April 28, 2012
Dear Friends, Update: The results of Michael's recent surgery and chemo were not as good as hoped for. Michael's cancer has returned at the sites of his surgeries and a new spot has emerged as well. Yesterday's MRI confirmed that all are growing rapidly and no longer responding to treatment. The family had hoped to try and arrest the cancer with MIBG treatment - a high dose radiation protocol that requires the patient to be isolated in a lead lined room for 4-5 days with very limited exposure to caregivers and family members. Because of the advanced state of his cancer, and the risk to Michael and to his caregivers if something went wrong, the decision was made not to proceed. It is with a very heavy heart that after a courageous two and a half year battle I tell you that Michael is in the end stages of his disease. He now has a matter of months left. The family has been told to expect perhaps another 2 months where he can manage some semblance of the life of a little boy. However there is no real way to predict the progression of his cancer. Michael began experiencing significant…