This was just posted to Jack's Caring Bridge site by his Dad Andy. Keep those prayers coming.
Boston Medical Appointments Update
Written 31 minutes ago by Andy Hoffman
Yesterday evening Jack and his Mom and Dad arrived in Boston for a slug of medical appointments today. After a day of safe flying and on-time arrivals, we turned in early for bed because of Jack's early morning MRI today.
Following Jack's MRI this morning, he met with his neurologist and neurosurgeon, here at Children's Hospital Boston. Both looked at the MRI pictures, and also reviewed the radiology report. Everyone agrees--the tumor, as compared to the April 2012 MRI (taken 1 week before chemotherapy began), has actually decreased in size. All of the doctors were very pleased with the imaging. This afternoon we will be meeting with Jack's neuro-oncologist.
We cautiously celebrate today's MRI result. Jack still has approximately 8 months of chemotherapy left. He falls into an extraordinarily blessed group of children. Only about 60-70% of all children are able to complete this protocol, due to the frequent development of reactions. According to his neurologist, when kids are on this treatment, about 1/3 continue to see their tumor grow, 1/3 it stays the same (which is still a success), and about 1/3 actually see the tumor shrink. Jack is very blessed to fall within the last 1/3, and we give great prayers of thanks to God today for that.
This past summer Mark Herzlich's mother gave us some incredible advice, when going through these kinds of fights. She advised: "Don't let your highs get too high, or your lows too low." Her words seem prophetic. In April, when the tumor appeared to be growing wildly out of control, our hearts were filled with despair. Today, a nearly opposite emotion fills us. We will enjoy today, but it is kind of like a football season. Enjoy the win, but you have to keep fighting.
We would again like to thank everyone for their continuous prayers for Jack. In the end, that is why we are able to give such a nice report today. Also, thank you for all of the texts, notes, e-mails, calls, and other shows of support. Our family continues to be overwhelmed by everyone's support.
Tomorrow we will return to Atkinson. Jack is excited to hopefully get back in time to watch his West Holt Huskies in the first round of the playoffs. Go Huskies and Go Big Red!!
Love,
Andy, Bri, Jack, Ava & Reese
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