February 15th, 2008 - Rollercoasting

After the euphoria of yesterday it’s terribly disheartening to watch the chemo take its toll on Cameron as the side-effects of the chemical bombardment that his body is undergoing begin to emerge. Yesterday, his blood readings were exceptionally well above the range expected at this very early stage of his chemotherapy treatment plan, which means his system is in very good starting shape for taking the fight to the cancer. He was feeling and looking a bit off and his joints were also aching, but he was okay. Today he’s not feeling at all well…

Cameron has blood tests taken 3 times per day and no results to hand so far today, but the doctors plan to review his overall condition tomorrow when they’ll decide whether or not it is appropriate for him to continue the next stage of his treatment as an outpatient. We have to wait and see…

As far as the cancer itself is concerned Cameron is well and truly off the critical list, which is to say that the shocking size of the mass in his chest at the time he was diagnosed is no longer life-threatening as it was essentially crowding out his lungs and heart and so affecting their ability to do the things we seldom think about, but which are rather important. Last night Cam slept laying down flat for the first time since he entered the hospital, which he wasn’t able to do up to now without experiencing difficulty breathing and general anxiety. Clearly the development of the mass has been thrown into reverse and this progress is being monitored via regular x-rays. His heart functions as well as the fluid that formed around it are being monitored every so often using ultrasound. Everything going into his body and everything coming out is being monitored and analysed.

Cameron is so incredibly fortunate to have avoided what the oncologists refer to as the close cousin of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is leukaemia. These kids appear to have it much tougher and that seems to be partly due to the fact that as a disease of the blood it is so incredibly invasive and often remains undetected until a great deal of damage has already been inflicted. Cameron’s stage of lymphoma does not appear to have developed beyond the chest area and so there is a much greater degree of target clarity. The medical team know more or less where it is and although it is hard to visualise in a 3 dimensional form, visually it is quite well defined and confined to a particular area of the body. If only the chemo could be concentrated on that…

If you’re wondering just how large this lymphatic mass in his chest is and what form it takes, just check out the images I’ve uploaded today. The one the left is the standard x-ray image. When I first looked at it I thought, “Okay, so where is this lymphoma?” Then the oncologist outlined the area inside the green shape in the right hand image and it broke our hearts. I can’t wait to see a more recent image. In the middle is a diagram that provides quite a good 3 dimensional representation of the lymphatic system, which is illustrated in green.

Diagnosis x-ray

Unfortunately, the term shrinkage is used rather loosely, because this most unwelcome mass in his chest will actually break up and exit his body via the usual channels. That means his liver will come under pressure to process all of this stuff and there are a number of nasty and fairly common complications in this department associated with the treatment of lymphoma. It exists alongside a collection of potentially severe collateral damages that are more directly attributable to the chemotherapy itself. These can affect a variety of vital organs and take days, weeks, months and even years to show up. Lord I pray that Cameron will be saved from all of these things.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 15th, 2008 at 5:41 pm and is filed under Week 2. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

8 Responses to “Rollercoasting”

  1. Kudlas Says:
    February 15th, 2008 at 11:43 pm

    Hi Cameron
    Hang in there. You have got so many people praying for you and thinking of you. Their prayers and thoughts will support you through this time as well as your faith. Take each day one at a time.
    We are thinking and praying for you and wishing we could do more!

    Love
    Andy, Chris & Jen

  2. Morris Family Says:
    February 16th, 2008 at 1:17 am

    Hi Cameron,

    Nobody knows how to fix your body better than the One who made you!! For sure, you are under the care of some of the most skilled and smart doctors in the country. But who made them? The Great Physician of course! Hang in their and keep trusting God and the doctors he uses to help you get better.

    Regards,

    Roger, Jodie, Lachlan & Hayden Morris

  3. Trish Says:
    February 16th, 2008 at 1:24 am

    Hi Cameron,
    Sorry to hear that you were feeling not so good today. Got some sick jokes for you…
    Why are elephants so wrinkled? They’re too difficult to iron.
    What do you call foot X-rays? Footographs.
    Patient: “Doc, can you make house calls?”
    Doctor: “That depends. How sick is the house?
    You can tell that I’ve been teaching little kids today!!!
    May God truly bless you. We are praying that your chemo specifically targets the mass on your chest and does its stuff without affecting any other parts of your body. We love you lots.
    Love Trish, Stuart, Josh and Matt

  4. katie Says:
    February 16th, 2008 at 1:52 am

    Cameron, we are thinking about you daily, and hoping and praying that the outcome will be a good one. Keep brave! Lots of love Katie, Gordon, Ruby, Lydia and Ella x

  5. Deidre Wadl Says:
    February 16th, 2008 at 9:07 am

    Hi Cam, well sometimes we have a bad day just close your eyes and think of something you like or would like to be and really see this visualise it in your mind, then your bad day will feel good again. We all think of you daily, keep strong and a big hug and kiss, lots of love Dee Martin Manuella and Kenneth xxxx

  6. Hanekoms Says:
    February 16th, 2008 at 9:45 am

    Hi Cam,

    I am very happy that the cancer has gone down. I know that you can get through all of this. Looking much forward to seeing you again. From Sebastian. It is very cold and dreary at the moment in England. We started half term today for a week. I hope the sun will come out soon.

  7. Paine Family Says:
    February 17th, 2008 at 7:18 am

    Hi Cam:
    We have been keenly watching your fantastic progress throughout our trip. You are such a brave young man and an inspiration to all of us!We are not surprised you are beating this condition we just know you can. It may take some time, but with all the love, support, and prayers that surround you what chance does this thing have!
    Keep up the great work we are cheering for you all the way. LOL Vince, Karen, Jack, and Tamara xx

  8. jennyjrandall Says:
    February 18th, 2008 at 11:08 am

    Hi Cam,
    We have just heared how poorley you have been. You are such a brave boy and it is great to hear how well you are responding to your treatment. We will be thinking of you constantly, keep up your fighting spirit and think of all the fun things you would like to do when you get better. Alex and Aimee say hi and hope you are soon well again. Lots and lots of love to you and all your family.
    Jenny, Andy, Alex & Aimee xxxx

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