Hunter LiveStrong

THE BEGINNING

January of 2007 we found a small lump on Hunters back located just under the skin, between the shoulder blades. The doctor told us it was a fatty tumor or sebaceous cyst, and it would get bigger, then smaller and go away. If it grew, or bothered him we could have it removed. June 27th it was removed in surgery and on July 3 we were back for a check up of the area and were told he had, cancer, Ewing's Sarcoma PNET (of the soft tissue surrounding the bone). A year of Chemo was started, which consisted being in the hospital every 21 days for 6 or 3 days at a time. He underwent a second surgery in October 2007 to clear the margins. On May 27th of 2008 he finished chemo and was "Cancer Free".

He was scanned and examined on regular intervals and his last clear scans were on August 19th 2009. October 28th 2009 we noticed a lump in the original tumor location. After a biopsy on October 29th, we were told the next day that the cancer has returned. The central line was put back in his chest on November 2nd and a series of tests have begun to determine the extent of the disease. Please view "posting" dated November 7, 2009 for treatment plan...

Saturday, November 7, 2009

November 6, 2009 we had a plan of treatment meeting with the doctor. Hunter's treatment will be 9-12 months and it will be very aggressive. Some of the plan listed below may be adjusted slightly due to test results and other variables.

2 cycles of chemo (6 days in the hospital, Every 21 days beginning with first day of last Chemo)
Stem cell harvest ( 1-7 days at City of Hope)
Surgery to remove the tumor and clear the margins
4 cycles of chemo (as above)
Stem cell bone marrow transplant (at City of Hope 4-6 week hospital stay in a germ free room)
Radiation - Monday through Friday for 6 weeks possible stay in housing by Sunset facility in LA

The doctor is in contact with other doctors nationwide to get the best possible treatment for Hunter. Jeanna and Joe will seek a second opinion for reassurance.

The doctor did request that all persons in contact with Hunter or the Herrick Home get a flu shot. Home schooling will be done because Hunter's blood counts will go very low making him susceptible to infections.