Elisa was first diagnosed with Lung Cancer 4 years ago, and had the impacted lobe removed.  We hoped cancer wouldn’t return, especially with her prophylactic surgeries.  Elisa had a double mastectomy, and her ovaries removed.  She did this not out of selfishness, but to make sure she would be around for her family.  Despite this, Elisa was just diagnosed with Lung Cancer again.  This time it is not localized as it was years ago.  This time the cancer has at least spread to her pelvic bone, spine, lymph nodes, and in her lungs.  Elisa has done radiation therapy, and immunotherapy within this last year.  Now the cancer has progressed, and she has moved strictly to Chemotherapy.Elisa also has the BRCA-2 gene which ironically has nothing to do with Lung Cancer. 

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Sarah and Daniel were diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia, (FA) in 2012.  Fanconi Anemia essentially causes Bone Marrow failure, and usually causes cancer.  FA is bad enough on its own, however they have the BRCA-2 gene which intensifies the dangers for these two little ones.  Both Sarah and Daniel both must have regular check-ups to ensure their bone marrow is healthy, and remain cancer free.  Both have to have bone marrow biopsy’s every 6 months.  Daniel has been in the hospital many times for surgeries mainly due to his one functioning kidney being diseased.  Daniel has to be catheterized every three hours and is on multiple medications to keep him healthy and strong.  Sarah recently developed a brain tumor.  Thank God it is benign at this point, but given the fact that over 97% of FA children with the BRCA-2 gene have cancer by age seven, we are very concerned.  Overall both children are healthy, and we are grateful to be only hours away from Cincinnati Children’s hospital for their care. 

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Kyle has been fighting migraines and has developed insomnia.  It’s no wonder with all the stress in our family.  He is working actively to figure out how to cope with his ailments and is making progress.  He’s stopped working for now and is doing his best to catch up on his school work.

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Anthony has been diagnosed with an undetermined autoimmune disease.  Most of the time he manages, but frequently has pain in his left leg.  He also has the BRCA-2 gene. 

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Ryan is healthy.  Thank God!  That being said, it is not easy for him to be the only healthy person in the family.