The Cancer is Back – Friday March 9, 2012
Devastating news today.
For the last week Emily has had jaw pain and a numb chin and bottom lip. Today an MRI revealed a large neuroblastoma tumor in the right side of her jaw. There are no curative options for Emily.
Treatment options are aimed at controlling symptoms and managing her pain rather than curing the cancer. She will begin some radiation next week. The oncologist is unable to give an indication of how much time Emily has left – this is a week by week process and will depend on how she responds to treatments. Aggressive treatment is unavailable to Emily because of the initial treatment regime. We have all known that there would be no treatment options for Emily if her cancer was to return.
Emily knows that there is a lump in her jaw that she will be having treatment for (radiation to start next week). Kath and Gary have decided to tell her only what she needs to know to avoid any unnecessary anxiety or stress. Parents, please give careful consideration about what you tell your children as Emily’s ‘normality’ will be maintained for as long as possible (going to school, playing with friends…)
Kath and Gary would like a few days to reflect on this information. This blog is the best place to keep informed as we will be updating it regularly. All comments will be passed on.
Leona and Vanessa
We know that there’s nothing you can do or say at the moment. Please take the time to process this information in your own way and, when you feel ready, please comment as this is a huge support to Emily and those that love her.
Biunca, Sam & Pearl Berghuis
March 15, 2012 @ 10:36 pm
Dear Kath,
To say i hoping i would never hear the heart breaking news that the cancer had returned is a massive understatement. You must feel like your living your worst nightmare imagineable. Im so so so very sorry. I wish i was there to give you a massive cuddle. Your such an amazing person kath and i send all my love to you through this time.
Lots of love
Biunca xoxoxo
Christine Thomlinson
March 14, 2012 @ 6:24 pm
Dear Gary and Kath
We are so sorry to hear that Emily’s cancer has returned. Know that you are in our thoughts often.
Love to you all
Teena and Peter Thomlinson
Mike C (CQ)
March 12, 2012 @ 8:55 pm
Kath, Gary and family, thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Thank you for sharing your journey so honestly through this blog. As the hours become days and the days become weeks and each minute is banked in your hearts I pray for strength, courage, humility and wisdom for you all as you continue on the journey together. Thanks for letting us (Camp Quality) be part of that journey also. Love & Hugs Mike
KATHY
March 11, 2012 @ 9:54 pm
EMILY….
Our little boats set sail
On an unknown ocean-
And at this we are afraid
But we are a part of wonder.
The sea is bright with marvels,
the sky is awash with stars.
And we are alive in the midst of them.
So very unfair…….
Love always The Kesselers
Sonya Dean
March 11, 2012 @ 2:26 pm
Dear Kath and Woody,
I have no idea (for once!!)of what to say. I am completely gobsmacked by this news. As in the past, I am here for you, meals, babysitting whatever, just have the girls call me if im needed.
Love to you all,
Sonya Dean
Nic and Damon
March 11, 2012 @ 8:58 am
Kath, Gary and ur lovely family,
What do you say at this most unbelievable time. Our love is with your family!! If we can support you in any form we will. If its a shoulder, an ear, a meal or to mow the lawn we will.
I really have no words the explain what I’m feeling, so we can only but imagen what your family must be feeling. Stay strong.
Love and hugs
The Wilson family
Rachel Clements
March 11, 2012 @ 8:44 am
Our hearts are breaking and the tears are flowing for you guys! Emily is such an amazing girl and has fought so hard – this is just not right! Sending all our love and hugs to your beautiful family. Please let us know if there is anything at all we can do.
Duncan
March 10, 2012 @ 11:55 pm
I feel so sad that this has happened. Shortly afterward I feel angry and frustrated at the unfairness of such a thing. Then I feel powerless and sad again. And so it goes round and round …
Your whole family has been so brave in the face of obstacles far greater than any I have faced. I cannot say how proud I am to be your friend. It’s just so #$%* that you should have to face more trouble. It is devastating news that no one should have to deal with, but most especially not you guys.
Please know that we are both thinking of your incredible family often. If there is anything at all that we can do then just let us know, and it will be done.
All our love,
Duncan and Sarah
jo knighton and family
March 10, 2012 @ 10:56 pm
there are no words…..our love and thoughts to you all xx
Donna Chambers
March 10, 2012 @ 7:38 pm
Dear Kath and Family
Our thoughts are with you at this heartbreaking time. xxx We are here if you need anything. May the love and support of your family and friends hold and help you during this journeyxxx
Love Donna and Richard
Taylor Family
March 10, 2012 @ 4:17 pm
Words can not say how I am feeling at the moment. We are all thinking of you and all our love is being sent your way.
Emily keep that beautiful smile on your face and remember we all love you.
I wish there was something I could do to make this all go away.
Love
Melissa, Brian, Nicole and Aimee. xoxoxoxoxo
Lyndy Prendergast
March 10, 2012 @ 3:18 pm
Such sad sad news, thinking of you all, stay strong yet again…
All our love Lyndy, Barry, Alex and Brodie oxoxox
gareth
March 10, 2012 @ 2:46 pm
There are no words that can convey how sad we feel at the news. Its cruel and so unfair.
Thinking of you all
Gaz&Ruth
Margaret Mahon
March 10, 2012 @ 1:57 pm
Kath, Gary and all your beautiful family.
Along with yours my heart is breaking too at this news
we all hoped you would never have to face.
My thoughts,love,prayers and support are with you all.
Annie Bathurst
March 10, 2012 @ 1:41 pm
Just to devestating for words. To all of you, our thoughts and prayers are with you. As I write this my kids are fighting and it sounds good!!!
hugs to you all. xxx
The Schats
March 10, 2012 @ 11:41 am
Dearest Kath,
Words can’t fix how you are all feeling at the moment…. Our hearts are breaking for you all at the moment, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cherish every little moment x x
Mike and Tiina
March 10, 2012 @ 11:22 am
We’re thinking of you, Emily, Kath, Woody and family.
All our love & prayers
Mike, Tiina & family xxx
Krystle & melanee
March 10, 2012 @ 10:53 am
Love to you all, can’t believe this devestating news.
My tears keep flowing, I don’t know what to say other than be strong.
Love to you all x
Lynley Debonnaire
March 10, 2012 @ 10:53 am
Kath and Gary, So very sorry to hear the sad news.It is so hard to know what to say except that we are thinking of you all at this time. Give a call if there is anything I can do. I will keep in touch with Cherylynn. Our love thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time .Hugs and kissess to you all.
Lyn and Bob
Deanne Holland
March 10, 2012 @ 9:27 am
Oh how I wish I had a magic wand Kath, to make everything ok!
I send you all love, hugs and all the strength in the world to guide you thru this difficult time.
Lots of love
Deanne xx
Hayley serong
March 10, 2012 @ 9:19 am
I am thinking of you all as a read this with tears in my eyes, this is sooooo unfair and happening to such a lovely family I send all my hope and strength to you xxx
Korina
March 10, 2012 @ 9:12 am
Words escape me, I have tears streaming down my face. This sucks!!!!
Love, hugs and support to you all!!
Korina x
Kate and Josh
March 10, 2012 @ 8:56 am
My heart is so heavy and my mind filled with thoughts of your grief at this devestating news. Know that you won’t be alone through this journey. Xx
Shanda, Clayton and boys
March 10, 2012 @ 8:38 am
Thinking of you all. Sending hugs and kisses.
Wendy Booth
March 10, 2012 @ 8:35 am
Kath and Gary
I sit here in shock and the tears are streaming down my face. I had hoped with all my heart that I would not be grieving for you again, but life has just been so cruel once more. I am so sorry again.
I can hardly believe what I am reading, as that beautiful little girl who grinned at me so cheekily last weekend with Jaime- how so much can change in 6 days…
All my love and strength to you all
Wendy Booth
The Watsons
March 10, 2012 @ 8:03 am
We were so very sorry to hear this news. All of our thoughts are with Emily and her family.
If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to give us a shout. You know where we are
Neil, Emma, Scott, Sadie
xxxxxxxx
Briana Hurford (CQ)
March 10, 2012 @ 2:38 am
Thinking of you emily and family, sending my love, thoughts and prayers xoxoxoxo
Tania
March 10, 2012 @ 1:33 am
Kath, Gary and your beautiful family,
There are absolutely no words to express the sadness I feel after reading this blog and talking to Mum and Nona. I am so, so, so sorry to hear this and just want to let you know we are all thinking of you.
Lots of love
Tania, Matt and Mikayla.
Dianne R
March 10, 2012 @ 12:29 am
Thinking of you all at this time. x