Chad update

As most of you know Chad went to New York with his Father on Monday hoping to find some answers and hope from doctors in New York at the Sloan - Kettering Cancer Center.

We did get answers and some education. A little bit of info about Chad's tumor. IT is called leiomyosarcoma. It is a rare form of cancer. The Chemo doctor in NY put it like this... Most doctors treat patients based on data. hundreds of thousands of women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year so it is simple to group 5000 here and 5000 here for different treatments and compare results. Chad's tumor is so rare that about 2000 cases are reported each year and on top of that only about 100 cases of this tumor are found in the spine like Chad's. So basically Chad's treatments are trial and error based, due to the lack of data.

In the words of Dad Buckner here is the result of their visit with the doctor on 02/14/12.

"The over arching understanding is that the Lord is in charge.  His tender mercies have been seen.  After receiving the word from Huntsman that there  really wasn't anything they could do for Chad, and basically to "go home, enjoy he quality of life you have while you have it", we knew there was no where else to turn than to the Lord.

Yesterday (02/14/12) we spent from 8:30 to 5:40 at the hospital.  We started with a meeting with Dr. Josh Yamada, a Bishop in Dave's stake. A very gentle man, soft spoken, but with no hidden agenda. Chad came into contact with Josh almost two years ago just after his second surgery. Dave put us in touch with him after Dave told him of Chads situation.  He was very eager to help and consult at that time. 

Josh taught us about the three methods of attacking the cancer.  Radiation, surgery, and chemo. The primary focus would be the radiation, and the surgery would only come to play to help increase the effectiveness of the radiation.  The chemo would be a back up to help strengthen the effects of the first two efforts.  He mentioned they wanted another MRI performed to get some better images and angles. He also set up an appointment with a Dr. Tap, a medical oncologist who would assist with the chemo if needed. Dr. Tap was fully booked, but as a favor to Josh, he meet with us.  We discussed the roll chemo could play if needed.  We then went back (Dr. Tap was at a different location, same hospital, but 8-10 blocks away) for Chads MRI and then after met with Josh again.  He was positive about the MRI and that Chads spinal canal looked healthy and the tumor was not effecting it yet.  He felt like he could address the tumor with radiation.  Just as we were leaving Dr. Bilsky the neurosurgeon came in.  He and Josh consulted for about 15 minutes and then they met with us.  Josh introduced Dr. Bilsky as the worlds leading nuro-surgeon.  He was very kind, and equally complementary of Josh.  He confirmed that surgery is usually used only when required, but that radiation was the preferred course to getting rid of the cancer.  Surgery does not always get rid of the cancer, but can help if used with radiation if required.  After they both had studied the MRI, they both agreed, radiation would be the best course and that Josh had experienced a great deal of success with these types of tumor's.  Our hearts were lifted and we felt a peace that as they put it we "can hit a home run on this one".  Their cancer board meets on Thursday to confirm their findings and then well learn the timing of the next steps.  If they can obtain approval from the insurance they will "stage" Chad on Friday which means they will inject some dye into Chads spine to learn more in preparation of the radiation.  They will fit him for his "Freddy Kruger" mask.  In two or three weeks he'll come back for a week of radiation.  Then they will evaluate after 6-8 weeks."

02/16/12
The board met this morning and decided that indeed they could and should do radiation. It will be a 5 day treatment March 12-16th. They are going "FRY" Chad with the highest possible dose they can knowing that this will be the last time he can get this kind of radiation. The doctor said he will have the worst Sore throat of his life because they will basically be sunburning his esophagus.

Tomorrow (02/17/12) he will undergo a Myelogram. Which is a test to examine the spinal canal and spinal cord and he will be fitted for his "MASK". The mask is used to bolt his head to a table during the radiation treatment so he cannot move. This is to ensure that the radiation hits the right spot.

All in all we went from worse case scenario to best case scenario. Our prayers have been answered and are continually being heard and answered more everyday.
Thanks for all the love, support and prayers in our behalf.