I Don't ♥ Cancer

Zak had another scan today. They lymph node in question has not changed in size. Again, this is very good news. He will go back in 3 months for another scan.

Unfortunately, when dealing with cancer, there can be quite a bit of “gray” area. This is where we are at right now. The lymph node in question has not gotten any smaller, however, MOST IMPORTANTLY, it has not gotten any bigger either. It is common to have lymph nodes be enlarged and remain enlarged. Zak’s oncologist strongly feels that if it was Hodgkins Lymphoma again, it would have increased in size by now. Keep in mind, there are no guarantees. So, in the meantime, we wait. Zak will go back for another CT Scan in January. At that time, it will be decided if we want to have the lymph node surgically removed. Obviously, if it has gotten bigger it will come out immediately. If it has gotten smaller, we will continue to watch it. Although we would have loved to hear that it shrunk significantly, the fact that it hasn’t grown is certainly something to smile about!

Zak had his ultrasound at 9:30 this morning. Unfortunately, it came back inconclusive. We then went for a CT scan at 1:30. The lymph node in question has shrunk a teeny tiny bit. Dr. Goodell feels that this is a good sign. Although we would have liked to see it shrunk even more, we are headed in the right direction. Zak will have another CT scan at the end of October.

Once again – thank you for all your support. We will continue to keep you posted!

ZAK REMAINS CANCER FREE!!!!!!!!!!

This morning Zak had his 6 month CT scan.  Although we got the results much sooner than expected, I am very happy to announce that Zak remains CANCER FREE!  We are so lucky to have friends and family that care so much about us.  We could not have done this alone!  We love all of you : )

Today was Zak’s 3 month follow-up appointment with Dr. Goodell (his oncologist).  Boy has time flown by!!!  Needless to say, Zak remains CANCER FREE!  We are scheduled to go back in April for a CT scan.  I have no doubt that those results will come back great as well.  2010 is going to be a great year!

So it’s been almost a month since Zak has gotten his license.  I thought I’d let you know how he’s doing.  After many years of saving money (birthdays, graduation, Christmas, etc.), he was able to purchase a 1997 Ford F150.   Due to the fact that Zak had cancer, he is being granted a “wish” from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  It has been decided that his truck will be “tricked-out”.  The process should begin sometime in January, and we are very excited to see the outcome.

So if you haven’t already received a phone call or a text, or if we are not friends on facebook . . . the verdict is . . . ZAK IS CANCER FREE!!!!!

Here is what happens next.  First we will schedule surgery to have the port removed.  After that life will return back to normal for Zak, and our entire family.  He is scheduled to go back in January for bloodwork, chest x-ray, and exam.  Come April, he will go back again for the same, plus a CT scan to make sure we are still in the clear.  Not sure yet what happens after April.

Needless to say, we pulled Demi and Colin out of school and celebrated by having lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings.  That’s Zak’s favorite place to eat.

I know I have said this a thousand different times in a thousand different ways, but we could never have done this without each and every one of you!

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nick, Traci, Zak, Demi and Colin

We would just like to let everyone know that Zak’s scans are scheduled for Wednesday, October 28th. We will get our results Thursday, the 29th at 10:00 AM.

We just got home from our FINAL (fingers crossed here) chemo treatment.  Counts are fantastic as usual!  How cute is this?   The nurses actually had a good-bye party for Zak.  They had an adorable ice cream cake with a football on it, and even sang to him.  We are feeling extremely optimistic right now.  Moving forward – Zak will have another PET scan and a CT scan in approximately 3 to 4 weeks.   At this time it will hopefully be confirmed that the cancer is gone!!!  Until then, we will keep very busy and remain very positive!!!