Vertebra Update

Dr. C. called yesterday afternoon after additional radiologists had consulted about the spinal findings in Jeff's most recent CT. They have determined that the T7 vertebra in Jeff's back is underdeveloped and he has probably had this since birth. The procedure that Jeff was going to have done is no longer an option. Dr. C. told us to keep in touch with him if the pain worsens. They are also holding off on the MRI, bone scan and biopsy.

CT check-up

The scan showed no progression of cancer. Jeff is still slightly anemic and Dr. C said it was still probably brought on by the chemo treatments. He gave him a red blood cell booster. The scan showed that the T7 vertebra in his spine is crushed, which accounts for the back pain he has been having. At his CT two months ago this did not show up. Dr. C is referring us to Dr. Tim Allen at Stormont-Vail for surgery. It is an out patient process and was described as putting cement where the damaged vertebra was using a needle. It is not an invasive procedure. Jeff will be required to have a bone scan and MRI prior to the procedure. We don’t have any of the tests or procedure scheduled. The Dr. wants to check for further cancer spread that is not visible on the CT. During the surgery they will take a biopsy of the bone. Jeff's blood sugars have been elevated and we are told to monitor this thru additional blood work at Dr. Dillon's. Despite his anemia his blood levels have been slowly increasing. His white blood cell was just about 1 point high and his platelets were slightly elevated. Dr. C said the elevations were minor and there is no cause for concern. That is all for this update. Here is a link, so you can see where the vertebra is. http://www.kingenchiropractic.com/Spinal%20Chart.asp

-Abby

First visit to new primary car dcotor

Jeff has switched his care to Dr. Dillon in Lawrence. He is an internal medicine doctor. Jeff's weight restriction has been raised to 20 pounds and is free to play golf, which made him extremely happy. At the visit they took blood work to check on his blood sugar levels and anemia. Those results will probably not be back in until the 17th at the earliest. He has a colonoscopy scheduled for next month with Dr. Kimmel in Lawrence. His check-up CT scan is scheduled for next week. I can't say thanks enough for all of the support from everybody.

-Abby

Long over due updates

Jeff finished up his last chemo treatment March 21. He was excited, of course. His first check up appointment will be April 21. You can click on the calendar link of his Web site to see what time. In the meantime we met with a genetic counselor and she sent off the paperwork to get us precertified through our insurance company. She believes that Jeff should have the genetic testing done. If they should find a gene that is linked to colon cancer then the siblings and other relatives can be tested for that specific gene to see if they are a carrier of that gene. Testing for kids that might have this gene can start as young as 10 years old. We will also be scheduling a colonoscopy for Jeff when he is six weeks out from his last chemo appointment.
Jeff is feeling good today and we are attending opening day at the Royals.
We also have made the move to Lawrence. We are still settling in.