Mass General has scheduled Emmett for proton radiation starting 11/23. Before they can begin radiation they need a new MRI combined with a CT. These two scans fused together will allow the hospital to plan how they will administer the radiation (i.e. what shape should the radiation beam be, what angles should it come from, what structures will they have to go through, etc.). This should also let them determine what the expected side effects will be. We haven't committed to this treatment yet, but to learn the side effects you have to at least go through the planning process.
If Emmett's spot hasn't grown in size, they will probably recommend stereotactic radiation. This will mean only a few treatments to zap a small spot. If Emmett's spot is larger, they may recommend a larger radiation field and more treatments. They have him on the schedule for 30 treatments, but will cancel the ones that are not needed.
As I mentioned in my last post, the doctors have seen spots get smaller on their own without treatment on rare occasions. They still don't know if this spot represents cancer. But they don't like to take chances. And if Emmett's next MRI on 11/11 still shows this spot, they will definitely recommend we go through with radiation, and perhaps other follow up treatments. We have taken Emmett's treatment a different path than they have recommended before, though, so we will see what happens this time.
Emmett continues to do wonderfully clinically. From all appearances he's your normal happy, healthy boy.
We're praying that Emmett's body addresses this spot on it's own, whether it's malignant or not, such that his next MRI will lead the doctors to consider a different course of action. We are also praying that if Emmett needs more treatment, that his mind and his body will be protected from any ill effects.
We invite any and all to join us in this prayer.
5 comments:
I will. :)
We will continue to keep him and the rest of your family in our prayers. Just for your information, Riley Rutledge is not doing well. His brain cells are slowly shutting down and he has not woken up for over a week. As we as a Ward continue our prayers please include Riley and his family. You all need and deserve our prayers. I love you guys and when I say that my heart truly hurts for you all, you can know I mean it and understand it.
Thank you, Micah and Katy, we surely will be praying.
We have been praying for the spot to diminish and will continue to pray for that. We will also add that last bit to our prayers.
We were thinking of you these days, and wish Emmett and you all had a wonderful Halloween! So glad you documented these good updates here, and very happy to hear them. Praying for the 11/11 MRI/CT!
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