The news from Dr. Ansari wasn't the best. He indeed verified that the cancer has spread to the upper abdominal lymph nodes and the the mediastinal (chest) lymph nodes as well. Also, the tumors in the liver have worsened even since surgery.
This very obviously means that the chemo isn't doing a thing to help, just making Johnny miserable. Dr. Ansari decided that since the original protocol (Folfox with Avastin and 5-FU pump) actually cured the lymph nodes along with the colon cancer, we may as well revisit that in the hopes of at least controlling the spread of the cancer to the lungs and beyond.
He will have four cycles of this protocol and then we will make more decisions. If it looks like there is some improvement, then we will stay with it for a while longer. If that still isn't doing the trick, then we are looking at experimental drugs. He mentioned a study that Johnny qualifies for, and we are willing to try whatever it takes.
We are trying to remain hopeful and positive, but the reality of the situation is that we are running pretty low on options.
I felt so bad for Johnny when he realized that going back to the old protocol meant coming home on the stupid grunting pump. He was also reminded of the cold intolerance that comes right along with it, too.
Please pray, my friends. We really, really, really need the chemo to start doing something to help. I can't think of anyone more miracle-worthy than my Johnny. I still believe it can happen.
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Brawley Family:
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are breaking with you tonight. Extra special prayers to you. Remember your chain of strength, support and love that surrounds your entire family. Keep your spirits up, your hopes high and push through with us behind you - as a community, as your friends and as your family. We love you all!
It has been a week of disheartening news for us in so many ways, but Toad, Pammie, Quinn and Jake....know and believe that there is so much hope. I was glad to see that you wrote that ALL cancer/chemo meds were experimental at one point and some of those experimental protocols are now a near cure at the very least a marked improvement for people who were unwilling to give up hope.
ReplyDeleteI'm tired and mad and it's hard to be any kind of inspiration but I do love you all and we are praying for wisdom and grace for your docs. and strength and faith for all of you.
And BTW....I am rallying the troops for Relay and we have our calendars marked.
Remember that you are so loved by soooo many and we will all be praying.
P.U.S.H.-P. do you remember Ryne's dry erase board message from school while we were at Riley???
we love you all-
Georgeann, Derek, Chad & Ryne Nolan
My thoughts and prayers are with you........Sue
ReplyDeleteWe pray for you and your family nightly. I have put Johnny on the prayer list at church and at Bible study. We love you and we know that God can do anything.
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