Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Difficult Days

Today we met with the oncology team in charge of our care. The six of us huddled in a tiny room, Henry in the middle, ears mercifully covered with headphones watching TV, as we discussed his future. After questions, explanations and tears, we settle on giving Henry an oral chemotherapy to slow the growth of his cancer, steroids to lessen the swelling in his brain and improve his appetite as well as his general well-being, and anti-nausea medication for any side effects, which should be few. All in the name of keeping him comfortable for the duration.

The last couple of days have been difficult to describe. We've been trying to manage a couple of sweet girls dealing with their brother's terminal illness and who are doing their best to cope. Tonight we began the medicines that we are hoping will keep our little boy happy for just a little while longer. It took us over an hour to administer and Henry vomited as we gave his last dose, leaving Tara and I resigned to try again tomorrow.

Some valuable distraction is being provided as we still plan to take part in Henry's Make-a-Wish trip, which has been scheduled for some time now over the Halloween holiday. We are going to Disney and all are excited by the prospect.

We have both our strong and weak moments, but have been focused on providing the best and most loving care for our family. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. The comfort from family and friends has been welcome and for that we're very grateful.

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can only imagine the heaviness you're hearts are feeling. My heart goes out to your entire family and especially to little Henry.

Love,
Shanda

Anonymous said...

God bless you all and may he hold your hand every step of the way.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Chad & Julie Routzahn

Anonymous said...

God bless Henry and your family. I dont know why this happens. All I can hope is that you feel the prayers for Henry and you, that you enjoy each and every moment you have, and may Henry's fight make a difference in the battle against childhood cancers. God bless you all

Anonymous said...

As I sit here weeping, I will also pray for you all. As tough as it will get, remember that absent from the earth, means present with the Lord. Tara, Bryan, We love you both. May God grant you strength.

Dirk & Shannon

Steph said...

:(


My heart hurts for you all....

Anonymous said...

Our hearts are with you. Have the time of your lives at Disney. Each day is a gift.

Lots of love,
Wayne, Shirley, Sophia, and Fiona

Evil Transport Lady said...

I'm so sorry! Hugs to each and every one of you! May the trip ahead be as easy as possible.

You all will be in my thoughts everyday.

Anonymous said...

our thoughts and prayers are with you all, i pray God will give you strength and comfort. May you put your trust in him. Have a blast at Disney!!!!!
Hugs and love,
George and Lindy

rlbates said...

I hope you all make some wonderful memories that will overshadow the sad ones before, during, and after the trip to Disney.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I have cried many times reading this blog as I have a child Henry's age. Please continue to stay strong!

Kim (Bohle) Eichelberger

Anonymous said...

Dear Tara and Bryan I have been a faithful follower of you guys. man how i sit here this morning with tears streaming down my face, with a lose of words. i have prayed so hard for little henry and will continue to pray for your family.just know this family from ga will continue to hold up your family to the father..you are in my thoughts and prayers. love beth

Anonymous said...

Tara and Bryan,
The precious moments you are sharing today are a reminder to us all to enjoy the gift of time we are given with our loved ones each day. You are not alone in your suffering and I thank God that his arms are surrounding you, the girls and Henry. We are here for you, as well. God bless you all. Call anytime.

Meredith

Anonymous said...

Tears continually come to my eyes when I think about the sad news!
Make a Wish foundation is wonderful and I know you will enjoy your trip so much. You have so many people keeping you in their thoughts and prayers! We love you all.

Cousin Susan H.

Anonymous said...

I work with Dirk and was touched by your family's story. I will say a prayer for all of you.

Anonymous said...

I am Lindsey Fouke's cousin and she is always keeping me informed on Henry. I am keeping Henry and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless,
Amy Staley

Anonymous said...

Know that we are thinking of you. Our prayers are with you.
Love,
Tom, Stephanie and Abigail

Anonymous said...

I love you guys and my thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.

Ethan

Deborah Newell said...

I'm a mother and writer, here via Dr. Shadowfax's blog. Please know your beautiful Henry is in my thoughts.

With Much Love,
Deborah

Anonymous said...

Tara and Bryan,
My heart hurts for all of you!
Hugs and Kisses from SC
Love,
Susan P. Vallotton

Anonymous said...

my heart aches for you. you and your family have changed how i live, learn, and love with my children. thank you.

Unknown said...

Brian, I have been quietly reading and praying for you all. I'm so sorry. Can I send a donation somewhere? Maybe to Make a Wish?

your friend, Rikki Samuels

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. I came across Henry's blog by accident. What a wonderful little boy, and what a wonderful family you are. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

What can I say that hasn't been said? I am full of questions and have no answers. No one deserves this. I will continue to keep little Henry and your family in my prayers. When times seem unbearable, remember, thousands of people are holding your family up in love and prayer.
Ms. T

Anonymous said...

Henry is a brave, amazing child! I am honored to have had the opportunity to coach him. My thoughts and prayers are with Henry and your family.

Unknown said...

Schecks,

Our family sends much love and prayers to you all. Thank you for all of the effort you have put in to sharing the last year or so of your lives with us. I know from having volunteered with MAW that you are going to have a very special time at Disney World. We hope you make a lifetime of memories that can never be taken away.

The Delaneys

Elizabeth :) said...

I am so, so, sooo sorry to hear this news! I can't even begin to imagine, nor do I know what to say... Know that I will continue to keep Henry and all of you in my thoughts and prayers! Have a wonderful time at Disney!
~Elizabeth Toffler, RN (one of Henry's old Hopkins nurses)

Unknown said...

i have no words....

Anonymous said...

Hi..
I am Jeff Boyd and am friends with Lisa Middlebrook. I am praying hard and have asked my fellow prayer partners to do the same.
Jeff Boyd
Frederick, MD

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Anonymous said...

Tara and Bryan,
My heart aches for all of you. My prayers will be with you in the days to come. Have a great trip making memories.
Love you all,
Aunt Reba

GinaMarie said...

:o( Im so sorry to hear this. I'll be praying for a miracle. I'm praying you all can enjoy your time on MAW.
Blessings,
Gina Marie

Peaceful in Pittsburgh said...

Bryan, Tara -
We are so, so sad to hear of your latest news. Our hearts, love, thoughts & prayers go out to you & your families. Always love -

The Hudaks from Pgh