We were with the Hopkins doctors today and they agree that I should not have a Bone Marrow Transplant ("BMT") at this point. If the cancer returns, then a BMT will be appropriate. The good news is that they also believe, at this point, I am in as good a position as any patient with the same cancer to finish the chemotherapy and have the cancer never return. While the official probabilities are not sweet (75% of patients have a recurrence), I like the expert opinions based on my situation.
Liza and our "physicians roundtable" have worked hard to get us to this point. They have researched and consulted with many experts around the country and THANK YOU for making this difficult decision as transparent and easy as possible.
So the plan now is for me to finish the chemo (3 more sessions through November), and then have a PET scan in February to see if the cancer is gone. If the cancer is gone, then I just focus on getting stronger.
After my appointments, Liza and I visited Malik. He's doing great under painful and stressful circumstances. The surgery was a massive success. The doctors were able to accomplish things they told Malik were impossible. He has great faith, a strong and loving family, and an indomitable spirit. He had a tracheotomy today so now he can talk and he is alert and fighting. Your prayers and positive vibes made their way to him. At the end of our visit I was holding Malik's hand and sent him as much energy as I could. I think I took some of the great energy you're sending me and passed it through to him. Thank you. It felt good to share.
I hope you all have a fun Fall weekend. Carve those pumpkins and roast some seeds!
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4 comments:
I'm 100% positive that you are in the 25%! Keep doing what your doing - being positive and listening to Liza! :)
-Seuss
What wonderful news. We are thrilled. Ellen and Bill
That is great news from your doctors. You've got everything on your side to put you on the good side of those odds.
Beautiful entry yesterday. Sounds like you and Eli had fun. Those odds are do-able. Oh yes they are. My family has been in that 25% not once but twice. Liza is my hero, by the way! Thanks for keeping us all posted. love, Dana
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