Update on Nick Baxley 9/1/11

Nick and I were in Birmingham yesterday for another checkup, IVIG, and CT scans.

The most important part of yesterday's visit were the CT scans. The oncologist has been very concerned about the growth of the PTLD/lymphoma. These scans were to see what the cancer is doing, but also to determine if the “new” chemo Nick was receiving during the last part of the summer has had any effect on the cancer.

I am very pleased to report that the CT scans showed that the three places where the PTLD/lymphoma is located ALL SHOW IMPROVEMENT!!! The largest of the tumors is significantly smaller. The spleen remains cancer free. The smallest tumor, that has shown NO change during the entire course of treatment, has now gotten smaller!

I have asked many of you to pray specifically for us to be able to see God move, and move He did! The oncologist even told me yesterday that he did not believe that the “new” chemo would have made any difference AT ALL! God is so very good!

So, what is the plan? The plan is for Nick to go back on the “new” chemo starting tomorrow, Friday, Sept 2. Nick received the regular chemo, along with the IVIG (to boost his immune system), yesterday.

This “new” chemo is the same chemo that Nick received during the summer that he had allergic reactions to during every infusion.

Why is the oncologist going to start giving it again? Basically, he said that the benefit now outweighs the risk. The chemo is working. So, Nick’s body is going to be pushed at this point. Nick will be given an adjusted dose of the chemo. The oncologist is kind of splitting the difference between the lowest dose Nick had a slight reaction to and the highest dose that caused a more significant reaction.

We will just have to see how it goes. I’m nervous, but I also am thankful that the chemo has worked.

After tomorrow, we are scheduled to return for more of all the chemotherapy drugs and the IVIG on Sept 21. I’m pleased that we will have a couple of weeks to recover and regroup.

Please continue to pray for us and for Nick’s doctors. There still isn’t a decision about the bone marrow transplant. There should be a meeting of the specialists in about two weeks if all goes according to the oncologist’s schedule.

I feel like there are so many prayer requests that there are simply too many too mention. Please pray as God leads.


We remain...

In His Grip,

Kristy Baxley