We had a consult with our primary (oncologist) doctor yesterday around 11:30 am. The main focus of the meeting was to review the tests that Jonathan went through to re-evaluate the tumor and cancer and make a decision on whether he will continue with his stem cell transplant. So ... the news was good - in a relative kind of way - but there was a hiccup. On the MIBG scan it showed some tumor cells around his knee on his left leg. Also - the bone marrow tests returned with a couple cells being tumor cells. What this means is that Jonathan's bone marrow is not clear but the amount of tumor remaining is very low.
The only unknown right now is whether the tumor cells are mature cells that cannot reproduce and will die or whether it is 'live' tumor cells which can replicate and grow. Since we don't know either way - we have to assume that it's 'live' tumor cells that can replicate. On the good side - nothing lit up on the MIBG scan around his abdomen area so there is no likelihood of Jonathan having a second surgery to do clean-up - at least one less thing to worry about now.
Since Jonathan's stem cell transplant is schedule to begin on Monday - 8th August - then the hope is with the high dosage of chemotherapy drugs he'll be getting to wipe out most of his bone marrow will also help with the eradication of the remaining about of tumor cells. Of course we'll have another 8 weeks before we learn anymore but all we can do is hope for the best.
The interesting thing was that although the news was a little bit disappointing for both Gabby and myself - I was not taken by surprise. Gabby actually expressed more emotion and was clearly not happy with the news - but I've learnt that with this disease - anything goes. Granted Jonathan is doing very well - I don't take any present indicators as a sign of victory or defeat - we'll just see how it goes one day at a time and make the appropriate decisions as things occur.
I must say - more and more - I've been thinking about our 'Make a Wish' trip to Disney World and have been wishing it happens sooner rather than later. Partly because the kids would have a great time and also because it would be a great break for Gabby and me. I've come to realize that my stress levels are (unfortunately) starting to increase (again) and some mornings I wake up wishing I didn't have to go to work. I've been putting it off - but I have to call my doctor and get her okay with increasing my meds to compensate for the extra stress levels.
No comments:
Post a Comment