Good Morning Team Chase.
For those in the US, Happy 4th of July. Please take a moment of silence and reflect on what we have in the US today (freedom, awesome lifestyle, unbelievable opportunities, and finally, a place where dreams come true). Give thanks to those in the military (both past and present) that have laid their lives on the line, some providing the ultimate sacrifice, so that we can and will continue to enjoy the freedom they have given us. It is not free and should not be taken for granted.
Update on Chase......
Things were pretty much rocking along since we left the hospital on March 31st. That changed last week. Went to MDAnderson on June 25-26. Results of the tests are that the cancer is back. Not as bad as in February but close. Disease is located in Chase's back, pelvis area, and left side of his stomach. There is a small tumor off the liver area but it's seems to be stable and not growing too much. Obviously, since it's only been 4 month since Chase's last round of chemo, this was disappointing to say the least. That said, Chase still has a lot of fight left and we are going to battle hard.
As mentioned previously, we discussed with Dr Ludwig what options we have. Another round of chemo, clinical trials, bone marrow transplant were all bounced around.
The chinical trials were pursued but ruled out since Chase continues to have low blood counts (WBCs and Platelets are the two drivers here) and outside the trial parameters. Bone Marrow transplants will be a last resort as there is just not enough statistical proof that these provide higher success than chemo.
Based on the above, Chase is gearing up for another round of Chemo. Since the 4th (today) is a big holiday for Chase, he's elected to start preparing for Chemo tomorrow. He will go in the hospital in the morning and have another port put in (remember his previous port was removed in March as it was the source of one of his infections). Assuming all goes well, Chase will start his next Chemo cycle on Monday am. Will targeting leaving the hospital the weekend of the 11th, again if all goes well.
The family will be celebrating today with a cookout (burgers, dogs, icecream, watermelon, the whole bit) and lots of fireworks.
Be safe and God Speed!!
