We returned to the room last night about 1 a.m. following the broviac catheter insertion. Even though we were "scheduled" at 4 p.m. we were set back due to a few emergency surgeries. The chemo was resumed soon after she returned to her room (thanks to awesome nurses on peds).
Paige handled the procedure well and required only one morphine injection during the night for pain. She appeared a little groggy this morning, but woke up to play when daddy arrived. She will be transfused with one unit of blood this evening since her hemoglobin (hgb) is 7.6. They usually transfuse when it's below 8.
The follow-up CT and x-rays showed that there is no shrinkage in the tumors since starting the chemotherapy. Needless to say, we're disappointed and concerned since we expected some response to the chemo. But, at least there were no new tumors found. The doctors said that it can take up to four cycles of chemo for some patients to respond. We also spoke with them about other treament options if she doesn't respond, including 3F8 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, and the MIBG Therapy at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The doctor explained that Paige would not be a candidate for either of these treatments until the primary adrenal tumor shrinks. The adrenal tumor is quite large measuring 10.9 cm x 10.2 cm x 9 cm. The pressure from the tumor on the renal (kidney) artery has caused her to become hypertensive (high blood pressure). Therefore, she requires medication to control her blood pressure. The only option at this point is to continue with her current chemo protocol. Please continue to pray for our family.
**Special thanks to the Hurley Pre-op and OR staff for being so kind last night :)