Carter and Davis making each other smileMore than anything, we are doing all this testing to gain a sense of relief that there is no more cancer in Carter’s body. We have yet to feel that relief. I called CHOC around noon today to see if they had results back from the x-ray and bone scan yesterday. Our case manager was out of the office today and our primary oncologist was out sick. Another case manager returned my call and said she would have a different oncologist speak with the radiologist regarding Carter’s scans.
Mid-afternoon we heard back from the doctor. She said there are definitely bone insufficiencies (weak bones) showing up on the scan. Because of these weak areas showing up in the bones, they can’t rule out disease 100%. She said the MRI next week may tell more, but it might not be 100% conclusive as well. This is SO frustrating! They will hopefully be able to add the leg area to the MRI. Currently, they were just scanning the abdomen. They have to see if timing will allow it in the MRI schedule. Since we are already there and Carter will be under general anesthesia, it seems ridiculous they wouldn’t be able to just scan his legs in addition.
The doctor said our primary oncologist will make the call next week, but we may have to meet an endocrinologist. If Carter is experiencing osteoporosis, which it appears he is, we need to get him on some vitamin D and calcium treatments (and maybe more). In reading about weak bones and osteoporosis, it mentions bone pain. It pulls at my heart to think Carter may be experiencing any more pain. Yes, the chemo worked well in Carter’s body, but it also wreaked havoc. We are paying for that now.
The doctor also mentioned possibly doing a bone marrow biopsy. This is done at the outpatient center under mild sedation. They take a biopsy of bone marrow, as well as some bone. She said we will probably just do more regular scans to closely monitor Carter. So, instead of scanning every three months, maybe we would scan every 6-8 weeks. I truly believe these spots showing up on the scans are just from his weak bones and it is not cancer, but we need to figure out a way to be certain. Ugh! It almost makes me sick to my stomach. We want confirmation, and we need it now!
The good news is Matt and Carter went to CHOC for blood work and to get the H1N1 vaccine this morning. Carter got the shot and his blood work looks good. As we go into the weekend, we’ll have to hang our hat on that!
How frustrating indeed! We too feel that he just has some weak spots in his bones and that's all they are seeing. Matter of fact, that's what we are praying for - strong bones! Hope you guys can enjoy this weekend a bit. Harris is sending Halloween love your way. XOXO, Daralyn
ReplyDeleteMy heart is hurting for you guys. I can't imagine having to wait.....my stomach hurts for you. Carter is an amazing boy and the results will show that he is cancer free. We pray for you nightly. Strong bones and no cancer is what we are praying for. Stay strong and have a nice Hallowen!!! Love, Brooke
ReplyDeleteoh you guys! I cannot believe this! you must be past your wits end. I am saying my prayers every moment that it is just weakness in his bones and that they will be built up to be strong again. I am positive, like you that that is what this is. The bright side is that you have doctors that are being extra pre-cautious...which is incredible to have such care and know that whatever is going on with Carter it will be found and resolved because of your persistence and theirs. And when the good news and relief finally come....and THEY WILL COME, you will be able to rest in the knowledge that there was not a centimeter of his body that has not been looked at, analyzed, scrutinized and fussed over. Prayers, thoughts, love and strength being sent your way from our family and i know countless others. Lots and lots of love to you all!
ReplyDeleteJulie Ligon
Thinking about you all day...I am sure you are beyond frustrated about all of this. I hope you had a little fun today for Halloween but I am sure Carter couldn't go out. I am so sorry Kara that you had another delay but you will have this behind you soon. Hang on sweetie. Big hugs...xoxo John and Cindy
ReplyDeleteCWL is still keeping you all in prayer. I speak to Carter's bones and speak strength to them in the mighty name of Jesus! I speak health to his body and peace to all of your spirits in the mighty name of Jesus. I pray for favorable results to all tests in the name of Jesus. That the tests line up to the word of God that by Jesus' stripes Carter is healed and WHOLE in the mighty name of Jesus! Many gentle hugs and many more blessings!
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