Eighteen Months and Counting

Benjamin is looking good and cancer free!  Yesterday we spent the day in STL.  Last week Benjamin had his chest CT here in town, then he had his MRI of his knee yesterday.  Dr. G prefers to work closely with the radiologists at SLU, so for that reason and for consistency we will continue with the MRIs there.  The reports were clear!  We have been so blessed by Dr. G. and his staff.  They are wonderful.

We will return in six more months for the same routine again.  After year two is clear, then we will decide whether to continue with every six months or move to yearly follow-ups.  Because Benjamin's cancer is so rare (and a rare mutation of that) there isn't much research or protocol to follow.  In some regards we are confident that it won't return, but due to some treatment in the early stages of Benjamin's diagnosis we have reason to be concerned.  A couple of studies have shown that up to 60% of patients have had recurrence and metastasis in the chest.  Those recurrences have been 5-20 years later.  Ugh.  We have known that we are in this for the long haul, but each clear follow-up is definitely reason to celebrate.  We give God the glory for what has taken place so far.

The last couple of years have been rewarding to watch Benjamin grow and mature.  He has handled all of this with such ease and "coolness" and an amazing attitude.  We are so proud of him.  Speaking of growing...we had the nurse measure my height after Benjamin's.  It's official, he's finally taller than Mom!