My apologies for the delayed response but, there have been so many changes during the past 48 hours that I wanted to make sure that all my facts are correct before I posted any updates.
This morning I discussed William's future treatment with Dr. Lee, one of William's current oncologists. Long story short, William will be transferring to City of Hope in Duarte (LA area) Unfortunately it does not look like William's current oncologists would be able to remain as a part of the treatment plan, so William and I will be relocating to the LA area for least 3 months.
Thanks to the generosity of family friends, William and I have a house that we will be renting in the Long Beach area while doing treatment. Hopefully my mom will be able to stay with us and help out with the chaotic treatment plan that awaits us.
We are incredibly grateful to Sutter and all of the amazing nurses and doctors that have treated William during this last year; our move is in no way a negative reflection on anyone here. Our decision to transfer is based on the fact that City of Hope has more treatment options, experience with DSRCT, and they also have some of the best technology and resources available. Dr. Clarke Anderson will be William's new oncologist.
The decision to transfer William has not been easy one; my family and I have spent multiple sleepless nights and tear filled conversations discussing the pros and cons. The cons are terrible and heart breaking but, the pros out weigh them.. Basically, what it comes down to is the fact that we can continue the current course of maintenance chemo knowing the ultimate outcome, or we can seek some controversial treatment that will provide us with a chance to beat this thing and give William a real fighting chance.
This was not an easy decision and I am sure that there will be times that we may regret making it, but it's the decision that Randell and I did a lot of praying, fact finding, crying and soul searching about.
A big part of the new treatment plan involves a stem cell rescue so that a future bone marrow transplant may be performed with William's own stem cells. Because William has already been through so much chemotherapy and cancer has spread to the bones, there is no guarantee that his body will be able to provide us with the amount of stem cells needed to do a rescue but, we are going to try our hardest!
Our tentative plan to start treatment at City of Hope around the end of April. I am sure that there will be plenty of changes and updates between now and then so I promise to try my best to keep everyone updated and informed. If anyone should at anytime be confused, please let me know so that I can try my best to explain.
Please keep us in our prayers! We have an long road a head of us and we could use all of the love, prayers, friendship and hugs in the world.
Keep on Keepin' on.
Live Strong in God's promise of healing!
2 comments:
Lois - the MOST important thing is William! I know you are doing what you hope and pray is the best thing..I will hope and pray right along with you! We will miss you at Sutter but know this is William's best shot so...go for it...and know that you have done EVERYTHING possible for your boy. That's all you can do as a parent. Be at peace with your decision. Now that you've made it, know that it must be right!
I'm still hoping you get to work in a trip to Disneyland! :) But I pray for the news we all want to hear... "he's cured!" Clearly, your choice was difficult, but when you pray for guideance, you often get your answer. Now that you have it, I'm with Margie.. go for it! If you can, please send us your address in LA so we can send William a letter.
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