The most recent updates can be found at the bottom of this post.
I've been trying to add updates as I find out new information to my original post, but I got some news today that I felt needed it's own post.
Malignant.
It's a horrible, awful, word. And to have it be your grandson...well, it breaks my heart. My hubby is beside himself, and I just wish I could wrap my arms around Matthew, and his mom, and make it better.
We're still waiting to find out what type of cancer it is, and what type of treatment will be necessary. There is also talk about getting a second opinion. I'm unsure of what will be happening in the next few days, but I will try to keep you updated.
Matthew's mom posted this on Facebook today: "Update: The initial pathology report has confirmed that Matthew has brain cancer. They know it is one of two types of cancer, but awaiting tests telling them which type it is. He will require radiation and chemo, but the treatment plan will not be figured out until Friday when we know which type it is. Other than that, Matthew has been having a good day as he recovers from his surgery. Please keep Matthew in your prayers."
Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support.
PS. For those who have been asking about sending cards, if you email me at sara(at)foldedpaperprintedpixels.com, I can give you my address and I will happily send them along! It would be easiest to send one package to Matthew so he can get everything at once.
UPDATE 5/11 @ 10:30 PM: Matthew's pathology came back as anaplastic medulloblastoma. The treatment plan calls for six weeks of proton radiation, then a month off to recover followed by six months of chemo.
UPDATE 5/17: Matthew had some surgery today to have the ports placed and have a spinal tap. Originally, his radiation was scheduled to begin on the 29th of May, but the doctors have moved that up, so it begins next week. Matthew is being really brave and has been cooperating fully with the doctors. We're all really proud of how strong he is!!
UPDATE 6/8: After a shaky start, Matthew began his proton radiation this week. The original time frame got changed due to the fact that they had to sedate Matthew to keep him still during the procedure. Since Monday, he has received a daily dose, and yesterday he got a dose of chemotherapy as well as the radiation. Matthew is being a strong little fighter! Thank you for all of your prayers and support!!
Update 6/17: This last Friday, Matthew celebrated his 8th birthday! From FB: "This is the first day in awhile that I have seen a glimpse of my typically happy boy. He probably consumed more calories today than he has in a week and his energy level was up because of it. It was a good day." The side effects from the proton radiation and chemo have started, and he's working hard to tough it out. On a positive note, despite missing a lot of school towards the end of the year, Matthew made the honor roll!
UPDATE 7/9: Matthew's still in treatment. He's had a tough time with the side effects. His appetite is pretty non-existent and his mom has been trying just about everything to get him to eat. His hair started to fall out, and he was getting a real kick out of reaching up and pulling it out while his mom cringed. She was able to convince him to shave his head finally, and one of his grandpas and his stepdad shaved their heads in support. There will be a concert fundraiser in Boise next weekend (July 14th at the Powerhouse) to help raise money to help the family out.
8/3: "Matthew is doing "as well as the doctors expected." His last radiation treatment was 7/17 and he's been getting "a break" until August. We're not positive what date in August he will start his 6 months of chemo. He goes to Orlando once a week for blood work and to have his blood counts checked. He is very tired, but slowly gaining some weight back (Thank you Little Debbie Honey Buns!)." They've also found that his eyesight (which had worsened due to the pressure from the tumor) has gotten much better!
8/9: Matthew is still quite tired from the radiation treatments, but is anticipated to begin chemotherapy treatments on 8/27. He is registered for online classes so that he can keep up with his classmates. We are so grateful for you continued prayers and support!! I did forget to mention that we were able to Skype with Matthew and his family briefly during the benefit concert a few weeks ago. That beautiful smile of his was ear-to-ear as he got to rock out while one of the bands played, and wave to those who were in the audience.
8/17: From Facebook: "We just got the results of Matthew's MRI. They found another small tumor next to his lower spine. This will require more radiation to start after the first round of chemo."
8/30: Matthew is being released from the hospital this afternoon, after a week of chemo treatments. ONE DOWN!!!!!!! Next week he will begin another week long session of proton radiation therapy for the small tumor next to his spine. The tumor has been there all along, and has not grown or shrunk in the process of treatment, so they are only going to do a week of the radiation.
9/26: Matthew is undergoing his second round of chemo this week. Thanks so much for your continued prayers and support! The hospital that he is at posted a photo of Matthew with his stepdad on their FB page on his first day back for round 2!
10/13: Matthew made it through round 2, and is trying to get caught up with schoolwork. He's still having some appetite issues, and decided dill pickles were the bomb-diggity (does anyone still say that?), so he was eating pickles and ONLY pickles for a while. Hopefully, with Halloween coming up, all the treats will be tempting him!!
10/23: Matthew is headed in for ROUND 3 of chemo. My fingers are crossed that he will be well enough to get some enjoyment out of Halloween next week!
("like" for more updates/photos of Matthew!)
I am so sorry! I will keep him in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI felt like somebody just punched my chest when I read that awful word.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you all.
Hang in there, Sara.....prayers are ongoing, and thank you, again, for your prayers for our Millie.
so sorry to hear about this heart-breaking news. Hope the upcoming treatment will be a success.
ReplyDeleteLiebe Sara, es ist schrecklich das zu lesen. Es tut mir so leid für Matthäus und für die ganze Familie. Ich werde weiter an euch denken und beten.
ReplyDeleteLiebe Grüße
Tina
I am so so sorry. I can only imagine what you are all going through.
ReplyDeleteHugs
I am so sorry for what you and your family must be going through. I will add you all to my prayers. Thinking of you and sending a big hug
ReplyDeleteMy heart and prayers pour out to you and your family. Matthew will stay in my prayers. Please don't loose hope. God can perform miracles. He will send angels to stay by your sides and hold your hands during this trying time. Will all my love and prayers for a quick recovery. Hugs, Robin
ReplyDeletePrayers for you and your family that Matthew will slay this dragon with ease.
ReplyDeleteAs a grandmother of 4, I cannot imagine the heartbreak you are experiencing. Please know we are all praying for your family, and never give up, god works im mysterious ways.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers to you and your family!!
ReplyDeleteI am sooooo sorry to hear this - It makes me sick when I hear that children have to go through such horrific things. But, I will continue to pray and will pass this information on to my prayer team. TY for the update and know that Matthew is covered in prayer. We certainly don't understand why God allows these things, but one thing I am sure of is: MY God can do miracles! Keep your eyes on Jesus! :)
ReplyDeleteSending prayers your family's way, for your grandson and for strength for you all to cope with everything as he continues with his treatment.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Sandy
God is supporting all of your family thru this time and everytime...So Give Him the Glory..Thoughts and Prayers surrounding your family
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love to you and your family, from christine in italy xx
ReplyDeleteOh Sara what desperate news for you and your family. I know what you must be going through as I've had cancer twice now but when it happens to a child - it's just wrong. I'm sure all the love and prayers that are winging their way to you and your family will keep him strong.
ReplyDeleteHugs.
Karen x
I am so sorry to hear about Mattew. He and your family will be in my thoughts and prays. The Lord be with you all
ReplyDeleteLeah
my heart goes out to you. I will continue to pray and hope all turns out well.
ReplyDeleteBig, Big hugs to you
my heart goes out to you. I will continue to pray and hope all turns out well.
ReplyDeleteBig, Big hugs to you
You're all in my thoughts and prayers !!! Love from Holland, Jacqueline.
ReplyDeleteWe continue to pray for Matthew and your family. Thank you for sharing with us. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. Norma W
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness what very sad news about your dear grandson Matthew ... Life just seems so unfair sometimes ... I am sending hugs and positive vibes to you and your family lots of love sandy xx
ReplyDeletePrayers for healing for Matthew and the entire family have been sent. May God wrap your family in His loving conforting arms.
ReplyDeleteprayers going up for Matthew and the rest of the family. may god give you many bright days and may he give the doctors the wisdom to find the treatment for Matthew and Matthews body the strength to fit this.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with Matthew and all of you in this time of greatest need.
ReplyDeleteYou have my support and prayers
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and your family. Hugs, Suze
ReplyDeleteI have called my prayer list companions and we have added Matthew. I'm also going to be praying for you and the rest of the family. Sometimes the burden can be as great on the rest of the family so I'll keep you all in prayer. Trust that God is watching over all of you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet little guy - BIG prayers coming his way as the family all deals with this diagnosis.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of the news of your grandson! I have said a prayer for miraculous healing and will continue to pray for him.
ReplyDeleteYou,your Grandson, and parents are in my thoughts an prayers.
ReplyDeleteSending love to Matthew xx
ReplyDeleteOh Im so sorry,bless him, i will pray hard for him and your family x
ReplyDeleteWill be praying for Matthew and your family!
ReplyDeleteSara~Matthew & your family are in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all, and especially Matthew.
ReplyDeleteI will be mentioning you all in my prayers,and hope they help.hugs Rosie.xxx
Sending prayers and healing energy to all of you, and the medical team looking after him! Hugs from Canada, Charlene
ReplyDeleteWe will be praying for Matthew, This just has to go, it has no right in Matthew's body and I will be praying against it in the Name of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteMy heart and thoughts are with you and your family. I have a 5 year old cousin with brain cancer. He has had chemo since he was 6 mobths old. He is so special to all of us. Your grandson is very sweet looking in his photo. Take care and keep encouraged. Edwina Brown
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, I will keep Matthew and all your family in my prayers. He is a lovely looking boy. Hugs Angela
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you, Matthew, his momma, and your whole family...
ReplyDeleteGOD Bless,
Michelle
Sara, I am so sorry to hear of Matthew's latest report. Please know that Matthew and the entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteSara, so sorry to hear about your little grandson. My heart goes out to you and your family, hope the treatment is succesful.
ReplyDeleteI don't know your family, but my thoughts, heart and prayers go up for your family and for your grandson. God bless.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you and your family!!! I had a sick daughter so I know how hard this is for all of you. And I will keep you all in my prayers. Take it one day at a time it's the only way that your going to get threw this. I know it's not much if you post a address I would like send cards to help your grandson along to help bring smiles to his face when things get harder for him. Take care of your self so you can be that strenght that your family is going to need. BIG HUGS!!! And lots of prayers are going to be said. God takes care of the children!!!
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches of this news. I keep asking myself why children?
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Hugs.... Lynne from OZ
Sara, I will pray for your grandson everyday. I will add him to the prayer chain at my church as well. I have a three year old granddaughter myself. No one should have to go through that, especially a a small child. God can create miracles. Sherry Tyson
ReplyDeletePrayers to you Sara and yes please post so we can send cards! Sue from Ohio
ReplyDeleteOh my I will keep Matthew and the family in my thoughts and prayers. I have 6 grand children I am at a loss of words. It breaks my heart. Please keep us updated.
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs
Sue
My thoughts and prayers are with your you, you grandson and the rest of your family...remember if God brings you to it; he brings you through it. I have living proof within my own family (my son's life was spared after a terrible accident that happened 4 years ago; we believe that it was only through prayer and God's will that saved him). I know while you are going through this it is not always easy to be positive but rely on the strength of eachother and your friends (even us virtual ones you never met). God bless you and I will keep you all in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and your family, sending you love at this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet little boy...Sending positive thoughts & prayers to you and your family. Know that you have a large group of support right here for you during this difficult time. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with all of you at this very difficult time. Please feel the love, sympathy and support which I am sending.Hoping the treatment is successful and Matthew will be able to be a beautiful, happy child again very soon xx
ReplyDeleteSending positive thoughts to Matthew and all your family at this difficult time x
ReplyDeleteJust sent prayers up to above and Matthew's own guardian angel. Know that our thoughts are with you at this horrible time and God willing he will come through the other end fit and well once again.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs and cuddles from Carol in UK
xx
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
ReplyDeleteI will put Matthew and your family on my prayer list. GOD is the great healer. Have faith, HE has a plan. Will keep checking for updates.
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for all of you! My love and prayers to Matthew and each one of you. I have been through this with my husband and know how hard it is. Sending healing thoughts and prayers for the journey. God Bless and keep you all!
ReplyDeleteMatthew is still mentioned in our prayers, each and every day.....he is a brave boy!
ReplyDeleteMatthew and the entire family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope he gets some appetite back to at least keep him nourished. Hope the concert is a big success!!
ReplyDeleteWe continue to pray for Matthew and your entire family. Thanks for sharing his story with us. Norma W
ReplyDeletejust want you to know that I still pray for Matthew and your family every day. I hope the card I sent arrived.... will send along another shortly.
ReplyDeleteHope he's still doing well...prayers still on-going. xx
ReplyDeletePlease keep the updates coming. Lots of love and hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteMaybe its time for another birthday party for him. That seemed to work wonders for his appetite.lol I am praying and have asked my church to put you all on our prayer chain and prayer list. God will bring you through this. Keep the faith. Sherry Tyson in Wisconsin
ReplyDeleteYes, I would love to hear of more updates. You are all in my prayers. love and hugs coming your way.
ReplyDeleteNice to see a picture of Matthew and to hear that the doctors are pleased with his progress so far and that he is putting a little weight on. Sending love and hugs to you all.
ReplyDeleteStill praying for Matthew! Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about them finding another tumour, but please know that Matthew is still in my daily prayers....hang in there!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the latest update, I pop on every once in a while to see how Matthew is doing, love the photo bless him, hope is doing well after his second round of chemo. Love and hugs to you all.
ReplyDeleteSending you a big hug, my friend.
ReplyDeleteAnother big hug from me.
ReplyDeleteI have just found you and your blog, but wanted to let you know that your wonderful grandson and all of his family is in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteNom, nom.....I'm with him on the pickles...heehee....and so glad that things are on the up for him.....prayers are still on-going....he's mentioned, by name, every day. x
ReplyDeleteI have heard that pickles can increase appetites and so if that is what you are going for, he may have a good idea? Prayers to you and your family. I can't even imagine if this happened to one of my granddaughters.
ReplyDeleteSara, think of you and your grandson often, keeping you in our thoughts & prayers. I check your blog often for updates. Lots of love from Texas.
ReplyDeleteSilverbutterfly
You & your family will be in our prayers. We wish you & yours only the very best.
ReplyDelete