December 23rd, 2015

Merry Christmas from The Castellans…

Our thank you to cancer, our thank you to you!

To say this year has been a challenge is an understatement. Thank you cancer for changing our lives for the better. Don’t get me wrong, you have made our family suffer beyond words. However, we have learned so much more about life because of cancer and you!

So thank you to cancer…

Thank you for giving us patience, fortitude, and gratitude.

Thank you for teaching us how to be humble and brave at the same time.

Thank you for teaching us how to let go of fallacious beliefs, pettiness, and small-minded thinking.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to disconnect ourselves from things unworthy of our attention.

Thank you for teaching us what is important and not to “sweat the small stuff.”

Thank you for showing us how resilient and strong one little girl can be!

Thank you to you…

Thank you for renewing our faith in people. You have shown us that no matter what life throws at you, there are always people ready to help.

Thank you for teaching us to be strong.

Thank you for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers.

Thank you for your generosity and gifts.

Thank you for your cards, texts, and phone calls. Even though we didn’t always respond we have read each and every one!

Thank you for standing by us through the toughest of days.

And most importantly thank you for being you. Thank you for teaching us so much about life. We have learned that we need to do more for others. We need to give more, pray more, and love more.

So this Christmas season, we want you to know that you have given us the best Christmas present ever; LOVE. Wishing you love, health, and all the best during this holiday season!

With love always,


Mike, Teresa, Ryan, Logan, & Mia

December 14th, 2015

Just a little update; Mia is doing good. She is enjoying playing with her babies and trashing her playroom. Eating has been an issue this past week, so we are just watching and trying to figure out what the problem might me. Her nurse had us start her back on anti-nausea meds once a day to see if possibly her nightly chemo is the culprit. Although we are not sold on that, I guess time will tell.

Her and the boys are excited for Christmas! Mia is hoping Santa brings presents and a Pink Car! According to her everything needs to be pink and it's her favorite.

She is scheduled for labs and IV chemo on the 21st and gets a break from a spinal tap this month. She will also start steroids again on that day so Christmas should be interesting. Her last dose around Thanksgiving caused severe insomnia. Hoping this month will be different.

We are looking forward to a quiet and peaceful Christmas! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!