We just returned from a six hour day at MD Anderson with what we think is good news. We met with Dr. Vinod Ravi who is a medical oncologist and his associates who are responsible for Irene’s chemotherapy treatment. He went into great detail regarding cancer treatment and the role of chemotherapy. He confirmed that the cancer has metastasized to Irene’s lungs. The chemotherapy treatment will consist of two drugs that will be administered one time intravenously on the first day of a 21 day cycle. We will return to Mesa where a medical oncologist will administer the treatment. After two infusions and two 21 day cycles, we will return to MD Anderson for tests and evaluation.
In Dr. Ravi’s experience, he expects the spots on the lungs to be reduced significantly and that the tumor in Irene’s leg will be changed enough to allow the swelling and pain to be reduced. He wants us to be very much aware that each patient responds differently to chemotherapy treatment, and that there are no guarantees. He believes, however, there is a possibility that the cancer can be managed without having an amputation. There are several unanswered questions about the future that will be addressed as we see how Irene’s body responds to treatment. We have more tests here tomorrow and hope to return to Mesa on Wednesday. We also met with a pain management Dr. who has modified Irene’s prescriptions to help with pain control.
Words cannot express how grateful we are that Irene still has her leg, and we are hopeful this treatment will be successful. We are moving forward with faith and are eternally grateful for your faith and prayers in our behalf.
In Dr. Ravi’s experience, he expects the spots on the lungs to be reduced significantly and that the tumor in Irene’s leg will be changed enough to allow the swelling and pain to be reduced. He wants us to be very much aware that each patient responds differently to chemotherapy treatment, and that there are no guarantees. He believes, however, there is a possibility that the cancer can be managed without having an amputation. There are several unanswered questions about the future that will be addressed as we see how Irene’s body responds to treatment. We have more tests here tomorrow and hope to return to Mesa on Wednesday. We also met with a pain management Dr. who has modified Irene’s prescriptions to help with pain control.
Words cannot express how grateful we are that Irene still has her leg, and we are hopeful this treatment will be successful. We are moving forward with faith and are eternally grateful for your faith and prayers in our behalf.
That is very encouraging news! You are in our prayers each and every day. Alexis and Elena send their love as well.
ReplyDeleteLove, Tom & Carolyn
We are thinking about you as well as having you constantly in our prayers. I remember my feelings when, nearly 30 years ago I heard my cancer had spread to my lungs. It seems it wasn't a bad thing, however, as they told me fast growing cancer actually responded better to treatment.
ReplyDeleteI just heard about your blog tonight. It will be nice to keep up with how you are doing.
So happy for your good news. Love you two, Mark and Cheryl
Dear Aunt Irene and Uncle Daryl,
ReplyDeleteWhen I fasted yesterday Val Johnson's name repeatedly came to my mind. Six years ago Val was diagnosed with cancer. He was treated and a few months later they found spots in his lungs. They were so significant that Val was told he probably wouldn't live 3 months. We had a ward fast and Heavenly Father intervened. Val received a miracle. I know it is in Heavenly Father's hands, but we are praying and exercising faith in your behalf. We are so grateful for this news. We love you. Jami & David
Thank you so much for keeping this blog so we know how to more specifically direct our prayers... which you have in abundance. Brent/jan
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