We finally got our scan results on Friday. We have been waiting for this from the beginning. The shrinkage has been huge! Our oncologist was amazed. The surgeon said we’ve had the best possible outcome.
The tumour in the right kidney is now really small. They will just slice the top of the kidney off with what’s left of the tumour. He will be able to save 95% of the kidney!
For the first time ever we are actually able to see some of the left kidney as opposed to just seeing tumours. The two tumours are now visibly separate. The big one is in the top of the kidney and the smaller one down the very bottom – leaving some space in between. We were told the overall aim is to do what is best for Ethan. That means that they will try and cut the tumours out and save some of the kidney. However, if the surgeon thinks any remnants will be left behind or that the other organs will suffer the surgeon will remove the whole thing knowing that Ethan will still have a fully functioning right kidney. This is a decision the surgeon will have to make on the day during the surgery. No one can predict what it will be like once they are on the inside.
The tumour in the left kidney goes right up to the valve leading to the aorta and the spleen. They need to make sure they get all of that. It is also right on the adrenal gland. There is a chance they will have to take one (and worst case scenario 2) of the adrenal gland. If this happens he will need cortozone and hormone replacement therapy (for life if 2 are removed). Obviously we are praying that he can keep the adrenal glands! I think they were just telling us the worst case scenario. They have to tell us all of the possible things that can go wrong and there was quite a list. However our surgeon is confident and we have a lot of confidence and faith in him.
Despite the lungs being completely clear for the past 2 scans they are still planning on going ahead with radiation but at a lower dose. This could happen as soon as 5-7 days after surgery. I was under the false belief that we would be having some recuperating and recovery time after surgery. I was wrong. They couldn’t tell us when we would start the chemo again but it will be before Christmas. Ethan just needs to tick of 6 recovery boxes before he can start chemo again or come home. I asked our oncologist to give me at least a 2 days heads up for when they are planning on starting the chemo again. Ethan isn’t prepared for that at the moment. I think he thinks he is going to have the Christmas holidays to do with as he pleases.
We were a bit sad to have to go to the hospital 3 days this week. However we managed to have a great day on Friday. Once a year they have party day and we managed to be there for it today! All of the nurses and doctors were dressed up in different themes. There was face painting and balloons but we didn’t line up for that – we just enjoyed the atmosphere as we walked through and liked looking at all the different costumes. Each ward was decorated in a theme. The clinic where we were had an Indian theme. There were big sheets of silk draped everywhere and all the workers were in saris etc. There was a table of party food so Ethan and Vienna had fun with fairy bread and poppers. Ben 10 and a couple of Waratah players made a visit to our waiting room and gave the kids a teddy bear each. Members from the surgery team were dressed up as animals. Our surgeon was dressed in a lion onesie. Quite funny actually. And yes we still trust him to cut our son open on Monday!
Everyone we passed and came across was happy and in a party mood. It’s amazing how many different staff members I recognise and know now. I was able to point out a few different people to Luke as we walked along. So party day definitely made up for the fact that our meeting got changed from Thursday to Friday. 3 trips to the hospital this week wasn’t originally on the cards but we made it all work. The kids had a great time.
Ethan has actually been great this week. He is happy and has a lot more energy. He is eating large amounts of food. He was able to get out and about quite a bit. His cheeky personality is in full swing. I cancelled all of the meals for the week as I felt I could cook and be independent while Ethan is on a high.
We welcomed home my brother Sam this week. He just completed two years service as a mormon missionary stationed in New Zealand. We were all very excited to have him home again.
We also got to meet my little niece Amelie. Alaine brought the kids down from Newcastle for a day to see Sam and pick up their new car they bought from a dealer here in Sydney. All the kids got to play together for a few hours which was lovely. Cousins are wonderful.
Thank you for all the love and support. The whole family feels the love and it does help us immensely.
Lynda says
Lots of good news even though there are hard days ahead. Thanks for the update. The photos are fantastic. Lots of love for you all, xxx
Kate says
Great news Jerusalem. Hope and pray that all goes well with his surgery.