April 4, 2002

Update # 31 

Good Evening, 

We returned home from the appointments after 7:00 but did a few things around here.  I did want to get this out as soon as we got the results. 

We can now say Jeff is NED -- No Evidence of Disease.  The PET Scan showed the same as the September and November PET Scans - no activity.  Dr. Chu checked Jeff over and said things look good.  He did decide that he wanted a CAT Scan and a chest x-ray so that all tests are taken about the same time.  We return the morning of 4-15 for the CAT and x-ray.  He will also do a CBC and check the thyroid which is routine after radiation.  We will not have to return for any results because he feels they will be the same.  They will just call us and fax us.  Dr. Chu will put Jeff on a two- month rotation at least through summer.  So we guess June and August.  Jeff also saw Dr. Roy and he also was pleased with no problems.  He wanted to see Jeff on a six-month rotation.  I said that in six months Jeff would be six hours away at college in Iowa.  Dr. Roy said Christmas vacation would be fine.  

Jeff did start to have a side effect of the radiation.  Even though we did what we should to protect his teeth, Jeff has started to get white marks near his gums.  Jeff noticed over the weekend that one tooth felt like it had a chip.  Ken and I thought it looked more like it dimpled or peeled.  I called our dentist right away and he worked Jeff in that day and bonded the front of the tooth.  Looks fine so we just continue with the regular routine and watch things carefully. 

Our weekly updates will now become every few months updates.  Our prayers have been answered thus far and we know we are not finished completely for several years.  It's amazing to look back from July to now and see how life has taken a most unique journey.  Jeff will end up in the same place - 7 weeks from tomorrow at graduation - but changed by experiences never imagined.  You have been our support and we ask you to continue with your prayers. (We'll also accept your emails and notes.)  Again thank you one and all. 

Love,

Marcia