Considering Jackson successfully completed two rounds of chemotherapy over the past month, his oncology team ordered updated CT scans to evaluate how the cancerous tumors in Jack's liver were responding to treatment. We did not initially have an in-patient chemotherapy session scheduled for this week because the results of the CT scan would dictate how we moved forward with treatment. We were provided with three possible outcomes:
1. If the tumors were responding well to the current chemotherapy regimen and had shrunken drastically, then Jack's surgical team would consult regarding attempting to surgically remove the tumors (tumor resection) as soon as possible (ideally within the next couple weeks). We would then delay chemotherapy and move forward with planning for surgery, and then resume chemotherapy after he safely recovers in order to kill remaining cancer cells. This would be the "best-case" scenario.
2. If the tumors were responding well to chemo treatments, but had not shrunken enough to safely remove via surgery, then we would complete approximately 2 more cycles of chemotherapy and then re-evaluate for possible tumor resection.
3. If the tumors were NOT responding well to treatment (i.e. the chemotherapy is not working), then we would begin discussions regarding liver transplant. Jack's oncology team has already been consulting with outside liver transplant hospitals, considering the extensive surgery cannot be completed locally. We consider this "worst-case" scenario since we would be displaced from home for several weeks (possibly out-of-state) to undergo a very extensive transplant surgery and recovery process.
So based off the CT scans, CHEMOTHERAPY IS WORKING!!!! Jackson's tumors have shrunken considerably, one of the tumors has even measured as much as 50% smaller, and we are ECSTATIC. I know this is because we have such a large village praying for us and supporting us, both near and far.
Now, you can also see that based off the title of this post, Jack started another chemotherapy cycle. This is because on the morning that he was supposed to start chemo, our oncologist had still not heard from the surgical team regarding whether they felt the tumors were ready to be removed or not. Therefore, to keep from delaying treatment, we went ahead and checked back into Hotel Hemby (i.e. the children's hospital) to complete an additional chemotherapy treatment. We still have not heard an update from the surgical team and are hoping to receive a phone call in the upcoming week.
Jack did an amazing job coping with treatment while in the hospital, per usual. We were discharged on Valentine's Day, just in time for Jack to come home and relax (as seen in his bath time pic below!). We were back home, getting back into our regular routine, and keeping Jack engaged, active and happy (Sidenote: somebody is working VERY hard on sitting up unassisted!)
We have been administering medications around the clock to help keep anticipated symptoms at bay, which appeared to be working well until last night. Between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, Jack vomited a total of eight times. Yes, eight. These are the days that we have been hoping wouldn't come, yet here they are. These are the inevitable side effects of cancer treatment. I haven't seen him look so sick and helpless until now, but at least I am now more prepared for the days to come. After multiple baths/showers and several outfit and bedding changes, it is safe to say that all three of us are exhausted. He seems to be feeling a little better this afternoon, so we are hoping it stays that way - but also keeping the towels and disinfectants nearby. Please say a prayer for the strength all three of us as we continue this journey. More updates soon.
