Relapse 11/28/2011
 
This blog post won't be well written, but I wanted to get some information out about what is going on. Here are the details in list form:
  • Rene started radiation last week to treat the new tumor on his pelvis.
  • Rene also has some diffuse disease in the rest of his pelvis and in his lower spine. 
  • Luis is caring for him in Vancouver while I work in Victoria
  • Rene is just as spunky and energetic as ever. There is no way to tell he has cancer without putting him into a machine and scanning him.
  • Rene got a VAD (venous access device) surgically implanted in his chest today.
  • Rene also did his radiation treatment today
  • Radiation is every morning for 20 working days
  • He lays in the machine for about 10 minutes, I guess (what do I know, I'm working?)
  • Rene is now able to lay still so he does not have to be sedated daily, like he did the other time he did radiation
  • Chemotherapy starts this month in Vancouver
  • Chemotherapy will be given as a low dose as an outpatient in Victoria
  • The doctor wants to keep Rene in school during the majority of his chemotherapy
  • There is "some" hope that Rene can still be cured
  • Neuroblastoma is unpredictable and there is no way of knowing if this will work
  • I am terrified, but working hard to keep a positive attitude.
  • Rene's grandma passed away last month. He misses, her but has the advantage of being only 5. He's not dwelling on it.
 


Comments

Paula and Mike
12/02/2011 22:15

Julia - Your succinct summary is much appreciated, thanks. This week has been a big one for Luis and Rene, I see. I imagine that keeping still for 10 minutes is tough for your energetic little boy, but that his maturity level now allows him to cooperate well. We are also thinking lots of positive thoughts! Love you all.

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Kiki
12/02/2011 23:20

Thanks for the update Julia. We have been thinking about you and wondering how treatment was going. Give Rene a hug or us! Hope to see you all when Rene and Luis are back in Victoria. Hugs.

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Wendy Hughes
12/03/2011 10:17

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Wendy Hughes
12/03/2011 10:26

Julia,
You and yours are in my heart.....cannot imagine the emotions. It was so great to see you, Rene and Luis. I will keep those brown eyes in mind as I send you strength.

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Lorianne, Mike and William
12/05/2011 11:41

Julia, thank you so much for the update. I still think about you guys often and hope that Rene gets through this next battle as well as the last. Will definitly misses Victoria and all his friends there, be sure to say hello to Rene from Will.

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