Wednesday, February 16 — We can say it

/78 Comments/in /by

I think I mostly love the fact that we have been so busy getting back into “normal” life that I have had a hard time getting to the writing of a “quick” update.

Heath had his final/follow-up CT scan, labs, and Hem/onc visit yesterday at Duke. We had to wait 21 days after COVID to go back to the clinic, so he had gone back to school and we had gone back to work more, and frankly, it snuck right up on us. It was a bit of a shock to our systems as Heath and I made our way into the Children’s Health Center (CHC).

GOOD NEWS–his labs look really good and his body is “normalizing.” Most of his blood counts were in the “normal” range–even hemoglobin and neutrophils almost where they would like them to stay.

He has gained 20 lbs. from his lowest weight during treatment. His hair is growing back. The oncologists were really thrilled with how he looks and feels.

The CT scan results were “very, very, very reassuring.” Well, that was the non-medical language used to help my non-medical brain. That stinky necrotic (remember that means dead cells) node was still hanging around and gave slight pause (ok, mostly to ME, the trying-not-to-be-anxious-mom who got the results on mychart prior to the doctors being able to call to talk through it) and the surgeon, radiologist and oncology team conferred and all agreed that it was NOT an issue. And, Heath was given the go-ahead to post or shout or whatever the heck he wants to do–

“I kicked cancer’s ass!!!”



Of course, he probably won’t, since he is much better behaved than either of his parents, so I will tell you now–there is no cancer in that precious body! Boom!

We will now move into the post-treatment follow-ups–once a month labs and clinic with oncology, CT scan every 3 months, cardiology every six weeks but hopefully moving to quarterly checks fairly soon after changing around his immuno-suppressants (oh, yeah, there is still that transplanted heart to watch…)

Heath is adding more hours to his school day in increments and has enjoyed seeing a few friends and getting back to youth group (darn old COVID still making it harder, but we’ll take it.)

We’re not going hog-wild, but we are doing things like looking to the future a bit, even planning a little spring break adventure and making summer plans. Step by blessed step.

We were able to deliver the first sets of thank you bags to the medical staff–to the Hem/Onc team in the outpatient clinic and to the wonderful staff who check us in on every floor for every visit (some of these wonderful humans have been with us since Heath’s transplant–13 years of checking us in to multiple appts and watching our kids grow!) They were so moved by your gifts and knowing that they came from people all over the country.

Tomorrow Chris and Heath will bring more bags to the Day Hospital, cardiology, and echo teams. We’ll take the inpatient unit bags in the next week or so–PICU, Hem/Onc, ED. Thanks to your generous donations, we have almost 180 bags to share. Some members of the Jordan High Tennis team and coaches came to help pack the bags on Saturday, and right now there are bags ALL OVER OUR BASEMENT AND GARAGE.

And with the rest of your generous donations, we are going to be able to feed multiple medical teams AND help with a project for the PICU (more details soon).

Late last night I was walking the dog (poor Chris has been out of town in the midst of this). In the crisp, cool night, I looked up at the beautiful moon and felt an enormous wave of peace, gratitude and relief wash over me, allowing it to soak in just for a moment.

And then I dragged Rosie back in and started hollering at everyone to get homework done, shower, go to bed, pick up their laundry–you know, all the “normal” stuff–to get ready for a NEW day.

78 replies
  2. Melissa Burris says:

    Thank you, thank you, thank you for the update and the photo. And thank you to the medical team and all of the support folks and to friends and family who continue to hold Heath and all of you with their tender loving care. Thanks be to God for such good news! Way to kick cancer’s ass!

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  8. Rayner Jr says:

    Such great news! He looks great. Heath we are so happy for you and you are so strong 💪🏽 We are all rooting for you!!

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  10. Linda Johnston says:

    Praise God for this wonderful news! Truly thankful for the blessings surrounding your precious family! Continuing to pray 🙏. Heath, we Love ❤️ you and all the special peeps in your crew!

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  13. Patricia Hill says:

    Wow this certainly is great news …that moon last night sure was beautiful and I’m happy you were able to enjoy the miracle of it with joy in your heart ♥️
    Love to all

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  14. Linda Allen says:

    How wonderful that Heath has the best love & blessings of all—-
    He now has the spirit to look forward to his future!!
    Life is good Heath & you are a champion!! And what a supportive team you have.. Whooo🙌

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  16. Sandra Boone says:

    WOW, Carrie! What a strong lady you are. This is the best news ever. Your journey has touched this old ladies life. I will continue to pray for Heath as well as your precious family. Sending heart hugs.

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  21. Judie Waters says:

    What a journey you have been on, and your ability to stay hopeful and positive throughout has been beautiful to see! Thank you for sharing this with us all. We are so very thankful for Heath’s health and for the opportunity for your family to move forward again. Sending love to all of you ❤️❤️

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  28. Bonnie Maready says:

    What a way to start my day!!!
    So thankful and praising God for this wonderful news!!
    Way to Kick it Heath!!!
    Big Hugs to all the Tuttles

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  32. Hallie says:

    So happy to hear this news! Lots of love to all of you. Here’s to planning for the future and blessed steps in the right direction.

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  37. Nora Holley says:

    Dear Carrie. Have been following your posts and am so pleased to read the news that Heath is cancer free. Thinking of you and delighted that you can sink into the dear ordinary of everyday life, knowing full well how precious it is. XOXO

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  40. Towles Kintz says:

    Best news I’ve heard in a long time. Grateful for you all and for the joyful resolution to this part of your journey. Big hugs from Nashville!

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  41. Una Thomson says:

    Such happy news! I join Heath and shout with joy for “kicking cancer’s ass!!!” Love to all the Tuttles and saints who surround you. xx

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  42. Faye says:

    Best newsletter ever. Long time coming but smiles tell the story. How kind of you to present the gift bags to the deserving health care workers. Know they appreciated it.

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  44. Dana Lange says:

    Cue the parade! You all have earned it. What a long year it has been, but thanks for bringing the sunshine into our all our lives right now.

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  45. Malinda says:

    LOVE this update! God is good and Heath is an amazing trooper (along with his family and support team!) ❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️

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  52. Carol & Bruce says:

    Prayers & wishing on stars answered ⭐️ This is the best news & continued prayers for great results during follow ups & getting back & enjoying everyday life ❤️

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  56. David Wiseman says:

    Jeannene and I are so pleased to hear your Tribute to Normalcy; a long time in coming. Might I suggest that “I kicked cancer’s ass” be the title of a new hymn that we all sing every day for months to come!

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  64. Susan Coffman says:

    The two best lines in your post—there is no cancer in that precious body and I kicked cancer’s ass!! God is good! Prayers always!

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  68. Laurel and rock says:

    This is such good news, lifting our hearts and rejoicing!! Hope you can feel a bit of that relief, even though there is still so much unknown. Keep kicking ass. I also looked out at that moon and thought of all the people I love who are looking at it. Mystically connected in love.

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  69. Kathryn Dabbs says:

    This is all incredibly wonderful news! I hope you all have felt the love of God, family and friends throughout this very tough journey. Continuing prayers as you return to normalcy(whatever that is)!

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  70. Deanna says:

    So so so grateful that Heath has reached some light at the end of this long tunnel. Man, it’s amazing to read the words “no cancer” and “normal” in this post. I know there is still a lot of work to get to real normal, and we will keep praying for you all, but thank the lord for a little bit of mundane in your days!!! We love you!

    Reply
  71. Karen Hruslinski says:

    Wow! To be nagging about showers and homework! How wonderful and “normal” is that. Continued prayers for you and that wonderful Duke staff!

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  72. Betty Berghaus says:

    Hallelujah!!!! This is the best news! Bless you all for the journey you have been on, and which continues in part. But this is good! Yeah!

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  73. Christie Masinick says:

    This is absolutely the best email to wake up to this morning! I can only imagine what you are feeling because I am feeling a joy so overwhelming that it brings tears to my eyes. So very relieved for you and your family. Hugs to all of you and hoping to see everyone in the near future as our world reopens.

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  75. Diane Hill says:

    Tears of joy! Thanks to you for the post in the midst of all the normal stuff! And thanks to God and the faithful medical staff!

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  76. Greg and Wendy Lunsford says:

    What a wonderful post to read first thing this morning!! We are thanking God for “NO CANCER” and so grateful that your family can rest in “normal” after a hard fought battle. Prayers continue to surround you with strength, hope, joy and love❤️

    Reply

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