Conner's Fight Against Cancer
Donation protected
Fellow Seeley-Swan Alumni, Friends and Family of Lane, Rosie, Levi & Conner McNealy. This Beautiful Family are in need of our Love and Support.
Update as of tonight, Wednesday, September 4th, from Rosie:
The Doctors did not get clean margins. They are recommending radiation. The combination has proven very successful in the treatment for this type of Sarcoma. Very low rates of re-occurrence in their large study. Conner took the news very very well. We will talk about it and discuss all options.
In May of 2019, after a 'routine' cyst removal in his right foot, Conner was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma. Synovial sarcoma is a soft tissue cancer. If caught under a certain size, as this was, the chance of spreading is reduced and it may stay localized. The scans for testing to make sure the sarcoma had not spread were done the end of May and they came back clear, it had stayed local to his right foot. The first opinion suggested radiation and surgery with possible amputation right away. The family opted with the second option which was no radiation first and surgery. The second excision was done July 3rd in OH. There, they also did a lymph node biopsy which came back clear for any spreading to the drainage lymph node. The margins were not clear on the cyst and they had to choose if they wanted to try radiation or surgery. They opted for another surgery to attempt to get clean margins and he had his 3rd surgery in Aug. They are still waiting for the results of that surgery.
Conner had many plans this summer. Many of which, NBC basketball camp, and playing soccer for the first time (his foot had hurt on any impact due to the cyst before and so he had been unable to play) had to be cancelled due to surgeries. Preparing for high school basketball by participating in more serious workout sessions were also cancelled. For the last 3 years, the one thing he is looking forward to the most is playing high school basketball. He was able to go to Bible camp the week after surgery in July (where he promptly popped a stitch) but was the most important event to him for the summer He did make some very precious memories there.
Conner adores his older brother and his cousins, especially the smallest ones. His gentleness and enthusiasm when he is around them is something special to see.
His friends are never far from his mind. He loves to be around them and riding bikes, both pedal and motor bikes. Whenever they can get together for a weekend to spend time riding or around a fire, at the lake or the movies, Conner is happy to just be with them.
He will be starting driver's ed in October and even if other treatments are needed he will be starting basketball in November. Pushing through whatever is in his way with that smile and great attitude, he has determined that he will be playing this year no matter what is happening with his foot.
The medical expenses incurred monthly are not all covered by insurance. Any alternative medicines and treatments will be out of pocket for the family. They are using some of those now and are averaging about $700 a month. The out of pocket expenses from insurance every year are about $4000 to $6000. The alternative treatments do not count toward any out of pocket amount. With this type of diagnoses, the scans are required every 3 months upon initial diagnoses (the scans are approximately $1000 to $3000) and then if all remain clear, they are done once every 6 months, then every year. The treatments will vary this next year depending on the outcomes of the scans every time they are done.
Conner is really is trusting his Lord and Savior and knows that no matter what, God is with him through it all. His attitude continues to be one of cheerfulness and gratitude for the people around him who are lifting him up in prayer and love. His church, his family and his friends have continued to be an amazing source of encouragement to him.
The family is appreciative of the outpouring of prayer and support from their family and friends.
Update as of tonight, Wednesday, September 4th, from Rosie:
The Doctors did not get clean margins. They are recommending radiation. The combination has proven very successful in the treatment for this type of Sarcoma. Very low rates of re-occurrence in their large study. Conner took the news very very well. We will talk about it and discuss all options.
In May of 2019, after a 'routine' cyst removal in his right foot, Conner was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma. Synovial sarcoma is a soft tissue cancer. If caught under a certain size, as this was, the chance of spreading is reduced and it may stay localized. The scans for testing to make sure the sarcoma had not spread were done the end of May and they came back clear, it had stayed local to his right foot. The first opinion suggested radiation and surgery with possible amputation right away. The family opted with the second option which was no radiation first and surgery. The second excision was done July 3rd in OH. There, they also did a lymph node biopsy which came back clear for any spreading to the drainage lymph node. The margins were not clear on the cyst and they had to choose if they wanted to try radiation or surgery. They opted for another surgery to attempt to get clean margins and he had his 3rd surgery in Aug. They are still waiting for the results of that surgery.
Conner had many plans this summer. Many of which, NBC basketball camp, and playing soccer for the first time (his foot had hurt on any impact due to the cyst before and so he had been unable to play) had to be cancelled due to surgeries. Preparing for high school basketball by participating in more serious workout sessions were also cancelled. For the last 3 years, the one thing he is looking forward to the most is playing high school basketball. He was able to go to Bible camp the week after surgery in July (where he promptly popped a stitch) but was the most important event to him for the summer He did make some very precious memories there.
Conner adores his older brother and his cousins, especially the smallest ones. His gentleness and enthusiasm when he is around them is something special to see.
His friends are never far from his mind. He loves to be around them and riding bikes, both pedal and motor bikes. Whenever they can get together for a weekend to spend time riding or around a fire, at the lake or the movies, Conner is happy to just be with them.
He will be starting driver's ed in October and even if other treatments are needed he will be starting basketball in November. Pushing through whatever is in his way with that smile and great attitude, he has determined that he will be playing this year no matter what is happening with his foot.
The medical expenses incurred monthly are not all covered by insurance. Any alternative medicines and treatments will be out of pocket for the family. They are using some of those now and are averaging about $700 a month. The out of pocket expenses from insurance every year are about $4000 to $6000. The alternative treatments do not count toward any out of pocket amount. With this type of diagnoses, the scans are required every 3 months upon initial diagnoses (the scans are approximately $1000 to $3000) and then if all remain clear, they are done once every 6 months, then every year. The treatments will vary this next year depending on the outcomes of the scans every time they are done.
Conner is really is trusting his Lord and Savior and knows that no matter what, God is with him through it all. His attitude continues to be one of cheerfulness and gratitude for the people around him who are lifting him up in prayer and love. His church, his family and his friends have continued to be an amazing source of encouragement to him.
The family is appreciative of the outpouring of prayer and support from their family and friends.
Organizer and beneficiary
Cassie Livingston
Organizer
Hayden, ID
Rosie Terrillion Mcnealey
Beneficiary