GBM Viking Warrior

Article in the Pittsburg, Kansas newspaper The Morning Sun

2008-04-14T08:11:17Z

http://www.morningsun.net/stories/041408/spo_268184792.shtml

Update on Henrik

2008-03-30T16:35:32Z

Given a choice, Henrik would rather be hiking a trail on Mt. Rainier,
walking in Prague, visiting cousins in Northern Denmark or playing
tennis with Jack, but at the moment his journey is fighting cancer in
Southeast Kansas. Since our last communication the tumor has appeared
in the corpus callosum area of the right side of his brain and has
disabled his left arm and leg.

Henrik's doctor confirmed the change after reviewing his MRI taken this
week. Dr. Nabbout has discontinued the temodar chemo after two rounds
and will begin a treatment of Avastan (referred to as a smart bomb
against tumors) and also a chemo named CPTII. The treatment will
consist of weekly IVs at the Cancer Center of Kansas in Parsons.

The corpus callosum region controls coordination of the body. Henrik
has fallen several times (without injury) and we now assist him in
walking or, most recently, using a wheelchair for mobility.

Between the temodar treatments Henrik has enjoyed a trip to South
Carolina in February to visit Josh, Greer and Lane and a trip to the new
Sprint Center in downtown Kansas City with friends to watch his beloved
Jayhawks play in the basketball semifinals of the Big Twelve
Tournament. The Jayhawks won the Big Twelve, "Rock Chalk". A trip to
Lawrence with Josh, Greer, Lane and Marla to visit several old friends
was also a highlight of March.

A surprise and a real upper was the receipt of a basketball signed by
all members of the KU basketball team and an autographed picture of
Coach Bill Self. It seems Jack Johnson wrote a letter of request to
Coach Self. Jack said, "Here in SE Kansas people think Coach Self walks
on water." Henrik says he thinks "Jack walks on water." March Madness
in the college basketball world is here and is a great diversion as
Henrik and his friends and family cheer for KU.

Henrik and friends are developing a Web site to provide information on
Henrik's experience since his diagnosis in January 2006 and to
acknowledge the support system of friends and family that has sustained
him on this journey. Chris Polsak has developed/designed the Web site
for Henrik. The site is in process of development and can be contacted
at www.gbmvikingwarrior.com. The GBM is for the name of the brain tumor
Glioblastoma Multiforme.

Henrik says hello and sends thanks to the many friends who have visited
or contacted him to provide continued support and encouragement. Henrik
says, "there are so many people to say "thank you" to. I feel so
lucky." Henrik welcomes your contact at 620-231-0558, 372 E. Highway
126, Pittsburg, KS 66762 or L.Henrik.Christensen@gmail.com.

Prepared by Henrik's dad at Henrik's request.

Lee Christensen

Update on Henrik

2008-03-23T21:50:52Z

Henrik's brain surgery was two years ago on January 20, 2006. Since
that time he has enjoyed good health and limited complications from
surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. He has enjoyed relative
independence and has been able to travel and visit old friends.

In December, 2007, Henrik began having some numbness develop on his left
side. His original numbness in December, 2005, had been on his right
side. Henrik returned to Mayo's in Rochester in mid January and it was
determined that the tumor was returning and that Henrik would resume
chemotherapy. Dr. Uhm, his neuro oncologist is optimistic that this is
the best treatment and that it will give the best results. Henrik has
been discontinued from the trial drug. Henrik takes the chemo in pill
form five days each month. Henrik has now completed his first round of
the chemo Temodar. The first round was not fun and has taken its share
of Henrik's energy, but we are hopeful it has also taken its toll on the
enemy tumor. Henrik has three weeks of recovery between treatments.
The treatments will continue indefinitely.

These new developments have been difficult for all of us to accept but
we go forward with optimism. We plan a trip to Aiken, South Carolina to
visit Greer, Josh and baby Lane from February 14th - 22nd.

Henrik says "hello". Your thoughts, good wishes and prayers for Henrik
are appreciated. His email is L.Henrik.Christensen@gmail.com, his phone
number is 620-231-0558 and address 372 E. Hwy 126, Pittsburg, KS 66762.

Lee Christensen

Update on Henrik

2008-03-23T21:47:25Z

Dear Friends:

It has been nine months since Henrik's surgery. MRIs are taken every
two months and the doctors are happy with the readings, and
consequently, we the family, are also happy. Henrik completed his oral
chemotherapy drug treatments with Temodar on October 2. He is happy
that the experience is behind him. He continues on the trial drug
OSI-774 and is tolerating it quite well. Henrik's attitude is excellent.

He traveled with his parents to San Diego in April; visited Josh and
Greer in Aiken, S.C. in May; traveled with parents to the Northwest in
June where he enjoyed the chance to stand again on Mt. Rainier; drove to
Santa Fe with friends in July; attended Royals games with Boston and
"The Yankees" in August; enjoyed the beauty of the Tetons with all the
family in September. The highlight of each trip was visiting friends
who are located in some lovely parts of the U.S.A. Trips were scheduled
between chemo treatments. Travel goes well. He is traveling solo,
October 13, to the wedding of friends in Philadelphia and visits to
other old friends on the East Coast.

Henrik's physical condition is excellent other than some fatigue from
chemo. He plans to get more exercise now that the major chemo is behind
him. His thinking skills are excellent and his speech, reading and
writing skills continue to improve.

Henrik continues to receive visits, letters, emails and phone calls from
friends. They are a blessing and he thanks everyone for their
thoughtfulness. Henrik suggests the email
L.Henrik.Christensen@gmail.com for use by anyone wishing to email him.

Lee and Sandra Christensen

Henrik is Home!!!!

2008-03-23T21:39:52Z

Henrik and his parents flew from Rochester, MN to Pittsburg, KS Thursday, February 2, 2006 on the Jakes Fireworks company jet. Josh coordinated those arrangements. We are thankful to the Marietta family for making the return trip so easy for us. Henrik asks that everyone purchase their fireworks from Jakes!

On February 7th Henrik will meet with an oncologist from the Cancer Center of Kansas who is affiliated with a clinic trial study being done through Mayo's . He will be administered an experimental drug "OSI774" which will be used to fight regrowth of the tumor.

Henrik is in good spirits and delighted to be home. He has enjoyed the many emails and can read them readily however, he is currently unable to reply in writing. That skill should return with continuing therapy. He does welcome phone calls (620) 231-0558; the wit, good humor and occasional smart mouth are intact. Thank you for all your strong support, good wishes, positive energy, thoughtful prayers and kind words. We ask that they continue. The real battle is just beginning.

Lee and Sandra Christensen

Update on Henrik

2008-03-24T08:26:51Z

Greetings from Rochester, Minnesota, where the locals are enjoying the
warmest January in years. The doctors are pleased with Henrik’s
progress and stress to us:

He is young!
He is strong!
The tumor is out!
He is surrounded by a strong committed team of friends!
He is determined!

Thank you for being a part of that strong committed team.
Henrik is in physical therapy and becoming stronger each day. He walks
readily and jogged briefly. The speech pathologist is making progress
with helping him more readily retrieve names. Vision is quite improved
and full reading will resume soon. His skills should all improve as the
brain readjusts. The physical healing of the wound is excellent, to the
space formerly taken by the tumor.

We hope to return to Pittsburg by mid to late week. Dr. Joon Uhm, his
mayo neuro oncologist, is helping coordinate a treatment plan and possible
clinical study inclusion. We meet with Dr. Uhm early in the week.

Henrik is enjoying your cards and e-mails. Josh and Greer
are kept busy compiling e-mails for him and doing the other computer
related endeavors. He is blessed to have their unequivocal love and
support.

He has had visits since Thursday from Julie and J.W. Johnson
from Pittsburg; Steve, Josie, Declan and Connor Huddleston from St.
Paul, MN, Kurt and Alice Sagehorn from Pittsburg, and Dennis, Shannon
and Robin Crouch from Chicago. The youngsters have been extra special
medicine for him. Henrik’s spirit and humor are excellent. He is enjoying
your contacts coming to him from the outside world.

Lee and Sandra Christensen

A message from Lee and Sandra Christensen

2008-03-24T08:21:52Z

Henrik sends greetings and appreciates the many cards and emails that
are coming his way. Josh is printing them and reading them to him.

Henrik says he misses his friends and wants to be back in contact with
all of you soon. Henrik was moved to a rehab floor at Mayo yesterday
and is in full physical, occupational, and speech therapy. He is
strong, walking well and is working on extra strength (gives a very firm
hand shake) and coordination of the right hand. We are pleased with his
progress. His speech and word search is a concern to him, but he
improves each day and wants to start calling friends soon. His wound is
healing well. He has a little double vision at the moment and is
anxious to be able to read. He says “that is what I love to do.”

Henrik has enjoyed a visit from his good friend and tennis coach, Jack
Johnson. His uncle Larry Christensen and cousin Michelle Rock have also
visited this week. More friends are expected during the weekend.
He will return to his parents’ home in the near future. He is in
reasonably good spirits, given the circumstances. He is fully aware of
everything that is happening to him and his mind works well. He is
frustrated that some words and names are on the tip of his tongue but he
just cannot say them, but they will come. The tumor was confirmed to be
as described earlier. A radiation and chemotherapy regime will be
prescribed. After three weeks of healing, the six week radiation
schedule will commence.

Henrik’s age, determination, great appetite, smart mouth, and wit are
definitely assets in his favor. Your continuing support is certainly a
major part of the healing process, so keep those emails, cards and calls
of good wishes coming.

Thank you all for your continued interest and concern.

Update on Henrik

2008-03-24T08:49:32Z

Henrik spent the weekend surrounded by a support team of friends: Marla Hallacy, Dennis, Shannon, and Robin Crouch, Steve Huddleston, Susan Knell, and Josh and Greer Lawson. The Mayo team of doctors, nurses, and staff are working their magic in a superb team approach. We feel we are in the right place for his care.

The doctors say that Henrik's age, otherwise good health, active lifestyle, and absence of vices such as smoking, drinking, or drugs are certainly in favor of making a good recovery.

He readily conversed with his friends Saturday and was blessed by their presence. He is aware of his condition and wishes it was not so, but is positive in his outlook and is ready to begin treatment. The Mayo team will design a plan of radiation and chemotherapy to begin after the physical healing from the surgery (about three weeks). The physical therapists are optimistic and are also ready to start.

Henrik's diagnosis (yet to be confirmed by pathology tests) is thought to be glioblastoma multiforme, a type of cancer that occurs only in the brain.

E-mails are encouraged and can be sent to Henrik via greerchristensen@yahoo.com or jlawson3444@yahoo.com.

Henrik's brother-in-law, Josh Lawson, will be composing a notebook of all e-mails that are sent so that Henrik knows that there is an army of support behind him.

Greer Lawson

Update on Henrik

2008-03-24T08:49:44Z

Dr. Christensen reports that Henrik's surgery this morning lasted three
hours. Dr. John Marsh talked with the family and the news is
concerning. The tumor has been diagnosed as malignant and fast
growing. The name of the tumor is glioblastoma multiforme and is a tumor that
only occurs in the brain. The doctor is further concerned because it is
fast growing and typically reoccurs. The doctor will plan a regiment of
chemotherapy and radiation which is yet to be prescribed. They will
know more about motor and mental functions over the next 24-72 hours.
The family is positive and hopeful. Henrik has been able to communicate
when asked questions. He is able to move his right foot and leg and
wiggle his toes. He is also able to raise his right arm and move his
right hand. When his father asked him to wiggle his fingers on his
right hand, he could not. When his father asked if he could move the
fingers on his left hand he responded with "the finger". When asked to
name the current president of the United States his response was "I do
not want to talk about him." When pushed further Dr. Christensen said
his democratic son quietly said Bush. Further pathology reports will be
known over the weekend and further correspondence will follow. Dr.
Christensen and Sandra are staying at the Courtyard by Marriott and the
address is 161 13th Ave. Rochester, MN 55902 if you would like to send a
card.

Jeanine

Henrik's Surgery

2008-03-24T08:09:34Z

Henrik's parents report that Henrik is schedule for surgery this
morning, January 20th. Dr. John Marsh, Mayo neurosurgeon, will perform
the surgery. They are very confident he is in excellent hands. He is
in St. Mary's Hospital and will be there for several days. Your prayers
and thoughts will be appreciated.

Jeanine

A Message From Henrik

2008-03-24T08:09:47Z

A Message from Henrik Christensen:

Hello-

I'm writing to let you know about some recent developments with
my health. This week, I learned I have 2 masses in my brain (a 2 and one
half inch in the left parietal and a three quarter inch in the right
frontal). A full body CT scan showed no other growths which is promising
news, but we will not know the nature of the masses until more tests are done.

The preliminary examinations were done by physicians in Lawrence, but we
have decided to pursue further medical care at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

My family and I will be meeting with an oncologist on Wednesday and a
neurosurgeon on Thursday. I look forward to getting some results and
answers to my questions.

At present, I do not have any pain. My symptoms include some numbness
in my right hand and foot. I am having trouble verbalizing what I am
thinking. And, my handwriting is worse than ever.

We will keep in contact through e-mail as we learn more. My parents will
send updates through Dad's secretary, Jeanine Van Becelaere at Pittsburg
State. jvanbece@pittstate.edu

My parents will be checking my email.

My family and friends have been very supportive.

As ever,

Henrik