Cancer
There is no evidence to point to an improvement or worsening of Kenny’s condition. Kenny did show clinical improvement several months ago with the previous chemo treatment that he was on. This was prior to the tumor debulking procedure and proton therapy; however that also
showed
a growth in tumor size. Due to the rare type Kenny has and the lack of
enough statistical data on treatment effectiveness, the Oncologist and
the group that has been meeting is recommending that Kenny continue the
current chemo treatment for a few additional rounds. That is IF the
tumor has not grown in size. The only effective way of telling if this
cancer has been successfully treated is to discontinue treatment and
watch him over a long period of time.
Tumor
The oncologist office is waiting for the official tumor measurement from 3 separate MRI’s. Pre-Proton treatment, Post-Proton treatment and today’s scan. Because the tumor is at the base of the skull, doing comparisons on 3 separate scans and there is so much in that area that needs to be examined; there was no initial preview given. Once the Oncologist and his team have had a chance to review the results they will be meeting with Jo and me.
Hearing
There is a build-up of fluid behind his ear drums and no sign of additional damage to his auditory nerve other than was already present. The doctors put him on a prescription to see if this will clear it up. The long term solution will be to have tubes put in his ears if the prescription does not do the trick. The ears are neither infected nor painful, he just cannot hear much.
Blood counts
Mostly were good. His protein counts are solid so his continued diet of boost drinks has not only stabilized his weight but has brought these counts back in the safe range for several weeks. His white cell counts are on the rise from last week. We will need to keep him away from crowds for a while longer. His red cell count is lower than they would like. He may need to do another transfusion soon if these numbers do not improve quickly.
Chemo
The latest round finished last Friday. Due to lower blood cell counts than they want at this point in the calendar Kenny will also be taking next week off of treatment.
Praises
The hearing loss is easily treatable
Kenny continues to be medically stable
Prayer concerns
The future cancer treatment is the correct path to take
Accurate tumor measurement
Patience and continued stamina for the family
Thank you one and all for your continued prayers!
Tumor
The oncologist office is waiting for the official tumor measurement from 3 separate MRI’s. Pre-Proton treatment, Post-Proton treatment and today’s scan. Because the tumor is at the base of the skull, doing comparisons on 3 separate scans and there is so much in that area that needs to be examined; there was no initial preview given. Once the Oncologist and his team have had a chance to review the results they will be meeting with Jo and me.
Hearing
There is a build-up of fluid behind his ear drums and no sign of additional damage to his auditory nerve other than was already present. The doctors put him on a prescription to see if this will clear it up. The long term solution will be to have tubes put in his ears if the prescription does not do the trick. The ears are neither infected nor painful, he just cannot hear much.
Blood counts
Mostly were good. His protein counts are solid so his continued diet of boost drinks has not only stabilized his weight but has brought these counts back in the safe range for several weeks. His white cell counts are on the rise from last week. We will need to keep him away from crowds for a while longer. His red cell count is lower than they would like. He may need to do another transfusion soon if these numbers do not improve quickly.
Chemo
The latest round finished last Friday. Due to lower blood cell counts than they want at this point in the calendar Kenny will also be taking next week off of treatment.
Praises
The hearing loss is easily treatable
Kenny continues to be medically stable
Prayer concerns
The future cancer treatment is the correct path to take
Accurate tumor measurement
Patience and continued stamina for the family
Thank you one and all for your continued prayers!
~Ken and Jo~
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