TC in an 8 year old?

[Scott]

We certainly wish both your friend's son and your mother-in-law the best in their battles. This demonstrates again that cancer can affect us all. The good news is that cure rates have risen significantly among children and seniors. Unfortunately, they've been stagnant among young adults.

[SahmIam]

He is doing well. He has had Chemo three times now. It makes him sick, but he seems to be dealing with it better than he did the first time. He has to do 12 weeks of chemo and then radiation. Then he will do 12 more weeks of Chemo. He's a tough little guy, I don't know how they do it.

In addition to his battle with cancer, my mother-in-law, who is a cousin to the 8 y/o's grandmother ( I know it makes no sense, but trust me) was diagnosed with colon cancer this evening. They are doing emergency surgery right now. She should be out by midnight or so. She is 84.

Thanks for asking about the boy. Oh, he is definately in stage one, that was great news.

Elizabeth

[burgdob]

How are things going?

[Rune]

Elizabeth,

Very happy to hear your friend's son is doing well!

[Mom]

Thanks for the update. Sounds encouraging. Our hearts go out to your friend's family. What wonderful support you must be for them. I know it is hard for you too. Dianne

[SahmIam]

My friend's son is doing well. He had surgery yesterday to install the chemo port, do a bone marrow biopsy, and to remove some lymph nodes in his abdomen. The prelim report on his bone marrow is that it is negative for cancer. The doctor said that he would be surprised if the lymph nodes came back positive. This was all good news.

I found out that they were so concerned about these small lymph nodes that showed up on the CT because when the original surgery was done, they removed the tumor plus two enlarged cancerous lymph nodes that were near the tumor.

We will get his chemo protocol next week and he is supposed to start Chemo on Wednesday or Thursday. They haven't staged his cancer yet, but the doctor said she thought it was either stage 1 or 2.

Thanks everyone for your support. I know that I am not the mother of this child but I am trying to be there for her on a daily basis, sometimes 8 or 10 hours a day. You folks are helping me to do that. Today, however, I am taking for my husband and kids.

Elizabeth

[huckchef]

elizabeth, i also live in the jackson area(madison). if there is anything i can do for the family please don't hesitate to ask. if you would like to private message me please do and we could maybe exchange names of your friends for prayers and help. let me know! brian

[burgdob]

I very glad the news is turning positive. I'll continue praying for him.

“If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or Fight Like Hell.”.....Lance Armstong

[Mom]

Let's hope he doesn't qualify for treatment at St. Jude's. Dianne

[SahmIam]

Here's the latest.....

They got a clear margin around the tumor and he is negative for tumor markers. His doctor tried to refer him to St. Judes as per the parents request. St. Jude's turned him down. The only way they will take him is if his bone marrow test comes back abnormal. He gets the port installed next week and they will do the bone marrow test at that time. They are sending his paperwork to MD Anderson in Texas for a 2nd opinion. If they suggest the same treatment, he will have it done locally.

The final word on the size of his tumor is 9 x 6.5 x 5 cm. I guess the original info on the tumor size that I got was a bit exaggerated.

Elizabeth

[Fish]

Congratulations!

I hope the news continues to be good.

[Mom]

That is encouraging. 99% of the time cancer can be cured if it is caught in time. This type of tumor is staged so there is certainly hope. He will be in my prayers. Dianne

[dadmo]

Thank you for sending that news our way. I hope the news continues to be encouraging.

[Rune]

Elizabeth,

Definitely good news, considering. Keep it coming!

[SahmIam]

Good News

I just got back from the CT scan. They found three small spots that may or may not be cancer. The doctor said that if they saw these in a "normal" boy, they would probably consider it normal. But because of his history, they are going to look closer at it. There is no need for immediate surgery. They are going to start him on Chemo, but they are taking him for a 2nd opinion first. This doesn't mean he is out of the woods, but it is a good start. Considering the size of his original tumor, I feared the worst.

It's a good day!

Elizabeth