PET Scan Results and Next Steps

We got the results of the PET scan.  It is not bad news.  The cancer has progressed from his first PET scan - but only minimally.   The doctors were worried that it had spread massively based on his deteriorating condition.  So, that is all good.  

Minimal progression really is good news because (1) immunotherapy works slow, (2) his first immunotherapy treatment was not done until 4 weeks after the first PET scan, and (3) melanoma is an aggressive cancer.  Therefore, it might be the case that the immunotherapy is working well because the progression has been so minimal.

So with that news, they are moving forward with immunotherapy.   Shawn will be receiving his 3rd treatment this afternoon. They are going to keep him in the hospital until tomorrow to keep monitoring him and his labs. If everything looks good tomorrow, he will be released. 

With all the labs they have been doing, they discovered  several things and put Shawn on 7 new medicines!  The humanity... 

One of the things they discovered is that Shawn’s cortisol (the main stress hormone released by the adrenal gland) is very low.  He will now take a steroid 2 times a day that will mimic his body’s release of that hormone so hopefully that will help with his energy and maybe even his nausea.

Because the melanoma is also in his bones (we knew this from the beginning), they are now going to give him an infusion every 3-4 weeks to help seal the holes in his bones to hopefully keep the cancer from causing fractures. He will also be adding a Calcium/Vitamin D pill to help that process.  

So, we are now full speed ahead on the immunotherapy treatments.  Remember, if this works, the long term prognosis is excellent.  Dr. Hwu likes to say they are working on the “80-year plan.”

Shawn continues to look so much better than last week. We thank God for the prayers, doctors, nurses, tests, medicines and everyone that has come along side of him and our family!

Misty reminded me of this verse:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139:13-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Misty wrote to a friend - “Shawn’s body isn’t working perfectly due to the cancer and immunotherapy treatments, but God knew this day all along and nothing has surprised Him.”  Shawn was wonderfully made by our Creator and we are prayfully expecting the new medicines to help his body to beat this cancer. 

This was a big week.  Thank you to everyone for all your prayers, concern and caring.  Shawn Jr and our family have been so blessed by you all.