March 15, 2011
Dear Friends,
Michael had multiple scans and a bone marrow biopsy last week. The good news is that his bone marrow is clear at this time. The bad news is that a new area of cancer has appeared behind his left eye socket. Because there is progressive disease at the end of standard treatment for neuroblastoma, this new growth is very concerning. So after consulting with multiple oncologists and hospitals, the Malones have decided to take Michael to Houston for treatment at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He will have ten rounds of radiation to the area behind his left eye. Alison plans to take Michael to Houston on the 20th for his first week of treatment, then come home for the weekend, and then Michael’s sister, Emory, will join them for the second week of treatment. The Malones should be back in Dallas on Friday, April 1st. The plan after radiation is to wait a couple of weeks and scan Michael again to check the progress of the new growth. At that point, the Malones will make decisions about next steps for Michael’s treatment. I will keep you all updated as new information becomes available.
Please keep the Malones in your prayers. Please pray for them as they are separated as a family for a short time and for Michael as he undergoes new treatment. Please also pray for wisdom and guidance for the doctors and Mike and Alison as they continue to make decisions on treatment.
Feel free to call or email the Malones during Michael’s treatment, with the understanding that sometimes it is difficult for Alison and Mike to return calls or emails right away. If you have any questions or would like to check the progress of treatment, please do not hesitate to contact me at this eec@swbell.net or 214.683.8511.
With Hope,
Evelyn Costolo