Francesco - Always a smile on his face

Birthday Boy- 12yrs Old!

Always a Smile!

 Well I can't believe my last blog has been over a month ago. Francesco is doing well. This past month he celebrated his 12th Birthday on Oct. 30th. He continues to be home schooled and is doing well. He is a little behind schedule for his treatment but the doctors say that is to be expected. If his counts are up he will be admitted into the hospital today for about 4 days and then he will come home. And then in 2 weeks time if his counts remain good he will be admitted again into the hospital for 4 days. He does suffer from naseau and dehydration at times due to the treatments. Our Thanksgiving was very relaxing and enjoyable. We are extremely Thankful for Francesco's spirit, fight and positive attitude in all he is facing. He truly amazes all of us! We also are extremely grateful for all the endless support our friends, family and the community have shown us. It is all just overwhelming and humbling. As you can see in the pictures Francesco is always smiling! Thanks again to all!

Latest News

This past month has been a rollercoaster ride. Francesco had many days in which he felt good and was able to enjoy having a friend over, eat Subway Meatball Parmigianino sandwiches and even Lobster prepared Chinese style! Then there were those days in which he felt very nausea and tired. Currently his counts are low and he is fighting an infection. He was unexpectedly admitted into the hospital late Saturday night and remains in the hospital. When in the hospital he misses the company of his brothers and the comforts of his home. We know this is all part of his long road to recovery. His strong spirit and inner strength continues to amaze us all. Also we are so humbled and extremely grateful for all the support we have received from the community, our family and friends.  

Back to School wearing 'We love Francesco' Shirts!

On the first day of school many students from the Pearl River Middle School wore "We love Francesco" T-shirts to show their support for Francesco. Francesco will be unable to attend school this year. He will however be home-schooled by teachers from the district. The past few weeks have been rough for Francesco. The chemo has made him nausea and dehydrated. We are grateful he only had to be admitted into the hospital for one night to receive treatment for his dehydration. Due to his blood count being low he was unable to receive any treatment this week…which is a welcomed break for him. As always thank you to all for your overwhelming support and prayers!!

Great Weekend at Home for Francesco

This past week Francesco had to travel to the hospital 5 days to receive 5 rounds of Chemo. On Friday he also needed a blood transfusion. Without receiving the blood transfusion Francesco's weekend would have been limited to the couch because blood count was low resulting in feeling weak and tired. However the blood transfusion gave him so much energy that he was able to enjoy a true summer day on Saturday. His soccer friends Craig, James & Kieran came over and the boys spent the day swimming, playing video games and just being silly. It was a true joy to see him playing with friends and doing the things an 11 year old boy should be doing. Again thanks to everyone for the continued support and prayers. It is truly appreciated!

Francesco's Home!

After a month long stay in the hospital Francesco is finally home!!! His trip leaving the hospital was eventful. An unexpected hail storm sent golf size hail from the skies in Long Island. Both Barbara and Enzo's car had windows shattered in their cars. Enzo sealed the window with a plastic bag to make the journey home.  Francesco spent is first few hours at home with a few close neighbors and they shared many laughs together. Again as in previous posts his spirit is truly amazing. He will need to continue to go to the hospital a few times a week to continue with his treatment. Again thanks to all for their continued prayers and support!

4th Round of Chemo and still Strong!!

Francesco has now been in the hospital for 4 weeks.  He just received his 4th round of Chemo. His sodium levels are low but his spirts remain high. He is beginning to lose his hair but Francesco is ok with it. Giovanni, Vincenzo and Enzo also shaved their heads. Yesterday he ate a 1/2 1b of salami, salt & vinegar potato chips, cashews, Chinese food and washed it all down with a can of Red Bull!  Francesco is extremely aware of everything that is being done to him to help him fight the cancer. The doctors and social workers stress it is important to be honest and truthful with him.We all get our strength from Francesco in handling this adversity. Francesco's fighting spirit and courage is just truly remarkable. We are very anxious for him to come home. We are hoping and praying that he can leave the hospital within the next 2 weeks. The entire Galvano family are so thankful for all the prayers and thoughts from so many. You have no idea how grateful we are knowing we have such support from our family, friends and the community.  Love to all, The Galvanos

Francesco Short Hair

I went to visit Francesco in the hospital and he was truly in remarkable spirits considering what he is going through. It was great to see him and still had that wonderful warm smile. As you can see he cut his hair short which I thought made him look younger.

2nd Round of Chemo

So far so good. Francesco seems to be taking the treatment well. He got a haircut and now is resting comfortably. Thank you all for your prayers!