April 7th 2003

Test Results

Hello from the Land of Mass Emails. This morning Jade had his bone
scan and then we met with the oncologist to go over the results of all
the tests from the last five days. Good news. The CT scan, bone marrow
and bone scan are all negative for cancer. (The CT scan showed
something 1.7 centimeters in his lower left abdominal side - down into
his pelvis but they don't think it's one of the nodules; they suspect
it's tissue or an adhesion (?) left over and healing from the surgery.)
So our oncologist told us today we are just working on eliminating the
nodules that were left after the surgery so that's wonderful news to
know it hasn't spread or was hiding anywhere else.

Jade got his Hickman catheter put in on Fri on the left side of his
chest and that has been an adjustment. He can't get it or the incision
in his neck wet yet and it will be limiting as far as holding Garrett
for the life of the port. (Interesting side note, Jade's mission
President was Robert Hickman who invented the Hickman catheter. Jade
and he talked the other night about it the other night on the phone.)
The port will be for chemo and stem cells and goes directly into his
jugular and on to his heart. Chemo starts on Weds and this first round
will only have three days (W, TH and F) as opposed to the future
treatments which will be for five days. Jade goes in at 8:30 and is
done by about 2:30. They are giving him lots of IV anti-nausea meds
and three oral meds to help along with tons of IV fluids. We're
crossing our fingers. Jade wants to go get his head shaved this week
and avoid the impending hair loss (best defense is a good offense) and
I've told him to keep his beard trimmed short and shave his head, so
we'll see what he chooses to do.

We remain quite hopeful and optimistic although we know there are some
rocky, bumpy roads ahead. We are still overwhelmed by the love, support
and help from friends, family and neighbors. Thanks for all you do
whether it be errands, baby-sitting, calls, emails, prayers and faith.
Despite the horror of facing cancer, we feel blessed with the resouces
we have in family and friends. We can't express our appreciation
enough.

We'll keep you posted with how this week goes (and next week more
importantly) with the first round of chemo. Thanks again.....

Love......Tanya and co.