I watch you playing
Without a care
It's hard to believe
The cancer is there.
You look so bright,
So happy and well,
If someone new met you
They couldn't tell.
Your strength is amazing,
Your courage so strong,
You've fought this disease
So well for so long.
It's from your strength
That I draw mine,
I know you'll come through this,
It'll just take time.
Carry on smiling
I will too,
Through the hard times
I'll carry you.
You are my world,
The air I breathe,
I know in my heart
You'll never leave.
Keep strong my love,
The battle has begun,
But with your strength
It will be won
Matthew was diagnosed with a brain tumor December 27, 2006. They discovered a 7cm tumor on the right side of his brain after being sick for about 3 weeks. His motor coordination had drastically changed within days which prompted his family to request a CAT scan at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston New Jersey. From St. Barnabas, Matthew was transported to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia also known as CHOP where testing and treatment began.
His tumor was removed on December 29, 2006 and the surgery was a success, however there were many roots to the tumor thus proving it to be malignant (cancerous). Pathology results showed that Matthew had a PNET, a primitive neuroectodermal tumor. Matthew's type is one of the rarest forms of the PNET, called irregular differentiation (a very aggressive cancer).
Matthew's treatment includes MRI tests, spinal taps, CAT scans, bone scans, GFR blood work (to check his kidney function). In addition to the tests run he is undergoing intensive chemotherapy called Head Start II. There are five rounds of chemotherapy, 1 week of condensed chemo and stem cell transplant. All of Matthew's treatments are at CHOP and he and his family travel to and from the hospital weekly.
As a side note, the family is trying to adopt out three cats. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Please shoot an email to meandyou@verizon.net for more information.