Myles

News from Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis:

Myles has two tumors, discovered about a week ago. They were biopsied Monday with the hope that the surgeon would be able to remove them, but that was not possible. The biopsy returned as B-cell lymphoma. The next step was to determine the cause of the tumors because in a SCID kid they could be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. That would have been better news because chemo might not have been the treatment, but that is not the case. I do not know at this time what the cause of the tumors really is, but he will be treated aggressively with chemo, beginning tonight (Wed.)

Shortley after his surgery for the biopsy Monday his little tummy began to get big and he started throwing up green (bile). After several episodes finally a nasal-gastric tube was inserted, up his nose, down his throat and to his stomach, and lots and lots of bile is being taken from his tummy. Hopefully that will give his intestines and other organs a chance to heal from the surgery.

Other than the obvious concerns associated with that (he has not eaten or drank since Saturday and is on IV fluids), the most immediate concern with beginning the chemo is that as the tumors shrink they could clamp down on his bowels. I do not yet know what course of action would be taken if that happens but we're hoping it doesn't happen.

The course of treatment prescribed has been very successful, something like 85%-90% success rate in shrinking these B-cell lymphomas. Still, Myles will be sick for awhile, the chemo will be given over a course of several months, and since his immune system will be destroyed he will have to return to Duke and start all over with transplants.

Angie and Justin are holding up the best they can but are indeed suffering. Justin's Army Reserve unit was called up a few weeks ago and he was given two weeks leave from Ft. Benning, Georgia, but will likely have to return. At this time it looks like Angie and Myles will stay in Indy for the chemo, but I'm sure if the opportunity to move to Duke arises they will jump on it. He's just too sick to travel right now.

Angie's dad, Rob, and his wife, Cheryl are here, as is my sister, Barbara. So there is some help here.

Angie is very angry with God and right now she is not really communicating much, but that's okay. She needs to just be where she is.

It would be more convenient for me if yall'd just check back here on my blog from time to time for updates.

Thanks for caring.

Love
Linda