Lung Biopsy Results

I called in to Dr. Benjamin's office on Wednesday afternoon and the nurse's assistant let me know that the biopsy came back showing the same chondrosarcoma is now showing it's presence in Brad's right lung. Unfortunately, this was the worst of the possible scenarios that the doctor gave us a month ago with the least desirable treatment plan. This diagnosis was not necessarily surprising but at the same time...still difficult to hear.

We spent over an hour with our orthopedic oncologist (Dr. Marco) on Thursday afternoon. Originally we had planned to see him as a follow-up visit for Brad's leg pain, but instead we spent most of the visit discussing possible treatment options for this new diagnosis. Dr. Marco said Brad can anticipate a lengthy period (6-12 months) of heavy chemotherapy in treating the cancer, most likely taking him out of work and possibly putting him into the hospital for certain periods. Following the chemo we can expect surgery to remove any remaining tumors.

Dr. Marco promised to speak with a Dr. Healez from Memorial Sloan-Kettering (in New York) to ask about new chemo possibilities for metastatic chondrosarcoma. He said that with this information we can compare the treatment plan from MD Anderson and see what treatment options are being given at both facilities to treat this condition. This would offer us a second opinion on Brad's condition and give us further insight into what might be the best care option for him.

We are scheduled to see Dr. Benjamin, our MD Anderson oncologist on the afternoon of Tuesday, February 26th to discuss MDA treatment plan for Brad.

There is such a sense of security in knowing how many people are caring for us. Thanks for your hugs, your tears, your many prayers and words of encouragement. We love you all.