ANDREA IS IN REMISSION YAH ;-)

Dear Family and Friends
Yesterday was a big day, though the radiologist and the infectious disease team still think the lesions on Andreas spleen are lymphoma the oncologist agreed with Dr. Kent that he thinks it is a the fungal infection. He told Andrea that the only more sure he could be is if they had a biopsy of her bone when the pet scan was so positive last time, then they might have additional information of what was in the bones. But he also thought it was reasonable to assume and treat Andrea as she was for a fungal infection. Also he thinks 99.5% that she is remission. Which sounds wonderful but somehow it is not the total relief we had hoped for in the beginning. The doctor spoke to us for a couple hours again and Andrea asked him about his thoughts about future chemo. Before the last chemo Dr. Kent had suggested that Andrea think about if she had had enough since she had so many complications or to think about if she was up for more. Boy what a hard decision Andrea said she didn't want to be a quiter and she was up for the fight if that is what was needed. So after more problems even with the low chemo Dr. Azar had a very thoughtful convervation with her about treatment approaches, studies and that Andrea has had so many terrible toxic side affects from chemo he thought it was time for her to think about what she felt wanted to do. He readily noted that if she had come here she would have been given a 50% survival rate and that what doctor Kent apparently felt that she might benefit from the extremly high doses of chemo so that might increase her survival rate but she had alot of toxic affects so she need to way the potential risks and benefits with more treatment or stopping. His information seem to be that he felt the cancer was gone and giving more chemo may have no proven increase in her survival rate and she may have even more toxic complications. He thought that if the cancer was still there it was probably resistent to the current treatment and more chemo at this time may not still get rid of it and really important for her to heal so that if it came back she could have stem cells for a possible transplant. He advised her to discuss that with Dr. Kent who might feel differently and could advise her what he thought she might benefit from because there are different treatment approaches so she should think about it, read about it and talk to Dr. Kent and she said she would. So it ended with him suggesting some web sites for her to get information and then search her own self on what could she live with or regret less. He said he thought she was cured from cancer now and she has to think if it returns will you regreat more that " I should have had more chemo and maybe it wouldn't have returned or if she does more chemo will she be too weak to fight if it returns. (he is talking about stem cell transplant and currently she could not have one and for ?6months or longer before her bone morrow recovered) Or she had more chemo she could have an even worse toxic effect from chemo not unlike her last icu episode where she could have died or have other more lasting side effects because its toxic effects are usually cumilative. His opinion was she has had alot of chemo and suffered alot of side effects and he would not give her more chemo because he didn't think it would help and could potentially cause her more terrible side effects and now she could focus on getting stronger again. So it ended with Andrea being thoughtful but she said it was a very informative and that was a comfort. She also got two units of blood and more potassium IV( her bone morrow is still trying to recover) She alot met with a nutritionist who recommend some vitamin supplements that might also help with her taste, nausea and protein.
Today she had two neuro exams. They said her MRI of her head looked good and the thought her dizziness and nausea vomiting could have been from the chemo or an antiobiotic but that she could have an injury to part of the cerebellum or ear and they made some recomendations. The pharmasist also has been assisting with suggested medications and possible interactions. She also met with the infectious disease doctors, Dr. Azar, his team and social worker hoping to make Andrea feel better for when she went home. Unfortunately Andrea was really sick all day so hopefully she will have everything ajusted and have a better night. Its another girls night so I think lucky charms are in order for supper :-)
So to all of you who has sent Andrea and all of us your thoughts and prayers thank you we think it is helping and I am hoping a Andrea is in remission party will come soon, as soon as she starts feeling alittle better.

Take care
Love Sharon