April 28, 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