Unfortunately, we didn't receive the hoped for news on Thursday. X rays revealed that the cancer has metastasized in Hudson's lungs. There are 7 tumors spread fairly evenly through out his lungs, ranging in size from 0.5 cm to 2.5 cm. We have elected to try a different chemo drug (doxorubicin) in an attempt to slow down the growth of the tumors, but it's not a life saving measure. At present, he is showing no symptoms and is a happy goofy boy.
As for how much time he has left, we aren't sure. Best case scenario, where the tumors maintain present size, or even shrink, would allow him 6-9 months of quality life.
If the tumors don't react to the chemo, or H's body isn't able to handle the chemo, we have 1-3 months of quality time.
He is scheduled to return to the AHSC on Wednesday for an EKG. Doxorubicin is toxic to the heart, so it shouldn't be given until an EKG is done to ensure that the patient's heart is strong enough. I chose to have Hudson receive his first dose prior to the EKG. There is a risk to his heart associated, but I felt the risk of letting the cancer grow for another week was greater. His Oncologist did check him for a murmur or any other audible heart issues.
He also has to get a CBC on Thursday. I'm anxious to get the results of this. Hudson seems to be doing really well on Doxorubicin so far. It's supposed to be a tougher chemo, that is harder on the GI tract and shows more side effects. We haven't seen any side effects. Hudson hasn't been very lethargic and there has been no loss of appetite.
No comments:
Post a Comment