 11:25 AM (CST) Greg should be getting home tonight around 8 o'clock if all goes well. He slept well last night and is feelng a little better every day. We need to fatten him up. He lost more than 10 pounds, but at least now he can eat. We will talk to you all soon. Monday, March 04, 2002 at 11:08 AM (CST) Rejoice! Rejoice! Greg is being discharged today. We will be at Ronald's House tonite, and be home tomorrow nite. Greg and I plan on going out for a REAL dinner, and maybe doing some short sight-seeing trips in the morning, before we leave. Greg will be home all day Wed., and back in Toledo Hosp for a short stay for chemo. If all goes well, he'll be home to stay, by the weekend.!!!!! Sunday, March 03, 2002 at 07:31 PM (CST) Greg continues to improve slowly. He has lost a lot of weight and therefore is very weak. He has started to eat today and is tolerating it reasonable well. If things continue like they are hopefully he will be able to come home soon. He unfortunately will then go back into Toledo Hospital for his next course of chemotherapy. We hope to see you all soon. Ira Saturday, March 02, 2002 at 11:51 AM (CST) Greg is much better today! He has been up to the bathroom on his own, and did 5 laps around the halls. I had trouble keeping up with him! He says that he is weak, but is feeling better every time he gets up. The doctors don't want him to eat yet, just to give his tummy more time to heal on it's own. Hopefully, he'll be able to eat later today, or tomorrow for sure. Mom Friday, March 01, 2002 at 12:06 PM (CST) Greg is looking and feeling a bit better today. He is off all IV medicines, and just taking pain pills. He was able to sleep a little last nite, and I think it helped alot. We are now waiting for the results of an xray done earlier today. From that, we'll be better able to tell if Greg can start eating again, or if the doctors need a different idea.He is passing the time catching up on movies he hasn't seen, and visiting with the staff he has gotten to know here. Everyone is really nice and doing their very best to get us home soon! Thursday, February 28, 2002 at 05:36 PM (CST) Greg is still having some problems. His bowels are just not returning to normal function as quickly as we had hoped. The doctors have ordered some tests and xrays for tomorrow. The good news is that he is finally catching up on his sleep.We are hoping that tomorrow will be a better day. Everybody, cross your fingers! Greg's mom Wednesday, February 27, 2002 at 09:00 AM (CST) Greg had a slightly better night last night. He still has problems getting comfortable. Hopefully, with him getting up and walking his stomach will start working better. Ira Tuesday, February 26, 2002 at 02:02 PM (CST) Greg is feeling so much better today. Wearing his own clothes instead of PJ,s. Up and cruising the halls. Still on liquids, his stomach is not yet feeling as well as he is...He just told me that he is bored, so I know he is definitely feeling better!We are hoping to get home by the weekend, everybody cross your fingers.Greg's mom Monday, February 25, 2002 at 11:33 AM (CST) Thanks to everyone for the wonderful messages. Greg is still on liquids today. He is feeling better,though. He is planning on joining some activities later today and wants to go to the Purim party tomorrow.The doctors and nurses are all very nice, and are doing all they can to make Greg more comfortable.Last night he was up and doing laps around the hallways, he will probably do it later today too. Sunday, February 24, 2002 at 02:51 PM (CST) Greg no longer is connected to anything except his IV fluids. He still is getting a lot of pain medications. We had to go back to just clear fluids. Hopefully, he will be able to restart solid food tomorrow. Just taking things one day at a time. Ira
Saturday February 23, 2002 6:36 PM CST Good news. Saturday February 23, 2002 8:36 AM CST Good Morning Everybody! Friday February 22, 2002 7:35 PM CST Greg says hello to everyone. He is in a moderate amount of pain, which is being controlled with medication. Things should hopefully improve over the next few days. It is a slow process, but he appears to be making some progress. Friday February 22, 2002 9:57 AM CST Dear family and friends; Thursday February 21, 2002 10:59 PM CST Greg just got out of surgery. The surgeon felt things went well, but because of the extensive tumor he did not attempt to removal the mass in Greg's pelvis. After 7 to 8 hours of surgery, continued surgery would have put Greg at risk for increased complications. So, in the near future, 1 to 2 months we will need to return for additional surgery. Right now we needed to get him through the postoperative period. We are thinking of all of you. Ira Wednesday February 20, 2002 5:16 PM CST Greg's surgery will begin around noon tomorrow. In all likelyhood it will last 5 to 8 hours. We will try to keep everyone updated. Thanks for your prayers.
Monday February 18, 2002 2:43 PM CST Greg and his parents will leave February 19 for New York City. Greg is scheduled for surgery at Sloan-Kettering on Thursday the 21. Pray for a safe trip and a succesful surgery. For the time being contact us through the Ronald McDonald house. Their number is (212)639-0100.
Click here to go back to the main page. ----End of History----
Ira and I have been sitting on Matt, trying to get him to finish all his college applications before Thanksgiving. Yes, I know that some have January deadlines but I REALLY don't want to be dealing with essays on "favorite fictional characters", or "important events in your life" until then. Matt has applied to 12 schools! I'm fried. One decision down. He's decided he wants to be a surgeon like his dad and brother. Let's see.....3 Dr Orgels in this house?
Makes me wonder if I should apply to a few PhD programs, just to keep up! I am applying for a full nursing faculty position, at least.
Finally, I've been able to retrieve access to Greg's site.
Lots has been going on in the Orgel household.
First of all, Greg's scans remain clear. (Last ones were this summer). Greg just started his third year at Miami. He's now out of the dorm, living in a townhouse with 2 members of his fraternity. I haven't seen it, Ira helped him set it up and move in.
Because.....Drum roll, here:
Mom was busy finishing up her schoolwork. Yes, I'm an MSN! I now have that Masters, (in Nursing Education) that I was working on when we found out that Greg was ill. I've had that dream on hold until now.
Matthew is 17, and a HS Senior. Oh my, my boys are growing up. Matt is busy with college applications. He wants to head south like his brother. Ditto, for dreams of being a doctor. We'll see.
As for all of our DSRCT Families, prayers continue for those of you still in the midst of the battle. And, a welcome to all our new members.
Now that I'm not busy constantly writing papers, I'll get busy updating our site.
Our prayers are with all of our DSRCT families. Hoping the New Year brings hope to all, and continued success in our battles on our shared journeys.
OH-Check out the photo album. I finally figured out how to load pictures. See what graduate school will do for a person? Can't size them yet, though.
He'll be home for the winter holiday break on December 18th. This time, I'm sure to see him, because his break is almost a month long!
He's scheduled for a PET/CT scan too, so prayers would be appreciated.
Matt is already working out and taking pitching lessons in anticipation of spring baseball. He's grown so much, that he's now taller than Greg.
I'm still busy with school, too. Halfway done with my Master's in Nursing Education.
Ira is still working hard. Trying to fit in all his patient's visits before the "Snowbirds" from here in Ohio fly south to Florida for the winter.
Do they know something we don't? Let's see......Greg's in school in the south, Ira's patients head there........Matt is researching colleges, guess where?
We're about to start the college search for son #2! Matt is now a HS Junior. I can hardly believe that time has passed so quickly. Matt however, has NO IDEA what he wants to do, or where he wants to be, so this should be a real challenge. The only thing he knows, is that he wants warmer, nicer weather. Can't blame him there. (We turned on the furnace last night for the first time this fall.) Colder weather is on the way.
All of us continue our prayers for other families on DSRCT. You are never far from our thoughts.
We retrieved Greg safely from college. He didn't do as well as we'd hoped on his finals this semester, but being sick certainly had a lot to do with that. We'll give him a pass on that issue. He's OK now.
Getting home from Miami was a 2 day, almost non-stop marathon drive. Not looking forward to repeating that in August, sigh.
Greg is taking Physics at The University of Toledo this summer, trying to get a head start on year 2 coursework. He's not thrilled, that the course is only offered from 8-10am, M-F. Seems that it interferes with his social life, poor child.
Matt is at Camp Wise, outside of Cleveland. We dropped him off last week for an 8 week period as a "S.I.T." That's "Staff in Training". Also known as "Slave Labor". No matter, he's enjoying it. He's working with 9-10 yo boys.
I have to tell you, it was tough for awhile, having 2 teenage boys home at once. With Greg at school, I had adjusted meals accordingly. When he came home, had to add (a lot)! Now Matt is missing, but Greg is trying to put on weight. I can't win. Either I'm preparing too much, or too little. I also have a huge increase in laundry. Apparently, Greg goes thru no less than 3 outfits/day. Yeah, I could have him do his own, like he did at school.......but I'm his Mom, and he's only here until mid-August.
We're trying to fit in at least a short family vacation this summer, but it may be tough to arrange. Matt is gone until at least August 5th, and Greg and Matt both start school by August 20th. Don't know if Ira can arrange for vacation time on such a tight schedule. We'll see.
I'm preparing to go back to school, too. I'm going to try some online graduate courses this summer. Wish me luck.
Between all the time taken up by those (stupid) frat activities and now this, Ira and I expect that Greg will not be bringing home the grades that we hoped for. Ira is just about frantic. After dealing with the competition that he did, to get into medical school himself, he's afraid that one "iffy" semester will trash Greg's chances. Sigh.
My reaction is totally different. One, we've got a healthy, happy teen, having a good first year at the college of his choice. Two, if it's meant for Greg to go to medical school, he'll get there, one way or another. If not, he'll do fine, doing something (anything!) else!
Ira and I leave on the 7th, to fly down to Miami. We have to pack Greg up, put all his dorm stuff in storage, and be out of the dorm by next Friday. Ira will fly home. I'm looking forward to a 2 day trip driving back home with Greg in his car. Just think! 22 hours alone with my son, catching up on a whole year's worth of college experiences. Can't wait! What a way to celebrate my birthday,.... in the car.....all day, times 2.......undivided attention.
Matt is busy every day after school with baseball. He's having a great time. I just wish it would get warm, and STAY warm, here in Ohio. I really don't care for sitting in the stands in a coat, with a blanket over my knees. It's supposed to be May, tomorrow!
I know our DSRCT family has suffered a number of losses recently. I also know that there are more rough days ahead. I want every one of those families to know that they are ALWAYS in my prayers and CONSTANTLY on my mind. Not a day goes by, that I don't think of you all, and wish you blessings and some measure of peace.
Greg has been so busy, that he admitted to us that he's lost a few pounds because he hasn't managed time for regular exersise. He looked OK to us, so we didn't say too much. Apparently, rushing this frat he is determined to join takes up a lot of his time. Ira and I know he's burning the candle at both ends and he really can't afford to do that. But what can we say at this point? He's nineteen, almost twenty (this summer), and needs to learn his limitations on his own. Greg did tell us after he returned to school, that he felt much better for having just slept in the entire time he was at home. He knows that he needs more sleep. It's up to him though. We're in Ohio, he's in Florida.
Greg did decide to put in a request for a private dorm room next year. He thinks he'll have more control of his study/sleep time that way. At least he wouldn't be in the midst of "Social Central", which is what I call those long, busy hallways. The dorm private rooms are usually at the end of the halls, or tucked into corners. Maybe that will help. Of course, there's no guarantee that he'll get one of the private rooms, we can only keep our fingers crossed.
Matt is doing fine. He's either at baseball or track practice both before and/or after school. Thank goodness he now has a driver's license! I'm not interested in getting up at the crack of dawn, just to get him to and from school at 6AM, only to get him back again by eight.
I'm busy with my nursing students. Second semester students have a lot of paperwork, and I get to grade it all. How delightful! Ira just keeps plugging along, going back and forth to his office every day. He works pretty hard, so by week's end he's had it. We don't do too much running around on weekends anymore.
All in all, life is good here in the Orgel household. We're thankful for that, everyday.
Please remember all of those members of DSRCT who don't have the kind of peace we've finally found. Their struggles continue, and we pray for them all the time. All of those families are never far from my thoughts.
Greg is busy at school. Between classes, his frat activities, and volunteer work, he's complaining that he doesn't have any time to sleep. Greg, time management is one of those "grown-up things" you'll have to master. Ira and I just hope he figures it out before he runs himself ragged, or his grades tank.
DSRCT.com has suffered a number of losses lately. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of these families. Please, also take a moment to pray for those still in this struggle.
I pray every day that all the news I read on our Caringbridge sites and Carepages is positive. I just wish those prayers were answered more often.
and a transfer student from Lehigh University. Small world. Lehigh is Ira's alma mater! Anyway, Greg has yet to give us his name, and Ira and I keep forgetting to ask him....
News here is that tomorrow is Matt's 16th birthday! You all know what THAT means, don't you? Yes, Matt is scheduled to take his DRIVING TEST on Thursday after school. Wish him luck.
I'm busy with my new students. They are a very diverse group, let me tell you! That's one of the things I like most about teaching in a community college AD program. I still can't tell the identical twins apart. So, I'm going to bring differnt colored ribbons or bows for Jessica and Melissa to attach to their stethescopes. I'm that desperate.
Matt finished the last of his driving lessons yesterday. He's all ready to take his test. Of course, Ira and I are not quite so ready. Matt is also busy preparing for finals this week. He's still making up work he missed while he was sick, at the same time. He's feeling much better, but still weak. He also has us packing his lunch every day. He has no intention of eating the school food. Can't say that I blame him. We still haven't identified the source of his Salmonella poisoning. At this point I don't think we ever will. The Public Health Dept is still working on it, though.
I met my new students this past week at our orientation session. I'll be in a local community hospital this semester. It's new and quite nice. The hospital is called St Anne's, and it's only 10 minutes away. That's a plus, with winter right on top of us. St Anne's is a big change for me, I'm more used to a university setting. I have seven students. Two of them are men, and I have a set of identical twins, too! This should be interesting. Let's see, identical twins in identical student uniforms......
Matt is home from the hospital. He never did make it back to school this week, however. He feels quite a bit better. He's on all oral meds now and eating as much as his system will tolerate. He'll probably need all of the Christmas break to put the weight he lost, back on.
The Public Health Dept got involved, too. Apparently, there have been several kids sick with food poisoning here recently, quite a few sick enough to require hospitalization. I'll keep everyone posted....
We've barely seen Greg, other than meals. He's off and running, visiting friends or having them here. The noise and chaos levels are back to "pre-college" level just now. Greg did fairly well as far as grades go, for first semester. Certainly not the perfection of straight A's that his father expects, but still pretty respectable.
So, we'll keep him in school down in Sunny Florida for another semester.
Wishing everyone a Peaceful, Joyous season with Blessings for a good New Year.
From the Orgel household to all of yours..........
Ira, Beth, Greg, Matt and Chewy
Now for the rest. While Greg is enjoying his semester break, Ira and I are taking turns staying with Matt at Toledo's Childrens Hospital.Yes, we're back......
Matt became ill last weekend, with what we thought was an ordinary 24 hour "bug". Well, we were wrong. By midweek, Matt was running high fevers and was unable to tolerate any food or fluids. To put it politely, everything went right thru him. By Wednesday, he was admitted to the SAME unit Greg had spent so much time on. It gave me chills to be back here, now with my younger son.
Matt finally was diagnosed with severe Salmonella poisoning on Friday. Wedsneday evening he was passing pure blood. He scared us spitless, basically. He's been on fluids and morphine since arrival. Latest tally on weight loss? 10 Lbs. He can't even take his Tylenol with a small sip of water without Morphine IV, first. Not fun.
He is getting better, slowly. We'll be here awhile, I think. Clear liquids are still a struggle.....
Greg has been pretty sympathetic, even offering a few suggestions about different meds for his brother. Putting his experience to good use? Already thinking like a doctor? Only time will tell.
When we first came home after visiting Greg over Parent's Weekend, I'll admit that I was too upset to post. Greg scared me. He'd been ill, and had lost a lot (for Greg) of weight. He didn't look good, and he didn"t feel well, either. All he talked about was how tired he was. I was frantic, having second thoughts about having him so far from home.
Anyway, to make a long story short, he recovered. He's put the weight back on, and more. He was home for 4 days over Thanksgiving, and looks great. Of course, we didn't see much of him (except for meals). Greg and all his friends were home together for the first time since they all started college. Ottawa Hills hasn't seen such excitement, since last year at this time!
Matt has definitely grown. It was a big surprise to Greg especially, to find that he was looking at his baby brother, eye to eye, for the first time. Matt has also confiscated all the clothes that Greg left in his closet. Greg was not thrilled, to say the least. He was planning on wearing some of them over break. Now he realizes that he'll have to bring clothes home over Christmas, too. His leftovers all ended up in Matt's closet.
Greg and all his friends will all be home again in another week or so. This time, they'll be home for a month. I'm sure the Orgel household will again become teenage "Chaos Central"!
Ira and I are anxious to see how Greg is doing. Of course, he keeps in touch....but his 5 minute phone calls aren't always satisfactory. We often get off the phone with more questions than we had before!
Greg's first few weeks were rocky. He had difficulty adjusting to the heat and humidity. Hopefully, it will start to cool down a bit and Greg will become more acclimated.
I'm enjoying being back in the hospital with my nursing students. One thing I don't like though, is the
7 AM start time! I love my students. They're a very diverse group. Of course, that's to be expected since I teach in a community college nursing program. Non-traditional students are the norm.
Matt is gearing up for Homecoming weekend, trying on all the clothes Greg left behind. He's completed his Driver's Ed classes, too. All he needs is (LOTS) of practice behind the wheel. His 16th birthday is in January, just in time for the ice and snow.
The house is quiet with him gone, of course. I rather like it, actually. Less commotion, less laundry, less cooking. What's not to like?
Matt is settling in to 10th grade. He's having to work harder than he did last year but that's OK with us!
Ira has had him out numerous times, practicing his driving. I haven't done it yet, because my car has a manual transmission. I want to wait until Matt is more comfortable before adding more steps to the driving mix. He's wants me to take him out NOW. That's because he wants to drive Greg's car, which is in our driveway. Greg has an Audi with a stick, just like me. Matt wants that car! Isn't gonna happen so soon.
I'm back teaching nursing. This semester I have a clinical group as well as my lab time. It's fun being back in the hospital! I'm on an Oncology Unit, too! Joy, oh Joy! The only thing I haven't gotten used to, is the early time, 7AM, and being on my feet so much. I'll either get back into a routine, or my feet will hurt for 16 weeks. Only time will tell.
We'll all be going to Florida to get Greg settled in. Matt and I haven't seen the school yet. I'll have one of my nursing students babysitting for Chewy our Pug, Porch, Spit, and Shadow. (My cats) while we're gone.
I'm looking forward to a new semester at school, teaching a whole new group of nursing students, and Matt is getting ready for 10th grade.! Where does the time go?
Matt is home from camp after a wonderful time. He was at Camp Wise in Cleveland, just like Greg attended when he was 16. Next summer Matt wants to go back as a "SIT", "Staff in Training". That's when we pay camp fees and the camp gets free labor! AAARGH. He'll be leaving again this weekend, for another short trip, just leaving me enough time to wash sleeping bags, linens, towels, and duffles. Sigh.....
I've just been piling the stuff on our dining room table for now. Don't want to pack it away, just to haul it all out again for one more week.
Matt is now eligible for his Learner's Permit and is anxious to start driving. Ira and I are using it like a carrot and a stick right now. Matt has 6 essays to write this summer for Honors English, and has barely started. So, the permit will have to wait. Why our school system insists on summer work, I'll never understand. Granted, the boys are getting an excellent education, but, it's supposed to be summer vacation.
In the midst of all this joyful chaos, don't forget prayers for those who need them, please. We are well aware that there are others who are still fighting this battle.
Greg and Chase are now enjoying a last bit of camraderie in Cancun, Mexico. Chase leaves in 2 weeks for the Naval Academy. It will be some time before these two very close friends will see each other again. Chase will not be allowed phone calls, or computer access until the completion of Plebe Summer. It's going to be hard on them both, I know. I'm going to miss my "other son" as well. I'm already preparing care packages to send him.
Matt leaves next weekend for 4 weeks of camp. He leaves the day Greg gets home. Hopefully, the 2 brothers will get to see one another before they're separated!
Greg is going to be spending his summer working in the Surgical Dept at ST. V's, where his father has his practice. Greg would like to experience a taste of the OR, before deciding to pursue a medical career himself.
Right now, I'm praying hard and fast for all the members of DSRCT who are struggling. My heart goes out especially to Mark and his family. Be at peace, my friends.
GREG'S SCANS ARE ALL CLEAR!!!
Next scans will probably not be until he comes home from college for Thanksgiving.
That's a new schedule... 6 whole months until the next PET scan!
Life is very hectic right now. Greg has little more that a week to go before graduation. He and Matt are really working long hours on last minute papers and projects. Why in the world both boys have this much "stuff" on their academic plates this late in the year is beyond me. Granted, Ottawa Hills provides an excellent education but, yikes!! Even I'm getting into the act, reading the same books as the boys, so I can lend a suggestion or two when it comes time to turn in these papers. I made Greg and Matt promise to pay my library fines because I'm reading their books instead of mine.....
Ira is lending tools and expertise for a group Physics project due this week. Greg and his classmates were in our basement for hours last night, pounding away and creating something I'm not sure will even fit in the car to make it to school.
This coming weekend is the start of all the graduation parties, including Greg's. We've been planning, shopping, planting flowers, pulling weeds, mulching (done by Greg and friends) for what seems like forever. Ira and I both have poison ivy, and enough mosquito bites to keep the little critters fed all summer long.....
Greg is suffering terribly from "Senioritis". With only 2 weeks to go until graduation, he's not paying too much attention to schoolwork. Arrgh! Yesterday he was with his physics class at Cedar Point, busy studying the physics of roller coasters.......
Matt is busy with both track and baseball. Today he has both, a meet at 4PM and a game at 7. He's gonna be wiped out when he gets home, I'm sure.
I found out this week that I will finally get a clinical site in the fall. Up until now, I've been teaching in the lab and classroom. Now, I'll be back in the hospital! Yeah! I'll be on an oncology unit of course, my first love.
Ira is busy at work, as always.
Keeping all out families in our prayers, Beth
Greg's calender is filling up with graduation parties and Ira and I are planning an open house for his. I made the invitations myself on the computer. I was actually quite pleased with the result, until I saw the sophistication of some of the others in our mailbox. Either I'm totally computer stupid, or some mothers have WAY TO MUCH TIME ON THEIR HANDS.
The snow finally ended in Toledo, now it's just rain and mud. Sigh. The good news is, I can finally get out and dig in the dirt. Flowers, weeds, anyone?
Matt is either playing baseball, or is at a track meet. Today, he has both. A track meet after school and a baseball game at 7PM. 2 uniforms to wash tonite......
Greg's game today is at 5PM. I'm sitting here wondering when do we sit down for supper? I have a practice session for our dance team tonite, too. When do I fit that in?
Now that I've reported on my tale of woe, I have one more to deal with. Last week, one of my nursing students went to the University of Michigan Cancer Center for a biopsy. My young friend, omly 23, has a cancerous tumor on his leg. I am trying to offer what information and support that I can, and I know that the other instuctors will do their part to make sure that he at least finishes this semester. Next week are final exams at Owens. I can only imagine the stress he is dealing with. If you have a moment, please add Kevin and his family to your prayers.
As always, prayers continue in the Orgel household for all our families on DSRCT.com
Greg found that he likes the University of Miami. After all, how can you not like a college where as Greg says, "the girls wear shorts, all year". Not exactly a great reason to chose a college, but then again, I'm not eighteen......
I know that I have no right to complain but, sometimes this season is painful for me. It breaks my heart to see Greg struggle to keep up with his teammates. He has the heart, but not the strength to compete. He never complains, but it must bother him to spend most of his time on the bench. He plays, but only one, maybe two innings at most. Some games, he doesn't get to play at all.
Greg's difficulties seem so minor, knowing that other familes struggle with much worse. I never forget that. I pray every day that all of you will someday be where we are.
Luckily for us, The University of Miami is having an Open House for all prospective students on Sunday, so Greg and his Dad are planning a visit. It's a 31/2 hour trip from coast to coast, but may well be worth it. Thus far, U of M is Greg's first choice. We'll see. Greg still hasn't heard from all the schools he's applied to.
Since we'll be gone on April 1st, the day all schools are going to let us know by mail "yes, no, or maybe", I'm bringing my laptop so Greg can check online.
That also means that I'll be able to keep in touch with all of our DSRCT family. My prayers for all of you continue, no matter where we go.
This year, I have one of my Nursing Students staying at the house to take care of Chewy, Porch, and Spit. Now that the weather is finally getting warmer, I'm sure she'll enjoy being outside with all my other "kids".
On another note...... Greg's next scan will be in 4 months! We are back to the anticipated schedule we should have been on since last spring. I thought we'd never get here. Just imagine, no scans until July. Seems like heaven!
The next two days were just beautiful! Sunny, warm (for February) sking. With temps in the 40's, the parts of me not covered, fried. I'm home with a classic (racoon look) tan. I came home, relaxed and happy.
The family is fine, except for a few colds. Nothing unexpected for the season. It will probably take me the rest of the week to do all the laundry waiting for me, though. What is it about males and laundry, anyway? Is it a genetic flaw or something? Arrgh!
Anyway, still waiting on college applications. I don't know how Greg can stand it! Ira and I keep running to the mailbox.
On another note.....
Last nite I received a phone call from a friend in Michigan. I met Nancy and her son Miles when we were at MSKCC last summer, in the midst of our crisis with Greg, Nancy kept me sane while we waited on word about Greg. Miles also has a rare, aggressive sarcoma, but not DSRCT.
Now, Nancy is in a crisis of her own. Miles is headed back up to MSKCC, for evaluation of new shadows on Miles's recent x-rays.Please, if you have time and prayers to spare.....Send them to Miles as you sent them to us. I believe in miracles. Help create one for this young man.
Matt and his "Adventure Crew" spent yesterday toboganning in Michigan. At 12 degrees, not exactly my idea of fun. He seemed to have fun though. He's still sleeping......
Tomorrow, Chewy starts a new adventure, too. He's picked up a number of bad habits lately, so we're sending him to "school". Hopefully, he'll come home, a "new and improved" Pug.
Even though all is well in the Orgel home, that doesn't mean we've forgotten others. Please continue prayers for those who need them most.
As far as the college hunt......Greg has a "yes" from 4 schools, and a "deferred" from one. Still waiting on the last 4 on his list. As it stands now, with what he knows, University of Miami, Coral Gables, is his favorite. Not that I blame him! It's certainly warmer there, than here!
Greg is on schedule for his next scan next wednesday. We're back to a 3 month schedule instead of 4, because of the scare we had last summer. Of course, I'll keep everyone posted. Please add Greg to your prayer list until we get the next "all clear".
Update, Friday.... Spent the morning running around to see doctors with Matt. Turns out he broke his ring finger on his right hand during basketball practice last nite. The bad news is, it's broken in 2 places one of them, the growth plate. Ouch! It's the end of basketball season for him. Baseball and tennis are on hold, too.
Greg has started hearing from colleges. He's been accepted by a few schools here in Ohio, but we haven't heard yet from the ones he really wants to attend. All Greg wants is to go SOUTH. We'll see.
Prayers for all those who need them.
The family is headed "south of the border" for a week. We're checking out a new resort in Mexico. Looking forward to it, of course.
I'll be on semester break until the second week of January. That should give me some catch up time.
Greg is feeling fine. His weight is stable and he's slowly getting taller. Matt is the one growing now. I can't believe that my "baby" will be 15 in January!
With all the good things happening in the Orgel household, we haven't forgotten those not so fortunate right now. Please everyone, say a few prayers for those still struggling. Extra hugs are in order for Marlena, Raymond, Jordan, Callie, and Nathan.
The Orgel family was quite busy this past week. Grandmom, Uncle Michael, and cousins Danny and Brian, joined us from Philadelphia. We had a wonderful time and ate as much turkey as we could manage! Would you believe NO LEFTOVER TUIRKEY!?
As we go into the winter holiday season, I want to wish all of you the best that life has to offer. God's blessings to all.
As soon as Greg gets back, he has to finish his last college applications. Some are due at the beginning of December. I'll be glad when they are finished. I'll be even happier, when we finally learn that he has a school that will take him!
If anyone would like to take a look, there is a website to follow Matt's travels. It is www.agoraLA.com.
Both Greg and Matt are at a baseball meeting tonite. Uh, doesn't baseball start in the spring? I wonder what could be so important that there's a meeting in November?
Our neighborhood is buried in leaves. This is Chewy's favorite season. Being Pug-sized, he can hide in any leaf pile he finds. What fun!
Greg has completed 3 of his 10 planned college applications. That makes just 7 more to go, but who's counting? At this point, he has all his bases covered, as well as half a dozen states. I wonder where he'll end up?
All is well here. Greg is finally getting serious about his college applications. He's decided to apply early decision to Duke University. Wish him luck, he'll need it!
Both boys are busy with school,and now, making plans for homecoming. Greg is an old pro at this by now, but this is Matt's first one. I can't believe my 14 yo has a date!?
Ira and I had to remind both boys not to forget to order corsages for their dates. We had to help Matt a bit, he was too embarrassed to ask his date what color her dress is....
Ira has been busy dragging both boys out, making sure that shoes, shirts etc, still fit. Greg has grown about an inch since school started, but Matt has shot up so fast I can't even keep him in jeans, let alone dressy stuff! He's actually taller than I am now.
I just went back and resumed my tap dance class. Dagmar and I are having a great time, as always.
Ira and Howard (Dagmar's husband) have planned some sort of surprise trip for us, right before Christmas. (Both of us are celebrating our 20th aniversary this year). This should prove to be interesting..... As in most families, it's the Moms' who do all the planning. Dagmar and I are just keeping our fingers crossed. LOL
Please keep Keegan's family in your prayers. Keegan lost his battle this week. His courage will be remembered by all.
It's days like this one when I turn to you for support. There was nothing but sad news waiting for me in my mailbox this morning. Sick kids, getting worse. The loss of 2 others, not yet listed. Two new families......
Sometimes, I wonder why I do this. Then I hear from you, and I know why.
I just wanted to thank all my friends for their support when I need it most. I know that soon enough, I'll hear about some success stories, stories of faith, and determination in the face of terrible odds.
I am so proud of all of you. I am honored to know you, and your families. Just wanted you to know that. Beth
Friday night, we found out thru the community "grapevine", that she was in Hospice care. Please add this young woman to your prayers and thoughts. If her family reads this, I want them to know that Ira and I are always available, and that other parents at DSRCT share their concerns.
We are meeting today with Greg and his guidance counselor to discuss Greg's college options and choices. Much to my distress, Greg flat out refuses to even apply to Michigan. I wanted it on his list, just as backup, if we are faced with a situation similar to what we feared this summer. Greg says that if he gets sick again, then he'd apply for a transfer, not before. I guess I'll just have to live with that.
We know that Greg is due for another scan soon, probably in October. The question remains, what do we do with the information? What do all the spots on his liver really mean? What do we do, if there are more? Nobody has an answer. Frustrating.
Please remember all the others experiencing difficulties right now, in your thoughts and prayers. Say an extra one for Callie, Steve and Keegan.
Last night was an interesting experence. The conference organizers arranged for a Film Festival just like the real thing, that Cannes is famous for! We arrived at the Palais Des Festival to find the red carpet and paparazzi (not the real thing, just flash bulbs with no film in the cameras....) to greet us. What we all found to be so funny, was the reaction of other tourists. They obviously thought that we were all really celebrities and started to take pictures of us as we all arrived! We sat through an award ceremony with prizes for the best in Retina photography. Looking at graphic pictures of eyeballs, is not really what I wanted to do before dinner, but it was fun just the same.
We are headed next to Paris for a few days, and then to the beaches of Normandy. We are both trying very hard not to eat too much, or our clothes won't fit by the end of the trip!
Au Revoir, Beth and Ira
Greg has FINALLY gotten serious about starting his college applications! He's changed his list a bit, adding some and deleting others. Ira and I aren't totally thrilled with the reasoning he used, but none of his final choices are unreasonable. We'll meet with his guidance counselor in a few weeks, just to get a bit of advice and get some final suggestions.
The news here right now:
Ira and I have decided to attend a medical conference. We had nixed the idea earlier, when we were afraid that Greg was in trouble. We're still nervous about leaving, it's the first time in 5 years that we've left them here and traveled on our own. The last time we tried, Greg spiked a fever, and I returned home in 12 hours, leaving Ira at the conference alone.
That said, we're excited. We're on our way to France! 5 days in Cannes for the conference, the rest touring. Paris and Normandy are on the itinerary. We'll be gone a total of 13 days.
The oldest brother of Greg's best friend is staying with the boys. Brooks is 23. His dad is our pediatrician, and the Steins of course, are right accross the street.
We are leaving Thursday nite. Wish us Bon Voyage, and keep your fingers crossed that the boys don't burn the house down while we're gone!
I went back to work yesterday. It's already the beginning of a new semester and I have a whole new crop of students, waiting to be introduced to the world of nursing.
The boys have to go to school tomorrow, just to register, get course lists, and make changes. I can't believe BOTH boys will be in HIGH SCHOOL this year!
We'll be back to a regular routine shortly. Summer is coming to a close. Is everybody else ready?
Greg tells us they tossed the cigarettes, kept the magazine (of course), and he won a dollar. He contributed it to the kitty for gas. I wonder how far they traveled on that? LOL!
Since Matt is away this week at the Maccabi Games, I'm trying to get Greg to sit down and start on some of his college admission essays. Wish me luck!
He thought UVA "looked old". Well, yes Greg, it was designed by Thomas Jefferson....... Thus far Wake Forest and Duke are still on the list. Next stop, The University of Miami, in Coral Gables, Florida.
Grandmom arrived safe and sound yesterday. Tonite she's taking the family and Greg's best friend Chase, out for dinner to celebrate his 18th birthday. Greg will be 18 on August 3rd. We're blessed, knowing that he's still here.
Please don't forget prayers for all the other kids still in the midst of the battle.
Tonite, Matt and I will be at a final Maccabi Games meeting at the JCC. He'll get his gym bag, uniforms, ID, etc. I'm supposed to get details on travel, host family, and important phone numbers. This year Team Toledo is going to Phoenix, AZ. Originally, we were supposed to go to New Orleans, but that had to be changed, obviously.
By the time Ira and Greg return, Grandmom will have arrived from Philly for her summer visit. Busy, busy, aren't we?
So now, we can breathe again for a few months. Dagmar has decided to go back to a 3 month schedule of our routine CT/PET scans, but I can deal with that. She also wants to repeat the MRI/Cholangiogram at the same time. She was as spooked by all of this as we were, I'm certain.
I'm going to call my boss and get back on the teaching schedule for fall. Now we can talk about our summer vacation. Greg and Ira are headed south next week to check out colleges. I'm also going to try and call Matt at camp and let him know that his brother will still be around to torture him.
Life is good again.
With all our relief, please don't forget say a prayer for those kids still in the battle.
Matt just left with his friend Jamie, for a 5 day stay at basketball camp (again). I hope they'll be OK. It's going to be a scorcher this week, close to 100 degrees every day and the camp doesn't have air conditioning, either in the dorms or the gym. We sent them with plenty of extra drinks.......
Greg is still asleep. As a teen, he'll probably sleep until the crack of noon...... I'll have to sit on Greg this week. It's time to start narrowing his wish list for college. I want to get a jump start on his essays, too. Ira and Greg are planning a road trip for next week. They'll be headed south to look over colleges. Greg wants to see UVA, Duke, UNC, and Wake Forest. He knows that he'll have to apply to schools closer to home, too. Then again, Univ of Michigan is not too shabby......Nothing like aiming high, is there? I'll stay here to be with Matt and take care of cats, a dog, etc. Of course, I'll have my pool if I can find time to get out there......
Everything else long term is still on hold. I have my postion teaching covered for the fall. Thank you, Kathy and Diane!
Ira and I are coping as best we can. It's been difficult. Not having any answers at all, after all this time is an absolute nightmare. I can't even begin to imagine how Greg feels. He's been silent for the most part, asking only infrequently if we've heard anything. As if we could possibly keep anything from him! I know Matt is wondering too.
Hopefully, we'll know something soon. I know that Dagmar is keeping on top of things.
While I know that many are keeping Greg in their thoughts and prayers, please don't forget others. Jordan and Keegan's families would appreciate them I know.
All right everyone........Sorry this update is so long in coming. Ronald McD House has a computer room, locked up more often than it's open, and a wireless network that never works. Sorry!
On Weds, we met with Dr LaQ. as planned. He knew of course about all the confusion with getting Greg's biopsy scheduled. So, he went downstairs to the radiology dept himself, and basically had a few choice words with the right people. The result was that Greg was in the radiology suite by 2PM getting that biopsy! Lots to write about now, so bear with me.............
The results from the MRI/cholangiogram that we were told about initally, were grim. Apparently, Greg has numerous lesions in his liver. The MRI here in Toledo only picked up the largest of them. Quite a few were less than 1cm in size. But remember, our MRI was just that, not an MRI/cholangiogram. The significance of that will become clearer as I write all of this down........
Of course, Ira and I were devastated initally, with the realization of just how many lesions were really there. Greg fell apart, too. He knows just what metastatic disease is, and what it means. We pulled ourselves together and went on.
So next, during Greg's biopsy, which took much longer than we expected, things took an interesting turn. The radiologist took one sample after another. The first few kept coming back from cytology with an immediate reading of "normal biliary tissue". He ended up getting 6 biopsy samples, which is why it took so long.
Having 6 holes in him, didn't slow Greg down one bit. 2 hours later, he was ready to leave the hospital, WALK 5 city blocks back to the RMcDH, change, and then walk 6 MORE BLOCKS, to stuff himself with Mexican food! Thank you Dr LaQ, for an excellent restaurant recommendation!
FRIDAY
We played "Tourist" all day. Times Square, (again) a bus tour, stops in SoHo, and the village, ANOTHER walk for a great dinner, and the 10PM showing of the Blue Man Group.......This is "taking it easy" after a surgical procedure? I was exhausted! All in all, Greg made out like a bandit, great gourmet meals every night, 2 shows, a chat with "The Naked Cowboy", (don't ask, it's a NY Thing), and sightseeing galore.
SATURDAY-HOME!
We arrived just in time for a Sushi Party at the Steins.
Dagmar was much more optimistic about the final biopsy results than we were. She pointed out to us that the majority of those small lesions are directly along the path of the biliary tract. That's the cholagiogram part of the exam, it highlights the biliary tract.... When we left NYC, we had initial reports on 3 of the 6 biopsies. They all said "normal biliary tissue". She pointed out to us that chemo can cause biliary hemmorrages. That MAY be what we are seeing now. It is POSSIBLE, that the multiple small lesions we know about, have been there all along, and mean nothing more, than what they are. Damage from chemo. All we can do is wait, again. We should have the results of the other 3 biopsy samples by mid-week.
All of this stated on May 8th, and we STILL don't know what we're dealing with! Is this some sort of payback for all the fast, easy answers we've always gotten? I can't stand it!
Ira, Greg, and I also met Jordan Marquis's family. Jordan is adorable, (sorry Jordan, but you are!). Karen and I will remain friends now, forever.
Today, I do laundry, Ira and Greg watch soccer, Matt is at a beach club with a friend. Life goes on.
Now for the aggravating part. We still don't have a date for Greg's biopsy. As of this afternoon, we're being told that it "May be several weeks, to get him on the schedule"?! WHAT THEN MAY I ASK, ARE WE DOING HERE NOW? Ira is on his way up here as I write this. His plane arrives tonite. What am I going to say? "Join us tomorrow morning at 10 AM for our appointment with LaQuaglia, and then let's go home"? Ira is SO angry after cancelling all of his patients so he could be here, that he called our doctor about having Greg's biopsy done at home. He really doesn't want to return.
On a lighter note.....We met Karen and Matt Marquis! Had lunch with them. Hopefully we'll get to meet Jordan tomorrow. He wasn't awake enough for visitors early this morning when Greg and I checked after leaving the MRI dept......
Greg and I played tourist this afternoon, visiting Time's Square. We even snagged tickets to see "Lion King" AT 8 o'clock. It's been on our wish list for some time now. Did some shopping on 5th Ave, too. (Just a little bit). I'll update again I guess, after meeting with LaQuaglia. Truthfully, I'd rather not even go myself. I'd rather avoid the "blast zone" if Ira loses his cool.
Of course, all of this may change pending test results. If need be, Greg and I will remain while Ira heads home to meet Matt.
I am looking forward to meeting some of our DSRCT friends who are currently in NYC. We have cousins there as well, some of whom have not seen Greg since he was last at Sloan in 2002. They won't even recognise him! He isn't bald, thin, or miserable like last time. What a difference since our last trip. We'll even have to re-intrduce Greg to Dr Kushner and Dr LaQuaglia!
This trip will be very different though. Greg feels fine. We're planning to stop and see some colleges on the East coast while we're in the neighborhood. I told Greg to come up with his wish list, ASAP. I have to call NYC tomorrow and make plans. Not sure if we'll be eligible for the RMcD House, or even if we want to stay there this time. Greg may feel better if we stay in a "real" hotel.
OH! Almost forgot!!!!!!!!! Greg LOVED Greece! He came home last night, smiling from ear to ear, and tan. He even talked to me all the way home from the Detroit airport. Will wonders never cease?
Dagmar was with us for an impromptu barbeque Sunday night, so we had an opportunity to really talk. Howard had gone to a conference and taken the kids with him, so Dagmar was alone. That rarely happens, and when we get together with the Steins, it's usually both families, together. My talk with my friend was long overdue......
We shared our fears and discussed a few different things. I was surprised to learn that Howard is having a harder time with this situation, than she is. I guess I should not be surprised. After all, as Ira's best friend he has to be supportive over here, as well as supporting Dagmar, over there.
Dagmar talked about her frustration with the response from MSKCC, too. It seemed to her that both Dr Kushner and Dr LaQuaglia were all ready to write Greg off. After all, as far as they're concerned, any spots automatically mean a recurrence. Dagmar still isn't convinced of that. After all, they aren't appearing (yet) like metastatic disease. All we can do is wait.
Something else we discussed...... After Greg's initial battle, Dagmar told me that if he ever recurred, that she wanted to "step back". She expressed a desire to be here as my friend, and not as Greg's primary doctor. She admits to feeling unsure of her ability to function in both roles, again. I don't blame her one bit. I had to reassure her that this was OK with me. If Greg is headed for another battle, we'll turn his care over to her new partner. Poor man! He hasn't even arrived in Toledo yet! Not only will he be confronting a new job, with sick kids and basket-case parents......But a basket-case new partner/boss as well.
I'll be headed to Detroit soon to pick up Greg. Can't wait to see him and hear as much as he'll tell me about his adventures! Oh, how I sometimes wish I had a daughter instead. At least I might get more details than a grunt or two!
UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!
At 2:30PM, the phone rang. To my utter shock, it was Dr LaQ, himself! Remind me to send Elsa some flowers tomorrow..... Bottom line? Dr LaQ has no more clue as to what is going on than we do. He agrees that waiting to do another scan is the best option. He originally wanted us to come to NYC and do the next scan there. However, by that point, Ira was home and on the line as well. Ira questioned the need to travel all the way to NY for a scan, if indeed there turned out that there were no changes. Dr LaQ only wants us to come to NY, if in the opinion of the radiologist here, any of the spots have increased in size. If they are the same, or one disappears as it did before, we'll just stay here and watch. Dr LaQ would like to do a needle-guided biopsy only if the spots get larger. He told us yes, it may be metastatic disease, or quite possibly a fungal infection. So, now we are going to do another MRI on June 28th, right after Greg gets home from Greece. If we need to go to NYC, tenative plans for a biopsy on July 5th, are already in the works. I'd like to go up for the 4th of July holiday and take Matt. That way we can hopefully enjoy some good times on the way.
Greg should be home any minute, so I'll try to present this in as positive a light as I can. Dr LaQ did say that there is no rush right now and that he considers the biopsy to be an "elective" procedure. I'll make sure Greg knows that, so he can enjoy his trip.
We'll do the scans at the beginning of June, send Greg on his school trip, and hope to have some answers by the time he returns on June 29th. Arrgh! At least, Kushner and LaQuaglia will have 2 sets of scans by then.
Ira and I can only take comfort in that Dagmar feels no particular urgency to "do something" sooner. We know that if she was truly frantic with the delay, she would insist on a biopsy, now. If she's comfortable with a "wait and see" attitude, I guess we'll have to be, too.
On some lighter notes......Ira FINALLY bought Greg a car. I guess the necessity became clearer on Friday. Greg came in from school carrying a piece of the GEAR SHIFT that fell off in his hands when he put the car in "park", in the driveway......As of Saturday, Greg became the proud owner of an Audi A4. It's black, 2 years old, and has a sporty look to it. Ironically enough, it's a manual transmission, just like mine. Ira finally broke down on that issue. Greg is actually pretty good with it.
Something else! For those who are interested, Greg and a few of his classmates made a video for a school project. To make a long story short, it ended up on the internet. If you would like to see it, go to Google. Then type in "google video". Then type "My Polo" into the search box. It's dated May 1 with the name "Trick" under it. That's Greg's good friend Evan Trickey.
The video features Greg's car (His old one), Greg is driving by the way..... He's in the white polo, if you have any questions about who's who. You'll see our neighborhood, our livingroom, and the Ottawa Hills HS.
This is schoolwork????????? At least they earned an "A"!
Last night, Greg and his father drove up to Detroit to attend a seminar on colleges, 2 of which are on his wish list. They came home with a definite plan to visit the University of Penna and Duke. Visiting U of P is a no-brainer. After all, I am from Philly, and Ira is from Allentown, you know. So, we'll combine that visit with a trip East to see family. Going to Duke will entail taking the whole family. We'll probably combine it somehow, with a family vacation this summer. While we're in the neighborhood, we'll visit UNC in Chapel Hill, another distinct "maybe". Getting in there is a reach, but I am an alumnae of their School of Nursing, so maybe that will help.
Most importantly? Greg is scheduled for his next PET/CAT scan next Monday, May 8. It's my birthday. Wouldn't a clean scan make a wonderful Birthday gift?
So everybody, wish me a Happy Birthday with a healthy son!
It's been just past four years since Greg was diagnosed. With every passing day, our hope grows stronger. Greg is scheduled for his PET/CAT scan today. I'll post results as soon as they're available. Pray, everybody, please.
Update! Due to scheduling issues, Greg's scan has been rescheduled for after the New Year. Even though Ira and I would have preferred sooner, Greg's doctor does not like to do scans right before a holiday. Dagmar feels very stongly about spoiling the season, so we have to wait.....
I'm wishing for all our friends to have a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday. I'm thankful for knowing all of you.
We're headed out this morning. Time for our annual beach vacation! This time, it's Cancun, Mexico. Pray that we don't have any tornados this week, everyone!
Greg's next scan is right before school starts, when we return.
We're headed out this morning. Time for our annual beach vacation! This time, it's Cancun, Mexico. Pray that we don't have any tornados this week, everyone!
Greg's next scan is right before school starts, when we return.
We're headed out this morning. Time for our annual beach vacation! This time, it's Cancun, Mexico. Pray that we don't have any tornados this week, everyone!
Greg's next scan is right before school starts, when we return.
Greg still isn't sure that the world of medicine is for him, but he did make other decisions. He's decided that he wants to attend a large college, with a diversity of students not found here in Toledo. That cuts down his choices somewhat. So, we'll concentrate this year on looking at institutions in larger cities. He met quite a few kids from the East coast, and liked their style. Not surprising, Ira and I are from suburban Philadelphia.
Next on the social schedule is the Maccabi Games in San Antonio, Texas next week. Greg and Matt both are competing in Table Tennis. Wish them luck!
Matt leaves on Monday (tomorrow?!) for 3 weeks in Australia with a student group. I think I'm more excited than he is. Just like Greg, he takes just about anything in stride. Greg decided not to be a camp counselor for the 4 weeks as planned. Instead, he's staying home. He's planning to work part-time in his father's office. His goal? A bit of spending money to put into his car. Typical teen!
I'm going to take a quick break next week and head to the beach with a stack of books. Ira will have to wait until fall for his break. He's headed out to do some deep sea fishing with his buddies....
Life is good right now, but we don't take anything for granted. We know how blessed we are.
I will be focusing my time this summer on continuing Patrick's work on our DSRCT site. I have no intention of forgetting others in their continuing struggle.
We sent Greg with all kinds of admonitions like;" only drink bottled water!" and; "remember to use bug spray!". Hopefully he'll use some common sense. Do 16 yo's have any common sense?
Rresults are in, and Greg's scans are fine. We can relax now for 4 more months. Dagmar feels that it is OK to go four months at a time, instead of three. I guess that we're making progress! Greg and I both got to see the scans yesterday as soon as they were done. Do you know that they're on disks now? I even brought a copy home for our records. Greg is busy with baseball season. He's much stronger than last year, but still has a way to go. His coach and teammates want him to resume pitching, but Greg doesn't feel up to the task. He's happy in the out-field, and occasionally doing duty at second base. Maybe next summer.......
Greg will be going to a Nat'l Youth Leadership Conference in Medicine this summer in Washington D.C. He wants to know if he really wants to be a doctor. By the time he gets back, I'm sure he'll know!
Sunday we leave for Sarasota, Florida. It's spring break, and oh wow, we need one! Greg and Matt will be playing baseball, Ira will be hauling all the boys around. I get to sit at the pool or beach with all the other moms. The only thing I need to do is pick out some beach books and bring lots of quarters to wash uniforms........I'll post pictures as soon as they're ready. Check back in 10 days!
We are busy getting ready for Thanksgiving. Greg and Matt are looking forward to seeing their cousins from Philadelphia. I'm busy cooking and cleaning, and Ira is doing the shopping.
Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!
Can't wait to see him and hear what he has to say about this year's games. Matt is already looking forward to his turn, in the summer of 2005. Any wild guesses about his choice of sport?
For those who are interested.....Two well known Olympic athletes who got their start at Maccabi Games? Anybody remember Mitch Gaylord (Gymnastics) and Mark Spitz (Swimming)?
Greg and the rest of Team Toledo are gearing up for the start of this year's Maccabi Games. They leave Sunday for Columbus, OH. Ira will be there for the Opening Ceromonies. Matt and I will travel to Columbus to see Greg compete in the medal rounds on Wed. and Thurs. (Nothing like being confident of success, or planning ahead......) Please wish Greg and his teammates a sucessful week! I'll post news all week as results are listed on the Maccabi website.
We also had our visit with the Dr. at Flower hospital who will be doing his radiation therapy. He is very nice. Greg will need 20 days of radiation, (that's 4 weeks) starting the middle of September. He will also get one last round of chemo, at the same time. We are going to try to schedule his radiation for after school each day, so he won't miss much time in the classroom. Hopefully, Greg will be in school most of the time. If he is going to be out, it will be for much shorter periods of time than last year.
Now it is 2PM and Greg is home!!!
Ira
We have a planned date for Greg's surgery, it is scheduled for Tuesday, April 9th.
Ira
Ira
Note to Greg's friends; please call if you can. Not long conversations, Greg tires easily, but a quick hello would probably make him feel better. Update later, Greg's mom
Greg is out of the special unit! His room # is 526-B, and the phone # is 212-639-4076. I am sure he would love to hear from some of his friends on his Mickey Mouse phone...
All of the tubes, lines and stuff are gone, and Greg is up walking, and starting to eat. Bye for now.
Greg is feeling better every day. The doctors came in already this morning, took his dressing off, and took another tube out! Greg is going to start eating today. We are also going to move from the special unit, to a regular room. As soon as I have a room #, I will let you all know. I'm sure Greg would like to get some phone calls later. I'll keep you posted. Greg's Mom
Ira
Greg is resting comfortably this morning. He is awake and already asked his dad for his laptop. Greg hates not being able to eat yet, can't wait till we feed him! We'll post another message later today. Thanks for all the good wishes coming our way. Greg's Mom
Ira