Wednesday, October 29, 2008

From Lenina: Tristan's Mom

Day 2 of Chemo - yesterday wasn't so bad, but today has been rough. We are at Children's hospital as I write this and we have another hour or so to go before they will send him home. Tristan looks very pale and weak and is feeling nauseated but they are treating him with several different nausea drugs. It is so very hard to see him this way. I know that chemotherapy is virtually poisoning his body but it seems to have sucked the life force out of him too. We are so lucky that we only have a few months of this - we've been told that some kids have to do chemo for 24 months. This is not how I'd envisioned his teenage years...but due to this amazing medical technology, he will most certainly get to celebrate his sweet 16 in February. Although a 16th birthday is noteworthy for every kid...it will have very special meaning for Tristan and all who love him because at that point, most of the brain cancer treatment will be behind us.

8 comments:

Ghost said...

Tristan,
We will pray regarding the nausea and healing. If you tell your brother to quit jumping on the bed so much, it might help!
Your website is great. Skating/hockey at our neighborhood lake was a winter highlight for us back in Indiana as a boy. You must be a "tough guy", especially hanging out with the AVs.
Let me know when you are ready for a Harley-Davidson ride (your parents will get over it).....:) My boy had a head-on with a red Volvo station wagon on the bike they gave us (God bless 'em)and he is in law school now......I think it may have helped him!
Ghost

Mile High Multisport said...

T & family: I've seen you overcome a lot in your young life. I'm confident you will over come this as well. NOTHING SPLENDID HAS EVERN BEEN ACHIEVED EXCEPT BY THOSE WHO DARED BELIEVE THAT SOMETHING INSDIE OF THEM WAS SUPERIOR TO CIRCUMSTANCE. Bruce Barton

Deborah Cullins Smith said...

Don't know how I missed out on this bit of news in our family grapevine.... but tonight is the first I've heard about all this. Tristan, you will be in my prayers, and I'll be sure to have my church praying as well. God is big enough to fix anything, so we'll trust Him with your health.

I'll be watching for updates, sweetie. Rest and get well.
Love from Cousin Deb

Kim Masitti said...

Hey Tristan. Nikita's Mom here. Sorry you aren't feeling well, but just think of how the cancer is feeling! Our neighbor has cancer and is going through her second round of Chemo after radiation, everyone is different, but she said it gets better and doesn't feel as sick. She even bowls on 2 leagues with me every Monday and Thursday. We are on an over 70 league. We are the youngest players. We do not have the highest averages. Sad, isn't it? :o)
I'll tell Nikita about your blog. Nice pictures. That one hockey player's face looked terrible! Yikes! Keep your mask on.

Mrs. Masitti (formal, isn't it?)

Ron said...

Ga Day Tristan,

Sending you major prayers and best wishes from "Down Under" in Melbourne, Australia. You hang in there, mate. Stay strong and be positive. You're an inspiration to all of us. Good on ya...

Cheers,

Ron Wyckmans

Diana Smith said...

Tristan,
You are a "special" child of God, and HE is the Great Healer. We pray for you constantly. We love you very much.
Grandpa and Grandma Smith

Unknown said...

Tristan,

You don't know me, but I know your mom through her tireless activism. She has been telling us your story via email, and I wanted to lend my support. I once spent a month in the hospital, and it is damn hard time. But you will make it through with flying colors! You hockey guys are tough!

Sincerly,
Brett Moore

Bill M. said...

Tristan:

Your Mom said you remember me from a few years back so you know I won't be easy on you. First, I am concerned that your spelling is slipping. Colorado Avalanche is spelled "L-O-S-E-R". Winner is spelled "D-A-L-L-A-S-S-T-A-R-S". Don't tell me that because you are sick that you have forgotten the basics.

Secondly, I am concerned because it looks like you PhotoShopped in the pics of the Avs with you. If you were going to do that you should have picked some real hockey players like Modano, Morrow, or Turco--guys who really know how to play the game rather than some posers.

Anyway, know that we have you on the Texas prayer list. I am personally torn, however, because I don't know if I should pray that you get well first or if you see the light and become a Stars fan and forsake the Avs. OK. I guess I'll pray that you get well first.

In all seriousness Tristan, my wife and and some other family members have had cancer and it's a pain. The real answer is found in the life found through Jesus Christ. This world dishes out some crappy circumstances but the real life--the one in and with Jesus--is what our real hope should be. Hockey players know how to play with pain and what real toughness is all about. Hang tough and we'll be praying that you get out of the penalty box and back into the game.