Updates on Ryan

Hello Friends and Family!  This seems to be the best way to keep everyone up to date on Ryan’s progress, although I apologize that it may feel impersonal.  Thank you so much for your support, prayers, assistance, and most of all, for your positive energy, as Ryan begins his journey toward remission and recovery.

Ryan drew this at Institut Curie with his adorable volunteer art teacher, Marine

On Monday, January 11th, 5 weeks ago, Ryan pointed to a lump on his neck, and an hour later, we saw my family practitioner here in Paris.  She immediately ordered blood tests, an ultrasound, and a chest x-ray, and based on those results, referred us to a highly regarded pediatrician.  He saw us quickly, and he ordered a CAT scan to confirm what was looking like Hodgkins Lymphoma.

With those results in hand, we were referred to the Insitut Curie, a renowned oncology hospital located in the historic Latin Quarter of Paris.  Their pediatric oncology team acted quickly and ordered the last of the required tests, including a PET scan, to confirm Hodgkins.  They admitted Ryan for a surgical biopsy of his neck, his spleen, and his pelvic bones.  While in surgery, they also inserted a catheter under the skin in Ryan’s chest through which they could eventually administer intravenous medications and take blood tests.

The following Monday, February 1st, Ryan began his first course of chemotherapy to treat what is now officially diagnosed as Hodgkins Lymphoma.  His disease-fighting medications include Vincristine, Etoposide, Prednisone, and Adriamycine, and he takes a series of pills each day to fight side effects such as bone and joint pain, nausea, and stomach cramps.

Ryan has had a few simple setbacks, but we’re learning, that happens.  A blood clot developed near his catheter, which requires Ryan to administer (all by himself!) a daily shot of blood thinner in his leg.  The results of his PET scan showed some questionable energy in Ryan’s pelvic bones, so a follow-up MRI was ordered, which confirmed enough activity in his bones to definitely say Ryan will require 6 months of chemotherapy.  And thanks to the dreaded Vincristine, Ryan suffered an excruciating case of lock jaw, which has been overcome by cutting his dosage of “The Vinc” in half.

Needless to say, our French has greatly improved over the past few weeks, but we’ve also learned a whole new international language: Chemo Speak.

Ryan has maintained his positive attitude, his hilarious sense of humor, and his killer good looks.  Two days ago, he started losing his hair, so Steve broke out the clippers and buzzed him.  Needless to say, the French babes are still crazy for him.

Ryan has an extraordinary group of friends, who have been incredibly supportive since the beginning of this challenge.  While he does manage to get to school from time to time (really!), they stay in contact with him through Skype and X-Box, join him for trips to the hospital, tutor him, and make sure he stays current with his schoolwork.  Likewise, the staff and teachers at Marymount are compassionate, dedicated, thorough, and prayerful, and they are doing everything possible to ensure Ryan graduates with his 8th Grade class in June.  Coach Barbeau has even held a spot for Ryan to “co-coach” his basketball team in Lisbon, Portugal later this Spring!

Steve and I are also fortunate to have a core, loyal group of friends here in Paris - American and French - who constantly come to our rescue.  During the first 3 weeks of this experience, the French taxi drivers decided to strike, followed by the Uber drivers, then the private chauffeurs and black car drivers.  Streets were a mess, especially around our apartment at Porte Maillot (the manifestation capital of Paris).  Our friends with cars quickly rearranged their schedules and brought us everywhere we needed to go!  That is, when we weren’t taking the Metro, because Ryan insisted on being a super hero.  His docs have since put the kibosh on his Metro days, which is fine by me, because we were switching at Chatelet, and have you switched at Chatelet?

I’m also thankful to our friends who have committed to bringing us meals.  I never realized how little time I’d have left in my days after chemo and medical tests.  When we come home after a long day at the hospital and there is a meal waiting for us, whether just cooked or frozen, it is like a slice of heaven.

Ryan's brother, Blaise has been very concerned and very supportive, as well.  He is now a junior at Valley Forge Military Academy in Pennsylvania, and we are so proud of him for staying positive with Ryan and getting his work done there in the USA.  He loves to Skype with his brother and see/hear that he is doing OK.  Blaise will be back to Paris during his Spring Break in just a few weeks, from March 19 - 28.  These two guys really can't wait to see each other!

Same goes for Ryan's stepbrothers, Matt, Steven, Pat and Tom, and his stepsister, Hannah, who all inquire about him constantly.  We know they have him in their thoughts and prayers, and we miss them here in Paris.

Christmas Day, 2015 - Pat, Steven, Ryan, Hannah, Blaise, Tom, and Matt

Christmas Day 2015

Ryan’s prognosis is excellent.  Hodgkins Lymphoma is a very curable disease, and the chemotherapy protocol has proven well over 90% (99%?) effective in young, healthy guys like Ryan.  The next few months will have difficult moments, but when all is said and done, Ryan will be as good as new, taking no prisoners, and kicking butt on the soccer field by autumn.

We are grateful for everyone’s prayers and positive energy, support and help, and we will share Ryan’s progress with you on this page whenever time allows.

À bientôt!