Since there is no good way to give bad news, we'll just say it.
On June 18th, we had to go to the ER with Vincent because of head pains. Ended up that Vincent had developped hydrocephalus. They did an emergency surgery to put a shunt in. The following day, the doctors met us to tell us that, on the scan they took for the surgery, they could see that the tumor had grown despite the radiotherapy, ie it was resistant to treatment. They also told us that their pathologist had reviewed the biopsy from the first surgery( which was done at another pediatric hospital in Montreal) and had changed the classification of the tumor to a grade 4, the most aggressive type. They told us that there is nothing more that they could do for Vincent and transferred him to hospice care (palliative care). So Vincent is now at home with us, and slowly deteriorating. We have decided to stop radiotherapy since, if it did anything, it would only prolong the decline.
For the first few weeks after the surgery for the shunt, he did't get out of bed, sleept most of the time, and practically didn't eat. We are now trying to keep the most serene atmosphere around him. The past few days have been good, he has been able to get out of bed, eat more, go outside to enjoy the sun and spend time with us. There is no way to know what is ahead, so we now live in the "here and now", enjoying every few bits of happiness possible with him. Please do keep praying for him.
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3 comments:
Vincent, Louise, Alain, Thierry, and Anka,
I'm so sorry that it has taken so long to get a message to you. I have been following your progress over the last several months, but I haven't been able to create an account to e-mail you back. I need your computer expertis!! I finally was able to get a hold of Marian(josh's grandmother) and she helped me create an account. I'm glad to here that you have been able to get outside. Hopefully your weather north of the border has been better than ours. We have had rain on and off for the last couple of weeks. It doesn't slow Charlotte down, she still chases the chipmunks rain or shine.
I want to let you know that our thoughts and prays are with you daily.
love Judi, Gabi, Izzy and Jacob
We are devastated to hear of your newest prognosis. We really don't know how to respond or what to say. We are glad that you are able to be home with your family and are able to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Jessie, Zack and Josh are at the campground for the summer and this weekend they are celebrating "Christmas in July". Our thoughts and prayers are for you and your family everyday.
Love from all your friends here "south of the border".
I hope you remember me, Jacqui Hibell, Aaron's mum, from Foremarke and Mrs. Blackburn's class. I felt I had to e-mail you as I have just found out that Vincent is really poorly. Nicola Boyle has just given me the web address (I have also sent you an e-mail but am not sure I have got a current address for you).
We were all really shocked and greatly saddened by the fact that Vincent is so poorly. Aaron really wishes to be remembered to Vincent and to say 'hello'. I just wanted to let you know that we are all thinking about you at this very difficult time. We have often thought about you and how you are all getting on in Canada but obviously never expected this - it's just a shame that we didn't get in contact sooner.
As I say we just wanted to touch base with you and to let you know we are thinking about you.
With all our best wishes,
Jacqui, Greg, Aaron, Elliot and Jessica (Hibell).
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