Monthly Archives: April 2012

Dear Friends,

Update: The results of Michael’s recent surgery and chemo were not as good as hoped for. Michael’s cancer has returned at the sites of his surgeries and a new spot has emerged as well. Yesterday’s MRI confirmed that all are growing rapidly and no longer responding to treatment. The family had hoped to try and arrest the cancer with MIBG treatment – a high dose radiation protocol that requires the patient to be isolated in a lead lined room for 4-5 days with very limited exposure to caregivers and family members. Because of the advanced state of his cancer, and the risk to Michael and to his caregivers if something went wrong, the decision was made not to proceed.

It is with a very heavy heart that after a courageous two and a half year battle I tell you that Michael is in the end stages of his disease. He now has a matter of months left. The family has been told to expect perhaps another 2 months where he can manage some semblance of the life of a little boy. However there is no real way to predict the progression of his cancer.

Michael began experiencing significant pain in his left eye and extreme nausea on Wednesday and was admitted to Cook Children’s yesterday after the MRI to begin the process of pain management. They are giving him the strongest oral pain medication possible, and hoping to send him home some time today. The Malones are meeting with Hospice next week to begin the process so Michael can be at home this summer.

Kelley Schadt has extended the meal calendar for the family through August. If you would like to participate, here are the details:

To access Alison & Mike Malone’s personal CareCalendar site, visit http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/106872  and enter the following information in the appropriate spaces:

CALENDAR ID: 106872
SECURITY CODE: 6881

The meals have been extremely helpful for the family and they thank all of you for the support.

Alison and Mike are carefully planning Michael’s activities over the next two months. Alison and a few of her friends will be setting up a calendar and coordinating play dates for Michael during the month of May. They will be focusing on Michael seeing his friends and enjoying his favorite things.

The family cannot fully express their deep appreciate for your continued love, support, and assistance during this difficult journey. Thank you. Please keep the family very close to your hearts and pray for God’s peace and strength. Please pray for pain management for Michael and wisdom for the doctors as they carry him through the next few months.

If I may answer any questions, please do not hesitate to call me.

Many Thanks,
Evelyn Costolo
214.683.8511

Dear Friends,

UPDATE:  Michael was scheduled to begin MIBG this week.  However, it has been delayed due to a national drug shortage.  It will now be from April 30 – May 7.  Alison will take both children on the 30th and Mike will join them on May 4th.

Michael had another round of high dose chemotherapy in an attempt to keep the cancer at bay while waiting to begin MIBG treatment.

Scans were last week – CT scans, MRIs, MIBG scan and bone marrow biopsy.  The good news is that Michael’s bone marrow is negative.  The bad news is that there are currently three areas where they can see active cancer growth – the same left eye socket, the same T2/T3 area of the spine, and an area in the lower back. The radiologist who analyzes the scans in detail has not met with Michael’s oncologist, so we do not have specifics yet.  We do know that these three areas have grown quickly since his last scans in mid-February.

The plan as of today is to move ahead with MIBG as scheduled.  However, Michael’s oncologist is concerned because he cannot be treated for six weeks after MIBG, and the rapid growth of the active disease might require something additional in terms of treatment.  Will know more later this week.

Please keep the family in your prayers.  We need to pray for the doctors and Alison and Mike as they make decisions regarding Michael’s treatment.  Please also pray for their trip to and from Michigan, for the family while they support Michael during MIBG, and for success with the treatment.

Thank you all for your continued, unwavering support.

In Hope,
Evelyn Costolo
214.683.8511