Change of Plans...

Hi friends and family,

Sorry we haven't posted much lately. Nick's doc's have been going back and forth a little on next steps and I think we've finally settled on a plan. Nick is going to forego radiation and move forward with his liver resection as a next step. This is an important piece of Nick's path to a cure so it's very encouraging news that his docs want to go ahead with the surgery. We will let everyone know once it's scheduled.

In other news, Happy Birthday Shannon!!! 15 - start planning your MTV Sweet Sixteen now! Nick and I love you very much and hope you have a very special birthday tomorrow.

Tracy and I are in Portland right now. T interviewed at OHSU yesterday for a dermatology residency so we've made a long weekend out of it. We're staying at The Nines and have had an AWESOME experience here so far. Lots of shopping, eating and visiting. We just had fresh baked cookies delivered to our room:) Plus, we got to see Clover on her first birthday today - happy birthday little Clo!




Nick and I will do our best to keep you all updated on next steps re: surgery.

Lots of love!

Sally

Welcome to the Jungle...

We have two new additions to our crib...

Benicio del Toro or "Benny": Benny is 5 months old and a complete maniac. He and Pirate are already BFFs and have been chasing each other around the house since we brought Benny home on Sunday.

And "Goose": Goose is Benny's mom. She is a year old and isn't much bigger than Benny but is way more chill.

We weren't sure if Pirate would be jealous. He seems to think it's the best thing that's happened since Tracy and Andy showed up with Snausages at Christmas...

Funks and New Years Eve

Happy New Year everyone! I can't say I'm sad to see 2009 come to an end...it's about time!

We're expecting a lot of great things in 2010, including the addition of baby Elliot to the family. The Funks have been visiting since December 27th and it's been great having them here.

Here are a few pics from their visit and from our New Year's Eve party...

In other news, Nick met with his liver surgeon again a couple of days ago and it looks like he's a candidate for a liver resection (great news!). They want him to do 5-6 weeks of radiation first, followed by 6 weeks of recovery so we're potentially looking at surgery ~3 months from now. They plan to reverse Nick's ileostomy when they do the resection too so we might be saying "goodbye" (and "good riddance") to Stanus. We'll keep everyone posted on developments.

Wising you all a happy, healthy New Year.

Love,

Nick, Sally, Tracy, Andy & Elliot

Merry Christmas!!

The very happiest holiday wishes go out to all Stanus followers! This is guest blogger, Sister Suzie.

Mom, myself, and Jesse drove up two days before Christmas to spend the holiday with Nick and Sally. It has been many years since we have all been together so it has been a Christmas Miracle!!

All is well and we've really lucked out with bluebird skys and mild temperatures. Presents were opened in the morning and tonight we will have a huge feast with guests, Chendy.

I'll be sad to leave, but looking forward to making plans to get back up! Love to all and may your NEW YEAR be happier and healthier!!

Thanks Dominally!

Ct Results

Hello all,

Just wanted to pass along the latest information from yesterday's CT scan. After 8 rounds of chemo, there is no new evidence of cancer. A couple spots that were on the liver have disappeared and what is left are one small spot on the liver and one slightly enlarged lymph node. According to the scan, those two spots appear to be calcified, basically hardened cells that are not multiplying as normal metastatic cancer cells would. So, it could be said that there is no evidence of active disease, which is great news. Therefore the plan, is for me to finish my chemo with another two rounds, and in the meantime consult with the liver surgeon to decide how to deal with those two spots and from there I might be lucky enough to say goodbye to stanus and resume normal pooping procedures. Like usual we'll keep posting the cancer news, as well as the usual regarding our daily lives. Thanks for continuing to check in on us and take care.

Nick and Sally

Charger Power

Hey All,

I got down to San Diego a couple weekends ago for the Chargers 50th Anniversary Celebration. Not only was it a fun football weekend, but I also got to spend some quality time with the family. Dan, Jeri, Ryan, Shannon, Suzie, Jessie, aunts, uncles, and cousins all got to do some catching up. Sunday we watched as the Chargers beat up the Chiefs. On Saturday we took a little driving tour around town, visiting some of the old haunts, prior to a Suzie Boozy Floozy Birthday dinner. On Friday night we were down in the gas lamp at the Chargers block party, hanging with some of
Pop's old teamates, cheerleaders and Captain Morgan. Enjoy the pics.

Thanksgiving

Just wanted to share some pics from Thanksgiving. We had quite the feast with Chad, Wendy, Torrey and Katy. Also - thanks Wendy and Katy for looking in on Pi while we were gone! You guys are lifesavers...