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GARRETT METZ
Garrett Metz
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Rod and Lisa Metz of Schofield are very familiar with Children’s Miracle Network
(CMN) since the Culver’s Restaurant that they manage has been raising funds for
CMN for several years. But in October of 2002, the Metz family discovered that
their support would affect their family in more ways than they ever imagined. It
was then that their 2½-year-old son, Garrett had come down with what seemed to
be a viral infection. He had the standard flu-like symptoms. He gradually
started improving; however, the following month, the lymph nodes in his neck
started to swell. Rod and Lisa took Garrett to his pediatrician and were
referred immediately to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist. At that time,
Garrett tested positive for mononucleosis. He was prescribed steroids to shrink
the lymph nodes and let the mono take its course. After the steroids were out of
his system, the lymph nodes again swelled and they became so large that his
breathing became compromised. The doctors prescribed steroids again, but the
enlarged lymph nodes would always return.
In February 2003 Garrett became more ill. He would sleep all day, had fevers,
would bruise easily and complained of back and leg pain. On March 19, Garrett
was admitted to the Pediatric Unit at Saint Joseph’s Hospital for further
testing. After completing a CT scan and blood work, the Metz’s were told that
Garrett had Leukemia and treatment needed to start immediately. He was put under
the care of Dr. Michael McManus, Marshfield Clinic Pediatric Oncologist on staff
at Saint Joseph’s Hospital.
Garrett was scheduled for a bone marrow test, spinal tap, and surgery to have a
central line placed in his chest to make the administration of chemotherapy
drugs and fluids easier. Throughout his numerous hospital stays, Garrett has
endured many procedures and treatments, but always maintains an upbeat attitude.
“Garrett has come through the first year and a half with an amazing spirit and a
tremendous amount of courage for what he has been through,” shares Lisa. He has
done extremely well and has been in remission since April of 2003. “He was just
3 ½ years old when he was first diagnosed,” remembers Lisa. “He saw the fear in
my eyes and said to me, ‘Don’t worry mama, God is healing me and the doctors are
too.’”
Garrett started his maintenance program in March of 2004 and has another year of
treatment remaining with an end date of May 2006.
“He never complains about having so many trips to Marshfield to see his doctors
and nurses or all the medications he needs to take,” says Lisa. “He can hardly
wait until his central line is removed and the chemotherapy has ended. Garrett
just dreams of the day he can once again go swimming.”
“Garrett has a contagious zest for life and if you ever meet him, you will
understand,” says Lisa. “I no longer stop him from wearing his baseball helmet
or his chaps to the dentist. I no longer ask him to take off his bullfighting
outfit before attending Sunday school. I do, however, encourage him to love the
gift of life and to live everyday to the fullest.”
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