Thursday, March 10, 2011

March 10th, 2011

This is Mandy. I can't pretend that this will be fun for me or that I have any desire to do this but I would do anything for my little boy who I love so much!!! And we know all of you are awaiting the latest update... I can't begin to tell you how much love and support we have felt. We have always known we have been blessed with great families and amazing friends but over the last few days it has been overwhelming! Thank you so much for everyone that has prayed and fasted for us. It is your prayers, support and friendship that are truly helping us through this difficult time.

Yesterday we went to Primary Children's to meet with Dylan's Oncology team. There we were given a lot of information and the doctors were very competent. We feel we are working with some of the best in their field. Dylan's tumor is called a Diffused Pontine Glioma. They figure he has had it for possibly years. The tumor has just grown recently which has led it to start pressing on his nerves in his brain stem. This has caused him headaches, partial paralysis of his face among a few other symptoms which led us to seek answers. We are very fortunate to have such wonderful Pediatricians who were able to push for quick tests and results. We are very appreciative to them. During our meeting with the Oncology team we learned the location of Dylan's tumor. It is throughout his brainstem thus leaving it inoperable. Our plan as of now is to slow the growth of this nasty tumor. Last night Dylan started on steroids which he will take for the next week to help with the inflammation and take some pressure of his nerves. This will cause him to gain around 20 lbs. over the next few weeks. Today he is going down to LDS hospital to get fitted for his mask that assists in pinpointing the tumor for treatment. Starting Monday he will begin his radiation treatments. This will continue for 6 weeks Mon.-Friday. He met Dr. Thompson who will be performing these treatments. He really liked him and he made Dylan feel very comfortable.

Sooooo, that is the plan for now. Obviously there is a grand plan that we don't quite understand yet, but I am certain that in time we will. We are so grateful to have the knowledge we have been blessed with that will continue to be a strength for us. I truly believe (and I'm not just saying this, I have experienced this personally :) ) in the power of Priesthood Blessings and prayer. I also know that certain experiences are strategically designed to touch our lives at specific times. This especially includes the timing of the arrival of our newest family member, Drew. He has brought such a special spirit into our home. That, coupled with the rest of our amazing children who are constantly dancing, singing, drawing pictures or just giving us loves, makes us realize the magnitude of all the blessings we do have including all of you. This will not be an easy road. As much as I try to relieve the intense emotions with humor, they are still very raw. I will do my best to keep up on this blog, I think it will be some kind of therapy for me as well as provide answers to others at the same time. Once again, I can't even begin to tell you all how much we appreciate every single thought and prayer. Dylan is one special kid. He always has been. He too has been so touched by all the people who have shown love and support to him.

23 comments:

  1. Mandy We love you all so so so much! So grateful for our wonderful family and knowledge we have of the plan of happiness and the Love Heavenly father has for eachnd everyone of us!

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  2. Mandy- I have been thinking so much about you for the last few weeks and didnt even know until yesterday about Dylan. You are an amazing person! You have the most amazing support team and a billion people who love you and are praying for your family! If you need anything at all I know you have a ton of options but I am here for anything! Love ya girl!! HUGS!!!!

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  3. We love you! You and your family are in our prayers! Give Dylan our love! Let me know if I can do anything!

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  4. love and continued prayers for all of you. primary children's is the best place you could possibly be. stay strong!

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  5. Mandy, your family is in our prayers. You are an amazing person and I am sure your Dylan is to and like you a fighter and will fight this.

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  6. dylan, i don't know if you remember my little boys from the family christmas party, but you played their DS's with them and you were SO KIND to them---boe talked about you for weeks after the party and wanted to know when we would see you again and be able to play...we are all praying for you and praying that you will have faith, strength and courage and that Heavenly Father will give you everything you need during this time. love, adrian, neal, gage, boe, ryder and lucy gatherum

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  7. You are THE most amazing Mom! You, Dylan and the fam are continually in my thoughts and prayers!
    Lots of Love,
    Angie

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  8. Watch your own child fight for life is beyond difficult. I know I have already told you, but you will not be alone during this trial. You are amazing. I love you!

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  9. When we heard the news, Wick wanted me to be sure to post a comment letting you know that we are thinking of you, Dylan and the rest of your family. You will definitely be added to our prayers. Sending love and strength your way! Wick and Kassi Udy

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  10. Mandy and family- We love you so much! We pray for Dylan and your family every night. Don't ever forget that this is part of our Father in Heaven's plan. I am so grateful to be a part of the Infinity Fam. We are always here for you and will be your rock if needs be. We love your family so much!
    Natalie and Kenny Porter

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  11. Mandy,
    Just wanted you to know I have thought a lot about you and your sweet little family the last few days. I am so sorry for what you are going through. Please know that we are adding our prayers to the many others for your family!
    Mindy Wyatt Griffin

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  12. We pray for your family. Although we do not know your family very well, my son Cody Messick had the pleasure of being on his basketball team and also is in his school class. Cody only speaks good things of Dylan. Dylan is in our prayers. We too are praying for a miracle. Cody wants him to know that he is a special friend to him and prayers for him to get better. You and your family are in our prayers.

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  13. My thoughts have been with you for the last few days. As a parent, my heart breaks with you and for you. That special little boy sure came to some special parents! All I can do is pray for your family everday. My children don't know Dylan but are already making sure to add "Dylan Shaw" to their prayers. Hang in there and know that so many of us are rooting for your baby boy. All our love, Paul & Nicole White

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  14. I'm not very good with words. Everybody else has said it perfectly!! You are not alone. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless!

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  15. love, prayers, & positive thoughs from me too.
    xoxxxxxoooooooooooooxxxxxoooooooooooooooooooo
    Alana R

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  16. Hi Dylan this is Logan Holgate. I heard what you are going through and I want you to know that I think you are amazing. You are one of the toughest people I know. I am so happy you were able to come to my house and play. I hope that you can come again soon. I will keep praying for you my good buddy. Love, Logan

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  17. Mandy and fam- I love you guys! We are thinking of you and keeping a constant prayer in our hearts for you. What a great example you are to me. I look up to you Mandy and my heart just breaks for you and your boy right now. I hope u can feel all the love and prayers in your behalf! Xox

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  18. You have so many people thinking about and praying for you and your family , I hope you can be comforted and feel that love from so many people. Hang in there, I wish there was something more I could do!
    Todd and Jade Bischoff

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  19. Hi Dylan this is Cazley, you are the strongest kid i know!! just like we said when we came over, the meaning of the name "Dylan" is faithful:) we love you and think about you all day long, our prayers are with you and I know Heavenly Father will be beside you the whole way. I can't wait till it gets warm so we can have pool parties again:) I LOVE YOU DYL AND I AM HERE TO TALK WHENEVER YOU NEED A FRIEND:):)

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  20. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as well. May the Lord bless you with comfort and strength to get through this. Dylan sounds like such a sweet kid and good friend. As parents it is so hard to imagine your kids having to go through anything hard. You have a beautiful family and we will be praying for you and your sweet boy! Rich and Tyra Bischoff

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  21. Hello, You dont know me but I grew up with Ryan through school and lived in the same neighborhood.. I know the family well.. I am so sorry to hear the news of your little boy.. We will keep him in our prayers.. You are right there is alot of power in priesthood blessings. Use them often..It is comforting to know our father and savior are with you to help your family through this difficult time.. God bless your family...

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  23. Mand - sitting here trying to type with tears in my eyes.. You are a strength to so many, thanks for your constant example. We can do hard things with Heavenly Father on our side! Praying lots for you guys.. LOVE YOU!

    P.S. Always here if you need ANYTHING!! ie: babysitter, a place to stay in SLC, foot rub, dinner, hair done, ect - you name it!! XOX

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