We have GOOD NEWS!! FINALLY!!!  We got the results back from the CT- scan and there is shrinkage!! The tumor has shrunk 3cm and we are unbelievably thrilled to finally have some positive news. They did detect another blood clot in his lung so he will go back on the blood thinners. The last time this happen he developed a bleeding ulcer.  His hemoglobin levels are low so he needs another blood transfusion. This will be blood transfusion #6. From what I understand, it is not uncommon to require blood when undergoing chemotherapy.

He resumed chemo this week and will have 3 more treatments with another CT scan to follow later this the summer.

THANK-YOU so very much for your continued prayers and for all of your love and support.  The power of prayer is working and we sincerely appreciate our blessings!

Hugs to All

~Kelly

Scott's CT scan is on Monday, May 14th. He is maintaining an optimistic attitude and not counting on huge news at this time. I believe that is what keeps him going and remaining  positive. The main priority of the scan is to look for blood clots. At that time, they will also determine if the tumor has shrunk but most likely he will start another round of chemo the next day. This past treatment has been the most manageable for him. The side effects were minimal compared to past weeks (although he may have a different perspective of course). He has had many more good days than bad this time around.  Although today he said he feels dizzy so that is something new. It is day-by-day around here and you never know what the day will bring.

A few people have asked about his nutrition and if he can or cannot eat vs. should he eat. The doctors have told him he can eat but only soft foods are recommended that are easily digestible. No meat or nuts. He has been eating mashed potatoes or baked potatoes, spaghetti, noodles, soup, scrambled eggs, etc. Many times, especially right after a chemo treatment, he feels sick or his stomach hurts after eating so there are days he doesn't eat at all. His body gets everything he needs from the TPN nutrition. But he does crave food. These past 2 weeks it is sugar-free popsicles, mac 'n cheese and egg salad. And to be honest, I forgot how much I love egg salad!  Yum!  He keeps me and his mother on our toes with his various cravings and requests. She is frequently dropping off items at the house that I didn't get or couldn't find at the grocery store. And I know how much he appreciates the effort!  And I do want to mention, when he does eat, it's enough to feed a bird. It is usually a very small amount because he gets full very quickly. 

Scott's body does not currently absorb food normally. His food goes directly from his stomach, through a fistula that has formed and directly into the large intestine. A fistula is a chamber that formed by the tumor. His small intestine is bypassed completely and that is where normal absorption of your food takes place. This also complicates something as simple as swallowing a pill. His body will not absorb it so all meds must be in liquid form.  Unfortunately, the biggest problem for him is diarrhea and he has been dealing with that since August. So to answer any questions, yes he does eat, not every day, and he sticks to soft foods that agree with him.  

So summer is fast approaching and school will be out in a week. It's so hard to believe this school year is almost over!  It seems like just yesterday I was whisking our daughter off to her first day of kindergarten. And me coming home sobbing and wondering how she would survive her first day! She has come a long way since that first day...and so have I :o)

We wish all of the mom's in our life a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!  Enjoy your very special day!

Hugs to all ~ Kelly