Jeffreys story

Jeffrey Moore was diagnosed in April of 2010 (at 19 months old) with a cancerous Brain Tumor that consisted of the entire right side of his head.  After many trips to the doctor's office and Jeffrey slowly losing all of his already mastered motor skills from walking, crawling, eating, drinking and talking we went to INOVA for a cat scan and blood work. 

                Upon arrival at INOVA we were seen immediately and had a CT scan done with immediate results as well as a visit from a well known nuero surgeon  from Children's National (Dr. Myseros.)  Upon Dr. Myseros's arrival in our room they wheeled Jeffrey down for an invasive MRI of the head so that they could see exactly where the tumor had taken over.  After we received the results of the MRI, on a Friday night,  we were informed by Dr. Myseros that Jeffrey was scheduled for emergency surgery to have the tumor removed on Monday at 7am.  We were originally told that the surgery would take 8-10 hours but it ended up taking a very long 14 hours. 

                Jeffrey did very well through the surgery.  He was in INOVA recovering for 5 days.  His incision reopened on day 4 and had to be resticked.  However it went well and we were released the next morning to head an hour and a half home to continue to heal. 

                In mid May 2010 Jeffrey was back at INOVA for the insertion of a mediport for the use of chemo-therapy. This was a fast procedure that again went very well. 

                Jeffrey had Chemo-therapy from mid May 2010 till the end of June 2010.  His chemo was very high doses of Vincristine, Mesna, Carboplatin, Cyclophosphamide, Etoposide and Filgrastim.  Although as his parents this was a very trying month and a half Jeffrey proved to be very strong and push through like a true hero and fight!!  Following Chemo-therapy we were then in Boston MA. from July 5, 2010 until September 2, 2010 for Proton Radiation.  At this point Jeffrey had been sedated 70 plus times.  He does pretty well with sedation although like anyone he does from time to time wake up grumpy! 

                Still today 2 3/4 years later we still continue with routine MRI'S every 3 months  to be sure that the nasty brain tumor does not reappear.  He currently has a cyst that we believe is from radiation that we are continuing to watch. He still proves to be a very strong willed 4 year old boy!  He is currently in special education pre-school where he continues to receive occupational, physical and vision therapy.  He is our hero and always will be! 

                Furth more we are blessed to have been introduced to Casey Cares Organization who has helped lift  Jeffrey's sprits during his down times.  They have sent him to see some of his absolute favorite things.  Some activities that they have helped make possible for Jeffrey to attend and fulfill his dreams are monster trucks show, the circus, the CAPS game and most importantly for Jeffrey 4th birthday he got the trip of a lifetime to Walt Disneyworld to spend a week away from doctors and nurses' and needles!   His dream throughout his journey was to meet Mickey mouse!  All he did was watch Mickey on Television and cuddle with his big Mickey stuffed animal that someone gave him as a gift during treatment.  Casey Cares has helped us in so many ways look at the brighter side of our situation rather than dwell on things that we cannot change.  They sent us gift cards to go out to eat while we were at treatment.  We are so blessed to have the option of such a great organization to help support us in such a great time of need!  Casey Cares has in our book gone above and beyond for our family especially Jeffrey!  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!