Treatment progress and the start of round 3
Sam’s clinic appointment went as expected yesterday: bloodwork confirmed that his body was ready to start round 3. We were also able to discuss results of last week’s PET scan and lumbar puncture.
Last Thursday Sam had a lumbar puncture. A small amount of spinal fluid was removed and an equal amount of chemo-drugs was inserted. Analysis of the spinal fluid confirmed that there is no cancer in the central nervous system!
PET scan results – the treatment is working! Sam has two main cancerous masses one in his chest, and a smaller one in his neck. Results from the PET scan indicate that:
- Both masses are smaller then in the previous scan
- The activity level of the cancer in the body is reduced
- No new locations of cancer have been detected (i.e. it has not moved to other locations in the body)
Note: Sam is receiving additional monitoring (i.e. more scans) then normal because his case is … not a normal cancer case. Since so little is known about this form of cancer additional monitoring is taking place. I expect this is for two purposes. First to confirm that the treatment is working. Second, to document that the treatment is working – adding to the pool of knowledge on cancer.
Upcoming
The next number of days will be here at the hospital while Sam receives his treatment. I will be with him through the nights. Tina and her mom will join us through the day. Tina and I may even get away for some additional time together while Nana visits.
This round of chemo includes some nastier drugs, though Sam is in a much stronger place then the last time he experienced them. Potential side effects are likely to include pain, nausea, GI sores, and further hair loss.
Concerns and victories
We are thankful for positive results – that the treatment is working!
There is always concern that it remains effective to fully remove the cancer.
Specific more immediate concerns are the side effects from this current round of chemotherapy.