Sunday, February 17, 2008

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.

14 comments:

Perks said...

Our hearts are heavy for you, but we, too, realize that the Healer is working. Our prayers and love are with you constantly.

sarahdawn said...

My prayers are constant.

jch said...

Our prayers are with you here in Brooklyn.

- The Hays family

Suzanne said...

Our prayers are with you, and we know God's hand is on you and your family.

Love you guys,
Suzanne (Hall)

Kyle said...

I'm so sorry you are having to go through all this. You guys are in my prayers.

Kyle Martin

Rebecca said...

I was thinking of you guys this morning as I made pigs in a blanket for Cameron. I couldn't help but think of Zeke wanting them at playgroup.
I'm so sorry that this continued fight with cancer is attacking your family. You are so strong!! We will keep in you in our prayers, hearts, and thoughts.
Rebecca

Beck Boys said...

Jenny,
I found your blog from Whitney and was very sad to read about your fight with cancer. We will add you to our prayer list and mark your blog so that we can keep up with your family and the progress that ya'll are making. Andy and I were also in the AFC and remember you from there. Hang in there.
Andy and Lyneil Beck

da momma said...

praying for yall everyday! can you feel it?? I hope so! Your kids are adorable! whitney coker terrell

Nellie said...

Prayers upon prayers are being said, and all of you are being lifted up daily. We love you and your families.

Please let us know if we can do anything to help. I'd be happy to keep the children for you sometime if you need a little break. We have lots of kid-friendly items at Dadoo and Graggie's house. :)

Much love! Skip and Nell

Lisa said...

Praying for you guys here in Arlington. We will be keeping up on Brad's progress.
Clay and Lisa (Parker) Starr

Sarah said...

We are constantly petitioning the Father on your behalf. We love you guys and are amazed at your continued faith and strength.

tamandscott said...

We're praying and praying. Love y'all.

Melissa said...

I'm just now catching up on the details of Brad's condition...y'all are in my thoughts & prayers. By the way, your family is simply beautiful!
Melissa (Wylie) Kitchens

See-Dub said...

I found your blog through Tammie. We may not know you, but we know our God! We are thanking Him for all the ways He's going to bless your family, and we're begging Him to heal Brad!

We'll keep you in our prayers here in Fort Worth...