Welcome to Emily's Web Page. Emily was diagnosed March 21, 2002 with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma. It is a form of cancer that is normally found in children. There are only about 250 new cases diagnosed in the United States per year. Emily has completed a 42 week chemotherapy protocol and 4 1/2 weeks of radition to her lungs and shoulder area. We have created this page in attempt to keep everyone updated on Emily's condition and progress. And most importantly... LIFE AFTER CHEMO!!!!

Journal

Saturday, March 7, 2009 7:53 PM CST

Emily is doing great! Getting ready to turn 9 next month! Crazy, I know!!! She is doing great in school. She had her annual oncology check up last month and for the most part, everything looked great. She did have a pulmonary function test and we were asked to make an appointment with the pediatric pulmonologist. We did that last week and found out that Emily has less than 50% of her pulmonary function. This is a result of radiation therapy to her lungs, lung surgery and some fibrosis from a pulmonary reaction she had to one of her chemo drugs. For the most part, this doesn't seem to affect Em much. She gets short of breath when she runs or does much cardiovascular exercise, but other than that it's not really bothersome. The pulmonologist said that there was nothing to be done to improve her lung function. We also met with Dr.Mott, the surgeon who came to Kalamazoo to assist Dr.Downing with Em's scapulectomy. He is from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. We are exploring some bone lengthening options for Emily. Between surgery and the growth plate in her right arm being radiated, she has a significant retardation of growth in the right arm making it a few inches shorter than the left arm. There are many possible complications that need to be considered. We want to make sure the benefits outweigh the risks. Right now Dr.Mott is consulting the leading orthopedic surgeons from across the US to see what options we have. There is not a lot of research in chemo kids and bone lengthening, especially those who have received radiation in the bones that need to be lengthened. So please keep these doctors and Emily in your prayers in the weeks to come. I hope you enjoy the new pictures.

Read Journal History

Links:

E-mail Author: melissalg@yahoo.com

---

 

Your gift will help millions of people stay connected with friends and loved ones during challenging times.

---

 

This page has been viewed 37535 times.

Note: The foregoing information was authored by the patient, parent or guardian, or other parties who are solely responsible for the content. Such announcements or their content are not necessarily endorsed by CaringBridge, Inc. or any sponsoring agent.  This information does not confirm that anyone is or was actually a patient at any facility.