Week's almost over!

Chrissy just called me a little while ago from the airport. She and Marianne finally landed. Their flight was delayed almost 3 hours because of bad weather on the East coast. She has had a very busy week in Las Vegas. They attended a lot of the conference and was able to catch a couple of events that were put on by the sponsors. One night they went to the Hard Rock Hotel and saw Bare Naked Ladies play poolside.

Things at home were very busy. Tyler in golf camp, Michael at Lacrosse camp each day made for a busy week! Last night (Wednesday) we went to the Frederick Keys game again, just the 4 of us. It wasn't as much fun without Chris there with us but we managed to get a foul ball and have dinner. We've eaten out every day since Chris left! Various menus!

Next week we are supposed to go to Ocean City to spend some time at the beach. We're waiting to hear from Chris's oncologist to see what she thinks Chris's next steps should be. AS soon as I find out I'll let you know.

Hectic Few Days

This was a very hectic few days around here. Where to start....

Friday we spent the entire afternoon at Hopkins. Chris had her MRI and after a long wait we finally got to speak with the Dr. This is the Dr. that did the chemoembolization. He told us that the old tumors were in fact just scar tissue BUT that there were new tumors appearing again. NOT the news we wanted to hear, but as we've been doing this for awhile we were somewhat prepared. This Dr. is going to speak with our Oncologist to find out the best method of attack. He recommended that Chris repeat the procedure, but since she is in the clinical study that may not be a possibility. Or it may. We'll know later this week EXACTLY what we're doing. Sooooo..... again our summer is up in the air. We didn't get done until after 5pm so we just went to Fells Point and had dinner on the waterfront. The boys were home all afternoon and did great, as usual.

Chrissy did leave for Las Vegas on Saturday morning. I am so glad that she got a chance to go and get away for a couple of days. She has the address of several blood labs in Vegas so that she can go and get her Tuesday blood counts done. It will be a busy week for here while she's there but Marianne is there with her will help her out I'm sure.

Alex left on Thursday to go to NJ to visit with her boyfriend so that left you know who with me!!! The boys and I went out to get Michael a new lacrosse stick on Saturday. After stopping at several places he finally decided on one. We went to their favorite place for lunch, Panerra. We all had the same thing... bread bowl with soup! We were supposed to go to a pig roast later that night but the boys and I felt it best to go home. After being home for awhile we went out and had dinner in Frederick together. It was really nice getting a chance to be out with them. They too have been through so much and have helped us out so much that I sometimes lose sight of that. Thanks guys.

Sunday morning we got up a little early and went fishing. Yeah you heard right, FISHING. Tyler bought a new pole Saturday so I figured we should go try it out. We went and got some breakfast to go from Beans and Bagels and a very large coffee. Then we went up to Middletown park where there is a small pond to fish. Tyler and Michael fished and I sat in my new camping chair (father's day present) and read the paper with my coffee. We were there about 3 hours or so. Good time.

OH>>>> we took the dog with us. Not something we normally do but sure why not. Well I got up to take her for a walk in the park. She was walking along the edge of the pond and wanted to go to the other side. She saw a bunch of pond scum on the top where we were and thought she could just walk across it. She could not. We now know that she can swim! She came out and had algae and seeweed all over her!!!! A funny site.

Ray and Cheryl had the boys and I over for dinner last night. It was really nice to get together and sit and relax after a long weekend. Good friends!

On Friday we did get some unfortunate news from one of Chris's co-workers. Rosalyn's husband, Dane, passed away on Friday afternoon after a battle with cancer. Although we did not know Dane personally very well, we had met with him about 10 times or so over the last few years as both he and Chris were going to the same oncologist in Frederick for awhile. Each time we saw him we talked for a long time about many different things, and it was always a pleasure to see him. We were always glad when we walked in and saw him there. We even saw him at Johns Hopkins for awhile as he was also getting into a trial there. Each time we saw Dane he was always upbeat and positive. It really helped put our mind at ease sometimes when we were waiting in the waiting area. He always had a smile for us as well. He will certainly be remembered in our lives forever. Thank you Dane...

1st week with no school...

Well this is the 1st week of summer and there is no school. So far so good. Things are getting done around the house. The shed is getting painted, the yard is getting picked up. It's kinda nice!

The boys are in Lacrosse camp each afternoon this week and that's keeping them busy too.

Alex is going to see her boyfriend in NJ today... hmph.

Chrissy had an employee resign late last week. The employee was supposed to attend a conference in Las Vegas next week so, after some coaxing, Chris decided to take her place and attend the conference! She hasn't been to Vegas in awhile so it will be a nice getaway for her. She is going with Marianne from COMSTAR as well so she won't be alone. She leaves Saturday and comes home next Thursday.

While she is there she will have to go to a lab to get bloodwork done. This is not bloodwork that needs to be used for research so she can go to any lab. It's a CBC, or complete blood count. We're hoping that the insurance company pays for it. They may not as it is "out of area". If not then we are hoping that Hopkins helps out somehow. We'll see. If not we will just pay it ourselves. I'm excited for her to go.

Tomorrow, Friday, we are going to Hopkins for an MRI and followup visit with the Dr. that did the chemoembolization. He's monitoring how stable the tumors in her liver are. There were still some in her left lobe that were not treated. They generally do 1 lobe at a time. I'll fill you in later.

Tuesday Treatment

Tuesday, Chris went to Hopkins for followup and chemo. We got there about 8:15. She had research blood drawn and then we met with the research nurse. They measured and reviewed the sites where the vaccine was given, 12 of them. The sites are red and swollen just like they are supposed to be. Everything looks good. They took another skin graft from the largest site. On her leg this time. That's the only part that really hurts and only when they give her a shot of lidocaine.

After that we waited for her lab work to come back for her blood counts. That seems to take forever sometimes. By 11:00 the chemo arrived and was administered. This was a small amount of chemo that arrived in a syringe. It was red and is called doxyrubicin. Also known as the red devil. There is a family support organization in MD that is named after this drug. They are called The Red Devils. Check them out here. It took all of 15 minutes to get the chemo and we were on our way.

On the way home I treated Chris to a reuben sandwich at the best place in Baltimore called Attman's. Been there since 1927! It was terrific. You have to go there. After that we went home for some rest.

The Week's Finally Over

Well it was a very busy and tiring week. I drove Chris for bloodwork on Wednesday. She took herself on Thursday. Friday we both went and they measured her vaccine injection sites and took a skin biopsy of the largest one. That's sort of painful as they have to numb her up first and then gouge out a piece of skin about 1/2 the size of a pencil eraser.

Saturday was nice. We drove out to Baltimore around 8:15 and first went to a small French Bakery in Fells Point for coffee and breakfast. Bonaparte's was the name of it and it's right on the water. Thanks for the the suggestion Randy! While we were there there was someone in line right behind us. It was the Dr. that did Chris's Chemoembolization 2 months ago! Small world. After breakfast we shot up to Hopkins for another blood draw.

Friday night was the end of the year picnic for the Spires Lacrosse Club. I'm on the board of the club and the boys play in the club. www.spireslacrosse.com if you would like to know more about us. We had about 300 people show up for the picnic. Capping off a very succesful year for all teams.

Last night, Saturday, we went to the Frederick Keys minor league baseball game. Great game as they won in 10 innings. Fireworks after the game and over 8800 people. The most people all season. The weather was great and Chris really enjoys going. It was an early start to Father's day.

Oh, today is Father's day. We cut the grass and did some yard work. Just taking it easy. We're planning on eating early and going to an outdoor concert in Frederick with some band that plays classic rock! I'm into that I guess.

I thought I'd share this wonderful picture of Alex. She went camping with us last weekend and as you can see she was having a wonderful time!!!

Latest Email Message

Dear Friends and Family,

Chris officially began the clinical trial on Monday this week. She’s been working so hard to get into a position where she is eligible for it. That’s why she had the chemoembolization a couple months back. It was very successful. I’ve been trying to keep my blog updated as best I can but thought that I would put a brief email together for those that don’t get a chance to check it out very often. The trial is already taking its toll on us. It’s very tiring going to Baltimore each day but we know that it is worth it and that keeps us moving!

Here is a link http://www.hopkinskimmelcancercenter.org/experts/_doctor.cfm?action=1&doctorid=270 that explains a little bit about exactly what the trial is and what it’s trying to accomplish.

Chris had chemo (Cyclophosphamide)on Monday. Tuesday she had a series of 12 vaccine injections (4 in each thigh, 4 in one arm). This is the vaccine that is being created and tested to see if it aids the body in fighting off the cancer cells. The vaccines hurt while being administered but Chris tolerated it pretty well. Wednesday was a quick trip to Hopkins for a blood draw. This draw goes to the research group for analysis and must be done there. Today will be another trip for the same thing. Friday will be a blood draw along with some skin biopsies to see what the reaction is to the vaccine. Oh yeah, and Saturday is another blood draw… 6 days to the hospital.

Next week is another chemo treatment (Doxorubicin) on Tuesday. It’s a different treatment than last Monday and is used in conjunction with the chemo to help kill the cells while the vaccine works it’s magic in helping the body fight off the disease on it own. As we all know the body can fight off some really mean diseases. Sometimes it just needs a little help! The following week (26^th) is a blood draw but we can do it locally as they are just getting the blood counts. The following week (3^rd) is the same thing. On the 11^th of July we’ll meet with her oncologist and determine the next start date. Then do it all over again.

As you can see this has put a real damper on our summer! We were planning a vacation trip somewhere out of the country this summer with the kids, but Chris’s oncologist recommended that we not leave the country. Also, we only have a couple of weeks to squeeze things in. The 2 blood draws for counts can be done anywhere in the country so that helps. We’ve learned to cope with schedules the last 3 years and know that everything takes a backseat to Chris’s treatment. Everything has been okay so far and the kids have really been helpful as well.

I can’t begin to express our gratitude to everyone for all their support, prayers, dinners, donations, candy, house cleanings, and emails The list goes on and on. It really, really, does help us out. Rest assured that we are doing okay right now and will continue to stay the course. This August will be 3 years. Hard to believe. Thank you so much for the love and support. We can’t do this without your help.

Charlie
Frederick, MD
charliedewitt@comcast.net
http://chris-dewitt-updates.blogspot.com/

P.S. As an update, I wanted to thank everyone who made a donation to the Avon Breast Cancer Walk this year. Our good friend and neighbor, Cheryl, raised over $3,000 this year. Her other teammates did equally as well. This year the DC walk raised over $7.4 Million! $1 Million was immediately granted to the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Research Program at Johns Hopkins. The very same center that Chris has been going to for a year now. We were there on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and watched the participants cross the finish line. NOTHING can express the feeling that comes across knowing that so many people care enough to do this. Thank you again to everyone. Click http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=nws_main_2k7 to see what’s being raised and where it’s going.

Vaccine Given

Today was the day we went back to Hopkins for Chris to receive the experimental vaccine. It went well. She received 12 injections! 4 in her arm, 4 on each thigh. The area was numbed up with some cream ahead of time but it didn't help a whole lot. The vaccine is given just under the skin and it hurts. She's okay now though. Tomorrow is blood work at Hopkins as is Thursday.

We went to the Frederick Keys baseball game last night. COMSTAR sponsored military night there. Here is a picture of Alex, on the right, (who works for COMSTAR) at the table. Also on the left is Chris's new intern, Jessica ( I think).

NO that's not ME in the middle. It's Keyote! (Don't ask...)

Camping!

This past weekend our family hooked up with Chrissy's parents and brothers and sisters at a local KOA campground for the weekend!

We all had a really good time. The kids especially. We had cabins, tents, and an RV for all of us. We cooked around the campfire and roasted marshmallows. Chrissy especially was looking forward to this as we haven't been camping in a few years now. This was not really roughing it by any means but still we had a very good time! We're already looking forward to next year to do it again.

OH YEAH>>> Since this was a KOA the usually try and do special things for the campers. Well Saturday night we were all sitting down to eat when an Elvis impersonator gave the whole place a great show. Really fun!

This is the ELVIS impersonator who entertained us!!














And this is my leg when an errent horseshoe wacked it!!!!

The Trial Begins!

Well after about 10 months of hard work Chris began her clinical trial today. Today she received her 1st chemo treatment which will be followed by a specialized vaccine tomorrow. Today it took a very long time to get everything straightened out. The IV nurse had orders that there must have been a full blood count in the last 7 days, but she had nothing in the system with the numbers in it. Chris did have a CBC in mid may. After a couple of hours she finally got a hold of Dr. Emens who approved using the older numbers. After that the drugs were given. 30 minutes of drip time for the Chemo and 3.5 hours of hassle. It will work better in the future for sure!

This regiment works as follows:

Day 1 chemo
Day 2 vaccine
Day 3 Blood draw
Day 4 Blood draw
Day 5 Blood draw
Day 6 Blood draw

Day 9 different chemo given
Day 16 Blood draw
Day 23 Blood draw

Then for the next 2 weeks we go for various followups with the doctor and prepare to go back to Day 1 to start another round...

Needless to say there will be some miles racking up on the cars in the coming months as we head off to John's Hopkins on a regular basis!!!

Wish us well!

Can't Sleep

Well it's Monday! 4:00 AM on Monday to be exact. Another one of those sleepless nights for me. Every so often I wake up and can't get back to sleep. I hear all the others in bed sleeping, Chris, Ramsey, and Chloe, but not me. Yes it's rather crowded in the bed nowadays!

Tuesday is the day that Chris goes to the hospital for her skin biopsy. Part of the trial and then Thursday for lots of blood. Next Monday chemo starts and the 4-6 week cycle begins. Things are going to get pretty hectic around here for sure. It will be nice that school is out soon and that Alex is home too.

This weekend we went out to Annapolis to some good friends of ours who were having a graduation party. There son just graduated from high school and is now going off to college. We know what they are going through! There were a lot of friends there but I have to tell you about some very special ones that I had the pleasure to speak with. Jim's Mom was there, along with Glen's Dad, and Maria's Mother and Father. I don't know exact ages but I'm quite certain all of them are in their late 70's or more. Everyone looked wonderful and I had the chance to speak with each of them. It was just enlightening to see them and be with them for that time. I've known Maria's mom for almost 20 years! I knew her Mom before I knew Maria. Her mom worked for a company that our friends Rich and Sumo (don't ask) worked for, so I met her there.

She and I talked for quite awhile about Chris and my family. She prays for us quite a bit and has been doing so for a long time. I told her that it was working and to keep up the good work! Thanks Helen!

Trial starts soon...

Chris found out that all of her recent tests were pretty normal. This was a requirement to begin her clinical trial. She goes to Hopkins next week for a skin biopsy on Tuesday. This is part of the trial and they use it for monitoring progress. On Wednesday she goes for bloodwork. Not the normal workup though. She has to give a LOT of blood. Kind of like a Donor. This gets sent all over the place for various tests.

The actual trial starts on Monday June 11th with a chemotherapy treatment followed by the vaccine injection on Tuesday followed by many days in a row at the hospital for bloodwork and followups. It's very intensive the 1st week. I'll post more as soon as I have specifics.

Here is some information on the work being done by Chris's oncologist:
Research Summary

Dr. Emens develops and tests active vaccination strategies for breast cancer treatment that are optimally integrated with traditional anticancer therapies and newer biologically targeted therapies in additive or synergistic ways. She developed a genetically-modified, cell-based vaccine for breast cancer that secretes the immune-stimulating hormone granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and is testing the vaccine in combination with low doses of Cyclophosphamide (CY) and Doxorubicin (DOX) in patients with Stage 4 breast cancer.

In a mouse model of spontaneous breast cancer where the vaccine does not work, adding CY and DOX cures about 30% of tumor-bearing mice. This chemotherapy effect is largely due to the ability of CY to turn off a special type of immune cell (regulatory T cell) that keeps immune responses shut down. Analysis of patient samples on this trial will yield insight into relevant immunoregulatory pathways in humans that will support the better design of future vaccine trials.

Dr. Emens has also investigated the addition of monoclonal antibodies that target either the tumor itself (HER-2/neu), or the tumor microenvironment (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) to chemotherapy-modulated vaccination. Both add futher to the antitumor effect of the vaccine.

In particular, HER-2/neu-specific monoclonal antibodies augment antigen processing and presentation, resulted in higher numbers of CD8⁺ T cells after chemotherapy-modulated vaccination in the presence of the antibody. Based on these data, Dr. Emens is preparing to launch a clinical trial testing the HER-2/neu-specific monoclonal antibody in combination with CY-modulated vaccination in patients with HER-2/neu-overexpressing breast cancer.

The overall goal of Dr. Emens research is to elucidate mechanisms of immunoregulation in patients with breast cancer using the vaccine in combination with standard breast cancer drugs and novel therapeutics. These studies should identify novel drug targets to improve breast cancer therapy.

Lazy weekend!

Friday I took Chris to the hospital to get her echocardiogram. The last test before she starts her clinical trial. We got there early and got right in. Done in just under 25 mins!!! A first for us!

Yesterday, Saturday, we went to the Orioles game in Baltimore. Alex's boyfriend, John, came to visit for a couple days so he came with us. We all had a good time. I put up lights on the new cabinetry I put in the basement and also hung a new ceiling fan in the family room. Big fun!

Today Alex and Chris went shopping while I stained the deck. We're enjoying the time off and the time together!

Where to start?

Sorry for the long delay in getting my blog updated. It's been a pretty hectic week and I'm just now getting a few minutes to get back to it.

First the important stuff. Chris took herself to Hopkins on Friday for a bonescan, bloodwork, and a CT scan. It all went pretty well although the bonescan took a little longer than normal. She goes back this Friday for an EKG which is the final test before the trial begins. I think that she will be starting the trial on June 11'th. It is pretty intensive. Chemo one day, vaccine the next, blood draw each day for 3 days.... on and on. I'll put a schedule up when we know it for sure.

We are both a little overwhelmed with all of what is about to happen but I don't have to tell you how strong Chris is. She keeps our whole family together and is ready to start this in hopes that it works and that it can help others in some way in the future.

I got back from Pinehurst late Sunday. Good trip, lots of golf. It was great to get away for a few days from work and all the stuff at home. Chris insisted that I go and I'm thankful for it.

Michael scored a goal in his lacrosse game on Saturday so that was a big deal for all of us. Of course it happened when I wasn't there. Thank you to The Marries for taking Tyler to his game on Saturday. They've been a huge help with car pooling and when I'm gone.

Yesterday I made a day trip to Columbus OH to visit a company that my firm has a relationship with. Left home at 5:30 am and back home at 7pm.... Good meeting long day!!!

Now we're looking at the summer. Alex is working and doing well. The boys will be home in just a few short weeks! Worst time of the year for sure. They'll be busy though. Vacations are up in the air. We are trying to work out a trip with some good friends of ours but are waiting to firm up our schedules at the hospital. We wanted to try Mexico or back to Aruba. We'll see.

Thanks for all the emails with good wishes! It is quite uplifting!

Charlie off to Pinehurst

Today I'm leaving for a golf trip to Pinehurst, NC with some friends. Chrissy insisted that I go last year and I had a good time. This year should be fun.

Yesterday Chrissy signed the papers to get into Dr. Emmens clinical trial!!!! She's in! She goes back friday for some scans and then starts treatment in very early June. I'll fill you in more soon. It's 5:20 AM and my ride is almost here.

Keep an eye out for her while I'm gone! I know you all will...

Happy Mother's Day!

Well this was a somewhat normal week. Boys playing lacrosse with a couple of games on Saturday. Chris and I attended their games because she continues to look and feel really well.

Alex took off for a couple of days to visit her boyfriend in NJ. She cam home on Saturday and starts work again at COMSTAR on Monday! Today is Sunday and I was able to get her hooked up in the lacrosse officials world again. She did one game last Saturday and was able to pick up 4 games today. The pay is really good and cannot be passed up even on Mother's day!

This morning we took Chrissy to Bean's and Bagels for breakfast. After that we went to Home Depot and she picked out a bunch of flowers and plants for the yard. The picture to the left shows the patio and all the stuff that Chrissy has worked on the last couple of years. There's a little plaque that says "Mom's Garden". The boys and I then dug lots of holes for all the plants. I then sent them next door to do the same thing for our neighbor. She's a single parent and there was no need for her to dig holes so the boys did it for her. This year Chris made a bunch of planters and flower boxes.

Chris's oncologist called on Wednesday. She had missed an appointment and the Dr. was following up with her. We had no idea an appointment was even made. This Wednesday Chris is going back to see her oncologist and get started on all the paperwork involved with her clinical study. A Ct scan, bloodwork and a physical are in store for her Wednesday as well. Another busy day at John's Hopkins. She is very excited about moving ahead with this!

Avon Walk in DC

Sunday was an absolute gorgeous day in Maryland. Beautiful sunny clear skies and temperatures in the very low 60's. It was a perfect day for walkers in the 2007 Avon walk to walk the final 13.1 miles.

Chris and I drove down to Washington, DC to catch up with some of the walkers that we knew were walking. We took Alex with us as well. We met up with Marianne (works for Chris) and Alex walked the last 7 miles along with her for encouragement. We also met up with our neighbor and good friend Cheryl and her team that were resting at the lunch stop.
After seeing our friends at the lunch stop we left and drove along the route in DC. It was really exciting to watch all of the walkers along the route.

After we drove the route, we ended up at the Kennedy Center in DC. This is where the walk started and finished. It was overwhelming to see each of the walkers cross the finish line. It was if each one were walking just for us!!! In a way they were!

We saw our friends finish and gave each of them a hug when they were done. A very well deserved hug! If you ever get a chance to attend one of these I would really recommend it ! This years walk raised $7.4 Million!!! Money which stays in the local area. THANK YOU to all of you who donated to this walk this year. Your donations go to a very good cause!

More pictures from the day are found in the pictures section....
An article in the Washington Post describes the days activities.

Loss in the Semi Finals

Chrissy has really been feeling pretty well recently. I truly believe that getting out and watching the boys and especially Alex's lacrosse games has been a tremendous lift. Yesterday we drove to Drew University to watch Alex's team play a really tough match.

In each of the last 3 losses that they had their opponant scored 14 goals and Lyco scored 12 or 13. Last night Drew scored 14!!!! Lyco 12.... tough loss. They were losing 4-0 2 minutes into the game, losing 10-2 at halftime. The stormed back and made it a very exciting game but just couldn't climb back. Again, Alex got some good playing time. She said she was very nervous but that went away. Read the write up here. I put pictures up on the pictures page too.

The 1st picture above is right after Alex came into the game for the 1st time. There was a penalty shot being taken and she had to be behind the player. The next picture shows the player falling down as soon as the whistle blew!!!! That's great defense!!! Way to go Allie! (I think she tied the girls shoe laces together when she wasn't looking!)

She is now officially done with school and I have to go up to get her and her things sometime today (Friday). Not sure when yet. It will be nice to see her home. We've really missed her a lot!

Playoff Game 1

Alex's team won their first playoff game 25-13 yesterday at home. Here is the Lycoming press release on it. They only beat Scanton by a few goals in the regular season and it was nice to see them on a wild tear! Alex got some playing time in the 1st half and played a large portion of the 2nd half as well. She is the 1st substitute to come in. She's still a freshman and there are still more experienced players in front of her but it really is encouraging to see her get the amount of playing time that she is getting. She's making the best use of it too.

Note the tatooed "L" on her leg in the pictures for this game that I took. It's not permanent!!! Her team plays Drew University on Thursday this week in NJ. They are going up on Wednesday and staying in a hotel the night before so that they are well rested and ready to go. They lost to Drew in the regular season by 1 goal in overtime! They are looking for redemption.

Chrissy and I drove up to watch the game yesterday and really enjoyed it. Her mom and dad came over to be with the boys and that gave us the time to run up there and back. Another friend helped by getting Tyler to his lacrosse practice as well, thanks Ferren! Without the help from others we would not be able to get out and see Alex. Not only does Alex appreciate it but Chris really enjoys and appreciates it as well. Seeing your child play rec sports and high school sports is one thing, but NCAA collegiate competition is a step above.

BTW Alex did check her grades and did very well again this semester! Looks like she's going to be allowed to go back in August!

Keys Game

Sunday was a beautiful day. Chris really enjoys going to the Frederick Keys baseball games. She advertises her credit union with them and has a great relationship with the VP there. She said that today would be a good day to go and we made it happen. 2pm game on a beautiful sunny day. We had great seats, and the boys had fun too. It was the 1st game this season. We'll be going a lot more once school and lacrosse are over. For those who don't know the Keys are the single-A farm team for the Baltimore Orioles.

Alex game

Friday, I drove up to watch Alex's game. Her team squeezed in another quick game before the end of the season against a pretty tough opponent. Although they played hard and were winning at halftime 9-6 they ended up losing 14-12 in overtime!!! Another heartbreaker. It didn't matter too much though as it was non-conference.

Saturday their team finished the season up at Wilkes college and won 18-6. Alex played a lot and did really well. They now have their conference tournament that begins on Tuesday. Chris and I are hoping to go up and see them play that day. If they win they keep playing. Lose and their season is done.

Since I went alone Chris and the boys spent the evening together. They had nice evening and went shopping for some clothes! They're all good at that.

Alex is completely done with school. I brought home some things on Friday night that she won't need. She moves to another dorm on Monday where the entire team will stay together during the last week of games.

Great Weekend!

Well the sun finally shined down on our family last Thursday and continued to do so through the weekend! The weather was just perfect.

Saturday was lacrosse day for the boys. Both won their games. Alex's team went to Drew University in NJ for another tough conference matchup. They lost in overtime by a 14-13 score! The same score their other loss was. They have 2 losses all season by 1 goal each! She got some good playing time and the loss was really tough to swallow. She has final exams this week. One each day Monday through Thursday. She has Friday off and everyone leaves Lycoming on Saturday. Everyone but her team. Her team has an away game on Saturday. The final game of the season. It is against Wilkes (of Wilkes/Barre in PA) After the game they have to move out of their rooms to another dorm and their MAC conference tournament starts on Tuesday. If they keep winning then they play Tuesday, Thursday and Championship on Saturday. Lose and they are done. Win the championship and they stay another week or so for the NCAA Division III tournament! Very exciting for her! Notice something funny in the pictures? Yeah that's right RED hair! College life!

Chris is great. Thanks to everyone who sent wishes of congratulations to us. We can't tell you what they mean to us. She will be going to see her oncologist in a few weeks and discuss where and what to do next. For now she's enjoying the wonderful weather and relaxing!

Last Night's Email

For those who have not read their email or are not on the list, this went out last night...

Dear Friends,

As you know Chris underwent a chemoembolization about 3 weeks ago. It was a very tough procedure and took her a couple of weeks to get back on her feet. Today she went back to Johns Hopkins for a follow-up MRI of her liver to see how things went. The images show almost a very large reduction of tumor size in the lobe that they did the procedure! The Doctor was very, very pleased with the results. The liver has holes left in it that are filled with fluid at this point. Her left liver lobe only shows 2 small spots of activity and the Dr. said that they pose no immediate harm!

This is finally some news that we've been waiting to hear. Our lives have been a roller coaster for the past 2 1/2 years and right now we're back on top! So what does this all mean? It means for the time being, Chris can enjoy everything that she deserves to enjoy! She will return in another month for another MRI and who knows what we may find out then. We live our lives in tight little moments and right now we're enjoying this moment to the fullest!

I could not attend this appointment. The first Dr. appointment I've missed in almost 3 years. I was flying back from Portland and called her from my 1 hour layover. As soon as she told me the tears started flowing and they were tears of joy. A little embarrassing in an airport full of people but I didn't care. Thank you to everyone for all the prayers, dinners, cards, flowers, and all the little things too like rides for the boys. I really cannot tell you how grateful we are to each and every one of you.

Charlie

http://chris-dewitt-updates.blogspot.com/

Busy Week while I'm gone...

Well it is Thursday morning and I am sitting at the Portland, Oregon airport. They happen to have free wireless in the airport so with 2 hours to spend I thought I would catch up on some blog!

I flew out here on Tuesday for a meeting on Wednesday. It's a long way to go but sometimes you just have to meet clients face to face. I got in really late on Tuesday. Wednesday I drove around a little bit and tried to see Mount Hood. Huge mountain. The weather wasn't too cooperative as it was rainy and overcast. Typical for this area. I did see Multnomah Falls. Just breathtaking! I took the picture at the left while I was standing there and even went across the little bridge which was built in 1914 out of concrete!!!

Wednesday, Alex had another home game at Lycoming. Chrissy really wanted to see her play so she and Michael packed up the car and drove up there! She was really glad she did and so was Alex. They won again and Alex got some good playing time. Chris was really tired and didn't get home until after 10pm but made it home safely.

Today, Chrissy has an MRI appointment followed by a meeting with the Dr. that performed the chemoembolization 3 weeks ago. It really pains me that I cannot be there for the appointment. I believe that it is the first Dr. appointment I've missed with her in 3 years... Her Mom and Dad took her to Johns Hopkins and is going to be with her all day so I know that she's not by herself. She said she could do it on her own but I insisted that someone be with her. We are really praying that the Dr. sheds some promising news on our life at todays appointment. We don't know what the next steps are and that is always the hardest part of this ordeal. I'll post tomorrow and bring you up to date.

This weekend is supposed to be sunny and near 70. We are looking forward to just getting outside! The cold weather is really starting to wear on us all.

Rainy Sunday

Well today is Sunday and it is a very rainy one at that. Plans for the day are ______. Nothing! Sit around and do nothing. Haven't had one of those days in awhile.

Yesterday was lacrosse day. Tyler played in Frederick, Michael in Hagerstown, and Alex played at home. Of course Tyler forgot his cleats, Michael forgot his jersey and Alex.... well she did well on her own! Let's just say from now on every piece of equipment/clothing will be laid out on the garage floor and inventoried by ME before we go!!!

Tyler and Michael both won their games. They play with the spireslacrosse club here in Frederick. I'm on the Board and involved with the club as well. It is an excellent club and provides lacrosse for over 150 kids this year.

Alex's team rolled over a lesser opponent on Saturday. She did great and play more than 3/4 of the entire game. Results are here. She has only 1 week of classes left, then 1 week of finals. It is hard to believe that her freshman year is almost over... oh wait a minute I just looked at the savings account balance, it's over!!!!!

Friday, some very good friends of ours that live in Rochester, NY stopped in Frederick on their way home from NC. We went out to dinner with them for a few hours. It was really great seeing them again. We stay in touch via e-mails but nothings better than a friendly hug once in awhile. They have been through quite a lot in recent years as their 11-year old son, Ryan, recently passed away from leukemia. We talk a lot about things and it is nice to have someone that knows exactly what is going on in our family. Information on Ryan is here. Thanks for stopping in Rich, Jill and Shannon. You are in our thoughts every day!


This is a busy week for us, I have to fly to Oregon on Tuesday and home on Thursday. Chris has an MRI and Dr. appointment on Thursday. She wants to go to Alex's next lacrosse game on Wednesday so she may be driving up there on that day. She knows how to get there but I think we'll try and find someone to go with her.

Have a great week!

1st Loss

Yesterday Alex's lacrosse team played Elizabethtown and unfortunately was defeated. They had just moved up 1 more notch in the coach's poll to number 16 in the country when they found themselves up against a very aggressive team. They lost by one goal, 14-13. The winning goal happened with only 22 seconds left in the game! You can read E-town's review here or Lycoming's review here.

Chris and I were able to go up an watch the game. She was feeling pretty well but still fighting off the fever. She slept most of the way up and back but that was okay. It was really good to get out and see Alex's team again.

We did speak with the Doctor on Monday about Chris's fever. As long as it stays in the 100-101 range that is okay and not cause for concern. In fact, it could be considered a good thing as it is probably her body trying to rid itself of the cancer cells that were killed during the procedure 2 weeks ago. There's a bunch of them and they gotta go somewhere! She will see the Dr. next week.

After Easter

Well Easter was nice. Alex and John (boyfriend) were here. They could use a course in navigation though on Friday. Seems as if finding downtown Baltimore wasn't as easy as they thought. They even had my GPS with them and could not find it.... They eventually did though.

Friday the boys and I went to the Hood College Men's Lacrosse game in Frederick. They got to be ball boys and enjoyed that. Chrissy went to work for the afternoon and did pretty well. She continues to fight off this darn low-grade fever. She takes ibuprofen and it goes away but it is starting to be a pain for her.

Saturday was a lacrosse tournament in Frederick for all the city boys teams. We went and watched some of those. It was really cold and blustery outside though. Chris stayed home to keep warm! While home Chris got a bunch of Easter eggs together and had an Easter egg hunt for the kids (yeah all of them) Saturday evening. They had a good time and so did Chris!

Sunday was an early morning as we all went to 9am mass to celebrate Easter. Around 1pm most of the family came over and we had lunch with everyone. Chris really enjoyed having everyone over even if some couldn't make it. At 2:30 though I had to pack up the car and drive Alex and John back up to Lycoming. She had lacrosse practice at 6pm so she needed to get back. They have a really tough game coming up on Tuesday vs. Elizabethtown. We are going to try and watch that if Chris is feeling up to it. I got home around 9:30 and was exhausted.

Happy Easter to everyone. And a special thanks to Andrew from COMSTAR for making dinner for us last week. A wonderful pasta with chicken. You would never think that an IT guy could cook too, but he can!!! :)

Good Friday

Well Chris continues to battle a low-grade fever. It spikes up to about 101 and then back down with some ibuprofen. She did well at work on Wed but yesterday stayed at home because of her fever. She is feeling okay except for this. Today she plans on going into the office for a little while while I take the boys to the Hood College Men's Lacrosse Game. They are going to be ball boys for the team during the game.

Yesterday I went up to Lycoming to pick up Alex for the weekend. In addition to her dirty laundry she also brought her boyfriend with her! :) His name is John. We had a nice dinner at home after we got back and sat around and spent time together after that. Good evening!

Today Alex and John are going to visit Baltimore's Inner Harbor. So I had to get them directions in hopes that they don't get lost and call me! I gave them my portable Garmin GPS to so hopefully they'll be back later!

Back to work day...

Well Chris just left to go back to work a few minutes ago. Yesterday she was feeling much better and even went out shopping for a little bit to get things for Easter. She has stopped taking her pain meds as that has finally subsided.

Lisa from COMSTAR stopped in last night and dropped some things off for Chris. Chris was glad to get see her for the time she was here. She's been cooped up for 10 days now and is itching to get back to the real world.

Hopkin's called yesterday to discuss her follow up MRI and when she will see the Dr. That date is April 19. Bad date. I made reservations to fly to Portland, OR for a meeting on the 17 - 19. Chris said it was okay and that she would be fine. I will find someone to take her and stay with her for the short trip to the hospital that day. Any volunteers?

They did tell Chris that the blood work done on Monday was showing all very good numbers for just about everything. That was good news. They can tell so much from a blood test now. The only thing that was a little low were her Red Blood Cells. But not low enough for concern.

Alex's team continues to do well. After last week's win they are now ranked 17th in the country in the DIII Coach's Poll. Find it here. Just incredible!

She and her boyfriend are coming home Thursday. Of course I have to go up and get them. She originally had a game but that has been canceled. I guess the other team was scared of them or something. She'll only be home until Sunday when I take them back up in the afternoon.

Oh yeah and the boys are now off school until next TUESDAY!!!! And it's raining outside today... Oh happy day. I'm sure they'll make it through the day!

Good Weekend

Well Chris made it through the weekend. She stayed home all weekend recovering slowly. Her appetite is back and the pain has started to subside which is great. She is up and about now and starting to get back to normal. I'm taking her to get some bloodwork done later this morning and then I'm running her down to her office to get some things so she can work from home. She's not quite ready to get back to normal.

Our good friend Cheryl came over yesterday and visited with Chris for awhile. I was outside planting some flowers for Chris that we had bought. Late Cheryl brought over some crab bisque! It was tremendous.

Thank you to everyone who has made a donation to the Avon Walk! I cannot tell you how much it helps. I have forwarded checks that I received over to Cheryl and she will send them in. She is well on her way to reaching her goal.

Alex's team won AGAIN yesterday! They beat the 18'th ranked team in the country. Lycoming is ranked 20th. Depending on which poll you read. Read about it here.

There are 167 Division III teams in the country, 40 DII and only 81 DI schools in the country. Many of the top ranked DIII schools compete with most of the DI and DII schools without a problem. In fact Lycoming scrimmages with some teams regularly.

T.G.I.F.

Well now I really know what it means to enjoy a Friday. This has been an incredibly stressful and taxing week to say the least. Thank you to everyone for looking out for us. We received beautiful flowers from COMSTAR and today a wonderful arrangement from our next door neighbors. All so thoughtful.

Chris is up and about. She continues to take her pain meds and the other 4 but has been tolerating everything pretty well. She is eating at the table and not having to sit in bed all day. She does rest a lot which is really good for her.

The boys are outside cleaning up old mulch. They want to go to the MS dance tonight so I put them to work first. It's the last dance of the year so it should be pretty well attended. Those DeWitt boys cruising for chicks like their old man!!!

Tomorrow they each have a lacrosse game at home in Frederick. So I will be at those all afternoon. Chris will continue to enjoy some more rest and relaxation. She did get up yesterday and today and was able to take some calls for work and did get a chance to go through all of her emails. She really is dedicated but I think it is more therapeutic for her to keep up with her work.

Well have a great weekend everyone and I'll post more later!

P.S. Alex's team won Wednesday night and are now 9-0!!!!! They are ranked in both the D3 coaches poll as well as the usual lacrosse polls too. Way to go Allie!