Welcome to Doug's webpage!

Doug and Dustin with Zack McLeod,(back far left) Amy, Chelsea, Aaron and Schaffer CSU 2007

(Scroll down past the bold print for the latest update)This site has been provided so that you, our family, friends, and community may be easily updated about Doug's health during his ongoing cancer treatment. Doug's family consists of Mom(Debbi) Dad (Nick) and 3 brothers: Rich,20, twin Dustin,18, and Robby,12. Doug is now 18 years old and had surgery to remove a brain tumor(medulloblastoma) on May 4, 2004. Next, he had 6 weeks of radiation therapy. He has gone through 9 six week cycles of chemo over the year 2004-2005. Cycle 9 treatment was given 6-17-05! He is now in 100% remission. Doctors visits follow for a long while...MRI's must be done every 6 months now, and will continue until he's 20.

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:1-2

Treatment Complete June 5, 2005


Thanks again to those of you who have added us to your family prayer lists and had your kids praying for us at bedtime or dinner...those of you who have said a prayer for Doug whenever you thought of us...etc.

We want to be available to other families who have kids with cancer. (2 Corinthians 1) So, if any of you come to know of others suffering from childhood cancer or life-threatening diseases that could use a connection with someone who has traveled a similar road let us know.






PLEASE SIGN OUR GUESTBOOK WHENEVER YOU CHECK ON US!!!!!

Journal

Thursday, October 9, 2008 7:33 PM CDT

Monday. October 13, 2008
Quick add on update:
The results from Doug's MRI's again are that they are all clear! His next MRI will be a year from now. He's supposed to be getting the growth hormone meds tomorrow. We receive a free 2 month supply from the company while our insurance considers authorization. Please pray with us that they will authorize the growth hormone for Doug quickly and the first time and that we won't have to go through an appeal. The evidence that Doug needs GH is very clear and not a borderline case, but the word is that insurance comapnies can be difficult for no reason at times. We are thankful for his doctors...his endocrinologist, Dr. Yang, and his staff are great......and always for Dr. Hajjar, his oncologist. He always gives Doug a big hug and is so genuinely happy for Doug's progress and is always encouraging and kind.

October 9, 2008
Doug's friend, Zack, is still in the hospital and has not spoken yet, but they are in the process of moving him to a rehab hospital. He needs to get over an infection in his lungs, first. It is quite the journey.

His website is www.caringbridge.org/visit/zackmcleod

Update on Doug:
We've found out that Doug is very deficient in growth hormone. However, now that it's "safer" to give him growth hormone, it's too late to effect his height. However, as I understand it, an adult male needs gh testosterone to build muscle mass. So, Doug is encouraged that by getting gh that he'll finally be able to put on some muscle and gain some weight. GH is given through a shot......so Doug will have to learn to give himself the meds...the doctor thinks...for the rest of his life. We are in the process of getting authorization from our insurance and getting it set up. I guess it can be quite the process.

Doug was very happy to get his progress report for half way through the first quin and he got all A's. He's had the highest grade in his class for his first 2 geometry tests, so he's off to a great start and still likes Timber Creek.

Doug and Dustin had a first this Fall when they got to stay home for the weekend by themselves while we went to Daytona for a baseball tournament with one of Rob's teams. We had fun getting away for a short while, Rob had fun with his baseball buddies, and D & D had fun hanging out.

We're going to Dr. Hajjar tomorrow and if all goes well....we'll get the results of Doug's MRI's...then Doug won't have to go back for a whole year.

Read Journal History

Hospital Information:

Patient Room: Home!!!!!!!

Florida Hospital Orlando
601 E. Rollins St.
Orlando, FL 32803
407-303-5600

Links:

E-mail Author: debbi.decola@uscm.org

---

 

Your gift will help millions of people stay connected with friends and loved ones during challenging times.

---

 

This page has been viewed 50229 times.

Note: The foregoing information was authored by the patient, parent or guardian, or other parties who are solely responsible for the content. Such announcements or their content are not necessarily endorsed by CaringBridge, Inc. or any sponsoring agent.  This information does not confirm that anyone is or was actually a patient at any facility.