The Cancer Beating Continues

Although the surgeons were successful on their part of the tumor resection, Max’s oncologist was left to deliver the bad news that cancer tissue remained in an inoperable area of his head.  The post op MRI shows that the cancer has invaded Max’s cavernous sinus, this is a tunnel into his skull, a small space that holds 7 major nerves and the carotid artery. 

We went to the UCSD Moors cancer center yesterday to start Radiation engineering for Max to receive another 6weeks of radiation.  Since this area has already received a maximum safe dose of radiation the odds go up exponentially that their will be damage to his optic nerve, carotid artery, and/or the nerves that control facial movement.  The effects could be immediate or within the next few years.

On Monday Max had surgery to place a semi-permanent aphaeresis catheter that will be used to do a stemcell harvest, these cells will be banked for future transplants if needed.  Max started chemotherapy yesterday and after about 4 hours he began to fade and feel cruddy and then slept for 15hrs.  Poor little guy, it breaks my heart to sit here and watch him go through so much.  He woke up this morning bright eyed and happy.    

 Last weekend we crashed Dan and Sydney’s annual family reunion on the east coast at Rehoboth beach.  Max had a great time with Syd at the beach and rode all the rides at fun land.  Back on the west coast on Sunday Max had a surf lesson with his favorite instructor and buddies.  As for me, I’m trying to keep working which isn’t easy but Qualcomm is allowing me work an intermittent as needed schedule which is really helpful.  Mark has been going home everyday to take care of the pets but spending a most of his time at the hospital.  He is redecorating the hospital room, brought in his big computer with some fancy software so he can watch our DVR from our home cable box, not sure how it works but its great.  He also brought in the Wii and a lounge chair.  I had to put the brakes on and limit the remodel to ensure we can get it all home in one car load.  Some things never change, gotta love him for it.