Pictures from Hoosiers Outrun Cancer

Hi - Just wanted to link to a few pictures from the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5k that took place down in B-town this weekend. Thanks Em for taking the pics and thanks to all who participated! Click here or go to:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=13seb6nu.b8emqs5m&Uy=-ma0go8&Ux=1

The Breakup

Well, it finally happened. Radiation is over and Vanessa broke with Fred, the technician. But I tell you what, the family couldn't be any happier. We really didn't see much of a future between the two of them. He always wanted her to wear this mask, which we all thought was a little strange.

In all seriousness, Vanessa battled through her daily treatments and has started to gain her energy back (and a few hairs on her head here and there). She displayed true strength and courage throughout the entire process.

Emily, Jeff, mom and dad are all doing well. We are heading down to Bloomington next weekend to participate in the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5k. Our team name is "We are all too pretty for cancer" and would love support! It's too late to sign-up to be on our team, but if your interested in running, head to http://www.hoosiersoutruncancer.org/registration.html and sign up!

Ok, ok, ok

I know it's been awhile since I put an update on here, but Vanessa is handling her radition and chemothereapy very well. We have had a few bumps in the road (gotta get this seizure thing under control), but we are through the first week of radiation...only 5 more to go!

Vanessa has spent the past couple of days hooked up to and EKG at St. V's monitoring her brain activity. It's actually pretty interesting to see the monitor. When she's laughing or thinking, you can see lots of activity...but when she's viewing her facebook page, not much is going on up there. ;-)

Anyway, she had a blast with her friends she met while studying in Ireland who were in town a little over a week ago. She also had a friend come visit yesterday from Waycross and they sang camp songs. Ask her to sing about the Titanic the next time you see her.

Hope all is well with anyone who is checking this. I've included a picture of Baxter below for old memories.

Next Week

Quick update....Little Nessy Moo is scheduled to start her radiation treatments next week. She has some great friends she will be spending this weekend, thanks goes out to you guys. ;-)

Can't stress enough how much we appreciate everyones positive thoughts and prayers that are coming Vanessa and our family's way. Keep them coming, it's the best thing we could ask for!


"The heart holds answers the brain refuses to see."

More Treatment

Thought I'd give everyone an update since it's been awhile since my last post. Vanessa is still recovering from the surgery very well, although we have had a couple of rough days to work through.

We got results back from the pathology report over the weekend and unfortunately it wasn't the news we were hoping for. The way it looks now, Ness will have to go back from some additional treatment to get rid of any lingering malignant cells up there and to prevent the tumor from growing back. We'll hopefully know more details around the treatment and timing by the end of this week....I'll update then.

Head Staples

Vanessa made her first trip back to St. Vincent's yesterday to get the staples removed from her incision. I haven't seen her yet but I'm sure she looks great! She has been recovering on my parents' deck and in the "healing room", which is really just my old bedroom. Who knew I had such power.

Home from the hospital

Vanessa was released from the hospital yersterday afternoon and now resting comfortably at home. I think she was excitied to get a full nights sleep and take a warm shower for the first time in a week.

Dad's Birthday

We celebrated dad's birthday in St. Vincent's last night with cake. It was good to have everyone together.

Vanessa makes progress every day. Yesterday she got out of bed and was sitting in a chair. She was also able to clean up a bit and looked great when I got over to the hospital after work.

Looking Good

Just a quick update...Ness is doing amazing. We haven't gotten a day yet of when she can came home, but will definitely let everyone know as soon as we do. Keep up the good thoughts and prayers.

OUT OF ICU!!

Great news to start out Tuesday morning. Vanessa just got moved out of the ICU. The also took off her bandages (the turban) and removed most of the tubes and needles going into her arms. She's tired, but still in great spirits and very happy that the tumor is gone. She was trying to hook me up with a nurse in the ICU, but failed to realized that not only did she have a ring on her finger, but she was also pregnant...i guess the meds haven't worn off yet.

"Freaking Sweet Turban" - Vanessa

Good news to close out the day...Vanessa made it though a successful surgery and was alert, talking, and joking around this afternoon. She is very thankful for all the thoughts and prayers that have been coming her way over the past 2 weeks and today shows that they truly work. We have a couple more battles ahead of us...the first is to get Ness recovered and feeling good again. The second is to get results from the pathology test of what exactly that tumor was. By the way, they were able to get all traceable signs that they could find of the tumor removed!

Vanessa put it best this afternoon when she looked at Emily and I and said "I had brain surgery today..." That's pretty incredible.

More updates tomorrow.

Out of Surgery

Ness is out of surgery and in the recovery room. The Dr. let us know that everything went as planned and he believes they were able to remove all of the tumor. We should be able to head up to see her soon once she gets moved to the ICU.

update

Hi Everyone who is checking on Nessa! Thank you all for your positive thoughts and prayers! I am so happy that my Ben set this site up so people can go on it and get updates on how Nessa is doing. A nurse came and updated us about an hour ago and Vanessa is doing well. We will continue to let you know how she is doing!

Emily

Monday Morning

Vanessa is in surgery and we are sitting tight in the waiting room. She was in great spirits before they started this morning and was ready to get it over with. I think it helped that they brought in a 3 month old Carin Terrier to help calm some nerves.

We just got our first update from the nurse and so far so good. They said she is doing really well...only about 4 more hours to go.

Purpose

First, thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers leading up to Nessa's surgery. I know every member of our family is very thankful for all of the support we have received. None of it has gone unnoticed or will be forgotten.

I will be using this space to post updates on how Ness is feeling and any news we receive from the talented people who will be working with her over the next couple of weeks. I know the first couple of days will be tough on all of us, especially for my little sister. For that reason, she will not be in a condition for visitors to the hospital, but would very much appreciate any email or letters you wish to send. I've listed her email address as well as my parent's home address below. Again, any prayer or thoughts do make a difference and are appreciated more than you will ever know.

Much love,

Ben

Email: vpippeng@indiana.edu

Address: 113 Edgewater Dr.
Noblesville, IN 46062