October 05, 2005

Update From Toronto

Four months ago, we travelled to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto so that doctors could collect Curtis' stem cells. These stem cells were frozen and stored so that Curtis could be given a very high-dose cycle of chemotheraphy -- a dose that is so high it would hopefully eradicate his body of any remaining neuroblastoma cells but at the high cost of wiping out his vital bone marrow (where blood cells are made). Four days ago today, Curtis finished this mega-dose of chemo here in Toronto. Yesterday, Curtis received his stem cells back as part of a stem cell rescue procedure where his stem cells were unfrozen and transfused into his body through an IV into his central line. Over the coming weeks, these stem cells will make their way back into the bone marrow where they grow and develop into mature blood cells. Now we begin the intense isolation phase of Curtis' treatment where Curtis will remain in a special reverse isolation room for a number of weeks while his body recovers. We must follow very strict rules to ensure that Curtis remains infection free during this period. He has no immune system, and without his stem cells he would not recover. It's obviously going to be very difficult knowing how vulnerable he is right now, but we are going to ensure we do everything in our power to keep him safe from infection and keep him smiling as much as we can. We really miss everyone back home and look forward to bringing our special boy back home.

Posted by admin at October 5, 2005 06:53 PM
Comments

That picture brought back lots of memories! So very happy that Curtis is doing great!!!! Keep smiling and there might be a few rough days but Curtis and you both will get through them with strength and hope! We will be thinking of you lots in the next 7-10 days and you'll see his counts will start to come up!!!!!!!!! I remember when Katie's counts starting coming back it was like she gave me the best gift ever, she came back to us. They are very little but they have a very strong little heart and they will fight better than what we probably ever could! May God be watching over you in the coming days.
We'll be waiting for those counts to come up!

Posted by: Lisa at October 6, 2005 07:12 AM

Curtis and family -
I just want to pass on a few words of hope and congratulations. I am a grade 7/8 teacher at your school... we are all looking forward to the day you come to school. My class and I would like you to know how much you are all in our thoughts and prayers. You are an amazingly strong little man. May God be with you over the next couple of weeks, pouring his strength and goodness upon you. Blessings,
Jennifer

Posted by: Jen Strickland at October 6, 2005 03:54 PM

Hi Curtis! Soren just had his 5th birthday today and it reminded us of seeing your birthday party photos and how much fun you had. He had a good time and got some cool gifts like you did. His Spiderman costume is his favorite.
We are keeping you in our prayers and excited to watch the progress of your recovery! Just like your pajamas "the Incredibles" you are incredible!!
Blessings~
The Harris Family in Seattle

Posted by: Andrea Harris at October 10, 2005 12:14 AM

Our prayers are with you, but we are also excited that you have reached this stage. There is a little boy we have met here that just went through the same thing - and he is doing great! Best wishes - Emma & Patrick Irwin

Posted by: Emma at October 10, 2005 01:44 PM

julie and trevor, i have been following the progress of curtis you so gracefully share. i hope he now starts to regain his strength and that the temp fluctuation settles down. you are managing this stressful time so incredibly well you are truely an amazing family all of you. i miss my visits with curtis very much he is such a ray of sunshine i know you will all be home soon and i cant wait to see you all. give curtis a hug from me and let him know i think he is the bravest little boy ever. love,jen irwin

Posted by: jen irwin at October 10, 2005 03:42 PM

hi,
Lucas and I continue to say nightly prayers for Curtis. Thank you for the update and remember to tell Curtis "May the Force Be With You!"

Cheers,
Brian and Lucas

Posted by: Lucas and Brian at October 11, 2005 09:38 PM

Hey Curtis!

I am a good friend of your aunt Alex from Nova Scotia.

She has been telling me how brave you are and how well you are doing. She is very proud of you!

But I especially like your haircut - mine is exactly the same!!

Hope you are better soon my new young friend.

Best wishes,

Randy Snow

Posted by: Randy Snow at October 12, 2005 05:55 PM

hi trevor and julie, i love the new photos you have added to the site. baby mac is changing her looks. she is definately becoming a beautiful little girl. it sounds like curtis is rallying like the trooper he is. glad to hear the temp is down now. the blood counts iam sure are worrysomebeing so low,hopefully after this transfusion he will have some good days of stability. i hope he is comfortable and the nurses are good to you all. i miss him very much,you are in my thoughts and prayers. love jen irwin

Posted by: jen irwin at October 12, 2005 06:10 PM

what incredible news! moving forward to less strict isolation. curtis is so amazing he is fighting back so quickly. this news has brought a huge smile to my face. you are an incredible family and your strength and love for each other is pulling curtis through this. i hope you are correct and are home very soon. there are a lot of peoaple in carelton place who miss you guys. take care and thank-you for your frequent updates.

Posted by: jen irwin at October 16, 2005 07:31 PM