Wednesday, December 23rd

Garrett had his 6 month follow-up appointment at Moffitt Cancer Center on Tuesday, December 15th. He did NOT get a good report this time. The cancer has spread down the middle of both lungs. In the past, the tumor in his lung has stayed the same. It has also gone outside of the liver as well as into the lymph nodes of the liver. The original tumors that were shrinking from the embolizations last summer, have started to grow again as well. Garrett had not been feeling all that great over the past couple of months so they were expecting some changes but not to this extent. The oncologist wants to increase his monthly shot as well as the frequency. They are looking into some clinical trials since there isn't a lot of treatment available for this rare cancer at this time. Needless to say, they have some research to do and decisions to make in the new year. Please keep them in your prayers. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a HEALTHY 2010!!

June 25, 2009

Well it has been a while since I have updated the blog. Garrett and Mom left Monday morning (6/22) for The Villages. On Tuesday morning, they drove over to Tampa for Garrett's CAT Scan with contrast, blood work, and a doctor appointment. I have good news! His blood work came back normal, the tumors in his liver have not grown, and the tumor in his lung still has not changed!! He does not have to go back for another check-up until December. We are all so happy with his results!

As usual, I will keep you posted with any changes. Otherwise, I will update again in December.

December 20, 2008

Garrett had a follow-up CAT Scan on Friday, December 12th in Tampa. The tumors in his liver are continuing to shrink as a result of the two embolizations he had this past summer! At this point, the tumor in his lung has not changed so that is good news too. More great news....he doesn't have to go back for another CAT Scan for SIX months!!!!! What a wonderful Christmas present.

Merry Christmas and a HEALTHY 2009 to everyone!

August 27, 2008

I am sorry it has taken me a while to update the blog. Garrett had an encouraging doctor visit on August 15th! His two embolization procedures were successful and shrank the tumors in his liver significantly. The tumor in his lung hasn't changed so they will continue to monitor that. He does not have to go back to the doctor until December. At that time, they will recheck his blood work, perform another CAT Scan, and follow up with the doctor. We are all very happy about this news!

August 12, 2008

Garrett and Mom are preparing to leave Thursday morning for The Villages. Garrett has a CAT Scan, blood work and an appointment with his Oncologist on Friday in Tampa to see how successful the two embolizations were. Once they see the results of the CAT Scan, they will know what his future treatments will be. Mom is concerned because Garrett has had a cough and hoarse voice since his first embolization. The Oncologist stated at his last appointment that he had another patient whose lung tumor was activated after the embolization. They will be addressing this with the Oncologist this week as well.

July 21, 2008 - 5:00 pm

Garrett was discharged from the hospital around 4:00 pm. His bilirubin count and liver enzymes really didn't decrease but they let him go anyway. I am sure he will have to follow up with more bloodwork in the next couple of days. They are on their way back to The Villages.

July 21, 2008

Garrett is still in the hospital. His bilirubin count and liver enzymes are both high. His liver is not functioning properly to get rid of the toxins from the procedure. This will get better, it just takes some time. The nurse told them that it just means that the liver was "messed with." The procedure took 6 hours this time which is about double compared to when they did the right side in June. They have to wait until the bilirubin and liver enzymes are both decreasing before they can discharge him. They will do another blood test at 3:00 pm today. They should have the results back around 4:30 pm and if they have decreased they will discharge him. He is able to go outside and sit to get some fresh air. Garrett and Mom are both ready to get out of there. Once he is discharged they will be going back to The Villages, Florida so he can recuperate there before traveling home to Georgia. I will update again later once they get the test results back.