I Don't ♥ Cancer

So today was Zak’s 2nd treatment. I am happy to report that his bloodcounts remain EXCELLENT! That is half the battle right there!!!

Although this was a much shorter visit, he did still receive chemotherapy through his port. Side effects this time could include numbness and tingling in his fingers, toes, and throughout his entire body. The biggest side effect – hair loss. We shaved Zak’s head Tuesday night as a precaution. Who knows – he beat the side effects last time – maybe he’ll beat them again this time too.   With or without hair, he will still look as handsome as ever.

2 weeks down . . . 7 weeks to go . . .

As you know, Zak’s first treatment was this past Wednesday. We were told by Dr. Goodell (Zak’s oncologist) that he may experience side effects come Thursday night or Friday. I am so excited to tell you that Zak’s side effects have been very minimum. He has been a little achy, and his mouth/jaw is sore. Other than that, my son has not missed a beat. He was able to attend school both Thursday and Friday, and even participated in gym. He still felt good after school on Friday, and was able to hang with friends. I couldn’t be prouder of his strength!!!!!!

What a great surprise for Zak to come home to after his first day of treatment! This is a real testament to the support of friends, neighbors, school and teamates!

THANK YOU!

What an absolutely fantastic thing to come home to after such a long and exhausting day! THANK YOU to those who organized it, THANK YOU to all who signed it, and THANK YOU for all the support! We couldn’t get through this without each and every one of you!!!

We are just about done with Zak’s first day of chemotherapy. We have been at Lutheran General since 9:00 a.m., and it is now almost 4:30. Phew – what a long day. All went as well as can be exptected. The staff here could not have been more hospitable. The doctors and nurses are fantastic! If he’s going to show any side affects, they may not occur until tomorrow night or Friday. Either way – we are now one week closer to the end of treatment.

I would just like to take a minute to truly express our sincere thanks to everyone who has reached out to us. It’s unfortunate that it takes a time like this to realize how lucky we are to have such wonderful people in our lives. I am referring to family, friends, coaches, everyone involved in Walla-pa-looza and those who attended,  the staff at District 156 and at District 15. You have no idea how appreciative we are for each and every one of you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Nick, Traci, Zak, Demi and Colin

Zak had the port surgically placed and will begin treatment on Wednesday, August 19, 2009. This is the 1st week of the 1st cycle.

We went downtown to the University of Chicago for a 2nd opinion. Diagnosis confirmed.

Once again, we met with Dr. Goodell to get the results from all of Zak’s tests.  It was at this time that Zak was officially staged at a 2A.  The “2″ signifies there were masses in more than 1 location, but on the same side of the diaphragm.  When they divide your body in half, they do it horizontally.  In other words, he has several masses throughout his neck, but ONLY in his neck.  There were no other signs of cancer to be found at this time.  Thank God!!!!!  The “A” signifies that there are no other symptoms at this time.  Examples:  weight loss, fever, night sweats, chills, etc.  It was at this visit that Dr. Goodell presented us with a treatment plan.  Zak would need a port surgically placed in the upper right side of his chest.  This would allow easy access for chemotherapy.  He then will go through (3) 3 week cycles of treatment.  The 1st week would consist of chemotherapy for approximately 7 hours.  The 2nd week would consist of chemotherapy, but for a shorter amount of time.  Week 3 would  consist of port flushing, lab work and other tests to make sure Zak is responding well to the treatment.  Assuming all goes as planned (fingers crossed here), there is a chance that the port could be removed after 9 weeks and Zak would be closely monitored for quite some time.  However, if Zak does not respond well to treatment, we will need to make some adjustments.  I KNOW he will respond well!  We have caught this in a very early stage and have a fantastic doctor!!  I trust we are in the best of hands!!!!!

This was the date of our first meeting with a Pediatric Oncologist, Dr. Goodell.   (It literally took me a very long time to be able to say those words.) We are seeing an oncology group out of Lutheran General Hospital. After a 3 hour consultation, it became very clear to us that Zak really DID have cancer. The next 2 weeks consisted of several trips back and forth to Lutheran having every test imaginable! Pulmonary Function Test, EKG, Echocardiogram, Chest X-Ray, CT Scan and the dreadful PET Scan.