BLOG 06
06 August 2008
But He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." (Luke 18:27)--'Cancer Relapse' sounds very frightening and indeed it is. Unfortunately our worst suspicions about Jodie's leg have now been confirmed. The cancer has returned (in a small amount)--But, in a critical area, in the R Sciatic Nerve (the first tumour hot-spot). The cancer is causing problems with Jodie's leg, foot & toes and other functions.
The maintenance therapy, Jodie was under may have slowed down the cancer's return, but was not strong enough to starve it off. The cells seem to be hiding under a sheave of tissue that envelops the sciatic nerve and are causing destruction, pressure & pain, in this area. This sheave also hid the cancer's activities from the scans and doctors. Fibrosis was suspected -- but new symptoms have come on too fast for fibrosis. An urgent application of Mabthera chemotherapy on Wednesday (6th Aug-Jodie's birthday!!), relieved foot numbness on Friday, a lumbar puncture was clear--which indicates no lymphoma cells in the spine.
Jodie has now left work and will commence more urgent chemotherapy on Tuesday next week to hopefully reduce weakness in her R leg and return the function of her R toes. We pray that permanent damage has not done and does not progress. Within 2 weeks, the onset of this has made it necessary for Jodie to currently use a walking cane. What are the Guerrero's going to do now? We have an amazing God, whom we believe holds the key to Jodie's healing and complete restoration. (Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard) Isaiah 58:8.
In addition to all we believe, Jodie is under the care and guidance of some of the best haematologist's in our region. The Royal Brisbane Hospital is the largest and most comprehensive hospital in the Southern Hemisphere. The haematology department of the RBH is one of the world's best and Jodie's haematologist (Dr. Anne Gillett) is the hospitals best haematologist. In addition, the Australian haematology family is small and information and resources are shared and consultation between haematologists is quite common.
The next step after Mabthera this week will be ASAP, (another blood device implanted) and 4 rounds of a new type of chemotherapy specifically formulated for relapse. When we have finished these new drugs, we will then discuss our future options with our Haematologist and Stem Cell Oncologist. We can try again some maintenance therapy or opt. possibly for a Stem Cell Transplant, with the stem cells collected from Jodie, over 1 year ago. These stem cells, may be able to reverse disease for a very long medical remission.
On the other hand donor stem cells from another person matched to Jodie, may cure Jodie medically completely, but could also kill & can be risky. Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplants are BIG GUN treatments are usually only used if relapse keeps occurring. We know you are all constantly praying, so THANK YOU ALL. Thank you also to our Church.
Thank you to our family and friends for their love, visits, gifts and flowers, whilst Jodie was in hospital, for 4 days. If you would like to support us as a family and are wondering what you can do, we will accept any support you wish to give, but only assist if you wish to, don't feel pressured -- if you can't: Meals are great, especially whilst Jodie is in hospital or getting treatment.
Kid Company, our kids love to play with your kids, this gives Greg & Jodie a break. We love visitors for a coffee, chat & pray, at our newish home. Bless us, with your conversation and positive comments.Feel free to ask any questions, we love you all and thank you for your support.
Love 2 U,
Jodie G.