July 30,2013

We are back in Houston for Casey to start round #3 of 5. We got in late last night. This morning he had lab work, chest xrays, a bone marrow aspiration, and a doctor visit. His doctor is very happy with the way things are going, all of his lab work is looking good. We are now back at the hotel waiting for the hospital to call and say his room is ready. He will be admitted into the hospital today for a couple of days. I am here until Sunday, then Casey will go back to Charlie's house. He must be on his best behavior, because Charlie and Melissa are still willing to let him stay with them.
It sure was nice having him home for the past 2 weeks. We went to a Phillies game, LAC had a fundraiser/pool party for him, and we went to the beach. And he coached a swim meet in there too. Time went by too fast! It is too hot to do much of anything here in Texas.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support!
Peggy

July 15, 2013

Casey arrived home on Friday night. We had a great weekend! LAC had a fundraiser for him on Saturday night that was put together by Sami Kegel, Sloane Houck and Brittany Reeder. Those teenage girls did a fantastic job! The turnout was great and the evening was fun. I was equally surprised and touched with the people who showed up. A middle school soccer teammate of Casey's, a previous Middle Atlantic Swim coach who relocated to Florida, the owner of my hair salon along with her family, and the one that brought me to tears was the Russell family. They babysat my kids when they were young, and I still consider them my friends. Their daughter was in the hospital in labor, but they wanted to make sure and come out to support Casey, so they packed up their grandchildren and brought them along. It is so heartwarming to have the support of all these people through the past 7 years. Stevie was able to get away and be there on Saturday night, unfortunately Erik had to work. Erik and Stevie celebrated their first anniversary on Sunday, as most swim coaches do, on the pool deck.
On Sunday we went to the Phillies game. The Phillies won in 10 innings. Hopefully that is a sign that Casey is going to finally win this leukemia battle in extra innings! It was a day filled with fun, too much sun and good friends.
Thank you to everyone, and a big thanks to Sami, Sloane and Brittany.
Peggy

July 11, 2013

Today Casey gets unhooked from his chemo to prepare for the trip home. He would celebrate, but in addition to getting unhooked, he also has to get a shot of chemo up his spine and have a bone marrow biopsy done. He always gets headaches for a few days after the spinal. I guess you have to take the good with the bad. Tomorrow he will see his doctor and then board a plane for a flight to PA.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday night!
Peggy

It has been a while since I have posted anything. You know things are going well when I have nothing to say. Over the 4th of July holiday while Casey was undergoing treatment in Houston, Gary and I had a good time at the beach with Casey's dog, Caroline. We did feel guilty, but we sent him lots of pictures, so we where able to get over it pretty quickly. Casey did go to a party with his new family (Charlie and Melissa) on the 4th of July. Unfortunately on Sunday, July 7th Charlie and Melissa lost their dog to cancer. Bailey was their 200+ pound baby who had no idea how huge he was. He was a very sweet mastiff. My heart goes out to them. Cancer sucks.
Casey is coming home on Friday night. Some of his swimmers have put together a fundraiser for him on Saturday night at the Ephrata pool. For more information see - http://www.lancasteraquaticclub.com/maslac/UserFiles/Image/lg%20flyer.jpg
Looks like a good time complete with food, face painting, dunk tank and more. Three teenage girls put this whole thing together. Thank you Sloane, Sami and Brittany, I know you have worked really hard. Gary, Casey, Stevie and I are looking forward to seeing you on Saturday night! Can't wait!
Peggy

Caroline enjoying the beach

June 25, 2013

Casey continues to be doing well. His doctor is very pleased with his progress. She says things could not be going any better. Casey now only has to see her once a week. He still has to go to the hospital every other day to have his chemo changed and to have blood work done.
We had a nice evening with Charlie, Melissa, Riley and Conner. Brandon Siemasko stopped by to say hello too. I am attaching a photo of Charlie, Casey, Riley and Conner. I had not seen Riley since she was a toddler. I can't believe she didn't remember me! Actually, she was too polite to admit it. Casey is very lucky to be a part of such a nice family!

June 15, 2013

Casey had some visitors today. Paige Daniel and her family stopped in to visit. Paige is one of Casey's swimmers at Lancaster Aquatic Club. She graduated from high school and is off to Bucknell in the fall. Her family (mother, father, sister and brother) were in Texas for a family vacation, and took the time to stop in and see Casey before flying home today. That was nice.
This round of chemo has been real easy on Casey (so far). He is supposed to be discharged tomorrow. We can celebrate Father's Day without our dads. I am sure Gary is happy to watch the golf match tomorrow and hopefully my dad will know we are thinking of him. We will call to remind them.

Following is a poem written by Gary's cousin's granddaughter.


WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA WILSON - AGE 15

It's been years and years
Everyone watched as you struggled
Your in my prayers
There is no trouble

Sadley your cancer has come back
Don't worry, don't let it get you off track
You've fought for years, do it some more
Before you know it you will be walking out those hospital doors

Your with the best of the best
So take a deep breath
You need to stay strong
Your where you belong

The family is thinking of you
Everyone can't wait to see you
Your in everyones thoughts, everyones prayers
Don't worry Casey, hang in there

Thank you Sammie. I couldn't have said it better!
Peggy

June 14, 2013

We made it to Houston on Wednesday night. Casey had blood work and a bone marrow biopsy followed by a doctor visit and admission into the hospital. His doctor said "Congratulation, you are in remission!" He will still have to complete the full regimen of 5 cycles. Last year on this weekend, we had Stevie's bachelorette party and I had such a good time that I didn't think it could be topped. This topped it. This is my new favorite weekend.
It is hot in Houston with about 95% humidity. You quickly lose that just showered freshness by walking a couple of feet outside. I went for a swim at 8:00 this morning at the hotel, it was hot then already. Felt good after sitting in the car for 2 days and sitting in the hospital yesterday.
Peggy