Art and Cindy picked up Dustin and made their way to
The appointment went well but we didn't end up getting the great news, we had so desperately wanted hear.
Dustin has a rare form of cancer only 3% of cancer patients have this type (and I still don’t know the medical name, sorry). It’s a stage 3 testicular cancer and attached is a link to a website to distinguish between all the different stages.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/testicular/Patient/page2
Dr. Yurky is adding another cycle of Chemo to the plan instead of radiation at this time. Dr. Yurky took Dustin’s blood and will further review his previous scans and documentation of the biopsy to make a final second opinion.
Dr. Yurky told Dustin that on December 22, 2010 (after the CT Guided Biopsy) his blood count was at a 14 and on January 11, 2011 (first day of Chemo) his blood count was at 43. That indicates that all the testing was accurate and that Dustin does have a form of testicular cancer in his bone.
The treatment plan seems to be changing constantly as we find out more details on the type of cancer Dustin has. The plan as of right now is:
1 week Chemo (January 10th-January 15th)- Done!
2 weeks off- (except every Wednesday he goes in for Bleomycin)
1 week Chemo (January 31-February 4th)2 weeks off – (except every Wednesday he goes in for Bleomycin)
1 week Chemo (February 21st – February 25th)2 weeks off – (except every Wednesday he goes in for Bleomycin)
1 week Chemo (March 14th – March 18th) – No more Bleomycin6-8 Weeks after Chemo- Follow up scans and blood work.
Once the results from scans and blood work come in Dustin will have another consultation about what the next step will be… We are praying for the next step to be “Go Home, You’re Done!!”
BE NOT AFRAID… These words are very powerful. We believe that there is a plan for us and everything is in God’s hands. Everything is going to be ok! We know it!
The reason we know everything will be ok is because we have people like you in our life. For all of you praying for us, encouraging us, and sending us positive vibes, we would like to say Thank you! This blog is dedicated to Dustin’s recovery!
Words of encouragement and affirmation are strongly needed during this crazy time. Dustin lights up when he gets positive feedback from family and friends. We have this blog set up to our email and the comments go directly to our cell phones. If you feel led to post any comments they would be so appreciative in this day-to-day battle we are fighting! We love you all! We will keep this updated on a regular basis!!
We wanted to share some great Family moments:
Well, with thorough news comes thorough knowledge of exactly what you are fighting. Thank you for all the specifics: I will keep praying!!!
ReplyDelete"Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you..." Deut.1:29,30
LOVE this- wonderful job putting it all together and for all the information. The pictures are beautiful and so precious!
ReplyDeleteWe love you guys & our prayers are continuing...
Dustin, Kai and Knox- I love you all and buddy, keep on fighting!!! We are all here to cheer, encourage, support and love you more and more each day!!! You're an amazing man! Our prayers will continue...all our love! Aleana, Tye, Tay and Q xoxo
ReplyDeleteWow Kai,what a stunning young woman you've grown to be. It seems like yesterday I was hanging out in your basement with you and Megan. What a sweet little family you have. Lots of love and prayers heading your way from Honduras. I'm excited to see this miracle unfold! Keep the updates coming!
ReplyDelete"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Julie and I are thinking about you both. We pray that the good news will come soon. Thanks for the updates and please keep us posted if you need ANYTHING.
ReplyDeleteLove you all, Ryan and Julie
From Claudia Mekins, one of your 3rd grade reading teachers. I get the outcome of my last chemo in a couple of weeks. My friend told me to take baby steps, it was the best advice given.
ReplyDeleteTake baby steps as you go through this process. Take it slow, live today and let tomorrow go. I'll be following your blog and sending good thoughts your way. On the wings of angels miracles will come your way.