Football season has ended. Katie cheered on the 7th and 8th graders, whichever team was playing at home. She enjoyed it very much and considered trying out for the Competitive Cheer. It interferes with swimming, so I think she will have to wait until next year to cheer. Cody survived his first varsity football season. He enjoyed getting out on the field and had some playing time. We heard his name on the speakers and cheered every time. Kyle took a lot a great senior pictures and it has been hard to pick, but I think we have them narrowed down to our few favorites. Kyle and Tom went to play air-soft for a cancer fundraising event and Tom became instantly addicted. We'll have to wait and see if the old man can keep up with his sons :) Cody was not able to join in the air-softing fun as it was the same night as Homecoming, smart boy! He and his girlfriend had a great time and I finally got a picture of Cody smiling.
Tom received his first dose of the injection to strengthen his spine. The first day he said he felt a little sore. Within 24 hours it hit him like a train wreck. He had bone and muscle pain, high fever, etc. I was so glad that most of his side effects lessened within the day. Next month Tom will be taking a dose of Tylenol before getting the infusion so that it will hopefully keep some of the effects at bay.
A couple of weeks ago Tom saw the Radiology Oncologist here in GR. There was some concern about Tom getting radiated again because the area was already been treated back in 2007. Tom's case was brought to the Tumor Board so that his treatment could be discussed. Today we had a follow up appointment to find out the treatment plan for Tom's tumor in his C6-C7 vertebrae. Dr. Buth stated that there has been no significant change in the September scans and no evidence of weakness. The board recommends that they keep watching it. He explained that the spinal cord has resistance to radiation but pushing it too far causes damages similar to a serious injury including the chance of paralysis.
He recommends that Tom have another MRI added to his scan at the U of M so that the tumor can be evaluated for change when he goes in November. If treatment is need he is recommending the type of radiation to use is SBRT (Stereotatic Body Radio Therapy) which wraps around the bone. As Dr. Buth has only done this a few time and does not have the expertise, he would like Tom to be referred to the Henry Ford Hospital where their team would have the experience.
I left feeling frustrated at the bouncing to all the different hospitals and that the treatment is not plowing ahead. Tom reminded me that his cancer is rare and very complicated. He is not a typical case & they are sending him out to "the best" to care for him. I have since e-mail the nurse at the U of M and request the MRI to be scheduled when we are there, and Dr. Buth's recommendation. She is ordering the Spinal MRI and talked this over with Dr. Worden. Tom is again being brought to the Board at U of M once the next scans are complete and read.
This is our life. We have lived a roller coaster for over 5 years. I have to give Tom credit for always staying positive and keeping up the fight. I have said before that if I were in his shoes I'm not so sure I would handle it the same way. Thanks again to my prayer warriors and those who "follow" Tom's progress. We all keep each other going with words of encouragement. To my new UK friends...thanks for your monthly comments, hang in there and never give up hope, it our best line of defense.
Psalms 94:19 "Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer."
