Yesterday we met with our pediatrician (Dr. Kramarzck). He went over as much as he could with us. This put our mind at ease a lot. We trust and value his opinion immensely. We asked him what he would do, and he indicated the chemo. Today Drew had a eye exam while sedated, cat scan and a spinal tap. The results of the eye exam indicated Drew has a condition called Bilateral Retinoblastoma (eye cancer in both eyes). We were preparing ourselves for this news. Not what you ever want to hear about your child. This made the decision process a little easier. The surgeon indicated the best road for treatment was chemo. Tony and I have thought long and hard about this decision. The risks and benefits are very hard to weigh against each other, when you put a beautiful face to the decision. We talked with a cancer specialist, and the risk of leukemia from chemo treatment is less than one percent. The benefits - Drew maintains 20/20 vision in his right eye and some vision restored in the left eye. We have decided this would be the best quality of life to offer him. They inserted a port (IV Device) under his chest today. This port will be used to administer the chemo. It does not hurt him. For the next six months, Drew will receive one round of chemo a month. He will be in the hospital each time this occurs. The success rate is over 95%. It is going to be a long road for him, us and Jack. Please pray for everyone. He will get through this and be a happy, healthy little boy a year from now. We are hoping only evidence he ever went through this will be pictures and a pair of glasses to protect the good eye.
Drew will be very susceptible to germs. The only people that will be able to visit him at home will be grandparents. The cancer specialist has indicated this is the best way to prevent exposure to germs. Germs are very dangerous to chemo patients, since their immune system has been broken down. We will try to keep everyone updated through the blog website.
We appreciate everyone's consideration, prayers and kind thoughts over the last couple of days. We will get through this with the support of friends and family.
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5 comments:
We are neighbors to Mike and Beth. We just want to let you know how sorry we are to hear about little Drew. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It's so easy to take for granted good health. It's sad we have to be reminded like this that life is so VERY precious. Hang in there - all of you...
Christi and Mike Bell
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we love your whole family and know that God will bring you through this as he's the great healer. We're here for you, whatever you need.
Rich & Jackie Dutcher
Our thoughts and prayers are with you from Rhode Island. We will keep in touch and check the blog daily. A candle will lit for the Giuliani family at the Lasellette Shrine. Hugs and kisses to the boys.
Carol, Ron, Keith, Cindy, Robert, Stephanie, Kelly, Bob and Bobby.
Mike and Beth-
We can really say that we feel your pain... Our son was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma in July of 2006 and he will be getting his last treatment before christmas. I know how overwhelming it can be and lonely at times, even with loving family and friends around.. because sometimes they just can't relate... Please feel free to contact us. We have met many parents with children that have the same condition and there is HOPE!! We will keep your angel in our prayers as well and if you have any questions please contact us.. Rachel and Tom Gilmore www.freewebs.com/rmg1234/
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