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Eric Sullivan - Journal

Read Entries & Updates

 

Posted 2021-05-08T17:39:17Z

SLC Bound, again.

We have finally heard from Eric's care team, and he will be officially starting treatment on Tuesday. He has some other appointments on Monday, so we will be driving to SLC on Sunday. We have had a good week or so at home to rest and recover. We were fortunate to be able to spend some time with family and friends; some time on the trails; and were able to just enjoy some down time. [...]

Posted 2021-04-28T17:19:50Z

Connections

We are in awe of the connections that have positively impacted our journey. 
We have received so much help from so many strangers, near-strangers, friends of friends, and long lost contacts over the past few weeks it is hard to ignore. The world works in mysterious ways. 
A former student of mine from almost 20 years ago greased the wheels on getting me to the U of Utah hospitals and has helped take care of Johnanna and me.  Who does that for a former high school teacher?!  
A former Carroll professor now works for the Huntsman Cancer Institute and helped connect us with our team. 
 
A couple of former professors from Carroll College have lent us their house and their car for the week. We never officially worked together and only know each other professionally—  But they did it anyway out of the kindness of their hearts.  
Neighbors and friends of these professors have gone out of their way to make us feel welcomed and comfortable in SLC; offered a house as a place to crash while I get treatment; given us a ride to the airport.  Unbelievable.   
Carroll students have gone out of their way to donate money, walk our dogs, bring us flowers, and more. 
Former Carroll students have helped arrange rides, donated money, purchased support bands, and keep checking in on me. 
A friend has a former student who will be one of my radiation therapists during my treatment. [...]

Posted 2021-04-28T13:13:48Z

Meal train

Many people have asked if they can bring us meals. Eric’s colleague and friend John Rowley has set up this organizing site. If you are interested in helping us with meals, please check out the link below! 
Thanks! eric and Johnanna[...]

Posted 2021-04-28T02:20:50Z

Update from Salt Lake City

After a couple of intense days filled with multiple office visits, testing, and procedures, Eric and I are heading home to Helena tomorrow for a short respite prior to beginning treatment. Unfortunately after all of these appointments, procedures, and bloodwork, we don't really know any new information. We are in the process of screening Eric for the clinical trial, which unfortunately means more waiting. [...]

Posted 2021-04-23T17:34:55Z

A Diagnosis

During Eric's surgery a few weeks ago, the majority of his tumor was removed; however, a few areas of concern were not removed. We've been waiting for what feels like a lifetime and yesterday Eric and J were able to meet with the University of Utah Oncology team. They were able to confirm that Eric's tumor diagnosis is in fact a Glioblastoma Wild Type. This type of tumor is a malignant, very aggressive, brain tumor. With their Oncology team, Eric and J discussed a number of treatment options. But, before any final treatment decisions are made, we'll allow Eric time to heal from surgery. [...]

Posted 2021-04-22T01:54:02Z

Waiting.....

We thought that we would update you with where we are in this process. We are waiting.....waiting......waiting.....not so patiently.

We have a couple of appointments scheduled for tomorrow where hopefully the final treatment plan can be decided upon and we will have the clearance to start radiation and chemo. Once we know the final treatment plan and time frame, we will be able to solidify our plans. We are both nervous for the appointments tomorrow as well as apprehensive for what that information may mean. [...]

Posted 2021-04-16T00:05:17Z

Update from Salt Lake City

Eric and I met with his oncology team for the first time this morning. Dr. Colman and his team are very personable, knowledgeable, and caring. As scary as it was walking into the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI), everyone we encountered made it much easier. We completed some preliminary planning with his oncology team, have a rough plan pieced together, and are still waiting for some very specific genetic sub-typing of his tumor before proceeding with treatment which will most likely be an aggressive radiation and chemotherapy combination however the results of the pending tests will hopefully allow a few more treatment options.[...]