Holly had her 5th treatment on Monday (yesterday). We also met with Dr. Rodgriguez regarding her latest scan. The results were not what we were hoping.
The Good: The cancer is receding, and progress is being made. Her neck is pretty much clear of cancer.
The Bad: She still has some cancer showing in her abdomen that is shrinking at a much slower rate, and the doctor suggested that perhaps they were a different mutation that grows slower and isn't responding as well to the R-CHOP treatment as other tumors did.
The Ugly. Another 3 cycles will be needed, bringing the total to 8. We were hoping to do a total of 6 cycles, but it looks like we will have 8, with the strong possibility of a a bone marrow transplant.
The bone marrow transplant the doctor suggested isn't the type that requires donors. In this instance, Holly's marrow is fine. Some stem cells are harvested from her bone marrow and stored. Once the bone marrow treatment is completed it will kill off of her good bone marrow. Afterwards, her good stem cells are implanted to restore her bone marrow to full function.
The next set of plans are getting through cycle 6, then get a new PET scan to re-evaluate further treatment after the 8 cycles of R-CHOP.
Please keep her in your prayers. We'll beat this thing, but it will be a longer road for her.
The Good: The cancer is receding, and progress is being made. Her neck is pretty much clear of cancer.
The Bad: She still has some cancer showing in her abdomen that is shrinking at a much slower rate, and the doctor suggested that perhaps they were a different mutation that grows slower and isn't responding as well to the R-CHOP treatment as other tumors did.
The Ugly. Another 3 cycles will be needed, bringing the total to 8. We were hoping to do a total of 6 cycles, but it looks like we will have 8, with the strong possibility of a a bone marrow transplant.
The bone marrow transplant the doctor suggested isn't the type that requires donors. In this instance, Holly's marrow is fine. Some stem cells are harvested from her bone marrow and stored. Once the bone marrow treatment is completed it will kill off of her good bone marrow. Afterwards, her good stem cells are implanted to restore her bone marrow to full function.The next set of plans are getting through cycle 6, then get a new PET scan to re-evaluate further treatment after the 8 cycles of R-CHOP.
Please keep her in your prayers. We'll beat this thing, but it will be a longer road for her.
Also, let's hope this doesn't happen.
The flower look would look great! Jeff, you should request several different types of stem cell injections to see what else would grow - like antlers or a third eye? Could be useful.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with both of you. You'll kick this Holly. Hang in there. I can't imagine how you feel or what you're going through, but I know you are strong.
Remember, slow and steady wins the race! (Funny, I always thought you were a duck the way you let things roll off your back. It turns out your a turtle. I like turtles. I've never had a turtle poop on me.)
Love you!!!! ;-P
Jennifer