Radiation Is The Way to Go

Kris' MRI results showed his tumor is not located in the Lacrimal Gland. It has been determined that the best type of treatment for Kris is Radiation Therapy (RT). Last week, he was fit for a mesh mask that is bolted to the table so his head stays still. He likes to pretend he is a hockey player. And to be honest, he looks like that Mighty Duck mascot. Haha, sometimes you just have to laugh at this kind of stuff. Tomorrow, Kris will have his 4th session of RT. Right now, he's feeling great -- a good sign to doctors that his strength and great attitude will get him through the therapy just fine. His humor and tenacity are very admirable. This whole experience has emphasized just how precious life is.

Kris received a book called AntiCancer from a new and very dear friend of ours who has been battling Stage 4 NHL for three years. The book is highly recommended for anyone who has been touched by cancer.

Oh and one more thing -- July 21 is Kris' last day of treatments. We're on the countdown!!!

MRI to Determine Therapy

Thanks for checking back in and sorry it has been so long -- things only seem to progress on a once-weekly basis. Last week, Kris got to see his family. He also met with Dr. Selch, a Radiation Oncologist at UCLA and had a follow up meeting with Dr. Pinter-Brown. Both doctors agreed that Radiation Therapy (RT) would be the best option as a first line of treatment as long as Kris' tumor is not in the tear-producing Lacrimal Gland, wherein Rituxan (a chemo alternative) would be the best form of treatment. Yesterday, Kris had a MRI to see whether or not Kris' tumor is/is not in the Lacrimal Gland. There is a follow-up appointment with Dr. Selch on Tuesday to hear back on the results. Let's hope the ball starts rolling from here. Glad there is finally news to update you all!

Greatest News!

Our visit today with Dr. Pinter-Brown brought good news -- Kris' CT scan and Citicosis report (a bacteria carried by Cockatoos that has been found in a few MALT eye patients) came back good and the cancer appears to be isolated.  Kris was thrilled to know his cancer wasn't caused by a tropical bird -- and of course the fact it hasn't spread was pretty darn good to hear too.  The doctor referred us to Dr. Selch at UCLA Medical Center's Hematology and Oncology Department to discuss radiation therapy and other options.  A schedule will be determined in the next two weeks so we're hoping to begin treatment mid-June.  Thank you for all of your prayers, we are so grateful for our friends and family and lucky to be part of such a strong unit.  Keep 'em coming!  P.S.  Kris celebrated with a beer, a Laker win and an Allie Zack-provided peanut butter & jelly cupcake.  

Awaiting Results

Tomorrow we're visiting with Kris' Oncologist, Dr. Lauren Pinter-Brown, Director of Oncology at UCLA Medical Center to hear the results of Kris' latest tests.  A biopsy of Kris' tumor tested positive for CD2o-positive b-cells, the cells that are common in most NHL cases.  At least his white blood cell count was good and his lymph nodes are not swollen -- both great signs the disease might not have spread yet.  These last three weeks of waiting have been very stressful but have also taught us a lot about what is important in life.  Kris is in great spirits and we're hopeful the rest of the results will be in his favor.  Keep Kris in your well wishes and prayers.  With love.