We just met Dr. Chi, today's Neuro-oncology attending. He talked with us about Orion's germinoma and gave a feel for the treatment plan. He said this is a very unusual cancer for an adult. Usually MGH has one case per year. There have been 3 this year. It's more common with children, so because of Orion's age, they will confer with the pediatric neuro-oncologists and may even decide to turn the treatment over to them. For now, Dr. Hochberg, whom we met earlier this week, will be the neuro-oncologist in charge.
Chi said the cancer is disseminated, so it needs to be treated more aggressively than if it were consolidated in one spot. (No definitive word on the spinal MRI from radiologists, but the oncologists say they saw no tumors.) They expect to do a mix of radiology and chemo over the next six months. The chemo will likely be 4 sessions requiring a 4-6 day stay each and radiation will be every day for a period of 5 weeks with unknown start. None of these treatments will start for a couple weeks. There will also be an endocrine team since the tumor is near the glands.
The appointments are starting to pour in. Orion's scheduled for 3 blood tests next week near home. We'll have an office visit (aka clinical visit) for more details on the treatment plan on 1/10 here in Boston.
Sally and Steve, does this mean that he won't be coming back to school on time for the start of the semester? Are they going to be able to refer him to a more local treatment center near Swarthmore? Please let me know if you need me to take care of anything at the school for you.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteJust for your general info. Years ago, we used Dr. George Bowers in Northampton for small (it's all relative) extra treatments. He was always willing (then) to work constantly with Boston docs and do whatever they wanted. We found that so useful for occasional treatments that might not have needed trips to the big city. Can talk more about it at any time. Hope you still have my cell number as we are headed to Westport, CT for a night or two. Hope you are coming home today. It will seem like the best palace in the world. Love to you all. May the year bring comfort and peace. Ruth and Don, too.