Wow and we're sorry is really all we can say. We've been slackers since our last post in 2012 while we were keeping everybody up to date about Brad's radiation therapy that took place during the week of Thanksgiving 2012.
Unfortunately, the return of our blogging does not bring us with the most enthusiastic of posts, but since we anticipate the need to continue sharing Brad's story, it's important we share the back story. In November, Brad had a CT scan (his PET scan was denied because it wasn't "medically necessary"). The results showed that Brad's cancer was active again, resulting in his Oncologist requesting a PET scan to obtain additional information about the activity. Sadly, it was denied AGAIN. I won't elaborate on my thoughts about Obamacare. After having to submit a special request, Dr. Fintel was able to obtain approval for the PET scan in December.
The information from the scan showed pretty significant activity all throughout Brad's body again, which was such a surprise given that both Dr. Fintel and Brad's Radiation Oncologist were predicting several years without activity. Needless to say, the option immediately presented was a return visit to Duke University to determine if now is the time for his bone marrow transplant (BMT) or stem cell transplant (SCT). That visit took place this past Monday on January 6th.
What we found out was both frightening and a relief all at the same time. Brad's cancer has progressed to a point that the chemo is no longer working the way that it should be. As a result, we were given 2 options:
1. Continue taking chemo, knowing that there would be shorter remission periods that would continue to diminish over time or
2. Have the bone marrow transplant
Particularly after hearing that if Brad continues to have chemo, his life expectancy is 2-5 years based on progression, we clearly are choosing the most aggressive treatment option available and Brad will be having a bone marrow transplant. Although it’s easy to think in your mind, well, doctors don’t really know when somebody’s body can’t fight any longer against this horrible disease, when your loved one is being told 2 years, it’s like a horrible lifeline that you can’t help but think about and cling to as a clock that’s ticking.
Beginning next Monday, January 13th, Brad will once again undergo chemo here in Roanoke as pre-transplant preparation. He will have 2-4 cycles, each cycle taking place every 21 days. Once he has completed his chemo he will have a PET scan to determine whether the cancer has gone into a temporary remission. Once that occurs, a very grueling transplant process will begin and we will "move" to Duke for a minimum of 90 days. During that time, Brad will spend the first 30 days in the transplant center in an ICU environment. Once he is given the opportunity to leave the transplant center, Brad/we will move to approved medical housing "off-site" that is within a 5 mile radius of the hospital, for daily appointments of blood work and other tests to make sure he is staying healthy.
Dr. Rizzieri, Brad's Oncologist, has said it will be a year before Brad is able to return to work on any full time schedule. Brad may be begging at the 6 month mark for some medical clearance for part time status and if he's lucky he may get it, although right now, he's been told no work for one year due to the risk of illness and the general stress imposed in the work environment. The recommendation is that he allows a full year for recovery.
I'm not gonna lie. This upcoming year will be a true test of faith and spirit for us. Although this process is so frightening and comes with some serious risks, we have so many pieces that have already come together that show us this is God's plan and that his presence is here. Brad's corporate offices for East Coast Metal Distributors are located in Durham, so he has a ton of employer support. We were told today when meeting with the President, that Brad needed to take his year or however long it took to recover and that his branch and his position would be waiting for him when he's able to come back to work. Another huge blessing is my recent change in positions with the American Cancer Society, which gives me significant flexibility to work remotely, with access to one of my offices in Raleigh, NC, only about 20 minutes from Duke. This flexibility means we won't also have to worry about my loss of income and will allow me the opportunity to continue working and being fully available and present for Brad while he's in Durham.
We ask that you continue to pray for a healthy spring leading up to Brad’s transplant in March or April (to be determined once he has a clean PET scan). It is really critical we keep Brad illness free since his immune system is so compromised right now. So, if any of our friends making visits have any of the yucky bugs going around, we ask that you give us a call instead of a visit. We love you, but not your germs!! Please also keep Avery in your thoughts and prayers. This is going to be a REALLY tough year for a 15 year old that has such a great relationship with his dad and their contact will be minimal while we are at Duke. Pray that he has strength to allow his concerns, feelings and questions to be met with an honest and open heart and that he and Brad can maximize their time together before Brad heads off.
There’s lots more to share, but this is certainly enough for one post. Thank you for all your love and support.
Love,
Sandy
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