See Casey's New Website: www.caseybecker.com
Casey's Golf Tournement February 9th
In checking with Nick Jones today it looks like the golf tournement is filling up fast, with some teams on a possible "wait list". Nick and buds Greg Merritt and Matt England have asked the golf club to try to get more carts to accommodate those teams. Keep in mind we had a time change to an 8:00 registration and 9:00 start. Nick says everything else has been done and they are ready to go! See you on the links.
Appointment with Dr Karen Fink Thursday, January 24, 2008
Notes from Dad:
Casey had is meeting with Dr Karen Fink, Neuro-oncologist this morning. She impressed me, and I think Casey, Ashleigh and Dyan as well. We found out in the waiting room talking to other patients that she came to Baylor from UT Southwestern where she worked closely with Dr Mickey, who was highly recommended as a surgeon but couldn’t see Casey for a second opinion until the Friday after his scheduled surgery. It seems Dr Mickey still refers patients to Dr Fink even though she is now at Baylor.
First, Dr Fink’s PA put Casey through a series of physical and mental tests which he passed very well. When Dr Fink came in, we had a lengthy discussion about Casey’s case. She was thorough. One thing that surprised me was that she said there isn’t a grade 1 for adults; just children. Dyan asked her what the long term would bring, and she replied that if you read the statistics, it is scary but with Casey’s age and health he should be able to beat the odds by many, many years.
Going forward, she doesn’t want to start any treatment (Radiation) just yet. She is going to schedule another, more intensive, MRI for 2 months from now. She showed us the films of before and after surgery MRIs and described the differences, and she pointed out areas she feels is swelling from before surgery, and that caused by surgery. What was left seemed fairly small. She also said the tumor cells were dividing at a rate of 1%, which is good. Putting it all together will tell her if radiation is really needed right now. So, all in all, we feel it was a good visit.
The next immediate steps are alternatives. Casey will go to UT Southwestern for the next, more extensive, MRI, so we're going to set an appointment with Dr. Mickey on the same day to get a "consultative" opinion on all of his case. We are also going to MD Anderson for a second opinion on his treatment plan.
Casey says "HI" to everybody who has called and left messages on his blog. He is really overwhelmed by all of the support.
Follow-up visit with Dr. Michael Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Notes from Dad:
Today we learned that Casey has a Grade 2 astrocytoma brain tumor. Knowing we have a meeting in the morning with the oncologist (Dr. Karen Fink), Dr. Michael suggested she will probably prescribe radiation treatment. There is one last report from the biopsy that we are still waiting for. These results may play a part in Dr. Fink's decisions on treatment. We were also told that there is a meeting scheduled between Dr. Michael, Dr. Fink and the radiologist to discuss Casey's case and come to a consensus on his treatment.
We will update again tomorrow after our discussions with Dr. Fink.
Your continued prayers are greatly appreciated during this time.
For more information on astrocytoma tumors click the above tab "Links/Brain Tumors".
Friday, January 18, 2008 - Casey is Home!
Notes From Dad: (With update on January 22)
Casey is really doing good. We got him home from the hospital today, and before we left the nurse said she was amazed how well he came out of surgery. She said many that have this surgery have severe issues. Casey seems like his old self, however the doctor indicated it will be at least 4 weeks before he can go back to work or drive. I am thinking that will be reduced as we move forward as it's hard to keep that boy down!
While I took all his stuff from the hospital to his home, his mom took him by his school and he made an appearance in the lunch room. He said when he walked in it got real quiet at first!! His kids really love him.
Casey has an appointment Wednesday with his surgeon to get the results of the pathology tests, and have stitches removed. The appointment with the oncologist to discuss treatment has been moved to Thursday.
Since they were able to safely remove a little more than half of the tumor, we know there will be therapy going forward. Our hope of course is that the tests will show a grade 1 tumor, which is least aggressive and better to deal with in therapy. Before surgery we were looking at grade 2 or 3. After, the surgeon said there is a slight chance for 1. That is what we are praying for now. We really appreciate all the support and prayers...you all don't know how much! There is no doubt they have been successful!!
Email: [email protected]
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Update from Dad:
Casey spent most of the day yesterday in great spirits while still in ICU. He even talked his nurse into bringing him a television which they hid behind his curtain! He got his first real meal at lunch and devoured it.
As most know, Casey is now out of ICU and in a great room "with a view!", and he feels great. When he got to his room he immediately wanted the powdered donuts and red diamond tea from the snack basket so graciously given by the staff at Nash Intermediate delivered Tuesday.
He has a large "Band-Aid" on his head, no pain, and is his same "teasing" self (his teasing may even be worse than before so LOOK OUT kids!). He even looks good if you can believe that and has been walking the halls. His room number is 1605 in the Roberts Building. He had a CT scan early yesterday morning and an MRI later that afternoon. These scans did not continue today as the doctor feels his progress is good. The Dr also said that Casey could be going home tomorrow if things continue to look this good.
We've had visitors as well, including Superintendant Todd Williams, and Principal Linda Mott with Lucy Fuentes. Lucy brought him printed copies of his work emails, and he immediately went to work!! They are getting ready for the archery tournament in March! Most important though was the visit this afternoon by Casey's young girls. All in all it's been a good couple of days!
Moving forward we are anxiously awaiting pathology results which should be coming in a few days. These results will determine what the next steps will be for Casey. The estimate after surgery is better than the one before surgery, and we're hoping for the best.
Casey had his first opportunity yesterday, once in his room, to see his website and read his blog. He spent at least an hour consumed in reading all the messages and had lots of laughs, comments and stories about them all. We are so thankful for the fantastic support for Casey. Your thoughts and prayers for Casey have been overwhelmingly successful!
God Bless to all,
Bill
Casey reads his blog...
WOW! I am truly the luckiest person alive to have such great friends and family. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers...believe me, they have been heard.
I am doing pretty good. Not a whole lot of pain, in fact, no pain pills today (Wed). Currently, I am watching my Aggies play basketball against the tt raiders. First half not looking so good, but we still have 20 min to go.
I miss you kids at school. Keep posting those messages on here, it gives me something to do during the day other than watch soap operas.
Sister...after surgery on Tuesday
I just wanted to thank everyone for all the kind words, deeds, and prayers that you have all given to my brother and our family. It really means a lot to the whole family to have such a wonderful support system to lean on during this hard time. We will continue to keep you updated on Bubby's progress and please continue to pray for him and our family.
We love you all!!!
Carrie :)
Mom...after surgery on Tuesday
I'm overwhelmed with God's awesome power and love. Each quick visit with Casey after surgery today was more encouraging than the last. He continues to joke with all visitors and is asking for "real" food.
Thanks to everyone for your prayers, gifts, cards, calls, and emails as they have carried us through this difficult time.
Casey should be in a private room tomorrow afternoon and able to read all of the notes posted on this website. I know he will be touched by everyone's expression of care and concern.
THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH. Please continue to pray for Casey and his girls.
Ashleigh...after surgery on Tuesday
I just spoke with Casey and he sounds great! His first words to me were, "Hi, I have to go to the bathroom." So, you can tell he still has his sense of humor and is the Casey we all know and LOVE!
We want to thank everyone for all the love and support that you have given us during this difficult time. All of your generosity, thoughts, and prayers are greatly appreciated. Casey and I are so blessed to have such a great group of family and friends to help us through this time of need.
Please continue to keep Casey and our family in your thoughts and prayers.
Much Love to you all~
Ash
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 - Casey in surgery
Casey went into surgery at 8:49 a.m. at Baylor Medical Center Dallas. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated at this time.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
On Monday, January 7, 2008, Casey found out he had a brain tumor. The Neurosurgeon feels Casey has a grade 2 or 3 tumor. (Grade 4 being the worst and 1 the least). This is from looking at the film from the MRI, and from several factors in Casey’s overall case, but he is not certain. He recommends going ahead with surgery soon instead of doing a biopsy first. He will perform the biopsy at the time of surgery. He thinks the tumor is not in a more dangerous location than it could be, and is located on the surface (rather than inside) at the top of the frontal lobe in front of the more dangerous area by several centimeters. He will try to get as much of the tumor out, depending on what he called margins. He said he prefers to err on the side of less rather than more because studies have shown there is not a significant difference between getting 80% or 99%. Casey has penciled in for the surgery to be done this coming Tuesday pending discussions on a possible trip to MD Anderson for a second opinion. Casey is leaning on going with Tuesday, January 15, 2008.
Afterward, he will need to see an oncologist and there will be radiation and/or chemo treatments as needed. Also, he will be monitored forever to check for the tumor coming back.
The Dr is Christopher Michael at Baylor Dallas. He seems to be highly regarded in this area of practice, and was very thorough in our meeting today. Dr. Michael has been in this practice 13 years and stated he handles about 300 cases a year. Dr Michael did say that he did his residency at M D Anderson.
