Wow...how do I write, what I am about to write. The last few days have been the most difficult of my life. First to start with a positive. We had a wonderful Christmas! Thank you to so many people that I can't even count! The kids just had a blast. Their excitement was catching! Their life and love is the reason for this sweet season. Christmas definitely had a beautiful meaning for us this year.
Yuck...I just hate to write this...
We received a conference call on Wednesday 12/22/10 from LDS Hospital. They had results to share with us from Jeremie's recent testing from the week before. I wasn't prepared for what they had to say. Jeremie has a new tumor on C6 or cervical vertebrae #6 on his spine. The bone marrow biopsies came back as they usually do. Inconclusive was the result of the biopsies, as they still have dead leukemia cells and odd abnormal cells.
They no longer recommend the cord blood transplant. At best, it offers a 10% success rate given the recent results from the MRI. The new tumor grew despite a new chemotherapy induction and 8 intrathecal chemotherapy injections. Their new recommendation was to start weighing quality of life vs quantity of life. Maybe the cord blood transplant would extend his life, but at what cost? There is the option of having the tumor radiated (as it will continue to grow), and use a type of low dose chemotherapy to keep the leukemia "at bay". We were told that this would work from several weeks to several months, depending on the person.
They said that they would still support us in the decision to continue on with the cord blood transplant.
We are meeting with our oncologist tomorrow to discuss what life will look like without the transplant. What are our new expectations? We now know a cure or remission is no longer in the future. On some level knowing this gives some peace. On another, at least for myself...fear. We will be weighing all of the options to what will give Jeremie the best life for the longest amount of time.
I know we have your prayers and your thoughts...We have felt them, and appreciated them, more than you will ever know. I ask at this time, that they will continue.
Love,
Cori
Sweet Cori and Jeremie! My heart aches for you! I'm so sorry to hear of this difficult news. If there is anything that I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask. In the meantime, I will be praying my heart out for you!
ReplyDeleteCori, I'm so sorry. Of course to to know you is to absolutely love and adore you and in kind your entire family. As always you're all in my thoughts and I am truly here in any capacity you require, please let me know what I can do ease any burdens. Much love and peace to you all.
ReplyDeleteCor... I don't even know what to say.. There's nothing to say.. I love you and jer.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is breaking but, I continue to pray for you, Jeremie and your family with all my heart and soul. You all have so many friends offering their help and I hope you would call on me if I could be of any help at all. I am sending you all my positive thoughts and know the Angels are watching over you all, all the time. Sending my love to you all.
ReplyDeleteHi Cori. Wow u put me to tears! I am so sorry. I wish I would have known about this blog sooner. I didn't realize that things were so tough. Forgive me. U and your family have been so strong. I don't know how u do it all. Please, please, please let me know if I can help! I can even drive your boys to basketball, or whatever, every week. Just please let me know. We love u u guys and u r in our prayers.
ReplyDelete