Saturday, April 25, 2009

Welcome

Hello friends and family,

As most of you know my father-in-law, Courtney Hanson was diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer. It had spread from the colon to the liver and lungs. It has been one year since Courtney's diagnosis, April 14th to be exact. We have come a long way in that time, getting mixed news of good and bad. We have struggled as a family to come to grips with his diagnosis. He has fought through it all, completing several rounds of chemo with multiple different medications. He has fought through all of the side effects, and has now been off chemo for a rest period for 6 weeks.
 
Courtney is receiving top notch treatment at Houston's MD Anderson, a leader in cancer research and treatment. Courtney's last trip to MD Anderson held some big surprises. After much consultation and exams, some great news. Courtney's tumors in his liver have shrunk at an alarming rate. The metastasis in his lungs have calcified. His colon appears clean, only with remnants of the previous cancer visible. We are so excited. Now comes a new chapter...

Courtney will have surgery on May 7th at MD Anderson to remove the tumors in his liver. This surgery is serious, but we remain confident that Courtney will do as well as he has in the past. The doctors plan on keeping him about 2 weeks in Houston. Tyler and I are traveling down to MD Anderson on the night of May 6th after I get off work, we will remain there through the weekend. This blog is to allow you all to check up on him and leave him and us messages. I know we will not always be able to have our cell phones close at hand, so I am hoping that a blog will help with updates.
 
I know I can speak on behalf of all of the Hanson's when I say thank you all for your continued prayers and support. Be sure to leave Courtney a message in the comments, they will be delivered to him daily!

Love,
Ashley Hanson 
 

11 comments:

Bob and Teresa said...

Cancer Schmancer is right...kickin butt and takin names! We'll be checking in daily...all the while knowing you WILL be the champion in this fight!

We Love You,
Bob and Teresa

Kircher said...

Gracie can't wait to see Max, Sue & Uncle Corny this summer at the lake. Stay strong...you are loved from Nebraska!

Molly, Brandon, Gage & Gracie

Anonymous said...

Just passing through, I read your blog, a friend sent it to me. I have stage 4 colorectal cancer and I am fighting it too. I will be praying for you. What a wonderful family you have. This cancer has taught me to appreciate everything and cherish every moment, especially my family. I will be checking in on you. Hang in there. Mark

Anonymous said...

Hang in there- Joe

Gail & David Warren said...

Courtney and Sue - Cole's been keeping us up-to-date on how you're doing - and we're so thankful to be included in Ashley's blog! You are in our prayers each day!!
Gail and David Warren

Anonymous said...

Best wishes on a speedy recovery. Dan

Anonymous said...

I am a cancer survivor, a friend sent me your blog. Keep up the courage, keep pushing through. Good luck on your surgery, I will pray for you and your family.

Jimmy Alishone

Dave and Jo said...

We will be thinking about you. Will be checking the blog daily.
Love,
Jo and Dave

Gail and David said...

Hansons - the Warrens will be thinking about you this coming week - especially Thursday during surgery. If you don't mind, Courtney, I'll lift you in our staff prayer chain at the church when we meet tomorrow. We've got some pretty good "pray-ers"....you'll have a slew of folks lifting your name that you don't even know!
Thanks again, Ashley, for keeping us updated.

Amy Jo said...

Love you Courtney! You're in my thoughts every day! Amy

Bobbi said...

Courtney
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will check in daily to see of your progress. You have taken on the challenges with such grace and dignity and have done so well so far; only more good things to come, I am sure.
Bobbi