Monday, October 22, 2007

Henry's Challenge

On Saturday, October 13th, our day started very normally, on our way to a soccer game for Sophie. Before the game started, however, Henry could not keep his balance and in fact, fell to the ground unable to walk.

We took Henry immediately to the Washington County Emergency Room where he was diagnosed with a mass in his cerebellum, his coordination center. This tumor was disrupting the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and causing his imbalance.

An ambulance was sent from Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore. Tara and Henry rode down together with me following after a brief visit home for essentials. We met Sunday with the neurosurgeon, who, after an MRI, gave us several prospective outcomes based on the likelihood of each. The first of these was confirmed several days later by a visit by oncology - Henry has a medulloblastoma of high-risk nature.

The tumor was approximately 90% resected (removed) but had disseminated along the spine through the cerebrospinal fluid. We spent several days in the hospital with Henry with the support of close family and friends who cared for us and our children during this difficult week. Henry is now able to walk again without disorientation. He has some visual deficit that should be corrected over time with minimal treatment and is a bit unsteady, requiring a hand to walk, but is improving with each step.

Our road ahead is uncertain and scary. We expect chemotherapy and radiation therapy over the course of many months. It has only been a week since we've discovered Henry's challenge. The weeks to come will tell us much more.

Finally - to those who've been our support recently - Thank you. This is something we will be unable to do alone and you've all made it clear we won't have to.

[additional detail]

36 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this place to come check on precious Henry. Please know that you all are very loved and in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Cousin Fran

Anonymous said...

Henry is in all our prayers. We love him so much at The Fun and Learning Center. We are here for you. With Love, Miss Heather

Rosy Tea said...

I will do whatever I can for you. Need childcare? Need a ride? Need a nights sleep? Need your house cleaned? I'm a lousy cook, so forget that, but I can bake cookies.
Henry is in my heart and is going to stay there.

Anonymous said...

We are praying for you daily and send big bunches of love and a few tickles! We will keep up with you on this sight.
Cousins John and Bouy

Anonymous said...

Dear Tara and Bryan, The entire Sheck family is in our thoughts and prayers. My prayer group at work is also praying for you at this difficult time.
Please give the girls a hug for me-and let Sophie know that I am practicing my puzzle skills.
I am grateful that you have family so near by.
take care nance

Anonymous said...

To Henry and Family, You are all in my prayers.
Love, Miss Maegan

Anonymous said...

If theres anything you need, a babysitter, a day at the park with the girls or just some time. Please call. Love you all so very much.
xoxo
Abby

Anonymous said...

Dear Scheck Family,
When Lindsey told me the news, my thoughts and prayers immediately went up for your family, especially your precious son. I enjoyed my time with him at the Fun & Learning Center--he is such a joy! My prayers continue for your family. May God's healing hands lay on Henry for a full recovery. Blessings to you all...
Miss Denise

Denizen said...

We are thinking of you guys very much. Henry is in our prayers.

Peeples Boys
Dave
Anthony
Nicolas

Anonymous said...

My name is Jeff Boyd and I am a co-worker of Lisa Middlebrook. I want to let you know that Henry and your family are in my fervent prayers. I have also included Henry on a number of prayer chains and look forward to keeping up with his progress through this blog.
God Bless,
Jeff Boyd
Frederick, Maryland

Anonymous said...

Please know that Henry and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sending you positive thoughts and energy,
~jena
(friend of Molly)

Anonymous said...

Bryan, Tara, Sophie and Anna,

Prayers from Pittsburgh for Henry and all of you. Thank you for this site to keep in touch and know that our prayers and thoughts are with you. I will check in frequently.

Janet Pribanic & family

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this blog. We are remembering Henry and your family in prayer.

Anonymous said...

Henry and the whole Scheck family are in our thoughts. You all have our best wishes and prayers.

Vincent Rago & family

Anonymous said...

Tara and Bryan, we continue to remember Henry and ask for a total miracle in his life. We also trust extra amounts of strength and faith are heaped on each of you as you walk down this road of uncertainty with Henry. God's grace is sufficient for your family...just sometimes so hard to understand.
with much concern.
bonnie and jim amos

Anonymous said...

Andrew Derr just sent me this information, and I wanted to let you know that Henry and your entire family will be in my prayers.
Nicole (Lare) Mendoza
MHS Class of '92

Anonymous said...

Hi Bryan,

Henry and the whole Scheck family are in our thoughts. You all have our best wishes and prayers , Bryan, God is with us and we are sure Henry will recover soon and every thing will
be all right.

Bryan, let me know if i can help you with anything, right now i am in california.

Santosh Utekar & family

Anonymous said...

Bryan and family,
All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm not to far away, so if there is anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me.

There is a quote by Harriet Beecher Stowe I have always liked: "When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn."

Thinking of you,
Heather (Heimes) McCubbin
MHS Class of '90
Middletown, MD

Anonymous said...

hello family! My family and friends will continue to pray for Henry and his family as well. I miss Henry when I would leave work (Fun & Learning)and he would tell me that he had to give me a hug and a kiss before I left. Lots of hugs and Kisses to you my friend...Mrs. Kerry

Anonymous said...

Bryan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We wish Henry recover soon. God never fails those that trust in him and Our prayers will be answered. We pray for courage and strength to you and your family as you go through these tough times.

Sarath & Family
Elk Grove - CA

Anonymous said...

Tara and Bryan,

Please know that we are keeping you and Henry in our thoughts and prayers. Do not hesitate to knock on the door if there is anything at all we can do - day or night. Our hearts go out to you.

Julie, Brad, Patrick, Andrew and Samantha

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Amy Cook and family

Anonymous said...

Bryan and Tara,

Your entire family is so deep in our daily prayers. We pray for wisdom for the doctors, peace for your family and for a miracle from God for your precious Henry. We also pray for Henry's comfort and happiness as he has quite a challenging road ahead with chemotherapy. May God wrap his arms around your whole family and give you peace and unwaivering love and support.

Erik and Jaymie Nielsen

Anonymous said...

Bryan and Tara, just wanted to let you know that we (all coaches and players) have you in our thoughts and prayers daily. We realize that you are surrounded by your family at this time and we want to respect your privacy. Please know that at any time, if you should need anything, let us know and someone will make it happen. As I am sure you are aware, the power of prayer is immeasurable. I leave you with this passage from Luke 11:9-10. “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Your soccer family,

The Hagerstown Hurricanes

Anonymous said...

You all have been in our thoughts and prayers over the past week. Linda and I remember Henry and his sisters well from the reunion in June at Folly Beach with fond memories. We are sure these memories will be enhanced at future reunions. Please let us know if we can help in any way.
Love...Linda, Paul, and Adam...

Anonymous said...

HELLO TARA,

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH U ALL, I THINK OF U ALL FREQUENTLY.

LOVE
SHELLY
OLD TSCHC EMPLOYEE

Anonymous said...

Prayer for Healing

Lord, You invite all who are burdened to come to You. Allow your healing hand to heal Henry. Touch our souls with Your compassion for others. Touch our hearts with Your courage and infinite love for all. Touch our minds with Your wisdom, that our mouths may always proclaim Your praise. Teach us to reach out to You in our need, and help us to lead others to You by our example. Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring Henry health in body and spirit that he may serve You with all his strength. Touch gently this life which You have created, now and forever.

Amen.

Anonymous said...

hi tara, my thoughts and prayers have been with you , henry and family the day i heard.cindy( cleaning crew)at TSCHC in Hancock

Anonymous said...

Dr. Scheck and Bryan:

Dr. Scheck, I am sorry I missed seeing you today. Know that Henry is in my thoughts and prayers everyday as well as both of you to continue to find the strength you need. I like many others are here if you ever need anything!

Admin Colbrese

Anonymous said...

You are in our thoughts and prayers everyday.

Ann Utermahlen and Family

Anonymous said...

You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Daisha

Anonymous said...

Hello Henry! You do not know us...we are friends of Paige and Chris Giles. We heard of your challenge through our Bible Study prayer time. We are so sorry to hear, and we pray for you and your family often.

We just wanted to write and let you and your family know that you are all in our prayers for God's Will may it be complete healing and restoration. Remember to keep faith and hope always.

I know it can be a frightening ordeal, but remember that now is the time to lean on friends, family and God. God will carry you through this, and He will use your friends and family to help. He is also the Master Physician.

We are all a part of God's family, and we lift you up in prayer, for strength & endurance, for mercy & love.

In Christ,

Mark & Susan Solem Victoria, MN

Anonymous said...

Tara,Bryan and family

Sorry I missed your visit at TSCHC thursday. You and Bryan and family are on my mind and in my prayers. This blog is such a wonderful way for us to let you know how much we care. Thank you. Please call if there is anything I can do for you.

Love
Lynne

Anonymous said...

Hello everyone

you all are in my thoughts and prayers

When it hurts to look back and you are scared to look ahead, you can look beside you and your friend will be there.

Love
Krystal Harris (Teresa's old nurse)

Anonymous said...

It is rather scary.I am henry's sister.I miss him very much,when he is at the hospital.

Anonymous said...

HELLO BRYAN AND TARA..SO SORRY IF I UPSET YOU ANY FURTHER THE OTHER EVENING WHILE SHOPPING. MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. IF THERE IS ANYTHING AT ALL I CAN DO...PLEASE PLEASE LET ME KNOW, BABYSIT THOSE PRECIOUS CHILDREN, COOK OR ANYTHING. MANY HAVE ASKED ABOUT MY BRACELET AND I GAVE THEM THE WEBSITE. EVERYONE AT MARTINS IS PRAYING FOR YOUR FAMILY.
GOD BLESS...TINA, YOUR FRIENDLY CASHIER.