The next step in the road to recovery

Hi!

Thank you for all your love and support! You've all been so concerned and supportive. We have some new news in Quinton's recovery. On Tuesday, he had an MRI -- his regular 3-month check. Jeff took him to this appointment, so I didn't have to take a day off work. I had been feeling pretty positive about Quinton's case, and I had blocked out the thought of the two little pieces of tumor that had to be left in.

On Wednesday, we met with Dr. Riva-Cambrin to review the results of the films. We got into the office right away, but we waited quite a while before some interns came in. They did some routine strength tests and asked a few questions. They said Dr. Riva-Cambrin would come into see us soon, but he was reviewing the films with a radiologist. Jeff said he knew then that something wasn't good.

The doctor came in and showed us the films. He said that the two little bits of tumor, the pieces he had to leave in the spinal chord because of the fear of paralyzation, had grown. It was a small growth, only a couple of millimeters, but some growth had occurred. He said that usually with tumors he often recommends doing another scan in a month or so, but in Quinton's case he felt it would be best to attack while the bits are small. He said that radiation or chemotherapy would be necessary.

Dr. Riva-Cambrin is going to a meeting on Tuesday morning where doctors from other fields meet to discuss tumors. He will get some input from that team on the best course for Quinton's case and call us on Tuesday. He said he was leaning towards a gentle chemo (how gentle is gentle??). Radiation could possibly weaken the bones in his spine and make his curve worse.

I was pretty shocked; however, it makes sense. We knew there were little bits left in there, but by comparison to the whole tumor, they were tiny.

Anyway, I will post again on Tuesday, but it looks like our road to recovery is lengthened a bit! It's like thinking you're almost to grandma's house when you're actually another hour or two away! Ha ha!