Chemo
WEIGHTY NEWS
This morning we had our planned meeting with the medical team and the head oncologist. We received news that Ethen's tumor is quite extensive. The cancer has metastasized and shows up in Ethen's left femur and his right ocular orbit. This is based on the MIBG scan from yesterday, which shows where cancer cells have absorbed the iodine solution. Ethen's right orbit has a low avidity, which means that fewer cancer cells are present there; his left femur is a higher avidity. Based on the extent of the abdominal tumor (10cm x 10cm) and the metastasis Ethen's cancer is labeled a stage 4 neuroblastoma. In some ways staging does not matter because the treatment, if it works, attacks the aggressive cells more aggressively; however, there is a lot of cancer to kill.
We are thankful that we were able to begin Ethen's chemotherapy today, which we began around 4:00pm. He received the first two cycles of treatment today: cyclophosphamide (cytoxan) and topotecan. He will receive these same two cycles each day for the next four days. After this first round of treatment Ethen will have a recovery period of sixteen days during which time we should be able to go home. The two cycles of treatment (cyclophosphamide and topotecan) will be repeated several times. These first two cycles are very important. Please pray with us that the medicine will kill the cancer cells. Pray also that God would guard Ethen from infection following the treatment as the chemo will diminish his immune function.
We plan to tell our two older children more specifics about Ethen's condition tomorrow. This has weighed heavily on Christie and my heart. They are perceptive of some things, but this is out of their frame of reference. Pray God would give us words. Pray they can understand that Ethen is still their brother and that they can love on him as they always have. Pray that we can show them the love they need, and that they would know our love has not changed although our responsibilities in caring for Ethen will make life different for them.
AN ADMIXTURE OF FUN
Anyone who knows me knows I love watching the Carolina Panthers and making critical suggestions on how they might improve (especially last season)—like I know, right? Well, today was the first Thursday of the month, which is one of the days when players visit Levine Children's Hospital. During the post-lunch lull of the day Shaq Thompson and David Mayo came by our room to say hi—I guess it was linebacker day. They gave Ethen a nice signed football, a team photo, a team flag, and some Greg Olsen beanies (one for him, one for Hudson). It was a nice surprise, which brightened Ethen's afternoon.
This morning we had our planned meeting with the medical team and the head oncologist. We received news that Ethen's tumor is quite extensive. The cancer has metastasized and shows up in Ethen's left femur and his right ocular orbit. This is based on the MIBG scan from yesterday, which shows where cancer cells have absorbed the iodine solution. Ethen's right orbit has a low avidity, which means that fewer cancer cells are present there; his left femur is a higher avidity. Based on the extent of the abdominal tumor (10cm x 10cm) and the metastasis Ethen's cancer is labeled a stage 4 neuroblastoma. In some ways staging does not matter because the treatment, if it works, attacks the aggressive cells more aggressively; however, there is a lot of cancer to kill.
We are thankful that we were able to begin Ethen's chemotherapy today, which we began around 4:00pm. He received the first two cycles of treatment today: cyclophosphamide (cytoxan) and topotecan. He will receive these same two cycles each day for the next four days. After this first round of treatment Ethen will have a recovery period of sixteen days during which time we should be able to go home. The two cycles of treatment (cyclophosphamide and topotecan) will be repeated several times. These first two cycles are very important. Please pray with us that the medicine will kill the cancer cells. Pray also that God would guard Ethen from infection following the treatment as the chemo will diminish his immune function.
We plan to tell our two older children more specifics about Ethen's condition tomorrow. This has weighed heavily on Christie and my heart. They are perceptive of some things, but this is out of their frame of reference. Pray God would give us words. Pray they can understand that Ethen is still their brother and that they can love on him as they always have. Pray that we can show them the love they need, and that they would know our love has not changed although our responsibilities in caring for Ethen will make life different for them.
AN ADMIXTURE OF FUN
Anyone who knows me knows I love watching the Carolina Panthers and making critical suggestions on how they might improve (especially last season)—like I know, right? Well, today was the first Thursday of the month, which is one of the days when players visit Levine Children's Hospital. During the post-lunch lull of the day Shaq Thompson and David Mayo came by our room to say hi—I guess it was linebacker day. They gave Ethen a nice signed football, a team photo, a team flag, and some Greg Olsen beanies (one for him, one for Hudson). It was a nice surprise, which brightened Ethen's afternoon.
Praying incessantly.
ReplyDeleteWe love you guys and are praying.
ReplyDeletePraying for you both today as you share your hearts with Hudson and Mikayla. This is a journey that no parent wishes on any of their children and I know their hearts are broken for their baby brother and there is so much confusion on their part. So grateful that you have an amazing family to support you through this time! We support you all daily through prayer. Thank you Brian for letting us know how to pray!
ReplyDeletePraying for complete recovery! Also praying that the older children are able to understand and not be afraid. Your family has been on my heart and in my prayers!
ReplyDeletePrayers for sweet Ethen! Love y'all!
ReplyDeleteI hate that this is happening to y'all. It hurts my heart. I am praying. That God would be glorified in your weakness. I am so thankful for how good he is even in circumstances like these. Love y'all.
ReplyDelete