Cameron Benson I am with Cam

Within a week  of  experiencing abdominal pain, primarily on the right side, Cameron sought medical care.  After a first ultrasound and an immediate CT scan, it was clear that Cam had cancer. It was first described as a colon cancer ( stage 4) that had metastasized to the liver and possibly the surrounding lymph nodes.   We were absolutely blown away with this news and went into "charge it" mode to fight this cancer.  The outpouring of support from loved ones and the success stories buoyed us and we felt some hope that we could make it to the other side of this disease.... that we would buckle down, one step at a time to get through an expected hellish year.   But within days, Cameron spiked a fever bringing him urgently to the ER at Cottage Hospital.  He was admitted for several tests, including another round of ultrasound, CT, and PET scans.  They were also trying to determine the origin of the infection.  In the meantime,  the liver and colon biopsy results came in.  The  colon biopsy came back negative for colon cancer, but the liver biopsy revealed that Cam has a rare neuroendocrine cancer (Stage 4, Grade 3).  Once again, we were bowled over with shock and fear.  This is an aggressive cancer that is much less understood.  So the original plan to begin "Targeted therapy ," and chemotherapy this week was changed to using a more intensive and primitive chemotherapy that zaps the whole system instead of the specific cancer cells.  This means Cameron will undergo 3  consecutive days of chemo (each lasting approximately 4 hours) and then 18 days off before another round of chemo.  Dr. Gupta, his oncologist, is eager to get him started so he will begin either tomorrow (12/23 or on 12/24/16).  The side effects will likely be much more severe than the original chemo plan.  Fortunately, Cam will simultaneously be receiving medication to ease the nausea.  He will lose his hair and  I suppose we get to see his big beautiful head a little closer.  Cameron will remain in the hospital during the first 3 day chemo treatment so he can be closely monitored.  We are looking to bring Christmas, his favorite holiday, to him.  Fighting this very aggressive cancer requires 100 percent of our mind and spirit energy.