Before and after round one of chemo.
Yesterday both boys had an eye exam under anesthesia with good results. We were very happy to hear Jack has perfect vision and there are absolutely no signs of retinoblastoma. We also received great news on Drew's progress. His tumors have shrunk by approximately 50%. This is better than anticipated, however, Dr. Olson indicated we are not out of the woods yet. Usually you will see the fastest reduction after the first round. The biggest area of concern in the tumor that looks like a funnel in the front of the eye. This tumor has vitreous extension and seeding. Most of the interior of your eye is filled with vitreous, a clear, jelly-like substance. Vitreous seeding is small bits of tumor floating in the vitreous. Due to the seeding being in the center of the eye and small pieces, it is harder to treat and isolate. Dr. Olson treated this tumor with cyrotheraphy (freezing of the tumor). This is the tumor they will watch closely for the next couple of rounds of chemo. The tumors in the right eye were treated with lasers (heating of the tumor and area around it).
Yesterday and today Drew went through his second round of chemo. He did very well under the circumstances. He looks a little tough, because his eyes are swollen from the cyro and laser treatments. We tell people he got in a fight and if you think he looks bad you should see the other guy:)
Today he is feeling pretty nauseous, which they are treating with an assortment of drugs. He is tired from the chemo. We were able to bring him home, which helps a ton. He is drinking but taking in very little food. This is normal after a chemo treatment. We now wait to see how he will react to this round of chemo. They cut in half the drug he reacted to last time, so we are hoping it will be smooth sailing this time. Please keep him in your prayers over the next week. We are praying he will remain out of the hospital until his next round of chemo in January. Thank you again for all your love, support and prayers through this process to get Drew better.
4 comments:
The boys look so happy on Christmas! It is great that you were together. Drew's tumors look so much smaller. We will continue to pray that they get smaller and that Drew's recovery continues to be smoother than the last round! Thanks for the update... as always we are thinking of you guys!!!
Love, Joy, JP, Jon and Teddy
Glad to hear the good news- what a difference one round has made. Keep your spirits up and spoil the boys a little extra today. Tell them Auntie Amy said they can do whatever they want.
Amy and Bryan
Great news! We're so happy for you all. We'll miss you tonight, and it won't be the same without you. . .next year we'll continue the Buca tradition.
Love,
Steve and Theresa
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