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Thank You Houston Dynamo! 5/19/2013

Posted by travisthewarrior on May 19, 2013 in Events, Houston, Radiation

IMG_20130520_ResizedImage951369240048482Hello Houston Dynamo,

We want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you did for Travis and our family in creating such a special day.  From being greeted at the door by Stephanie and being introduced to Chris, Stephen and Eddie, to meeting Melissa from the Dynamo Girls, to watching the team warm up and watching the game from the field level seats, to meeting most of the players after the game and some of the families (David, Lisa and Taylor; Tally, Ericka and their kids), to having the players autograph Travis’ Dynamo ball and finally for being able to watch some great soccer. We couldn’t have imagined anything more perfect and it is still hard to believe that it all happened.

Thanks so much Houston Dynamo for the first class treatment especially from Stephanie, Chris, Stephen, Eddie, David, all the players, the Dynamo Girls and everyone with the club. You were all so welcoming and really made Travis feel like a rock star! Thanks also to Mike Chabala, Tally and Ericka Hall for spending a few extra minutes with us.  It was nice to have that California connection.  We truly appreciate everyone making our family feel so special and putting a huge smile on Travis’ face. He can’t wait to get back on the field to play soccer and this experience gave him some extra special motivation. Good luck this season and we will be sure to continue following the team when we return home to California in about a week.  Go Dynamo!

Thanks!

The Selinka Family

Tony, Lynne, Travis (10), and Tyler (13-who is sorry he couldn’t be there for the game)

Carlsbad, CA

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Go Houston Dynamo! 5/18/2013

Posted by travisthewarrior on May 18, 2013 in Events, Houston, Radiation

We went and met Lucy’s nephew, Ker, and his wife Rachel and their two kids Audrey and Bradley on Saturday.  They invited us to their beautiful swim and tennis club for lunch.  The food was delicious and the kids were able to go and check out all the cool things the club has to offer.  We had such a good time talking and getting to know each other.  When we left, we all said that our cheeks were hurting from laughing so much.  Thanks so much you guys!  We really enjoyed meeting you and in fact, we had a blast.  We look forward to catching up the next time you are out to see Lucy in Encinitas.

On Saturday evening, we were invited to go watch the Houston Dynamo (MLS) game against the New England Revolution.  One of the members of the Dynamo executive staff, Stephanie, sent us tickets and had us park in the VIP Parking are where the teams parked.  As we pulled up, the NE Revolution players pulled up in their bus and walked into the stadium right in front of us.  We went inside the team entrance to the stadium and were greeted by Stephanie, the Dynamo President, Chris Canetti, Executive VP, Stephen Powell, Senior VP, David Tagliarino and former Dynamo player, Eddie Robinson.  Stephanie then introduced us to the Captain of the Dynamo Girls, Melissa, and we were able to take some pictures.  Wow…what a greeting!  After introducing ourselves and talking with everyone for a few minutes, we were then led down the player tunnel and out onto the field where we watched the team warm up.  We made sure to take some notes to bring back to our team.  For the game, Stephanie took us down to mid-field where we had field level seats, just behind the advertisement boards that circle the field.  What a great view of the game up so close to the action!  It was a great game with a lot of action but arguably some poor officiating.  There were multiple yellow cards and 2 red cards which sent 1 Dynamo player and 1 Revolution player to the locker room within the first 20 minutes of the game.  The Dynamo led the game in possession and had probably 15 quality shots on goal but could not get them to go in.  The Revolution had half as many shots but managed to score and win the game.  It was still great to watch.  After the game, we were led back up the player tunnel where we met some of the families and Stephanie presented Travis with a sack pack that had a Dynamo Jersey and Ball inside.  As the Dynamo players came out of their locker room, Stephanie would have them come over to meet us and sign the soccer ball for Travis.  They even posed for pictures with Travis before they left the stadium.  We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect experience and can’t thank Stephanie and the Houston Dynamo family enough for doing all they did for Travis.  He was one tired boy when we got back home but was smiling from ear to ear.  THANK YOU!

Sunday was a rest and catch up day for us.  We slept in after being out so late and then went on to tackle as much school work as we could to take back to Mrs. Roberts.  It is a challenge to keep up with the pace of the class but it keeps us focused and helps pass the time.

Thanks to the Brucia family for the great dinner that Tyler and Grandma enjoyed over the weekend.  They said everything was delicious and we really appreciate it!

Thanks,

Tony and Lynne

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5 Weeks and a Smile on My Cheeks! 5/17/2013

Posted by travisthewarrior on May 17, 2013 in Houston, Radiation

We met with our Doctor today for our weekly appointment and we received the good news that she feels that we can do our last treatment session on Friday, 5/24.  Yeah!  That means that we will be able to drive home over Memorial Day weekend.

 

The Texas A&M Aggie football team helps the MD Anderson hospital do a Field Day for all the kids who are being treated there and can’t be at their own schools.  They have a big indoor area that they call “The Park” and that is where they have all the games and food set up.  Travis won a cake walk where the prize was some delicious cupcakes.  They gave away mini footballs that we had signed by some of the players.  Very cool!

 

When we returned home, we had a beautiful basket delivered by Karen, one of Christyn’s friends.  Everything was very well thought out and we love it all.  Thank you so much Karen for thinking of us and we wish all the best and you are in our prayers!

 

5 weeks and a smile on my cheeks!  With 5 weeks down, that means only 1 more to go!  We have been in this treatment mode for 6 weeks now (including the 1 week of appointments prior to starting) and it is hard to think about going home.  It almost seems like another world but we can’t wait to make the adjustment.

 

Tony arrived tonight!  Travis was craving Chili’s Sliders so we indulged and those things were good.

 

Thanks,

Lynne and Tony

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“Technology” Thursday! 5/16/2013

Posted by travisthewarrior on May 16, 2013 in Houston, Radiation
Proton Radiation Gantry

We had an in-depth behind the scenes tour of the Proton Center today after Travis’ treatment appointment.  This place is so full of technology; it really is an amazing engineering marvel (sorry, needed some help with this part).  At the heart of the Proton Center, there is piece of equipment called the Cyclotron where the Proton beams are formed.  Each Cyclotron is about the size of an SUV but weighs more 200 tons (about the same as a 747 jetliner).  The Cyclotron uses powerful magnets to remove Protons from Hydrogen atoms in water and accelerate them to higher and higher speeds in a circular path (like cars on a racetrack).  Once the Protons are traveling at their maximum speed (almost traveling at the speed of light), they are then directed by other magnets into a Beam Line which is about 100 yards long (length of a football field).  Then the beam is fed to the Gantry where the patients are treated by use of additional magnets.  The Gantry is a rotating steel structure that moves around the patient to aim the beam at any angle.  Each Gantry weighs about 90 tons, is 3 stories tall, and the patients are treated on the second story.  The MD Anderson Proton Center has 3 Gantries for treating patients so you can imagine the scope of the building facility.  Inside the patient treatment room with the Gantry, there is a nozzle where the Proton beam exits the beam line and the energy is then precisely tuned and shaped to actually match the exact shape of the treatment area by using brass shaping plates and beam refracting plates.  This allows the maximum dose to be delivered to the location and depth where it is needed most.  They have their own Machine Shop for creating these plates and the treatment plans are created by a team of Physicists working with the Radiogist-Oncologists.  Amazing!  They should do one of the Discovery shows about this place like Extreme Engineering or Mega Builders.  It is too bad Tony and Tyler weren’t here to see it also since they love that kind of stuff.

About a week ago, Travis wanted to write letters to our pediatrician, neurosurgeon, and neuro-oncologist to let them all know how he was doing with his treatment.  When we came back home today, we had a letter from our pediatrician, Dr. Neglia, and he told Travis how much he and the whole staff missed him and he included some goodies from the toy bin.  He really is a great doctor and we are looking forward to seeing him when we get back!

Then we had a great care package from the two 4th Grade classes at Clarksville Academy (where Aunt Karen and Uncle Clint work and Bryan goes to school) with cards from the kids, a Sonic gift card purchased with money they raised from doing their chores, some seeds to plant, and a CA cup.  Thanks you all so much for everything and Go Cougars!  We also had a wonderful care package from the Fine family.  After dropping off goodies at our house for Tony, Tyler and Grandma, they sent a ton more to us here in Houston.  Janelle knitted Travis a special chemo hat and they included cookies for us to share with both the hotel staff and the Proton Center staff.  Wow!  We loved everything and thanks for sending the “secret” recipe.  ;o)  Finally, we received tickets in the mail from the Houston Dynamo (MLS) soccer team for this Saturday.  The boys have been talking so much about soccer and this may be our last game we can go to so they are very excited.  We will give an update about the game this weekend.

Travis has been so motivated to stay caught up with his school work that we worked on everything during the afternoon.  He is such a hard worker and a smart little guy!

The week is going by so fast we almost forgot Tony is coming tomorrow!

Thanks,

Lynne and Tony

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“Flash” Wednesday! 5/15/2013

Posted by travisthewarrior on May 15, 2013 in Houston, Radiation

Travis’ treatments go by in a flash now like a proton beam!  We go in, they take him right back and before you know it, he is walking right back out.  We wanted to try this bakery so we stopped on the way back home to pick up some goodies to share with our Homewood Suites family.  When we walked in, we told the staff we needed to have a “meeting” and we sat down at the dining room tables.  They were asking what is wrong and what the meeting was all about so we told them we needed to discuss these “goodies.”  They all laughed and enjoyed a few minutes of break time.  The general manager, Tracey, stopped by and asked what was going on so we talked her into having one too.  She said that they all love having us here and we said that we loved being here too.

 

When we arrived back in our room, we had a care package from Martine, Olivia and Tiernan.  There was a very cool “Warrior” bracelet in there and beautiful card.  We love everything!  They also provided dinner for Tony, Tyler and Grandma back in Carlsbad which we heard was delicious, especially Olivia’s cookies.  Thanks you all for everything!  We also had a great card and gift from Violet and Shoshanna.  Thank you so much for thinking of us!

 

After all the fun opening everything, Travis wanted a bacon cheeseburger and McFlurry for lunch to pack on the calories.  Then we spent the afternoon working on school work.  Travis is doing a great job on his studies and loves the challenges of each packet Mrs. Roberts sends.

 

Tony had soccer practice tonight and they passed out the new practice uniforms.  We really wish we could have been there for that but we are looking forward to seeing the team in a couple of weeks.  Travis says the new Wave Blue practice jerseys are cool!  Thanks to the Hood family for all of your support and generous gift!  We really appreciate you keeping Travis (and us) in your thoughts and prayers.  It makes a huge difference!

 

We capped off the evening by watching Marvel’s “The Avengers.”  Travis loved it so thanks RedBox!

 

Where did the day go?

 

Thanks,

Lynne and Tony

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Time is Flying By! 5/14/2013

Posted by travisthewarrior on May 14, 2013 in Houston, Radiation

It is Tuesday and that means early appointments over at the big hospital before heading over to the Proton Center.  So, Lynne, Travis and Grandma were out the door by 6am so that they can be there by 7am.  You have to plan on a little extra time since the shuttle bus is not always as predictable as you would expect.  Travis’ lab work is where they would expect at this point in his treatment so we are happy about that.  This was his 5th round of chemo (Vincristine) and that means next Tuesday should be his last one.  Yeah!  We are sure Travis will not miss having his port accessed over the next month or so.  His proton treatments are now running between 20-30 minutes so there is barely enough time to sit down and he is coming right back out.  Travis wanted Subway and a McFlurry for lunch.  The sounds of his cravings are music to our ears!

Grandma made it back to Carlsbad in record time!  Compared to her 12 hour odyssey last week, this was a walk in the park.  It was great that she was able to be in Houston for Mother’s Day with all of us.  Lynne and Travis enjoyed having her there for the extra few days.

Thanks to the McDonnell family for a great dinner and for thinking of us especially during your house flooding challenges!  Also, thanks for the great goodies from the Fine family!

Thanks,

Tony and Lynne

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Houston Dutch Lions Link! 5/14/2013

Posted by travisthewarrior on May 14, 2013 in Events, Houston, Radiation
Travis' Thank You Card!

Travis’ Thank You Card!

To follow up on our Dutch Lions update from Saturday, 5/11, we spoke with the Houston Dutch Lions today to thank them again for taking such good care of us.  They let us know they put a little update on their website about Travis meeting the team.  Check out the boys!

http://www.houstondutchlionsfc.com/houston-dutch-lions-fc-meet-a-new-fan.aspx

Thanks,

Tony

Hello Houston Dutch Lions,

We want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you did for Travis and our family in creating such a special day. From the meet and greet with the team, to taking a team picture and the team gear, to the VIP seating where we met some great people and were treated to some fantastic food, to the walk on with the players and opening ceremony, to the halftime shootout with Boniek Garcia and Leo, and finally for being able to watch some great football. We couldn’t have imagined anything more perfect and it is still hard to believe that it all happened.

Thanks so much Houston Dutch Lions for the first class treatment especially from Robbert, Dennis, Martin, Coach Hans, Bryan, Asia, Davy, all the players and everyone with the club. You were all so welcoming and really made Travis feel like a rock star! We truly appreciate you making our family feel so special and putting a huge smile on Travis’ face. He can’t wait to get back on the field to play soccer and this experience gave him some extra special motivation. Good luck this season and we will be sure to continue following the team when we return home to California in a couple of weeks.  Go Dutch Lions!

Thanks!

The Selinka Family

Tony, Lynne, Travis (10), and Tyler (13)

Carlsbad, CA

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First Day of Boost Treatment! 5/13/2013

Posted by travisthewarrior on May 13, 2013 in Houston, Radiation
Week 5!

Week 5!

Today was our first day of boost treatment where they focus only on the tumor bed area.  Our appointment was less than 30 minutes and Travis was able to walk right in and get up on the table.  For the past four weeks, he has had to go in and change out of his street clothes and into a gown.  But now he doesn’t even have to take his shoes off.  Travis said that when they treat his whole head, there is this sensation of seeing a blue light and the smell of Clorox which comes from the radiation playing tricks on the brain.  Now with the boost treatment, all of that is gone.  Yeah!

It is great having our appointments earlier in the morning now so that we have time to do a few things as simple as they may be.  On the way home, we went by Trader Joe’s for some provisions.  Travis was craving sushi so that is what we had for lunch.  We capped things off with a Blizzard from Dairy Queen.  We spent the rest of the afternoon working on school work so that Grandma can take a packet back with her tomorrow.  Having Mrs. Roberts preparing packets for us every week has been so great!  It helps keep us connected to the class and also brings a sense of normalcy to keep us grounded.  Thanks Mrs. Roberts for all your extra effort in teaching Travis from afar (although not that far with all of today’s communication)!

Today was a good day and we are starting to think about preparing for our journey back home to Carlsbad.  Grandma says she thinks we will need a U-Haul to get everything home.  Don’t worry, Tony is a good packer!  ;o)

Thanks,

Lynne and Tony

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Happy Mother’s Day! 5/12/2013

Posted by travisthewarrior on May 12, 2013 in Events, Houston, Radiation
Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day to all you mothers!

About a month ago when we were staying up in Lake Conroe (about 1 hour north of Houston), we were told about this great BBQ place and had a chance to eat there before we moved down to Houston to start Travis’ treatment.  It is a really small place that is family owned and run by super nice people.  It was so good, we were joking with them that we would like to have some BBQ delivered to Carlsbad when we got home in a couple of months.  The BBQ was smoked, the sauce was perfect and the meat on the ribs fell right off the bone.  Lynne immediately said “I know what I want to eat for Mother’s Day.”

So on Saturday, we headed up to get some Texan BBQ so that we could have a picnic out at Lake Conroe before the soccer game.  The family was so nice and they remembered us and said that they wanted to treat us after all that we have been going through.  We couldn’t believe it and even though we tried, they refused to let us pay for anything.  Honestly, these are the type of amazing people we have met over and over again in Houston.  Everyone is so kind and willing to do anything to help out perfect strangers.  True examples of southern hospitality and we can’t thank them enough!

We woke up on Sunday and we told Lynne that we were going to make her breakfast for Mother’s Day before we went to church.  The thing is, the hotel provides a full cooked breakfast every day so all we could do is make her toast or fill her plate.  We ended up making her a waffle at the waffle station in addition to her eggs, fruit, etc.  It was the thought that counts, right?  And she knows we love her!

We had so much BBQ and ribs left over from Saturday, we decided to do another picnic after church on Sunday only this time at the hotel since Tyler and I had to leave in the evening to go back home.  It was a great meal again and the company was even better.  It was so nice we were able to have all of us together for Mother’s Day (Lynne, Tony, Tyler, Travis and Grandma).

Happy Mother’s Day!  Two more weeks to go…but who is counting?

Thanks,

Tony and Lynne

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Go Houston Dutch Lions! 5/11/2013

Posted by travisthewarrior on May 11, 2013 in Events, Houston, Radiation

Today, we were invited to go out and watch the Houston Dutch Lions (USL-PDL) professional soccer team in their season opener.  They asked us to come for a meet and greet at the team’s pre-game meeting and dinner at the Fox and Hound.  We went in to meet the players where they presented Travis and Tyler with Dutch Lion sack packs that had a jersey signed by all the players, scarf, water bottle and stickers.  Then we went outside to take a picture with the team.  All the players and coaches knew about Travis’ story and were so welcoming and encouraging to him giving him high fives or shaking his hand.  They were all really cool guys!

 

From there, we were treated to seats in the VIP section with the Club owners, executives and sponsors.  They had a big spread of food and drinks for everyone.  Both Travis and Tyler were asked to help do the player walk on at the beginning of the game during the pre-game introductions.  Travis led the way and escorted the Dutch Lions’ team captain and the rest of the team onto the field.  Tyler led the visiting team onto the field and escorted their team captain.  During the National Anthem, the singer who we met just before the game dedicated her song “to the Selinka family.”  Wow!

 

At halftime, we were invited down onto the field for a shootout with the Dutch Lions’ team mascot, Leo the Lion, playing goalkeeper.  Houston Dynamo (MLS) player, Boniek Garcia (#27), came and met with the kids and then took pictures and signed autographs before the second half started.  Again…Wow!

 

We watched some good soccer with the Dutch Lions scoring first before halftime.  The game went back and forth with a goal being scored with about a minute left in the game to tie things up 1-1.  Bummer! But, both teams played well with a lot of close shots/saves so the game could have gone either way.  What a special day and everyone really made Travis felt like a rock star (frankly we all felt like rock stars). Thanks so much Houston Dutch Lions for the first class treatment especially from Robbert, Dennis, Bryan, Asia, Martin, Coach Hans, Davy, all the players and everyone with the club.  We truly appreciate you making our family feel so special and putting a huge smile on Travis’ face.  Good luck this season!

 

Thanks,

Tony and Lynne

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