First Evaluation Results

            As I mentioned in our last blog, Jayson was going to be evaluated two weeks ago to determine if the treatment plan was working.  He had a bone marrow biopsy done on March 13^th and a PET scan done on March 14^th. We are so happy to share that the results were better than what we were expecting.  Although two of the bone marrow biopsy sample slides did indicate the presence of some cancer cells, there were other samples that didn’t have cancer cells.  As for the PET scan, any areas that had cancer would glow.  On Jayson’s results there were NO areas that glowed!  Based on this favorable PET scan result, Dr. McManaman did not feel it was necessary or beneficial to do the CT scan and therefore canceled Jayson’s appointment for it.  Even though he’s not in remission yet, we celebrate this blessing and he'll continue with his treatment plan as scheduled.  We are so thankful for Jayson’s improvement and are optimisitic about the next evaluation in June.

Soon after this first evaluation, Jayson began a new part of his treatment plan.  Jayson’s chemo is being done as an outpatient until the end of April.  He has chemo either once a week or 5 times a week.  Each chemo takes less than 2 hours to administer.  This part of his treatment includes a new chemo med which comes with its own set of common side effects.  Fortunately, the only side-effects that Jayson has experienced are jaw pains and diarrhea. These are both easily treated with Tylenol and Immodium. Other than these side-effects, Jayson has been doing well.

He is definitely happy about not having to stay in the hospital every two weeks.  His spirit is still good and he’s eating well.  He was able to enjoy our trips to Disneyland and Legoland this past week and is looking forward to spring break next week.  For now, he’s enjoying the company of our friends visiting from Colorado, the Howell family.  We met them while we were living in Hawaii and their youngest son, Phillip, was Jayson’s classmate in elementary.  We’ve been able to give them a tour around San Diego and fortunately Jayson only had to go to the hospital on Monday for chemo.

We continue to be  grateful for everyone’s prayers and support.  We see the powers of your prayers working in Jayson and in our family.  Thank you for keeping Jayson and our family in your thoughts.  As always, we will continue to keep you updated with Jayson’s condition. God bless you all.