"Surgery went well. Dr. Gallie took a picture with the prosthetic in. It looks good. And now he is basically cancer free! We are waiting to go see him in recovery. He will have a big bandage for a few days."
Thomas and Leslie both as beautiful as ever!
Side note: When Leslie above says, "basically cancer free" this does not mean Thomas is cured from cancer, unfortunately. Retinoblastoma will continue to rage it's battle on sweet Thomas. So long as he is growing, new tumors will develop in his other eye. But, now that they know about the cancer, he will be monitored closely by the Dr.'s. Any new tumors that form will be treated with a laser while they are in their infancy state, before they cause vision loss, or before they spread. This is still a long road... Removal of the eye and the major tumor he had is a great step to reducing the risk of any more major setbacks for Thomas. Just thought I would clarify that. Not trying to put a damper on the happy sweet faces above. :)
We don't know you but follow the truth365. We're an LDS family makin our way slowly in NYC. Just want to let you know we will be keeping your little, beautiful family in our prayers. The Lord has a plan for us and His plan for you is great! Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteThese boys have Willis ancestry- William Wesley Willis
DeleteWell originally we're from Pocatello Idaho. My father in law is named Howard Willis and has one brother still there. I don't know if a relation or not lol! But bless your grand kids and their children at this time. I truly will keep them in my prayers. My youngest daughter (my blog is very outdated) was very sick in September with a cancer scare and we were lucky enough that it was something else. These cancer babies are all special to me and my heart aches for them and heir parents. If we can do anything besides fasting and prayers.please let us know. I'd be happy to send a Yankee package if there are any New York Yankee fans out that way :) I'm on Facebook too under Andra Koch Willis. Good luck to your family!
DeleteI do not know you personally, but discovered your story and blog via the truth365 and wanted to reach out to you. My family experienced pediatric cancer when my cousin was diagnosed at age 2 1/2. You and your family, especially Thomas, Mason and Luke, are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI just read your blog and wanted to let you know our family is praying for yours. My daughter Lela was dianosed with RB at 6 weeks old and she had her eye removed at 7 weeks old. I would love to talk or email if you need someone to talk to that has walked this road. Lela's FB page is https://www.facebook.com/groups/264211630336047/ or you can email me at mandymoodyart@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteJust noticed I was logged in to my husbands accounts I'm Mandy Moody. Sorry about that.
ReplyDeleteHi, I found your story through The Truth365. My son was diagnosed with retinoblastoma at 7 months of age. He is now almost 3, and is still battling on.
ReplyDeleteHe's been through 4 rounds of systemic chemo, 3 rounds of intra-arterial, 5 rounds of intravitreal, and I've long since lost Count of how many treatments
with laser and cryotherapy. I had the same cancer when I was Little, but was misinformed about the heredity. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that
there's a support Group for moms of Children with retinoblastoma on facebook, called Rb
Moms. We all live with a lot of the same questions and worries, and sometimes it helps to have someone else to talk to who is Walking the walk. You
and your Little ones will be in my thoughts. Best of luck with Everything. Love and light to you. /Helene
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI seen your story through Truth 365! We have a 5 year old fighting leukemia. This O' so rare thing called cancer sucks! I also seen you two met at BYU being From Utah and living just minutes away I wanted to reach out to you guys! I will be praying for your family!
I am glad surgery is over and Thomas came through with flying colors. I pray his recovery goes well and you continue to feel His presence blessing you with peace, comfort, strength, and healing.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Janet
COLE'S Prayer Team
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI found your story through the Parents Against Childhood Cancer(PAC2) group. I also saw that you met at BYU and didn't know if you still live in Utah. I live in Utah and I am the chair of Utah's division of American Childhood Cancer Organization(ACCO). I just wanted to let you know if you live in Utah I can offer some help with educational materials or support systems of other families who have a child with cancer. I too, had a child with cancer-just a different type(Neuroblastoma). I just mainly wanted to reach out to you and send some love, prayers, and strength your way. You can also check us out on our website if you wish... acco.org/utah and if you live outside of Utah, you can find a local chapter/division on the national website acco.org. I hope all is well and take care.
What a sweet little boy. I am amazed at the faith you and Richard have and the example you are to the rest of us. You are all continually in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteAwe Leslie and Richard ... I know it was such a hard decision to take out Thomas's eye, its heartbreaking to think about. I admire you both for your courage and strength. I looked at that darling picture of Thomas (a couple of posts below, he has the blue blanket draped over his head) last night before I went to sleep because I knew what was happening this morning. I couldn't help but cry and think how adorable and precious he is. I think one of the reasons this kind of trial is so hard is because you look at your babies and they look angelic and perfect. We can't see the cancer and we can't tell by looking at them that something is wrong. We are so grateful Richard was curious when he first discovered Mason's eye, so that these treatments could be done as soon as they were. Hang in there guys! Love and Hugs from Texas!
ReplyDeleteYou both look amazing and i so admire the strength that you have :) praying for u daily.
ReplyDeleteTerri
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI'm a reporter with CTV Lethbridge and interested in sharing your story with our viewers across the country. We've all been thinking about you guys and hoping things are going well. If you have some time do you mind emailing me? kaella.carr@bellmedia.ca Thanks!
I am so glad surgery went well, love the pictures. Well wishes for Thomas in recovery. Also hoping for the best for your other little guys.
ReplyDeleteLeslie,
ReplyDeleteI feel awful because although I was praying for your boys these last few days, I hadn’t been on to check for an update until today. I will continue to pray for your boys. If you ever need to vent, feel free to vent to me. I’m sorry that you’re going down this hard road and have already had to make difficult decisions. Sending love from Utah <3
Just wanted you to know that we shared your story on Parenting Multiples FB page and many of our members are offering their prayers and support -Sarah : https://www.facebook.com/parentingmultiples/posts/10200509095249878?notif_t=like
ReplyDeleteSending prayers and love from nebraska! <3 a mommy of twins!
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking of Thomas and his family all day today. I'm so glad everything went well! What a sweet little face.
ReplyDeleteI was heartbroken to read your post today and that Thomas was scheduled for surgery. It brought back so many memories. Our daughter too lost her right eye to bilateral RB at about the same age. At the time we wondered if we were doing the right thing. Things happened so fast. We found out it was cancer one day and 12 hours later her eye was removed. I can tell you now that it was the right thing, and we don't regret that decision. Take care as you move through these next few years of EUAs and checks. Along the way you will find opportunities to laugh and feel joy. Take lots of pictures. Now 8 years later we rely on those pictures to remind us of our daughter's journey. Please email if you have any questions along the way. kariquino@aol.com
ReplyDelete