Friends of Dallas

Please help Dallas Conquer Cancer!

FriendOfDallas — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:49:00 GMT

Dallas and I are participating in the American Cancer Society's "Hope on The Slopes" this Saturday in Cortland, NY. Our team will be skiing for 12 hours. Although she cannot ski due to cancer leaving her disabled, she will be there to support her team and as a cancer survivor!

Below is a link to Dallas' web page, please help her raise money to help conquer cancer!

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?px=14418730&pg=personal&fr_id=26261

Thank you, mom

Quick trip to NYC Urgent Care

FriendOfDallas — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:58:00 GMT

All,

Last week we had a scare. Dallas had been throwing up and a cyst formed over her original surgery site (the bone transplant). I picked her up from school at 11am last wed. and was in Manhattan by 5pm. We were able to meet with Dr. Healey around 9pm, he performed a needle aspiration and put her on an IV antibiotic. The test results came back on Monday and it turned out to be a staph infection. Not sure why she was vomiting and if there was a correlation to the infection, they speculate it was something else. Just another adventure with our new "normalcy"! I have to say we feel blessed but I also sometimes get sad.........I know it's never going to be like it used to be but I wish I had a do over! I would definitely change some things if I did! Just rambling.... hope all is well!

Much love,

Mom

checking in

FriendOfDallas — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:17:00 GMT

Hello,

Dad here - I have not posted in a while and had the urge to do so. Everything has been going really well for us. We are 1 month away from the 1 year anniversary of when chemo ended. It is so hard to believe it will soon be 1 full year since Dallas last had chemo. The year was the quickest year I have ever experienced.... We are so blessed and fortunate for what we have. We spent the year just trying to get back to normal, well our new normal as it is..... It has been nice to be able to "enjoy" life's little issues that are thrown at you from time to time - such as our dog getting sprayed by a skunk at 1:00am on a Saturday night rather than always eating, thinking, sleeping cancer worries.....

Dallas's hair continues to grow as well as her confidence and attitude..... She went to her first middle school dance last Friday and she went without a chaperon escorting her. I did pick her up when it ended and was sure to park the car and get out to look for her in the crowd of kids. The look on her face was priceless when she saw me out of the car and amongst the mass of kids!!

I once again need to express my endless thank you to everyone out there that helped us through this, without each and everyone out there, I am not sure how we could have got to where we are today - our appreciation is beyond imagine.

There are so many reasons to be thankful each and every day. I hope everyone realizes that and takes full advantage of life!!

Bill I
(dad)

ps. GO STEELERS!!!

P.E., Hawaii and schools in session.....

FriendOfDallas — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:27:00 GMT

All,

We went to the city this past week to see Dr. Healey. She has been released for a modified PE program and to work out with me at the gym. Doc also stated she could use her crutches without the leg brace or one crutch with the leg brace. I told Dallas he should have consulted with me before making that statement as she is NOT allowed to go to school without the brace!!!! Maybe in a few months but the bone is still not completely fused together.

The trip to Hawaii went great. She really enjoyed seeing her family and the ocean. The photo on the front page is Dallas, aunt Carrie, my mom and Chris. Dallas says everywhere in Hawaii smells wonderful, like vanilla!

School is back in session and Dallas loves it! She is excited to attend a school dance next week all on her own. Last year she went to one dance and she had an escort, so this is very exciting for her.

The next visit to see her oncologist, scans and Doc Healey is in February. We have blood work and chest x-rays every two months and we are trying to find someone here local to administer those tests. We may still have to travel to the city for those. Hope all is well with you! Looking forward to the fall and the upcoming holidays. Life is GREAT!!!

xoxo ~ Mom

Clear Scans!

FriendOfDallas — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:07:00 GMT

All,

We received the news last night that Dallas' scans were clear!!! Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers! Faith is beautiful!
Next visit is to see Dr. Healey on September 21st. We will update you with Dallas' trip to Hawaii upon her return. Enjoy the remainder of your summer and try to absorb each and every moment!

Many xoxo's!

Love,

Mom

Scans.....

FriendOfDallas — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:29:00 GMT

All,

Dallas has scans this Monday and I just want to reach out and ask for everyone to please say a prayer and visualize clear scans! I spoke with the Sarcoma Team and after November's scans she will not have to continue scans with them, just chest x-rays and blood work. I believe her surgeon's protocol at that point will be every six months. The traveling has been exhausting and as much as I love going to the city, I am looking forward to using my vacation time as true vacation time! I think I have three days left for this year and its only August!!!

The girls are getting ready for their trip to Hawaii on August 30th. I am not quite sure how I am going to fill my time without Dallas but I look forward to hearing about their adventures and seeing lots of photos (hint hint). Dallas has one small spot over her allograph that still hasn't healed and the Dr. stated she can only go in the water for five minutes at a time. He doesn't want it to became saturated and get infected. This is a little disappointing but she seems ok with it.

I hope all is well and you have enjoyed your summer! Will post an update on Monday or Tuesday with clear scans results!

Much love,

Mom

Dallas sang

FriendOfDallas — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:46:00 GMT

Hi - I wanted to drop a quick note to share with everyone. Georgia and Matt got married Friday evening. It was a beautiful ceremony with a spectacular view overlooking a lake.

During the reception, Dallas got up in front of everyone and sang. I have to brag and boast for it was her best performance ever!! Her voice is leaving the kid stage - it was so strong and full, she is becoming a young lady right before my eyes.....
I was so very proud of her!! She had the confidence and swagger that she once had 16 months ago!! It was so amazing to hear her voice - she captured everyones attention at the reception and took command of her song. The round of applause was huge!!
She keeps pushing me to book her a "gig" - I may have to just do that soon.......

Bill I
(dad)

Cast is off!

FriendOfDallas — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:56:00 GMT

All,

It's me mom, just checking in to tell everyone the cast came off yesterday! We drove to the city Tuesday after work for a 8am meeting with Doc Healey on Wed. In our meeting yesterday we had a lengthy discussion regarding scans. The topic came up as our previous bone scan that was done here locally is requiring some additional evaluation. It seems that our local radiologist is not familiar with reading a scan on a allograph (Ewing's as well) and had concerns with the way it reads. Basically her leg lights up! I've seen it myself and have always had faith that it's healing and thus shows more activity. Doc Healey agreed with me but since a recommendation was made for further evaluation we have to follow up with an MRI. This also took us into the topic of doing scans at all. The protocol with her oncologist is every three months with a chest x-ray monthly. I haven't been doing the monthly chest x-rays and now I don't want to do the scans every three months. Doc Healey gave me his opinion and I respect him immensely, now I have to find a way to have this discussion/negotiation with her oncologist. I want every six months. We shall see........

As for Dallas' leg, she feels like the bone is missing in the leg that the cast came off of. I think it's going to take a few days/weeks to gain the strength and confidence back as it was always her "good " leg. She is still in some significant pain but handles it very well. She is my hero! Next follow up with Doc Healey is at the end of September.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer. God bless all!

Much love,

Mom

Update From Dalli

FriendOfDallas — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:17:00 GMT

Hey y'all! It's me, Dalli. Just checkin' in! I hope you're all enjoying your summer! As you may know I just recently had a surgery on my right leg to stop the growth plate. I now have a cast that's from my ankle, to my thigh. So yep, I look like an accident prone! My leg has been still hurting but my pain tolerance gets higher and higher each day! My last day of school was June 23rd-the summer's going by so fast! On the second last day of school I performed in my school's talent show. I sang and play guitar to a Jonas Brothers song! We just recently submitted my three choices for my Make-A-Wish. My first wish is to play a guess starring role on an episode of Disney's series JONAS! My second wish is to play a guess starring role on Disney Channel's series Sonny With a Chance! And last but not least, my third wish is to have a VIP tour of Hollywood Studios! Now, I only get one wish, which is to be determined. In the end of August I get to travel with my Aunt Carrie to Kauai, Hawaii to go to my Aunt Hollie's wedding! Now, if you knew my Aunt Carrie you'd feel sorry for me! I mean, just the thought of traveling about 5,000 miles on a plane with her is kinda creepy, but the thought of having her take care of me for a week is just plain scary! Love you too Carrie! I'm expected to be a flower girl but I'm not completely sure yet. This will be my first time to Hawaii so I'm kinda scared but very excited! On June 28th my mom, Grandpa, and I will be driving down to the city for another check up with the doc.! He will hopefully remove my cast on the appointment day of June 29th. Let's hope! Lately, all of my good friends have been stopping by and signing my cast! It's getting so filled up! Thank you for all the thoughts, prayers, and endless support! Hope all is well! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Much love,
Dalli(:

Out of surgery

FriendOfDallas — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:22:00 GMT

Hi,

I wanted to post a quick note - Dallas is out of surgery. Everything went well. Growth plate #3 in her right leg has been removed with success. Also - her port was removed and is gone as well!! This was "installed" in her 2 weeks before she started her chemo treatments last year. So now, just like the cancer - it is GONE!!!!

She will be inpatient until Thursday, most likely Friday then return home. Kris will be resuming her hospital room bedside buddy role for the next couple days. Dallas has a hard cast from her ankle up to her mid thigh and will have it for the next 4 weeks. Sister Carrie is in the city with them but will be coming home tomorrow.

Thanks to all again for all the prayers, thoughts and positive mojo!!

Bill I
(dad)

Life ain't always beautiful

FriendOfDallas — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:17:00 GMT

All,

Just wanted to post the lyrics to a song from Gary Allan that sums it up! We have heard of the recent passings of some of our former roommates from Sloan. These were beautiful young ladies that were taken way to early! This wasn't God's doing either!!!! Please say a prayer for all of the beautiful children fighting or who have lost. Their families are suffering more than imaginable. Make peace and appreciate all you have! God bless you!

Life ain't always beautiful
Sometimes it's just plain hard
Life can knock you down, it can break your heart

Life ain't always beautiful
You think you're on your way
And it's just a dead end road at the end of the day

But the struggle makes you stronger
And the changes make you wise
And happiness has it's own way of taken' it sweet time

[chorus]
No,life aint always beautiful
Tears will fall sometimes
Life aint always beautiful
But it's a beautiful ride

Life aint always beautiful
Some days I miss your smile
I get tired of walkin' all these lonely miles

And I wish for just one minute
I could see your pretty face
Guess I can dream, but life dont work that way

But the struggles makes me stronger
And the changes make me wise
And happiness has it's own way of takin' its sweet time

No, life aint always beautiful
But I know I'll be fine
Hey, life aint always beautiful
But its a beautiful ride
What a beautiful ride

Hi everyone!

FriendOfDallas — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:26:00 GMT

All,

It's me , mom, just checking in and saying hi! I want to apologize for not getting photos posted as promised.....I tried and have been unsuccessful in getting them from my camera in a format that can be emailed to Bill and then sent to Mike without locking up his computer!!! I suck! Mike works with Bill and he is the person responsible for setting this site up and managing it. Thank you Mike for your continued contribution, you are awesome and we really appreciate you!!!! I will try once again this weekend to get my act together and get photos up.

Dallas has two more days left of school and is looking forward to sleeping in! I can't believe we are already midway through June and the summer is upon us, time flies when you are having fun! These past few months have been so wonderful and awakening. I appreciate every moment and cherish every memory we have created during this new "normalcy".

I look over all of your entries and comments from time to time and it seems like a lifetime ago. I guess life was on fast forward and now we are finally getting the opportunity to really enjoy it. Lets just say we all see things differently now. I'm sure you do as well! It's still been hectic with work, school and juggling these scans and visits, but I know in time these things will slow down and become further apart. At least the Dr's visits, as for work I hope it continues to stay this way so the company will still want to keep me on! tee hee

I know I haven't been able to respond to most of you and just want you to know that every comment and prayer you have posted has been read several times over, YOU all have made such a difference in our lives and for that I thank you! God bless and happy freaking Friday!

Much love,

Mom

Recent trip to the city and oh yeah - the PENS win the cup!!

FriendOfDallas — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:04:00 GMT

Hello,

We made the trip to NYC on Sunday for a Monday appointment with Doc Healey on Monday. This is the first trip I have made to the city since treatment has ended and Dallas was in the hospital. It was a totally different view and perspective being there with a healthy Dallas actually getting to enjoy the city, not being there to visit with a hospitalized Dallas.

We stayed at the Ronald house. Again, a really odd wave of emotion came over me. Another first time there with Dallas actually walking and talking, not burying her head in blankets as we wheel here to her room. It was very sad to see some of the families still there, still fighting the fight each and every day, please say a prayer for all of them. For us, this was a nice stay, nicer than it ever was!! Dallas was able to walk with her crutches throughout the building and explore it as she never has had the chance to do. They are preparing to remodel all the kitchens at the Ronald, what a project that would be. Kids on chemo have such food restrictions, thank god Dallas did not have to be there for this. It would have only added to the daily stresses...

We met with Doc Healey after only a 3 hour wait - trust me, when I say only a 3 hour wait, that is a good thing!! It typically is a lot longer of a wait!! Dallas's legs are as even as they can be ( 2 mm difference ) so the surgery is scheduled for July 7. The doc was pretty laid back with scheduling the date but both Dallas and Kris are prepared to do it now and get it over with. Her left leg continues to heal very nicely. As soon as the last little scabs fall off of the wound site, Dallas can actually swim and swim without her brace. But she will be using the brace for probably close to another year when not swimming while going about her day to day activities.

Today marks a significant bench mark for Dallas - she went to school WITH OUT her wig for the first time ever!! She looks so cute with her new curly, short almost black hair!!

As I close this note - I again want to express the deepest and most heartfelt thank you to all that have donated money, given gifts, time, thoughts, prayers and positive mojo to us. Without all of you out there, the road would have been a lot tougher to travel down!!

So you thought you would get away without hearing about the Penguins winning the Cup??? What a year to be a sports fan that loves Pittsburgh teams!! First the Super Steelers then the Perfect Penguins.... I'd like to end this note with a quote from long time Penguins radio / TV broadcaster Mike Lange - " Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley, bring me the brandy"

Bill I
(dad)

Clear Scans!

FriendOfDallas — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:30:00 GMT

All,

Dallas' visit to the city last Wednesday brought back great news as her scans are clear! God is GREAT!!!!
She met with the sarcoma team and tried to see Dr. Healey but was unable to get in. Her and Grandpa waited over three and half hours to see him but had to leave as they had a flight back home. We are trying to co-coordinate the leg length test results over the phone but don't have any information regarding her upcoming surgery. It's been a little hectic, we went to Orlando last Thursday and had a mini vacation. Dallas was able to meet and feed Buba one of the performing dolphins at Sea World and we spent the second day at Universal Studios. We had a blast and now are just getting back into our regular routine. I will post some photos within the next day or so.

Love,

Mom

Dallas is a SURVIVOR!!

FriendOfDallas — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:58:00 GMT

All,

I haven't written in awhile. Honestly I didn't know what to write about. All the things that have been going through my head theses days are not really normal for me. Throughout Dallas' treatment I kept focused on the end, I had a goal to save her knee and cure her cancer and with God on our side she came through beautifully. Then the wrap up of her treatment with the removal of her port......to only have it postponed, well to say the least I went into shock!

Hi All,

That was written on 3/20/09. I never published it as I was not in the right frame of mind. I am determined to remain positive and even during my low times I can never let my faith down! Today is 05/07/09 and Dallas is victorious! She just celebrated her 12th birthday and oh what a birthday she had. I rented a suite and had 8 little ladies to entertain. We did mani-pedis, facials, ate pizza and chocolate fondue and they sang Karaoke. I was exhausted, but we had a wonderful time! It sure beat last year's birthday!!!
Tomorrow we are headed to DC to see gramma Margot and Papa. Next week we have a bone scan here locally and on the 20th grandpa Roff and Aunt Carrie are flying her to the city to see the sarcoma team and meet with Dr. Healey. I anticipate that grandpa will then have a discussion with doc Healey about her upcoming surgery, maybe even schedule it? Dallas is in goods hands with those two! As for me, I am staying behind because the very next day we are taking Dallas and JP to Orlando for a getaway! Dallas doesn't want to do Disney until she can really "DO" Disney, so we are going to go to Sea World and Universal Studios. I will post pictures of both of our trips to DC and Orlando...promise!!! Hope this finds you well, God bless you all!

Mom

Happy Easter

FriendOfDallas — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:10:00 GMT

Hello everyone,

I hope all had a nice Easter. The skies were sunny and beautiful! Dallas is doing very well these days. Her hair is growing so fast, I really feel that the wig will not be needed sooner than later. She looks like the old Dallas did - her color is back, her weight is near where it was before all this started and she just simply is acting more and more, dare I say - normal....

One of her BFF's, Perry is in town and I dropped them off at the movies yesterday. Later in the day, Dallas told me that was the most normal and regular she felt in a year. It was really good to see her be able to go to the mall and movies on her own, not having to be pushed in a wheel chair or not having to have dad make sure no one comes close to bumping her leg....

Dallas and grandpa go to Syracuse on Tuesday to have her "good" leg scanned. These scans will be reviewed by Doc Healy at Sloan. He will then determine when her surgery will need to take place. This procedure will be to actually stop the growth plate in her good leg from functioning. Since he could not save the same growth plate in her left leg, this will ensure that her legs will grow in balance to each other while using 3 growth plates in each leg instead of the 4 that all traditionally have.
This pending surgery has thrown a wrench into her Make a Wish plans for the summer. Dallas was granted the wish to meet the Jonas Brothers but their summer tour dates and her surgery do not match up. So, Dallas is pondering a new wish for this summer.

We have a full set of scans coming up the 3rd week of May, they will be looking at the new spot on her lung to verify it is gone and to give her a good look at head to toe - please continue to keep the prayers and positive mojo flowing.

Thank you to everyone that have been keeping in touch with us and checking in on us -

Bill I
(dad)

ps - this is for Perry's mom Chris, GO STEELERS!!

Checking in

FriendOfDallas — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:37:00 GMT

Hi all,

Sorry for the lag in posting - there has not been much to report as we have all been waiting for this past Monday's scans. Well - the ladies and grandpa made the trip to the city yesterday morning to see both Doc Healy and Doc Meyers and to have the CT scan. I got the call from the nurse yesterday evening with the scan results - the spot that we were all watching for 6 weeks is completely GONE!!!
I have to say - many, many prayers were said over the last 6 weeks, and they were all heard!!

The nurse did state that they see a new spot now in a different location on Dallas's lung but to not worry at all. It is most likely the same thing as the spot that disappeared - not anything to worry about! We will resume the tradition after care protocol and see both doctors in 2 months and do another round of scans at that time.

Kris believed the entire 6 weeks that there was nothing wrong with Dallas and that we had claimed her victory from cancer - and she was right!!

The ladies and grandpa were able to utilize the Corporate Angels program and fly down and back on the Corning jet. They left Corning at 7 am, flew to NYC, did all the testing, scans and doctor meetings and were back in Corning by 6pm. What an amazing program Corporate Angels run!!!

Dallas resumes her acting class tonight - it has been over a year since she last was able to participate. I will be sure to have Dallas add a post this week so all can hear from her first hand. Thank you all again for the prayers and positive mojo!!

Bill I
(dad)

Monday's scans

FriendOfDallas — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:44:00 GMT

Dallas was in the city on Monday for scans and such and to have her port removed on Tuesday. Well, things did not go as planned. The scans found a very small spot on her lung. This really has shaken us up!! Doc Healey said it is very small and that it most likely is nothing and can be anything but they do need to pay attention to it and act accordingly.
So - the game plan is to leave the port in and go back on March 23 to do another scan. After this scan, we should know what is going on. We are confident that it is nothing serious and we will continue to march forward with life as planned!!

Dallas was able to use her own words like a big girl and convince Doc Healey that she was indeed ready to make the move from the walker to her crutches at school. She provided the doc with a really good platform of reasons to why she is ready and he did give her the ok to do so. Dallas actually got a new wig as well, it is pink..... I really wish I could have seen her classmates on Wednesday when she returned to school with her crutches and a pink wig!!!!

Please keep all the prayers, positive mojo and well wishes flowing for Dallas.

Bill I
(dad)

Checking in

FriendOfDallas — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:37:00 GMT

Hello -

So, did anybody happen to catch the Super Bowl? GO STEELERS!!! Dallas wanted a Steeler game jersey so we got her one last week and she wore it all day Sunday. I always knew she was a smart kid!!

Dallas is doing really well these days. She has been spending the weekends in her bedroom upstairs and actually slept in her upstairs room last night. I think we are pretty close to moving her back up there for good and gaining our dining room back!! She can walk up and down the stairs on her own ( with the assistance of a crutch and handrail ) now but we limit this to only when I am not nearby to carry her up and down. Her hair continues to grow and soon will need to start thinking on how to style it and hopefully, maybe getting rid of the wig!
She has an appointment next Monday with Doc Healey and the team. She will get a full round of scans and such then on Tuesday she gets her port out!! This is a pretty big deal - this all started with her having the port "installed" now we end it with having it removed!!
Dallas really wants to shed the walker at school and use her crutches - we are leaving it up to her to address this with Doc Healey on her own. So, we will see if she gains the courage to have this important chat with the Doc.

I want to once again extend a great big huge thank you to all out there that have said prayers, sent kind words or games, puzzles, made blankets, hats, contributed to the fund and just simply thought of us and Dallas. Everyone out there really did make a big impact on all of us and helped us get to where we are today. It is truly sobering to even try to wrap my head around how great, kind, open and giving people can be when there is a true time of need!!!

Bill I
(dad)

All is well!

FriendOfDallas — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:28:00 GMT

All,

I haven't left an update in awhile so I thought I would share my thoughts.

Dallas' hair is starting to come in and she looks like Demi Moore in the movie "GI Jane"! It looks very cute and I wish I could pull it off! She also is starting to walk with crutches.

We are headed back to the city the second week in February for a round of scans and her port removal. We will also discuss some tests as she is going to require another surgery on the opposite leg sooner than later. Dr. Healey made the cadaver leg longer to anticipate growth and she has already grown into it. In fact she grew an inch during chemo and now we have to address the other leg before it becomes a problem. He did state he wanted to wait until summer but we have to do some special limb length tests to determine the actual sizes of both legs. The surgery to stop the growth on the other leg will leave her in a cast for 6 weeks so we are believing we can hold off until the summer so it doesn't interfere with school.

As for school she is back and started to come home with a smile towards the end of last week. The first two weeks were very hard for her and we can only pray that she finds strength to keep pushing forward. She kept commenting that her friends have changed but we all know that the truth is she has changed dramatically and may have a hard time fitting in until some of her innocence comes back!

All in all we are doing great and continue to feel blessed to have one another! I love her so much and I am so proud of her!

Much love,

Christine