index

Special Thanks to....

Eveyone at Brenners and WFUBMC for all the excellent care of Caleb,
especially the doctors and nurses of the clinic and the 9th floor.   The
entire Peds Oncology team; you all went above and beyond being
doctors and nurses, but became like a second family.
   Thank you to all the pediatric nurses and Melissa from the Hospice
and Palliative Care center, for the tender care of Caleb and who held
our hand through the hardest experience in our family.
    Our deepest gratitude to Pastor Tim Tucker and our church family
at Mountain View Bapist Church; your help, love and support of our
family has been extraordinary. MVBC has been a guiding light
through the darkest hours of our lives.       Thanks to all our friends
and family in the community and beyond, for all the many prayers for
Caleb and all those who endured Calebs last days with us and who
where pillars of strength and love for our family. We love you all.
    Jonesville Elementary School, especially Mr. Joe Voss, for their
unbeleivable compassion for Caleb and our entire family, you are all
angels.
  Thank you to Gentry Family Funeral Home and Hayworth Miller of
W.S. for their compassionate and outstanding service.
Thank you to everyone who sent flowers, food, or made donations in
the memory of Caleb.
     A special thanks to Lynn Knode, The Ard family, Oak Island
Accomadations, Give Kids the World, and Make-a-Wish; you all You
all helped make Caleb so happy and gave our family wonderful
memories to cherish with Caleb.
Thank you to Moma and Pa, your courage, strength, and love has
always been a inspiration.

God Bless you all.

Caleb's Memorial Slideshow

What is
Hepatoblastoma?

Hepatoblastoma is a very rare cancerous tumor that originates in the liver. The liver is one of the largest organs in the body. The primary functions of the liver include filtering and storing blood. The liver consists of right and left lobes. Most hepatoblastoma tumors originate in the right lobe.

This disease primarily affects children from infancy to about 5 years of age. Most cases appear during the first 18 months of life. Hepatoblastoma cancer cells can spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body. The most common sites of metastasis are the lungs, into the abdomen and abdominal structures, and rarely to bone, the central nervous system, and the bone marrow.

What causes hepatoblastoma?
Although the exact cause of liver cancer is unknown, there are a number of genetic conditions that are associated with an increased risk for developing hepatoblastoma, including Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, hemihypertrophy, and familial adenomatous polyposis. Other genetic conditions associated with liver cancer include several inborn errors of metabolism such as tyrosinemia, glycogen storage disease type I, galactosemia, and alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Children who are exposed to hepatitis B infection at an early age, or those who have biliary atresia, are also at increased risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Some hepatoblastomas have genetic alterations in tumor suppressor genes, which would explain the uncontrolled cell growth.

What are the symptoms of hepatoblastoma?
The following are the most common symptoms of hepatoblastoma. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may vary depending on the size of the tumor and the presence and location of metastases. Symptoms may include:

a large abdominal mass, or swollen abdomen 
weight loss, decreased appetite 
abdominal pain 
vomiting 
jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin) 
fever 
itching skin 
anemia (pale skin and lips from decreased number of red blood cells) 
back pain from compression of the tumor 
The symptoms of hepatoblastoma may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

How is hepatoblastoma diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for hepatoblastoma may include:

biopsy - a sample of tissue is removed from the tumor and examined under a microscope. 
complete blood count (CBC) - a measurement of size, number, and maturity of different blood cells in a specific volume of blood. 
additional blood tests - may include blood chemistries, evaluation of liver and kidney functions, and genetic studies. 
multiple imaging studies, including: 
computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays. 
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. 
x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. 
ultrasound (Also called sonography.) - a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels. 
bone scans - pictures or x-rays taken of the bone after a dye has been injected that is absorbed by bone tissue. These are used to detect tumors and bone abnormalities. 
alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test - alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in the blood can be used to diagnose and follow response to treatment. 
What are the different stages of childhood liver cancer?
Staging is the process of determining whether cancer has spread and, if so, how far. There are various staging symptoms that are used for hepatoblastoma. Always consult your child's physician for information on staging. One method of staging hepatoblastoma is the following:

stage I - usually a tumor that can be completely removed with surgery. 
stage II - usually a tumor that can mostly be removed by surgery but very small amounts of the cancer are left in the liver. 
stage III - usually a tumor that cannot be completely removed and the cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes. 
stage IV - cancer that has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body. 
recurrent - the disease has returned after it has been treated. It may come back in the liver or in another part of the body. 
Treatment for hepatoblastoma:
Specific treatment for hepatoblastoma will be determined by your child's physician based on:

your child's age, overall health, and medical history 
extent of the disease 
your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, and therapies 
expectations for the course of the disease 
your opinion or preference 
Treatment for hepatoblastoma is generally aimed at resecting (removing) as much of the tumor as possible while maintaining adequate liver function. Liver tissue can regenerate when removed.

Other forms of treatment may include (alone or in combination):

surgery (to remove tumor and part or all of the liver) 
chemotherapy 
liver transplant 
supportive care (for the side effects of treatment) 
antibiotics (to prevent and treat infections) 
continuous follow-up care (to determine response to treatment, detect recurrent disease and manage late effects of treatment) 
Long-term outlook for a child with hepatoblastoma:
Prognosis greatly depends on:

the extent of the disease. 
the size and location of the tumor. 
presence or absence of metastasis. 
the tumor's response to therapy. 
the age and overall health of your child. 
your child's tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or therapies. 
new developments in treatment. 
As with any cancer, prognosis and long-term survival can vary greatly from child to child. Prompt medical attention and aggressive therapy are important for the best prognosis. Continuous follow-up care is essential for a child diagnosed with hepatoblastoma. New methods are continually being discovered to improve treatment and to decrease side effects.

Hepatoblastoma Research Links
These are links to multiple pages with LOTS of Hepato Info.

Hepatoblastoma info from NCI,
possible causes, statistical data, ect...

More on APC gene and FAP in
relation Hepatoblastoma

Calebs Battle

Genetic and clinical info on FAP

Caleb was first diagnosed in March, 2005, he was 10 months old.  It all really began in Nov 2004 when my husband and I noticed a large lump, about 5 inches long on the right side of his upper abdomen.  During well child visits to him doctor I ask the doctor about it, thinking it was a hernia.  The doctor checked it out and said it was nothing.  I asked twice more about it because it seemed to be getting bigger and twice again I was told, it was nothing. By Jan. 2005, Caleb started spitting up more, and then he started throwing up occasionally but was still eating well.  By Feb 2005 Caleb was throwing up more often and was losing weight.  I started taking him to be weighed every week because he was eating well, breastfeeding only, but his weight kept falling and he was getting more and more fussy.  His doctor diagnosed him as failure to thrive, which translates that they had no idea what was wrong.  Finally in March 2005, the doctor sent Caleb for an Upper GI test at Brenners Childrens Hospital at Wake Forrest University Baptist Medical Center.  As soon as the first x-ray was taken for the GI test the techs stopped everything when they saw a large calcium deposit on his liver.  We went directly to the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology clinic.  I will never forget the way my heart dropped when we walked into the clinic.  When I saw the children who were pushing IV polls getting chemo, In that instant, I knew our baby had cancer.  At first they thought Nueroblastoma but once the CT scans came back we got a Hepatoblastoma, stage 1 diagnosis.  My mom was there with me and I called my husband to come.  Once he got there, he walked into the examining room and I couldn't bring myself to tell him - Caleb has Cancer.  Finally I forced the words out¦it all seemed like a terrible nightmare - we were devastated.

Caleb's AFP was over 800,000 at diagnosis.  He was admitted to the hospital that day.  His surgery was five days later,
The surgeon removed a two pound tumor and ½ of his liver.  The surgery took nearly 10 hours and we stayed another five days in the hospital.  
Caleb came through it all great, no complications at all.  Caleb was so brave and strong.  He started chemo about a week later and completed four courses.  All scans came out clear AFP dropped to 172.
The first week of September Caleb had a regularly scheduled CT scan.  The results showed tiny nodules in his lungs¦ the cancer had returned.  Once again we were devastated.  Apparently some of the caner cells found their way to his lungs and stayed dormant until the chemo was finished then, they began to grow.  Below are the emails I've sent since then to keep everyone updated:

March 23, 2004
Hello all,
First I just want to say Thank You for all the thoughts and prayers for Caleb and our family.  Caleb is doing great and will start his chemo on Monday.  He will have four months of chemo to be sure to get any cancer cells that may be floating around.  He will need to be hospitalized about 3 days of each of the four months, so please continue to pray for him.  I am convinced it has been the power of prayer that has carried all of us and will see our family through, so thank you again.
Love,
Josh, Jessica, Tyler, Aaron and Caleb

March 30, 2005
Hello Tim and Church Family!
  First let us thank you so much for your Prayers and warmest get well wishes for Caleb.  It has been through the power of prayer that has endured Caleb and our family.  I am amazed at how much people do care in this busy world that we live in.
Caleb came home today; his first round of Chemotherapy went VERY well.  He only got sick twice and other than that he came through it remarkable well.  He is so strong for such a little guy.  The rest of the family is doing well also.  This has really taught us allot about our faith and the strength of family, friends, and even strangers.  We hope to join you at church this Sunday, as long as Caleb is feeling okay.  We love you and can not begin to express out gratitude.
Josh, Jessica, Tyler, Aaron and Caleb

April 6th
Caleb is doing great!  He has to go get treatment on Thurs, but it is the less toxic of the chemo drugs, he will get the meds and then go home.  I expect then I will know the date of his next 3-day treatment.  The 3 day treatments are just once a month, he has three of those left.  The other treatments are once a week, we still have 11 more of those.  I will email on Thursday to let you know how it goes, there is some talk of supplemental feeding with either a feeding tube or another deal that I can place exteriorly on my breast while he's feeding that will give him some added calories.  I will pass on the news.  Please send my deepest Thanks for the prayers, letters, and visits; it has been heaven sent for our family to know that so many people care about Caleb and our family.
In Gods love!
Jessica

April 30

Hi, just wanted to give everyone an update on Caleb.  We completed our 2nd course of chemo.  He did well, only got sick once, so far.  His immune system is weak, so we will have to keep him home and away from those germs.  Therefore, please wait until his system recovers more before anyone comes to visit, it should be better in a few weeks.  We will be back at the hospital twice a week now to keep a check on his immune system.  Thanks again to everyone for their thoughts and prayers, we couldn't make it through this without the support from all our family and friends.
Love,
Jessica, Josh, and kids!

May 15
  I hope everyone is well.  I wanted to update everyone on Caleb.  Today we came home from his third treatment.  All went well even though the chemo is becoming a bit harder on him as the treatments progress.  His white blood cells are down so now we have to be even more cautious of germs, so please if anyone is sick, has been, or has been around anyone sick; please wait a week or so from visiting him.  During this treatment he had to receive some blood to help boost his hemoglobin (red blood cells).  But through it all he has gone remarkable well; I know it's all those prayers out there from so many people.  Caleb only has one more treatment to go, in 21 days.  Also, he had CT scans, Chest x-ray, and a blood test and all came back cancer free! YEAAAAAA!!!!!!!!  Thank you again for all the help and prayers!
Love ya!
Josh, Jessica, & kids

June 5
Hello All!
We just got home today from Caleb's last hospital stay.  He is on his last course of chemo now and he is doing really well.  He has had some hearing loss due to the chemo, but it's only high pitched/frequency sounds.  Because of the hearing loss the doctors did reduce the dosage of the chemo drug that caused the hearing loss by 50%.  All of his mid-treatment scans were clean so the reduction of this particular drug should be more beneficial than harmful.  Overall, Caleb has done GREAT with all the treatments.  He will have to go have his once a week treatments for about 3 more weeks, then a series of scans and chest x-rays.  Once all this is complete and clear, Caleb will have is his port-a-cath surgically removed and go home the same day.  It has only been with the help of God, family, and friends, that we all have persevered.  Thank you to everyone and please continue to pray for Caleb, we not quiet done yet.  We love you all!
Jessica

July 2
Hi, I wanted to give everyone an update on Caleb.  He has finished all of his chemo therapy and is feeling allot better!  He is now gaining weight, he is up to 17 pounds as of 2 weeks ago, he will be weighed again next Friday when we go in for Post-Chemo scans and a hearing test. Caleb is very active now; he travels all over the house playing with his brothers.  We took the family to the Asheboro Zoo to celebrate Caleb finishing his chemo and we all had a great time.  I can't thank everyone enough for their thoughts and prayers for our family.  I will let everyone know the results of the scans as soon we get the results.  I hope everyone is doing well and please keep Caleb in your prayers.
Love,
Josh, Jessica, and boys.

September 2
Calebâ€™s chest x-ray showed the cancer has returned to his lungs.  There are several spots on both lungs.  Caleb will be back on chemo, two courses and then re evaluate what is the next best step.

September 19
Hi Michelle,
Caleb's first treatment went very well, he got sick several times at the hospital but by the time we left he was okay.  We came home last Thursday.  This first treatment wasn't very hard on him but the next one will be more difficult.  Please keep praying for him and our family.

September 24
The results with Caleb were not good.  His cancer has re-lapsed but now it's in his lungs now instead of his liver.  It is the same type of cancer, Hepatoblastoma, but the cells migrated through his blood stream to his lungs.  About five spots showed up on the chest CT scan, the biggest being 1/4 inch in diameter.  Because of the location of the spots surgery isn't an option yet.  He will be having more chemo, different, stronger drugs.  He has had one treatment which consisted of three days of chemo in the hospital and then we went home on the fourth day, which was last Thursday.  As soon as his white blood cell counts come up and stabilize him will have another course of chemo and then the docs will re-evaluate and re-scan.  Our hope is the spots will either be gone or can at least be surgically removed.  There is the chance of him having to have a total of 13 courses of chemo.  The stats on recovery before were 90% cure rate and a stage one cancer; now it's a 10% cure rate and a stage four cancer because it spread.  Thankfully his weight is up and he is allot stronger now, but this battle will be tougher than the first.  Caleb handled the first treatment pretty good considering how strong the chemo he had was.  As for the rest of us we are holding up okay.  Tyler doesn't like to hear the word "cancer," he does know Caleb is sick again but not the gravity of it all.  Josh and I are trying to keep things as routine as possible here at home.  All we can do is pray for him to recover.  I feel like everything will be okay but I'm still afraid of whatâ€™s to come next.  I wish I had better news to share, but keep positive thoughts and pray for him.  We love you!
Josh, Jessica, and Kids.

October 20
Hi Kelly,
I am so glad you liked the pictures and thank you for everything you've already done, especially the Prayers.  Caleb is doing good right now, his counts are looking much better.  He is very active...he is a little climber.  He can climb up anywhere he can get a good grip.  We are done with the two treatments now and will be going to get scans and AFP test on Monday.  Hopefully the scans will show it either to be done or significantly smaller, at least small enough for surgery.  The AFP test is the big indicate of wither or not the chemo worked this time.  The AFP (alpha fetal protein) is present in the body usually between 7-15 in all of us.  The hepatic tumors excrete more of the protein and Caleb first AFP test at diagnosis indicated a level above 800,000, in March.  The lowest it has come down to is about 172.  This shows there is tumor present.  The last AFP was after is first re-treatment, it was 500 then.  The doctors said that it may still be high because the chemo hadn't had time to work and time for the levels to adjust in the body.  So, what I'm really hoping for is a clean CT scan and a significantly lower AFP.  I hope I explained this all okay, it can be hard to get when youâ€™re not used to medical lingo.  
Regardless, as of now he seems to be normal 18 month old for the exception of being nearly bald and a bit skinny.  He is so smart; he really catches on to things quickly.  Aaron is doing good, running around everywhere.  Tyler is good, but I can tell all of this is taking a toll on him; he is worried about Caleb and is more distracted by it lately.

October 30
Hello,
Here is an update on Caleb.  Monday we got the CT scan results and the nodules in Caleb's lungs, about 6 of them grew from 6mm to 7mm and the AFP increased from about 554 to 594.  So, in short the Chemo didn't work.  His docs went to a big Cancer meeting in Texas with all the leading specialist in the country and they said they would "pick their brains" and we are looking into a Phase 2 clinical trial through the NCI, with a new drug, Oxilplatin.  It has fewer side effects and has had some success in treating chemo resistant tumors.  I also found another phase 2 study with a different drug that the docs are going to check into.  Caleb is still active and happy but sleeping a bit more.  The docs said we could stop treatment and when the pain and breathing problems came they would make him comfortable, just typing those words make me want to cry.  I told them NO!  That as long as Caleb is tolerating Chemo that we would try everything we could before getting to that point.  I can believe that this is happening to him and us; it's like my worst nightmare that I can't wake up from.  We will carry on with our brave face on and Lord willing the docs can find something that will work.  The other kids are okay, Tyler is very distracted and having a hard time concentrating at school, preoccupied with Caleb but his grade are still ok.  Josh said he felt numb.  I feel stretched to thin; sometimes I'm afraid that I can't bear to see Caleb go through more chemo.  However, I couldnâ€™t live with myself knowing that I didn't exhaust all effects to kill the Cancer.  So, we will all carry on...I guess.  I'm sorry; I wish I had happier news.
 Jessica

December 1
I wanted to send everyone an update on Caleb's treatments.  On Monday we got the AFP (alfa fetal protein, hepatic tumor marker) back, it was up from 594 to 770.  So the doctors and I decide to stop the current treatment because it doesn't seem to be working.  Given that let me share this....AFP has a 3 week half life; so one a tumor is removed or started to die, the AFP would adjust for about 3 weeks to a accurate count.  Caleb's AFP test was drawn after two weeks of chemo, and one week off.  But, if this chemo hasn't worked Caleb must be off of chemo for 21 day before he can get on the Doxorubicin trial.
Caleb will have CT scans on the 8th and we can get a better idea of what's going on.  Caleb is scheduled to start the new and 4th Chemo on Dec. 16th.  It will be in-patient treatments from 2-4 days every 3 weeks.
Caleb's seems to be doing well, his weight is not dropping, he is happy and active, and outwardly he looks great; even the doctors said he looked the best ever so far.  We are so thankful for that, he is so strong.  As long as he can tolerate treatment we will continue to try all we can to find a cure for Caleb.  
Please continue to Pray for Caleb to be strong and for the doctors to find a treatment that will work.
Love,
Josh, Jessica, and kids

December 8
Hello all!
Caleb's scans yesterday took all day at the hospital, so we didn't get home until late and this is the first chance I've had to sit down and update everyone.  It went okay.  The nodules in Caleb's lungs were a tiny bit bigger; the largest spot was 7mm, now its 8mm...Thatâ€™s only about the thickness of your finger nail.  It didn't shrink but it didn't grow allot either.  The chemo seems so slow down the growth but not stop it. Also, they scanned his head to be sure there were no metastases and it was clear, another blessing.  
The docs drew another AFP; we should have the results around Monday or Tuesday.
 There is a problem with starting the new chemo.  In order for Caleb to get on the trial for this new drug, Oxilplatin, his nodules must at least be 1cm in size.  Caleb's is 8mm so 2mm short of 1cm.  So we can't get him on the trial until the nodules get a little bigger.  I know that sounds bittersweet, but the drug is only approved through the FDA for adult use, for Caleb to get it he must be in the clinical trial.  So we are postponing chemo until after the holidays, he will be rescanned in January to see if then he will qualify for the study.  At least he won't be feeling bad through the holidays, another blessing.
So, all in all, the visit was good.  I always try to be thankful that the new I get may not be exactly what I want but, never as bad as it could be.  Thank you all for your prayers and concern.  Please keep praying, Caleb need everyone pulling for him.  
Love,
Josh, Jessica, and kids

Jan. 5, 2006
Hello all,
The kids had a great Christmas thanks to the Banner Group, Jonesville Elementary, Granduer Cycles,  and so many others who donated gifts for the kids.  They were over whelmed Christmas morning and, for a moment, completely forgot about the cancer.  I can't express our families graditude for all that is and has been done to help our family.  You are all truely amazing people!  
Currently we are wanted to go back in for scans to see if Caleb is ready to start new chemo.  Last month we learned that Caleb's biggest nodule was 8mm, in order to start the new chemo it must be 1 cm, or for Caleb, 2mm bigger.  The hospital will contact us with a appointment for scans.  Last Month Caleb AFP rose from 770 to 957, up a bit but still under 1000.  I am praying that the new scans and AFP will show a dropped AFP and nodules that have disappeared instead of grown.  Remember, miracles happen everyday!  Caleb seems to be feeling good, he is very active, a little daredevil.  He knows no fear, he just goes at everything with gusto, so eventhough we still don't a a cure he is doing wonderful for a child with cancer.  Caleb is talking alot more and clearer than ever before.
the quilt raffel at the school went very well and the winner was...Grenda Couch.  Congrats to Brenda!  Thank you to everyone who bought tickets.
I will let everyone know what the scan results are ASAP, he should get them sometime in the next couple of weeks.  Until then, everone take care and again thank you all for all your cares and prayers!
Jessica, Josh, and kids.

Feb, 2006
Hello All,
The winner of the quilt raffle was Brenda Couch, congrats to Brenda and THANK YOU to everyone who bought tickets!  The Bingo and art auction was a success, we all had a really great time and THANK YOU to everyone at Jonesville School as well as to everyone who came!
Caleb is feeling good and is thriving.  We had the scans and his largest tummer is now 1 cm in diameter and his AFP has risen to a littler over 1600.  But the growth is very slow and more than anything else Caleb is active and in good heath in all other respects.  He can now get on the Oxalaplatin study but, with it is no diffinate cure and it will diffinatly make him sick.  With that said, after meeting with his doctors on Monday we have decided that for now we will wait before starting anymore chemo.  If the chances of the chemo could eradicate his tumors then we would do it but because the chances are slim and with every dose of chemo that doesn't work the chance of finding one that will does down.  Caleb is happy, gaining weight and is developing well so for now we will wait and see what the Lord brings our way in the sense of a cure.
If it weren't for the CT scans you wouldn't even know he is sick.  Aaron, Caleb, and Tyler are all happy and deserve as much time away from the hospital and with each other as much as possible.  With great love comes great miracles, and with God holding our hand we will all be okay.
We will re-scan in March and look at our options then.  Thank you to everyone for all their prayers, keep them coming, as I believe that is why Caleb is doing so well, even if his cancer isn't gone.
Love,
Josh, Jessica, Tyler, Aaron, and Caleb

April 7, 2006
GREAT NEWS!  Caleb scans showed no new lessions in his lungs, however they did grow a little.  Now because there have been no lessions in a long time, Caleb now Qualifies for surgery to REMOVE the cancer lessions from his lungs.  The fact that there have been no new spots show that the cancer seems to be contained and should be able to be removed with any new lessions coming up later.  So Caleb uis now scheduled for "surgical remission" on April 21.  Calen now has his best chance to be cancer FREE!   YEA!!!!!!!!!!  Thank you to EVERYONE for all the prayers, GOD IS GREAT!  Calebs surgey will be a two part surgery, the Doctor will remove all the lessions on one lung, then he will be in the hospital for about a week, then Caleb  will recover for a fe weeks and go back into surgery to remove the lessions from the other lung.
There is no doubt that this process comes with risk and dangers, as with any surgery; but this option was in 100% agrement as Caleb's best chance to be cancer free by the tumor board at the hospital.  It will be a hard road for Caleb but his is tough as nails and alot stronger now than he was when he had his liver resection, so we are very optimistic.
I will list updates as I get them, and once again, THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR THEIR PRAYERS!  KEEP IT UP!
Love,
Jesica, Josh, Caleb, Tyler, and Aaron

April 29, 2006
Hello All!
Caleb's lung resection surgury went wonderful.  We were in the hospital for 6 days, and Caleb did great.
His surgury took a little over two hours and the surgen removed 8 lesions and the rest of his lung appears to be free of "peppering" of smaller lesions.
Caleb's recovery was fast, but he is still a bit sore.  Caleb will have a follow-up visit on Wednesday, and another surdical appoint in about 3 weeks, to prepare for
the next surgury, which will be to remove the two lesions seen on the left lung in the CT scan.  We are truely blessed to have gifted surgen(s) and oncology doctors.  Thank God for Brenners and WFBMC!
The nurses on the 9th floor are Gods angels and they all make this process of obtaining a cure for Caleb much easier to bare.
We love you all!
Josh, Jessica, Tyler, Aaron, and Caleb

June 26, 2006
Hello All!
The second surgery went wonderful!  Caleb is doing great, as is the rest of the family.
We got wonderful news!  Caleb's new AFP (alfa fetal protein-the marker that indicates tumor growth) level is 190; that is the lowest it has ever been!  Caleb ideal AFP is 10 or lower, so we are not out of the woods yet but it is definitely going in the right direction.  Between surgery's the AFP was 2300, so it coming down to 190 is GREAT NEWS!  
Thank you all for your prayers, it has not only been the doctors work but your prayers that has gotten us to this point, please keep it up!  Caleb is doing great, other than a sunburn from his first trip to a real swimming pool.  Tyler and Aaron are doing great too, as are Josh and I.  This latest news on Caleb's progress has been such a blessing..
Thank God for his good work!

July31, 2006\
Hello All,
  We went to Brenner's last Tuesday and had a new AFP (the marker that indicates whether or not cancer is present) his AFP went up from 190, the lowest it has ever been, up to 612.  So it is looking like the Cancer has returned or never really left.  We are not sure what path we will take next as we have exhausted most of his treatment options already.  We will go back to Brenner's on Monday for CT/x-rays/AFP test to see exactly how much tumor growth there is and hope that the AFP might have been a fluke and is now back down.  Please keep Caleb in your prayers, it's looking like God is the only way for Caleb is be spared of this horrible cancer.  I will update again ASAP.
Jessica

It has been confirmed that there is a tumor in his lower right lung.
It is a small lesion, appox. 1cm x 1cm.  His AFP went up from 612 to 730.
Right now we are just trying to remain hopeful that Caleb can beat the curse of cancer.  
We just have to give it over to God and pray for the best.  The doctors at
Brenners are working on a new plan of attack.  I post more info as I get it.

Also, on a happier note...Make-a-Wish is sending us to Disney World soon and
I know Caleb and the kids will love it!  I just wanted to say THANK YOU to Make-a-Wish,
Lynn, and Laura, as well has all the people who help Make-a-Wish possible for all 
seriously ill kids, they are all angels without wings!
Jessica and Family.

Dec 23, 2006
Hello All,
  Sorry so late with the update, as usual.  The kids keep me busy, busy; which is really a blessing.
Caleb is doing wonderful!  His last Afp, about a month ago was 6.9!!!!!!!!  A wonderful number, the best it has ever been, which is also normal.  A normal AFP means that, at least for the moment, Caleb is cancer free! YEA!!!
The best Christmas miracle that our family could receive.  
Thank you everyone for all the many prayers that have been made on our behalf, you are all our angels.

The Disney trip was wonderful and we all had a great time.  Thank You Lynn Kanode and the Make-a-Wish organization for making the trip possible.  We hope everyone is blessed and has a Wonderful Christmas!

As of late Nov. 2006 Caleb's AFP was in the normal range, 6.9.  For the first time ever since his diagnosis his AFP showed no tumor growth present.  For the first time I really believed Caleb was in remission.  We decided to hold off on any test or clinic visits until after the holidays.
In mid-Jan. 2007 we ran a new AFP and it was on the rise and rising fast.  Caleb's and our family few months of "no cancer" was over.
Chest CT showed a new, small lesion on Caleb's right lobe of his lung.  After talking with the docs it we agreed to do a fourth lung resection surgery.  While waiting for our surgically consultation appointment the following week, Caleb started throwing up in the mornings, just like morning sickness.  Once the docs heard they ordered a head CT.
The head CT showed a two tumors on Caleb's brain, one large and the second, small right next to the larger tumor.  On the top left side of his brain, approach 1/4 of the size of his brain.
The doctors were shocked that Caleb's only symptoms was the vomiting.
By the next day we saw more signs of the tumor.  Brain metastasize are so rare with hepatoblastoma that more information doesn't include it as a "unlikely" metastasize site.  As of the most recent stats I could locate, Caleb is the seventh "documented" case ever reported.
There was no treatment for Caleb that would lead to any real quality of life for him.  We could have rushed him into to extensive and complicated brain surgery and pray that the cancer didn't return right back in the same place or worse, metastasize in the bone, which is extremely painful.
We, after long discussion with the docs, family, and friends all agreed the best thing to do was to bring Caleb home and keep him happy and comfortable for as long as possible.
Caleb was given meds to stop the vomiting and was okay but with limited physical activity for the first two to three weeks.  
In the last weeks of Feb., Caleb started have seizures that would cause him to become stiff and ridged.  So, next was Valium to stop the seizures.  Caleb's symptoms  were from the pressure of the tumor pushing and compressing the brain into the spinal Column.
Through it all, Caleb still was happy, laughing and his sweet self, his personality was never effected by the tumor, thank God.
It was in the first week of April that the pressure from the tumor caused Caleb to basically sleep most of the time and eventually, in the last days a slip into a coma.
Josh and I slept on either side of Monday night and early Tuesday morning Caleb stopped breathing and his heart went into arrhythmia.  Caleb died in my arms and surrounded by his family March 6, 2007
I prayed Sunday and Monday night for my Lord to bring my sweet baby peace, to cure Caleb by stopping the cancer or by taking Caleb home to heaven.   We could not bear to watch such a busy, happy, bright, spirited child deteriorate into a coma.
We will always carry a hurt that will never heal.
I am still learning but, I believe through God help you learn to bear the pain of missing him so much.  I know one day it will be my turn to go home and I will hold my sweet Caleb again.
Thank you to everyone who were so involved in caring for Caleb from the beginning until the end...If it wasn't for our huge support system from friends and family to Oncology docs,and everyone in between.  So many people have been so kind and generous.  Caleb and our family wouldn't have made it so far; with all the odds against us; but everyone stuck by Caleb and our family, helping to make Caleb's and our time with our family a brighter one.  You are all amazing people.
We are all living one day at a time and miss Caleb constantly, but it's really the little things and holidays, that are the hardest for us all.  I know it's only God getting me through the day sometimes, yet at other times I feel like Caleb was really blessed to leave the hardships of the world and go to be in heaven, free from cancer, pain, loss, and all the darkness that hides around the corners of life.
  Thank You to all!
Jessica and family

*we are currently in the process of designing Caleb's memorial garden and I will keep our progress updates and post pictures as it comes along.

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Oct 10, 2008
Sorry that it has been so long since a family update!
It has now been nearly a year and a half since we lost Caleb.  Although we are doing well - there will always be a place in our hearts that hurts, regaurdless of the time that has past.  The trama and scars that come from the loss of a child run deep and never heal completely.  We all miss him Caleb so much.

Tyler and Aaron are doing well.  Tyler is now 13 and is doing great in school, now he is in the eighth grade.  Aaron is in Kintergarden and is enjoying school. I have gone back to school to finish a degree in Fine Art and I an teaching Pottery classes ar Surry Community College, I am supper busy, but it's good for me.  Josh is busy as well with work, he now runs a HVAC metal shop and is happy with his new position.
It helps us all to stay occupied and to keep going with life even though life our family changed forever with the loss of Caleb.
Overall I think we are learning to live again and are finally feeling better.  Aaron talks to Caleb fequently, looking up in the sky-and just talking to his little brother.  Aaron and Caleb were so close and Caleb was Aarons best friend.  Tyler tends to keep his feeling to himself.
Again, I want to thank all of our family and friends who helped us through our darkest hours-I don't think we could have made it with the support of everyone involved.
Blessing to all and prayers to all famlies who are going through a battle with cancer.
REMEMBER:
"You must do the things you think you can not do!"  Ellenor Roosvelt

May 23, 2007
Hello all,
First I would like to thank everyone, who stood by Caleb and our family thru Calebs battle with cancer and
all those who brought us comfort when the Lord called Caleb home.
Our hearts still break everyday but, slowly we are all healing.  I don't think anyone who goes through this ever "gets over it," but we are learning to live with the loss of
a child.
Calebs Memorial garden is coming together, I hope everyone find as much peace and comfort with the garden as we do.  It is still a work in progress, so look for new pictures occasionally.
We all miss him so much, eventhough he really isn't gone because he lives on in our hearts and memories.

On Sunday, June 3rd from 1-5pm Make-a-Wish will be having a great fundraising event in Lewisville.  Click the link at the Bottom of the page for more info.  Also there is a up-coming WALK FOR WISHES and follow the link.  These events help to raise money to grant wishes for other children with life threatning illness; as you know
Caleb's wish was to visit Disney World and we all went in Sept. 2006 and I am so thankful for Make-a-Wish and that Caleb was still well enough to enjoy the trip...we will never forget that special time we had together and it would have never been possible without the gift of Make-a-Wish.  So please help them grant more wishes for kids like Caleb.

I am researching information on founding a non-profit, fundraising effort to raise more money to 
go directly to fund rare pediatric cancer research.  Because rare cancers are not studied as in depth and it makes finding information and treatment for these rare types of cancer much more diffcult.
There are many organizations that work towards cures in more common illnesses and diseases but because Calebs cancer and many other forms of pediatric cancer do not get the funding and attention because there are not alot of kids with these rare cancers.  Something more must be done to help those children, wiether the cancer is rare or not; ONE child lost is ONE to many!
If anyone has any idea's or guidance in helping me try to establish something to help find more treatments and hopefully a cure!
We Love You all!
Jessica

National Cancer Institute

Thanks to all the hard work from everyone at
MAKE-A-WISH, Caleb's wish was granted last
September, before his cancer had spread. If it was
not for the swiftness of all envolved with Caleb's
wish; Caleb would have passed away before he
could have his wish granted.
In honor and memory of Caleb our family and
friends have formed a team;
CALEBS WISH WALKERS to help grant wishes
for other kids fighting for survival.
Please visit the site for more information.
Just Click here, and you will be redirected to the
WALK FOR WISHES WEBSITE!

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Caleb's Blog

Welcome to Caleb's Cancer pages.
This site is devoted to the life and memory of my son, Caleb Lineberry Wright. Caleb had a
rare form of childhood liver cancer, Hepatoblastoma. Caleb was 2 years and 11 months old
and bravely battled his cancer nearly 2 years, to the day.
Through everything Caleb was happy, exceptionally couragous, and we were truely blessed to
have him; even if only for a short time, Caleb was and still is a bright shinning light in our
lives and hearts, he will always be with us...

CALEB LINEBERRY WRIGHT
APRIL 28, 2004-March 6, 2007