We had our meeting with Dr. Beaty last Friday. We now have a schedule of medical procedures that will occur Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. On Monday she is having an MRI of the original tumor spot so they can use that as a baseline to compare after chemo treatments. On Tuesday she is having CAT scan of her torso and a bone scan. On Wednesday she will have a surgery to implant the port where she will receive her chemotherapy treatments. This is really important because she will not have to be poked each time she receives the treatment - it is also very important for her veins.
Dr. Beaty has talked to a Doctor from Washington D.C. that currently has two patients (6 months and three years) in a similar situation as Audrey. He has been treating the patients with lower doses of chemotherapy (than was previously used) with better results. The medicines cause toxins at such high levels in the patients' bodies that often the treatments were causing the patient to become very sick. With the new treatment of lower doses of chemo the toxins are reduced and the patients are much healthier.
We will be going to Jacksonville, Florida for radiation on the original tumor spot. This will most likely happen in January or February. We do not know much about the radiation except that this specific machine is only found in two places in the country so the doctors that run the programs are experts.
Providing Audrey is in good health and gets over her viral annoyance that she currently has she will most likely begin Chemotherapy on Monday, November 16th. The chemo treatment plan is a 30 week schedule. Dr. Beaty was quick to add that though the plan is for 30 weeks we should plan for much longer (9 months to one year) as if she isn't perfectly where she needs to be on her blood counts, ect. they cannot administer the chemotherapy.
3 comments:
You've got quite the journey ahead. I hope and pray for the best. I know we're far away, but let me know if there is ANYTHING we can do to help you guys out!!! Seriously, ANYTHING! Love ya!
You've got so much on your plate right now. I wish I could be there to help you somehow. Please let me know if there is something I can do though. Our prayers have been with you daily and my heart aches every time I think about what you, as a mother, must be feeling. Keep the updates coming, we are interested in what is happening but don't want to be intrusive. Do call if you ever want to talk.
Oh Tonya, I am so sorry!! Kristen told me last week what was going on and your family has been in our prayers everyday. I cannot even begin to imagine how hard this must be for all of you. I am so grateful that you will be updating on your blog. It can be a source of strength and comfort as others reach out in love and concern. Please know that you will continue to be in our prayers. You and Ryan are both amazing parents and I know that the Lord will bless and strengthen your family as you go through such a difficult time.
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