Hi to all. On Monday we went to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for our consult with Dr. Yanik. He was pleasant, quiet spoken, yet direct and thorough in explaining what he felt would be the best treatment for Paige. They use a slightly different protocol and he recommended some changes in Paige's plan of treatment. She continues her chemotherapy at Hurley. The 4th round started on Tuesday, September 23rd and will finish up on the morning of the 26th. We will enjoy a weekend at home and then return to Hurley early next week for more bloodwork. If her counts are acceptable then she will be admitted to Mott Children's Hospital at U of M on October 2nd. She will go to the operating room to have a Sorenson Port placed in order to harvest her stem cells for transplant. This process may take a day or two. The actual transplant won't be for a few more months. On October 15th they plan to repeat her MIBG scan. This is significant in telling us what effect the chemo has had on the primary tumor and metastatic sites. From there they can plan the surgery to remove it. After talking with Dr. Yanik we felt a sense of relief and security. His knowledge of Neuroblastoma is more than anyone we had spoken with. We now feel comfortable knowing the University of Michigan team will participate in Paige's care. Therefore, giving her the best chance to beat this horrible disease.
There are many of you who have questions regarding the stem cell transplant. We're hoping to have more information about the transplant on Paige's site by the weekend. Again, we are so grateful for all of your support. While we haven't had time to reply to everyone's individual e-mails, please know we read and appreciate them dearly.
Love,
Andy, Sandi & Paige