This was the only news that we wanted to hear...and we heard it!
Surgery is the only way to get rid of this cancer for good. Yesterday morning Joe and I talked with Dr. Fernandez for a good hour and then the surgeon (his name escapes my memory) joined in for another 30 minutes or so.
Surgery will take place in Halifax at the IWK in about 4 weeks. We will be given the date sometime this week. It will be a 6-8 hour surgery if all goes well. The plan is to take the big tumor from the right side of the liver, the tumors that are along the abdominal wall and if things are going well during surgery at that point, the two spots on his left lung will be removed. (They are going for everything!!)
The CT and PET scans revealed that chemo is definitely working, the tumors have shrunk and the cancer appears to be dead. The scans also suggest that they can remove the tumor on the liver without damaging any veins or arteries. Removal of part of the liver will not affect any future liver function. The scans do not indicate whether or not the two lesions on the left lung are cancerous or simply scar tissue from the pressure of the swelling, but those will be removed.
Ronan will be going to the Regional Hospital on Monday morning for Round 5 of chemo. They will continue with the two chemo drugs that have been working so well this far. We are happy to be in SJ and confident that this round will be just as smooth as the last few times.
Ronan is not over the fight - the most important round is coming yet...but Dr. Fernandez said there is "cautious hope for cure". Surgery would not be an option unless the team of doctors, surgeons, etc. were optimistic about the outcome. Let's keep praying and hoping.
xo
My heart is singing!!!! I have logged on at least ten times today waiting for you to say this. Congratulations--what a great job you have all done!!!! You are inspiring!!!
ReplyDeleteI've also checked this page about 20 times over the past 2 days, with strict instructions from my parents to call when it was updated. So happy to hear this awesome news. We'll keep praying!
ReplyDeleteAli your best post yet!! You can be sure folks have been logging in and out of this blog in anticipation of hearing some great news and they have. So glad we chatted today and Cameron was smart to hand me the phone because he was correct in saying I would have asked him a million questions if I hadn't spoken to you myself. I hope this week goes smoothly. That light at the end of the tunnel is starting to get bigger and brighter.
ReplyDeleteWords cannot express how happy I am for your family right now. This is truly amazing news. Ronan is an amazing little boy with strength and courage most adults could not muster.
ReplyDeleteA-L-L-E-L-U-I-A ! ! ! ! !
ReplyDeletexo Cousins Lydia, Tanna & BJ
YAY!! The Dr's words were the best I could read...so happy for you. St. Rose choir will keep up the prayers!
ReplyDeleteWow! Hooray! What amazing news..... Keep up the courage and positive thoughts. We are all going to do a happy dance for you. Lots of love, Joanne, Garry, Cameron and Rosita in Ottawa
ReplyDeleteThank God for this incredible news!! Ronan is quite a conquerer!! I am so grateful for you that you got the news that you and everybody wanted to hear!! Continued prayers as Ronan fights and wins all his battles!! Alleluia!!
ReplyDeleteAll of us in Oakville are relieved to hear the good news! Keep up the fight Ronan!
ReplyDeleteGreat news! Ronan is pretty tough :)
ReplyDeleteColin's cousin Chelsea has Chemo this week too in SJ, she is looking forward to meeting Ronan. I believe they were going to try to find you at some point today or tomorrow.
Hope you all have a good week.