February 8th, 2008 - The Bombshell: “you’ve got cancer”
I just returned home a few minutes ago, while Leigh remains at RB Children’s Hospital with Cameron. It is hard to imagine what life could possibly produce next. Cameron has been diagnosed with Lymphoma. To say that this has come as a shock would be an understatement. Since early December 2007 he has been suffering from a slight cough that never quite went away and then turned into a croup type thing, which many school kids seemed to have had around this time, when he was also suffering from terrible hay-fever type allergies, all of which appears to have masked the underlying condition. During that period he was given antibiotics by the GP, who also suspected more recently, that perhaps he had asthma. Generally though, he had not been particularly ‘unwell’.
Anyway, he has what the oncologist describes as a “massive” tumor, or mass that is almost the entire size of his 11 year old lungs. It is clearly visible on both x-ray and ct scans and very scary to look at. He is in ICU to ensure that he is able to be breath comfortably as today he developed substantial swelling in his upper chest and lower throat, which is basically what set off the alarm bells with the local doctors, who have also discovered fluid in his lungs and around his heart today.
At this stage they’re not sure what form of Lymphoma they’re dealing with, but there is no question about the fact that it is what it is – only what specific type of malignancy and the best treatment plan. He is already undergoing a barrage of tests and tomorrow he has a biopsy on one of the numerous small lumps that have emerged in his upper respiratory area and a bone marrow extraction, which will give the doctors the insight they need to plan the most appropriate treatment over the next 48 hours, when we’ll have a better idea of which side of the 80/20 equation he is likely in.
The most senior, specialist team at RBCH is the best in the land apparently and they have been incredibly responsive to this. The lead oncologist is cautiously optimistic about the prospects of defeat. If all goes according to plan it will be at least 2-3 weeks of hospitalisation, some months of chemo and regular follow up trips to the hospital. We told Cameron this evening, the facts about what is going on – as per the specialist advice. He is taking it all pretty well, considering. I am sure you can imagine the state that Leigh is in and we are both trying really hard to remain strong for Cameron. I’ll try and update as soon as I have more details. Probably a couple of days. Meanwhile, if there was ever a time you may have questioned the merrit of getting on your knees and praying to our Heavenly Father, now is not that time.
February 8th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Dear Leigh & Bill,
Very saddened to receive your news about Cameron and we sincerely hope that he soon responds to treatment.
Margaret sends her love, Best Wishes,
Fred