2 May 2003: Update to Treatment Plan - (Hopefully) The Final
Stretch
Well, its been an eventful week. Tuesday, we were very sad to learn
that Ethan has begun to loose some hearing. Right now, its limited to
the higher frequencies. The 8,000 [Hz] range is gone and the 6,000
[Hz] frequency is at the lowest point of normal. This gave us reason to
re-evaluate the remaining course of Ethan's treatment.
Albert and I have been going through great trepidation trying to decide if
we should end his treatment now or continue for the remaining 3 cycles.
After consulting with his Oncologist, we've all agreed to undergoe one more
cycle, but with some changes. First, the cisplatin will be replaced with
its 'sister drug', carboplatin. Cisplatin is the 1st choice in combating
this type of tumor, but carboplatin does an adequate job and is not so
detrimental to the hearing. Second, the cytoxan dose will remain lowered
by about 25%.
By June 1st, we should be finished with our last chemotherapy cycle and
beginning all of our post-treatment activities. The largest decision we
have in front of us is whether or not to go back in for a 2nd brain surgery to
biopsy the small area of enhancement that shows up in his MRIs. Its
showed up from day 1 and has always been believed to be scar tissue. If
we want to be sure though (since both scar tissue and tumor enhance) we would
need a 2nd surgery. Albert & I will be consulting with Ethan's
Neurosurgon early next week to begin this discussion.
We will also have a fair number of tests to do prior to officially coming
off treatment, such as an MRI, PET scan, and spinal tap. The results of
all of these tests (and possibly the surgical biopsy) will dictate whether
we've really arrived at the end of this active phase of treatment.
Albert & I also plan on receiving 2nd and 3rd opinions regarding all test
results.
For our weekend festivities, we've decided to have a quiet celebration at
home for this year. We talked about having a big blow-out party, but in
the end were both just too tired. :-( Ethan does have big plans
though for eating dinner at the fire house on Saturday night. Its also
Fireman John's last day in Fairfax County before heading to fight fires in NY,
so it will be quite a celebration. The firemen even let Ethan pick the
menu, so they're having chicken nuggets, fish sticks, green beans and corn.
What a strange mood he must have been in... Ethan's bringing the ice
cream.
I know Bert and I have been thinking about this year anniversary a lot and
remembering everyone who has offered and given us support. Thank you
again so much. Please remember to say a prayer and make a toast (it
doesn't sound right to put those in the same sentence, does it?!) for Ethan
this weekend.
Warm Regards,
Kim.
Copyright © 2002 by Team-Ethan.org All rights reserved.
Revised:
06 Mar 2006 16:45:48 -0500.