Gary Carter diagnosed with small tumors on his brain

[batmagadanleadoff]

Gary Carter and Andre Dawson were honored in the Nationals' ring of fame, which commemorates Expos, Washington DC greats (e.g., Walter Johnson, Harmon Killebrew, and Negro League Stars.





In one of the most prominent acknowledgments of the history of D.C. baseball and perhaps the first in-stadium recognition of the franchise's history in Montreal, the Nationals have mounted the names of Washington and Montreal baseball greats to the 100-level facade of Nationals Park behind home plate.

The display will make its debut at Tuesday's Nationals-Marlins game, before which the team will honor Expos legend Andre Dawson for his induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Eighteen names ring the facade, with room for about eight more.

From the Expos, Gary Carter and Andre Dawson will have the first positions on the first base side at section 126.

The Homestead Grays are then represented left to right by Cool Papa Bell, Ray Brown, Josh Gibson, Buck Leonard, Cumberland Posey, and Jud Wilson.

The Washington Senators are then represented by Joe Cronin, Rick Ferrell, Goose Goslin, Clark Griffith, Bucky Harris, Walter Johnson, Harmon Killebrew, Heinie Manush, Sam Rice, and Early Wynn.

The Nationals noted that it consulted with the National Baseball Hall of Fame in selecting the players to be honored in the park.

"The first criteria was that the player had to be elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame," the team said in a statement. "The second criteria was that the player had to be associated with the Montreal Expos, Homestead Grays, Washington Senators or Washington Nationals. Lastly, the player had to have had significant years with those teams

http://www.nationalsdailynews.com/columnists/post.cfm?blog=ian&id=506&story=dc-baseball-greats-names-to-be-displayed-at-nats-park

[Guest The Second Spitter]

Yeah what I meant. Next year they're erecting a statue of Sir Cheswick Farnacle-Sweetshanks the founding president of the Washingtion Olympics, in left-centre field.

[Edgy MD]

The Second Spitter wrote: metirish wrote: Edgy DC wrote: I don't think it's that farfetched. The Nats could certainly awaken to reconsidering theiir Expo legacy. They're more or less grabbing at straws trying to establish a culture. is it true that there is nothing in the Nats stadium to indicate an Expos past? They finally relented and put all retired Expos numbers on display last year .......next to the Senators numbers and numbers commemorating certain Homestead Grays players. The tenuous connection with DC baseball of the latter supports the view the organization is clueless about its priorities.

That's what I was referring to. They're not retired, but they are displayed.



They honored him by displaying an ugly-assed Nats' jersey? Ugh. No wonder I forgot.

[Edgy MD]

Crazy thought, but now that the Mets are home, how about we start an internet pass-it-on campaign? We pick an inning in a hgh-profile game and start a GA-RY CAR-TER chant. When the chanting has caught on, folks can unfurl their get-well banners and make it an unofficial Gary Carter Appreciation Day.

[G-Fafif]

Every game I've been to thus far since the news (several), the Mets play a tribute on the video board to Carter. Always gets a big response. Twice I've heard such a chant go up and remain sustained shortly thereafter.

[G-Fafif]

Meanwhile, more good news.

Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter was rushed to the emergency room on Thursday night after experiencing a "serious coughing attack" and having "shooting pains in his back," his daughter, Kimmy Bloemers, wrote on a private family website Friday. Carter had blood drawn and underwent X-rays and a CT scan on his chest and back, which revealed that he had come down with a case of bronchitis. Carter left the hospital early Friday morning and returned home to rest. According to Bloemers, there was speculation that Carter might have blood clotting or pneumonia. But those fears were eased when the results showed that he had something less substantial. "What a huge praise that it is not as serious as it could have been," Bloemers wrote. "However because of dad's condition, a chest cold can drain dad's energy more. The sweet nurse said that everything looked great, which was a relief." Carter, who is in a battle with Stage 4 brain cancer, underwent his second Avastin treatment on Friday, Bloemers wrote. According to the drug's website, Avastin's purpose is to prevent the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors. Carter is also in the process of undergoing 6� weeks of radiation treatment and a year of chemotherapy. "It was a bummer that dad had to get poked again for the Avastin treatment," Bloemers wrote. "No fun but we know it is important!" Carter began to experience symptoms of a chest cold on Wednesday. He was about to begin walking with his wife, but started coughing, which prompted the trip to the ER. "It has not been easy to see my dad go through tough times," Bloemers wrote. "He is one of the most independent, fun-loving people I have ever known. He has always taken care of the family! Throughout these four weeks, dad mentions how he doesn't want to be an inconvenience to anyone. Even if he is having a hard day, he 'checks in' with each family member to make sure everyone is doing okay. His heart is good... so loving and so caring. Did I mention how proud I am to be his daughter?? "Each one of us are proud of dad. He is a good man with a great heart." During Friday's game against the Angels, the Mets placed a huge get-well card for Carter in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda at Citi Field so fans can sign it before it is sent to the Hall of Fame catcher. Carter began his cancer treatment at the beginning of June. The 57-year-old had just completed his second season as Palm Beach Atlantic University's baseball coach, when he announced that an MRI taken on May 21 had revealed four small tumors on his brain. Carter, who was a vital cog on the New York Mets 1986 World Series championship team, was inducted into Cooperstown in 2003. He retired in 1992 with the Montreal Expos, finishing his 19-year career with a .262 batting average, 324 home runs and 1,225 RBIs. He also played in 11 All-Star games.

[Edgy MD]

G-Fafif wrote: Every game I've been to thus far since the news (several), the Mets play a tribute on the video board to Carter. Always gets a big response. Twice I've heard such a chant go up and remain sustained shortly thereafter.

That's my people.

[Edgy MD]

Signing Carter's get-well card:

[G-Fafif]

Gary's real-life Rudy efforts continue.

Gary Carter is at the midway point of radiation treatments for cancerous brain tumors. He also has been dealing with walking pneumonia, his daughter Kimmy Bloemers wrote in the family's online journal. Carter watched the movie "Rudy" last weekend, which the family found inspiring. Wrote Bloemers: Team Carter is definitely NOT giving up. Brain cancer is the big problem but there have been many other bumps in the road for our family. Although it is not easy, we are doing all we can to stay positive and stay strong. We definitely have our sad, confusing and frustrated moments but we are giving our burdens, worries and sadness to the Lord and asking Him to take them away. We know NOTHING absolutely NOTHING is impossible for our God and wee are trusting in our Savior! We are praying for a miracle and we are praying BIG! Dad will get another MRI in August to see the activity in his brain. We pray for NO tumors and NO cancer!

[G-Fafif]

Latest update from daughter Kimmy, via ESPN NY.

Dad has been taking medication since early June and it hasn't been as easy road. Not only has dad been tired, but lately, he has been experiencing uncomfortable cramping in his hands. We are guessing it is because of the medication but we will be asking the doctors very soon. Dad has lost all of his hair in the back of his head but he of course is still handsome with that good looking smile! On Tuesday, dad went to the psychiatrist and was prescribed a couple antidepressants. As you can imagine, life has changed significantly for my dad so it is understandable that there will be some sadness throughout this journey. On Wednesday, dad had a great day and evening but after dinner, he had a fast heartbeat, turned pale, cramping hands, quivering lips and was very fatigued. We called Dr. Harris and he gave us some tips to make dad feel more comfortable. Thankfully, dad was okay but it truly was a very scary moment. Thursday-Sunday for the most part were good days. Everything else seems to be going well for the most part so we are thankful and we focus on all the positives. We ask you to pray specifically for dad as he tackles each day.

[Edgy MD]

Gary Carter on anti-depressants. I've got to chew that one around.

[ashie62]

Very common for those with life ending illnesses..

[Guest Rockin' Doc]

Hang in there Kid. I'm praying for you an d your family.

[Piggiestomatoes]

The video tribute I saw at Saturday's game was very moving. It's just a sad situation. I am appreciative of the family's openness.

[G-Fafif]

Doin' better, says the family.

Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter is no longer suffering from walking pneumonia, coughing and cramping hands, and has been sleeping easier, his daughter, Kimmy Bloemers, reported on a private family website late Monday night. According to Bloemers, Carter, who is currently battling Stage 4 brain cancer, has six more radiation treatments remaining. "I am happy to report that my dad has had a great week! Aside from some fatigue, dad is doing very well!!!" Bloemers wrote on the private family website, which ESPN NewYork.com has been granted access to. "We are thankful that his hair loss is the only side effect right now. His mind has been sharp and everything else is functioning as it should. It has been refreshing to have "dad be dad" this week. We focus on the praises and the prayers that have already been answered..." According to Bloemers, Carter plans to return for a third season as head baseball coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University. "A committee has met at school and interviewed different candidates for the new position that is now open...the associate head baseball coach," Bloemers wrote. "We are praying for the perfect fit and so far we have some highly qualified coaches who want to be a big part of dad's program. Dad has been involved in the hiring process and each interview. We should have someone hired very soon." Carter is slated to have an MRI on his brain on Aug. 9 at Duke University.

[G-Fafif]

Kid not gonna be able to attend HOF induction ceremonies this year. Here's hoping he's upstate next summer.

[G-Fafif]

Some progress, per ESPN NY.

Gary Carter's daughter Kimmy Bloemers reported several positive developments in The Kid's fight against malignant brain tumors. � Carter's MRI has been moved to Aug. 1 to determine the extent to which radiation has eradicated the tumors. The imaging will take place near Carter's Florida home, and he will head to Duke that night or the next day for analysis and consultation. � Carter's final radiation treatment is Tuesday. � The Kid walked two miles on Monday. Writes Bloemers: "This is the longest walk since finding out about the cancer. He said to my mom that, 'This is the best I have felt in two months!' Wow, thank you Jesus for giving my dad a great day!" � Carter experienced cold sores in his throat last week, but that has been improving. � Carter watched the All-Star Game on television and was touched by a tribute during the seventh inning. Writes Bloemers: "It was extra special because my brother and his best friend Phil were at the game holding signs with dad's name on it. Dad was invited to play in the celebrity softball game again and of course couldn't play this year. Our prayer and hope is that he is out there in 2012!"

[G-Fafif]

More progress for the Hall of Famer who couldn't make it to Cooperstown this weekend.

Gary Carter's daughter Kimmy Bloemers continued to express optimism about the progress of the Hall of Fame catcher. Carter hit 15 golf balls last week and also drove a vehicle. He is due for an Aug. 2 MRI at Duke University to determine whether cancerous brain tumors have been eradicated. The Carter family, which was visited by Mets PR man Jay Horwitz during the weekend, expressed appreciation at the love emanating from Cooperstown during Hall of Fame weekend. Carter was unable to attend, but plans to return next year. �Dad watched the HOF ceremony and was touched by the kind words from the inductees,� Bloemers wrote in a private online journal to which ESPN has been granted access. �He wished so badly he could have been there. My mom and dad both wanted to thank the Hall of Famers and their wives for their support, love and encouragement. They can't wait to be with you all next year!� Carter underwent his final radiation treatment and ingested his last chemotherapy pill for the time being last Tuesday. He also is being weaned off steroid pills. As for Carter driving, Bloemers wrote: �His mind was clear and he felt wonderful. He knows that he won't ever go behind the wheel unless he is feeling terrific. It was a great moment for him!� She concluded: "Cancer is hard to understand. Aside from having tired moments, dad is talking, walking and acting like himself (for the most part). The only sign that shows dad is not 100 percent is his hair loss. No one could believe that there is something dangerous inside his body. We recognize the cancer, but we keep a positive mindset and we pray, pray, pray!�

[G-Fafif]

Encouraging news:

Gary Carter's daughter Kimmy Bloemers shares very positive news about the ex-Met's prognosis following the reading of an MRI at Duke University. She writes: I just got off the phone with my mom and I have WONDERFUL news! Doctor V said specifically that dad's tumors are 80% better! He is very encouraged and very very pleased with these results (as we ALL are!!) There is much less swelling and the tumors are less dense and "less angry". The size is a little smaller but the most important fact is that these tumors are starting to GO AWAY! Praise the Lord - praise the Lord!!! The plan is now for dad to start treatment that will require 5 days of chemo in a pill form and then he will do Avastin twice a month. On a side note, Dr. V told my parents a shocking and unbelievable story that we hadn't known until today. When my dad got his very FIRST MRI in Palm Beach County, his tumors were bad; HOWEVER, we did not realize that when he got his next MRI (only 10 days later at DUKE), Dr. V said they had doubled in size. That is how aggressive they were and so this makes the results that much MORE amazing! Mom and dad are heading home tonight and are so encouraged! We thank you all for praying for my dad and cheering for TEAM CARTER. We rejoice and praise our Heavenly Father for this news!

[Edgy MD]

I think Avastin's star is definitely falling for most uses, but is still considered effective for brain cancer.

[Guest Rockin' Doc]

Avastin is definitely big in vision care. It is used extensively by retinal ophthalmologists in the treatment and management wet macular degeneration and neovasculariztion in diabetic retinopathy.

Very happy to hear that Gary Carter appears to be doing much better. I hope and pray that his recovery will continue.

[soupcan]

Praise the Lord!

[G-Fafif]

A bit of a setback.

Nearly two weeks after an MRI revealed Gary Carter�s malignant brain tumors had shrunk by 80 percent as the result of an initial round of chemotherapy, Carter had a mild step backward. His daughter, Kimmy Bloemers, indicated a doctor�s visit Monday revealed Carter�s white blood cell count is low, �which means his body will not be ready for the stronger chemo that was supposed to start tomorrow.� Writes Bloemers: �Since hearing the good news about dad's tumors, it actually has been a hard week on dad and the family. Dad has been more tired than any other week. Because of his lack of energy, the doctors have decided to raise the steroids (dekatron) again to 2mg in the morning and 2mg in the evening.� Carter requires a pair of two-hour naps each day. �This is not at all a typical day for dad,� Bloemers wrote. �Before his diagnosis in May, dad never sat still. He was traveling, coaching, golfing and doing anything else that could keep him from slowing down. He has always been very active and very goal-driven. I can't imagine how hard it has been for dad to drastically change his daily life and take these strong medicines that essentially control his body. � Carter has another doctor appointment next Monday. �We ask that you pray for dad's white blood cell count to be higher so he can begin taking his new chemo medication,� his daughter wrote. �You see, chemo is what brings the blood count down, but it is chemo that dad needs to continue to fight these tumors. This week will be the second week without chemo, but dad is so strong that he can go another week without it. He will continue to have his Avastin treatment every two weeks and of course, the radiation is still working in his body.�

[metirish]

Damn you Lord!

[ashie62]

The steroids can be debilitating on their own. Keep him comfortable.

[G-Fafif]

Next round of treatment -- the intense kind -- a go.

Gary Carter, whose more intense round of chemotherapy had been delayed by a low white-blood-cell count, is now ready to proceed with that treatment to combat malignant brain tumors. His daughter Kimmy Bloemers writes: "Dad went to the doctor yesterday and received news that his white blood count was high enough to start the new stronger chemo! The blood count is still a little low; however, he got the green light to take his first pill last night. He took an anti-nausea pill at 10 p.m. and took his chemo at 10:30 p.m. and then fell right to sleep. We are so happy to report that dad is not sick and he had a good day today. There was some anxiety yesterday not knowing if this 5-day treatment would have terrible reactions. Aside from being tired, dad has no other side effects!!!" Bloemers adds: "Dad will take his second chemo pill tonight and will take his last chemo pill Friday night. This will happen every month for one year. Five pills for one month, Avastin every two weeks and steroids everyday. ... Dad is very strong, determined and focused for our family, his fans, friends and his baseball players. I am so proud of him. He has endured a lot these last three months and without a doubt, the best is yet to come. The more we pray, the more this miracle will happen!"

[G-Fafif]

Another complication, since addressed.

Gary Carter continues to battle brain cancer, but the former Met's fight has become complicated by blood clotting in his chest. Carter, 57, was back home in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Friday, resting comfortably and "in good spirits," according to close friends, after being rushed to the hospital Tuesday night with chest pain and shortness of breath. After Carter underwent numerous tests, it was determined that he was suffering from blood clots in his chest and his right leg, no doubt effects from the strong chemotherapy medication he is taking for the four small tumors doctors discovered on his brain back in May. As a result, he will have to inject two needles in his stomach every day until further notice. "He's back home and in good spirits," said a person who spoke to Carter on Wednesday. "He's also pretty lucky that he went into the hospital when he did and they discovered the problem. He could've died." A further CT scan revealed no bleeding or clots on the brain. According to Carter's daughter, Kimmy Bloemers, via a family website, "These blood clots are very controllable, and this new medication should help dissolve the problems. Dad is very lucky it was caught so early." This is the second time the Hall of Fame catcher has been admitted to the hospital after the brain-tumor diagnosis. In mid-June, he experienced a severe coughing attack, which was found to be bronchitis. A source close to Carter said Friday that doctors are encouraged that the chemotherapy has apparently reduced the tumors considerably. However, he is due back in the hospital at the end of the month for more tests to determine if the tumors have been eliminated.

[Edgy MD]

Kimmy tells all.

Gary Carter attends college's practice By Adam Rubin ESPNNewYork.com ST. LOUIS -- Gary Carter's battle with cancerous brain tumors has taken much of his energy, but the Hall of Fame catcher was able to briefly help coach his Palm Beach Atlantic University baseball team this past week. Carter was due to begin taking a second, higher-dosage round of chemotherapy pills Monday night, but his white-blood-cell count was too low, his daughter Kimmy Bloemers wrote in an online family journal to which ESPNNewYork.com has been granted access. "There is no doubt that dad is fighting an extremely difficult battle," Bloemers wrote. "He is exhausted, sad at times, unmotivated and frustrated that his body won't move like it used to. However, there are moments where we will see dad laugh, smile and show that determined attitude to win. "This past week has been a rollercoaster of emotions again, with a mixture of ups and downs. Dad has done a lot of resting and sitting around the house -- not because he wants to, but because his body and mind lack the energy to do much of anything." Carter attended a practice of the Palm Beach Atlantic baseball team he coaches and sat in a chair as players took batting practice. An associate head coach has been hired to handle the bulk of the activities. Carter managed to play seven holes of golf with friends this past week. He swam 10 laps and walked on a treadmill and rode an exercise bicycle for five minutes each Sunday. Earlier, he also played catch with his daughter Bloemers, the Palm Beach Atlantic softball coach. "His reactions were perfect as I threw the ball to him at about 80 percent speed," Bloemers wrote. "He caught every single ball. Dad sort of flipped the ball overhand to me instead of actually throwing. He said it felt weird since he hadn't thrown since May, but he appreciated the encouragement to try something that he loves -- anything that deals with baseball. "Down at the beach, dad enjoyed sitting on the chair listening to the waves and watching his granddaughter play in the sand and water. Toward the end of our time at the beach, we helped dad walk down to the water. Unfortunately, it was a sad moment to see dad struggle. He was unbalanced and weak. We headed home and dad rested at home for the night." Carter is a Hall of Famer catcher who played 18 seasons in the big leagues, most notably for the New York Mets and Montreal Expos. Follow Adam Rubin on Twitter: @AdamRubinESPN

[G-Fafif]

Not great.

Medical staff treating Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter for cancerous brain tumors discovered "an abnormal and unusual spot" on his right temple, his daughter Kimmy Bloemers wrote in the family's online journal Sunday night. He was immediately dispatched to get a biopsy. "When I saw the look on my dad's face, I just wanted to cry," Bloemers wrote. "This journey has been so emotional when there has been just one thing after the next that dad has to conquer. Dad did not complain; he just had look of sadness. I really hate that dad has to go through such a tough road. Dad got the biopsy and actually had several spots removed in various places. We hope to find out the results soon." On a positive note, Carter's white-blood-cell count has now risen to an acceptable level to begin a second, higher-dosage round of chemotherapy. That treatment had been delayed for a few weeks. "We are thankful he was able to get the medication needed to fight this battle," wrote Bloemers in the journal, to which the family has granted ESPNNewYork.com access. Before the latest discovery, Carter had unsuccessfully tried to throw batting practice to his Palm Beach Atlantic University baseball team. An associate head coach has been hired to handle the bulk of the duties. "He hadn't thrown in a long time but thought he would try," Bloemers wrote. "Sadly, it didn't go so well. He tried a couple of times and in his eyes, he had failed. He talked with my mom and was saddened/disappointed that things are starting to be 'taken away from me' ... golf, throwing BP, physical activity, travel, etc. It is not easy and my heart breaks for dad. "On the flip side, I felt encouraged that dad wanted to throw BP and thought he could, which in my opinion shows that dad is doing well with his mind. I am believing that the low energy and struggle and tough effort for physical activity are strictly from the medication and not from the tumors. I am believing that dad is healing, but the road will remain bumpy for a little while longer." Bloemers said well-wishers can visit teamcarterstore.com to purchase "Team Carter" merchandise that supports the Gary Carter Foundation, which funds charitable programs including an elementary-school reading initiative in Florida. Carter played 18 seasons in the big leagues, most notably for the New York Mets and Montreal Expos.

[Edgy MD]

That Lindsay Nelson quote at the bottom of your post had a new resonance.