Heavy news

We took Ethan in for his next round of Chemo on Wednesday, October 30.  Because we had already been through two Cycles, they wanted to take a look at the tumor via MRI. So at 2 pm an MRI was done of Ethan’s head only. As was expected the tumor had grown. Yes, that was expected! Generally, Chemo kills cancer but does nothing to the size of a tumor. It is the radiation that shrinks the tumor. Our radiation was scheduled for after chemo was completed. 

With this current treatment plan, they measure the tumor (after the 2 cycles) and as long as it has not grown over 40%, the treatment plan stays on course. Ethans tumor has grown 45%.  That is 5% too much to continue with the current plan of treatment. This means his cancer is slightly more aggressive then the average Germ cell so we have to be more aggressive in attacking it.

I think it should be noted that his cancer markers are low, which is good sign: at the beginning it was at 13, with our treatment it should be around 9, but it is now at 2 (alpha fetoprotein) I do not understand why they are low and yet it grows, but we'll be asking that!

So what now:

The 2 options that are usually taken at this point are not pleasant. In order to make this decision a MRI will be taken of his spine.(Tuesday, Nov 5)  Germ cell tumors have been known to show up there as well. Then maybe a spinal tap to collect cerebrospinal fluid  (CSF) to check markers there. After the data is collected and looked at they will come to us with some recommendations. It is my current assumption that we will have a sit down with the doctors before the week is out to set up the new treatment plan.

In other news:

Ethan went to friend’s house this weekend which was GREAT!!

Mom and Dad are struggling a good bit with this heavy news regarding E.

 

Chas is hanging in there as usual doing well playing the euphonium.  

Tab is doing great a school and looking ahead (wisdom) planning upcoming vacation.