Good News...Finally!

Let me just start with a HUGE SIGH...(of relief)

We are back on track. This afternoon we met with Dr. Allen, who gave us some very good news and we are feeling very optimistic again :)

First, Alec had a PET scan earlier this week and everything came back clear. Yay! This is great, we were very worried that the lymphoma had spread but it appears as though the mass on his tonsil was "isolated" and as of now, there is no other lymph node infected in his body. However, the lymphoma still needs to be treated with chemo/radiation and is still a concern.

More good stuff...Alec's bone marrow came back negative. Yippee! This means the lymphoma is not advanced and considered "stage one". 90-95% curable and we can hold off with treatment until after the colorectal surgery. With that said, all chemo plans have changed and are subject to change depending on how things go over the next few months.

New plan: Dr. Allen said Alec has been the topic of conversation for a few days now. After 2 meetings, a conference, and case study, the team of docs at MGH have come up with a new plan to tackle both the colorectal cancer as well as the lymphoma. The treatment is as follows:

1. Radiation/Chemo for 5 weeks, 5 days a week to target the colorectal tumor.
2. Up to 4 weeks off.
3. Surgery to remove the colorectal tumor.
4. 4 weeks off
5. Chemo/Radiation for the lymphoma

We are really hopeful that this plan will prove successful and have total confidence in our team of docs.

Sunday we had a great day, John and Jamie (Alec's BF's from high school) took a break from their 5 month old twins and 4 year old son and came down to visit. It was great to see them and I hope we get to babysit for them soon!

Amy, Kendalle and Keith also came over Sunday and made us a delicious linner (lunch/dinner). Baked ziti, salad, garlic bread (from the famous www.garlicguy.com Amy's dad) Best garlic ever! We also were able to enjoy the sun that finally came out Sunday and went for a walk on the beach. Thank you!

Kendalle gave Alec a necklace with Saint Peregrine, who is the cancer Saint. I wore the pendant on my charm bracelet today and prayed that he look after us and he did! Thank you Ken! I have never prayed so hard in my life these past few days. I find a lot of comfort in my charm bracelet, my cross and my prayer shawls. I am such a fidgety person and having something to hold helps. It is also comforting to know that everyone was praying for us and I think it worked! Thank You All!

We are looking forward to Thanksgiving next week and even the doctors told us today that we have a lot to be thankful for. Amen to that!

(I am also looking forward to my mom's cornbread stuffing.)

Thank you all for your prayers and support, we are so blessed.

All our love,

Heather, Alec and Millie