April 18, 2012

Dear Friends,

UPDATE:  Michael was scheduled to begin MIBG this week.  However, it has been delayed due to a national drug shortage.  It will now be from April 30 – May 7.  Alison will take both children on the 30th and Mike will join them on May 4th.

Michael had another round of high dose chemotherapy in an attempt to keep the cancer at bay while waiting to begin MIBG treatment.

Scans were last week – CT scans, MRIs, MIBG scan and bone marrow biopsy.  The good news is that Michael’s bone marrow is negative.  The bad news is that there are currently three areas where they can see active cancer growth – the same left eye socket, the same T2/T3 area of the spine, and an area in the lower back. The radiologist who analyzes the scans in detail has not met with Michael’s oncologist, so we do not have specifics yet.  We do know that these three areas have grown quickly since his last scans in mid-February.

The plan as of today is to move ahead with MIBG as scheduled.  However, Michael’s oncologist is concerned because he cannot be treated for six weeks after MIBG, and the rapid growth of the active disease might require something additional in terms of treatment.  Will know more later this week.

Please keep the family in your prayers.  We need to pray for the doctors and Alison and Mike as they make decisions regarding Michael’s treatment.  Please also pray for their trip to and from Michigan, for the family while they support Michael during MIBG, and for success with the treatment.

Thank you all for your continued, unwavering support.

In Hope,
Evelyn Costolo
214.683.8511