Fri, 20 Aug 1999 17:39

Treatment decision

 

Hi,

As you all know, this week was full of lots of tests and procedures. Some good news is that Logan's post-surgical tests were found to be negative: his post-surgical brain and spine MRI's showed no tumors; his bone marrrow and spinal fluid samples did not contain any cancer cells. He continues to recover nicely from his second surgery.

We made a treatment decision today. The first 6 weeks will include daily (M-F only) outpatient localized, 3D-conformal radiation to the tumor area in conjunction with weekly, outpatient chemotherapy (vincristine). The second phase will include two 28 day cycles, beginning with 3 days each, of inpatient High Dose (HD) chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide). A short time after the second 3 day visit, his bone marrow will be harvested and frozen for later use and he will receive 3-5 days of continuous HD chemotherapy followed by a bone marrow transplant. Following the transplant, he will need to spend 2-3 more weeks in the bone marrow unit to recover. The entire treatment will take place at Duke.

Most children under the age of 4 need to be sedated for radiation. This will not be the case with Logan who is 2 3/4. Today we had our first visit on the radiation table for measurements and to make a special headmold and mask for Logan's head and face. The radiation technologists were amazed that he could stay so still for so long. We are so thankful that he won't need daily sedation.

God is good! Thank you for your continued prayers for Logan. We are very appreciative all of your cards, calls, and kindnesses.

Laura (and Knocker and Logan and Adam)