Wednesday, April 11, 2007

We hit a roadblock . . .

Hi all . . . Jeff here. Well, we hit our first major roadblock today. We met with Dr. Legha, bags in hand hoping that we'd be going to the hospital. Unfortunately, he told us the CT scans showed no significant shrinkage since the last set of scans. My blood counts were low as well, so we wouldn't have been starting treatment even if the CT scans had come back the way we hoped.

So what's that mean? The first thing we're going to do is have a PET scan tomorrow. Dr. Legha ordered one as a way to verify the results of the CT scan. Maybe the PET scan will show that there has indeed been shrinkage. I'll also do some blood tests on Friday so that, in the event that the PET scan does show shrinkage, I could begin the next round of treatment as soon as possible.

If the PET scan confirms the results of the CT scan, then it sounds like I'll be heading back to Milwaukee early. Dr. Legha said we would probably take a break from treatment for 3 - 6 months and then re-evaluate the tumors to see how they're behaving. He has a few drugs up his sleeve as a secondary form of treatment that we could use if necessary. I don't know much about them, though.

We don't know why things have turned out this way but they have and now we'll deal with it. In the meantime, pray that the tumors do not grow and even shrink. That would be the real miracle!

Jeff

10 comments:

mka said...

The first thing that came to mind when I read your latest blog was, "Well, THAT sucks!" But like you said. We don't know why things happen. Maybe it's so you can get a break for your body and get stronger. Maybe it's so you can be with Kelly when your baby is born. Maybe in three months, they will have a new experimental drug that works in a totally different way. I've been reading things on the internet, and some new treatments sound promising. So who know why things happen the way they do. I just hope you continue to feel better, and get stronger, so you're ready for the next round of whatever comes your way. Love, Myrna (Mom)

Tonyn'CC said...

Jeff and Kelly,
Like you, we are very disappointed to hear the latest news. Up to now, although the journey has been unimaginably difficult, things have generally gone remarkably well. Getting into treatment so quickly under the care of a world class physician, the accessibility to a comfortable apartment and a vehicle, making the tremendous progress you have thus far with chemo, frequent visits with your family, and not to mention the overwhelming support of family and friends. No matter what happens with the PET scan (and we are praying and crossing fingers), there is still so much hope. Hope that the cancer is down for the count and that Dr. Legha has other treatments that will beat it further into submission. This we hope and pray. Keep your chins up, and remember that your friends and family are really pulling for you.

With love and relentless hope,
Tony and CeeCee

Katie Clancy said...

Jeff and Kelly, I have been thinking of you both all day and praying for the best outcome. I am sorry to hear the test results didn't cooperate. I agree with Myrna that there are reasons behind the mysteries that have been dealt and perhaps there are better alternatives. I remember a conversation I had with Kelly recently where she recounted how many things even prior to the discovery of Jeff's illness seemed to happen just at the right time and prepared them to fight Jeff's illness -- even though the events weren't what she had hoped for. I pray that this setback is just another setup for the next, more successful path.

I am continuing to pray that the PET scans show better results and that the tumors have shrunk. Lots of love, and stay strong.
Love,
Katie

maureen said...

Hi Jeff and Kelly,
You all don't know me but I just want you to know your story has touched my life deeply. I have been following your blog from the beginning. My daughter Nellie is married to Meaghan Gardiner's brother Dave.
I am a nurse at a small town hospital in Kentucky. I frequently care for patients dealing with serious illness.
I just want to encourage you to not give up Hope.Please keep in mind the old adage that when God shuts one door another door is opened.You need to keep the Faith now more than ever and know God has great plans for you.I am blown away by the love and support that surrounds your family-It is easy to tell you all have touched the lives of so many. I can't help but think of what an inspiration you both have been to the nurses who have been fortunate enough to care for Jeff.
Keep up the fight and God Bless your beautiful family!

Gould said...

Jeff and Kelly,
You've been tackling this thing with such hard work and vigor, hang in there and know that you are not alone! We admire the way you've handled things this far and continue to pray for your strength. This may be a blessing in disguse. God Bless! I regert this is our first post, but we've been following the blog daily and praying for you all the way.
Dave and Nellie Gould

The Gardiners said...

Jeff & Kelly - hello there. We are sad to hear the CT results were not what we'd hoped. Now, however, we are shifting focus to the next path God has in mind.
We will focus on your counts returning to normal and you gaining physical strength and weight. Also, we know going home to Wauwatosa will be a joy.
We have great faith and hope as we continue to pray. Be strong.
Our love, Meaghen & Brendan
P.S. Happy 12th Birthday, Aubrey!
We remember so well the day you were born!

Laura Gilbert said...

Jeff & Kelly -- I'm so sorry to hear that the CT didn't turn out the way we'd all been praying, but I continue to pray and pull for your success. There's been enough wisdom in all of the posts today that I don't have much to add, but I agree with all of it. You two have shown such amazing strength over the past few months -- you can handle this turn of events, even though it's terribly, terribly disappointing. Love and prayers, Laura

Ann R said...

Jeff,
You are much stronger in spirt and faith and can beat this little set back. Maybe a little break would be nice either way it will work out. I will keep up with my prayers and will be thinking of you often.
God Bless Ann Reins (Omaha)

Terri said...

Like you have said, Who knows why this is happening. There is a reason for everything I do believe that. I believe that it is NO coincedence that you are having a baby the same time this is happening. There is a reason that this baby is being born and I think that it again is NO coincedence that it is happening the way it is. Like mom said while during your 3-6 onths off, if that is what even happens, there could be a new treatment that involves something that only your new baby can provide and it will cure you. You never know, stranger things HAVE happened. WE will continue to pray for you continually. Love the Studley's

Terri said...

Like you have said, Who knows why this is happening. There is a reason for everything I do believe that. I believe that it is NO coincedence that you are having a baby the same time this is happening. There is a reason that this baby is being born and I think that it again is NO coincedence that it is happening the way it is. Like mom said while during your 3-6 onths off, if that is what even happens, there could be a new treatment that involves something that only your new baby can provide and it will cure you. You never know, stranger things HAVE happened. WE will continue to pray for you continually. Love the Studley's