Praising Jesus all the day long! Princeton finally started the bone marrow transplant process.
Monday and Tuesday he received Palefermin, which is given to reduce the severity of mucusitus associated with chemo.
He also tested negative for the Parainfluenza virus, Monday. Wednesday morning he was admitted to All Children's Hospital
in Saint Petersburg. Today Princeton will start a 4 day cycle of high dose chemo. The chemo is 3 to 7 times harder
than any of the other chemos he has experienced thus far. After 4 days of continuous chemo, he will have 3 days of rest
followed by the actual bone marrow transplant. The chemo and pre-medicating is all a part of the transplant process.
There are many complications that can result from the intensity of the chemo and transplant, but we are believing for another
miracle. We are earnestly praying Princeton will handle the entire process well and his body will respond better than
it has previously.
God has proven Himself over and over. Although we do not know why the bone
marrow transplant was continually delayed, we see a tremendous blessing. All the tests that were originally done after
Princeton's sixth round of chemo indicated he had a Good Partial Response to the treatment. However, because the bone
marrow transplant had been delayed for so long, the tests had to be repeated last week. God showed how awesome He is
again! The tests came back even better, putting Princeton in the Very Good Partial Response category. He is going
into the transplant strong and full of energy. Praise the Lord!
Please stand with us in faith and prayer
that Princeton would not undergo any major complications during the chemo and bone marrow transplant and that he will remain
strong and healthy. He is considered high risk for viruses and infections due to the Parainfluenza virus. He is
also considered high risk based on his past history of complications with chemo therapy. We pray he will not have a
severe case of mucusitis, a lot of nausea, and that his liver, kidneys and heart will be able to withstand the harsh treatment.
We also ask you would pray for our family as we are entering the most intense part of Princeton's entire treatment
regiment against the cancer. This is the first time we will be separated for about 6 weeks. Children under the
age of 12 are not allowed to enter the transplant room. Therefore, Ocean will not be permitted in the room for the entire
time Princeton is admitted. Also, Princeton will be in total isolation for the 6 weeks. He may have visitors,
but they must wear a gown, mask and gloves. It will be difficult as Ocean and Princeton have a special bond and we are
used to always being together as a family.
In addition, please pray for us as parents. It is
very difficult to watch Princeton go through so much. We are reminded of Abraham and Isaac. God asked Abraham
to sacrifice his son, Isaac, so he could build faith and character in Abraham. Knowing Isaac was God's son first, he
complied with God's request. Abraham took Isaac to Mount Moriah to be sacrificed. Unfortunately, Isaac did not
know that was why they were going to the Mount. Because of Abraham's faithfulness though, God spared Isaac and fulfilled
His promises to Abraham above and beyond. This is similar to our situation. At times we feel as though we are
deceiving Princeton, because he does not understand all that he is going through. However, for his best interest, we
have to allow him to go through certain things to ensure the cancer is completely gone and reduce any possibilities for relapse.
Every time God called Abraham's name, he replied "Here I am." We are asked to respond in the same manner.
Through this journey we are allowing God to do a work in and through us. He has great plans for what is to come from
all Princeton and our family is experiencing. We praise God in advance for His endless mercies and granting us the opportunity
to seek His goodness. James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you
may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Many of you have graciously inquired about things Princeton
may need or want and where to send things. Below is a list of some ideas and where to send items. Thank you for
your support and remembering Princeton.
Gift Ideas: interactive toys
books puzzles and games art and craft projects
photo album/scrap book gas cards restaurant gift cards
these are just a few ideas.......
Address: Princeton Bryan, room #760
All Children's Hospital 501 6th Avenue South St. Pete, FL 33701
Princeton was diagnosed
with Stage IV Neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer, in December 2011 at the age of 2.
At diagnosis, the cancer had metastizized and was found throughout his body. He underwent 15 months of intensive treatment
at Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital, Orlando Florida. His treatment consisted of 6 rounds of high dose chemotherapy, 10
surgeries, a stem cell transplant, 12 rounds of radiation and 6 cycles of immunotherapy. The treatment was grueling and
difficult for Princeton's small body to handle. He finished treatment in March 2013. June 2013, Princeton relapsed. He
again underwent 6 rounds of chemotherapy and 12 rounds of radiation. He went into remission in April 2014.We
know God is greater than cancer and will cure him of this disease. We are reminded in Jeremiah 30:17 "But I will
restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord." God is the great physician and we know He will
get the glory! Thank you in advance for your prayers.
This website is designed to keep you
informed on Princeton's progress and make donations to the family. Treating Neruoblastoma is a full time job that requires
long periods of hospital stays and travel. Because this form of cancer is aggressive the treatment also has to be
aggressive. The family appreciates your support and donations.