After a rough start to the day (which I will explain later) my family and I got the best news we possibly could have gotten today (well...the best realistic news anyway!). After six weeks of chemo the tumor in my heart has shrunk almost 30% (it was around 5 x 7.8cm and now it's 4.1 x 5.4 cm) and the scans didn't pick up any new metastasis in my abdomen, chest or bones. The two existing lesions stayed the same. This means that the Taxol is working and is a very positive sign.
The next steps are still up in the air. I thought for sure the surgery would happen next week, but because the chemo is working so well it's possible that they will give me another round of it first. I will know for sure by Friday, which is when I will start round 2 of chemo if that's what the doctors decide.
The day didn't start off so well as my oncologists office called me and told me after reviewing my chest CT scan from yesterday they were worried I had pulmonary embolisms (blood clots) in my lungs and told me I had to get to Crouse Hospital for an Angiogram. So I went and had that done, and it was a false alarm. At that point, I thought today would be a long day, but it ended up being a pretty good day!!
I believe that all the prayers and positive energy that I am getting from everyone is working very well so THANK YOU! I really, really hope surgery is the next step because I just want this thing out of me, but I will obviously listen to the doctors who have done a damn good job already. Thanks again to everyone for all the support during this. I have no doubt that the love and support of our amazing family, friends and even people we don't know has come a LONG way towards helping me get off to a good start and we really appreciate it.
I am hoping to hear from my doctors tomorrow about what's next and I will be sure to keep everyone updated on what I hear.
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17 comments:
Hey Will! We are SO excited about the great news!! We just knew you were going to come back with good news today! That's too bad that you had to have that false alarm this morning, but I guess it makes the good news seem even better after that! We will continue to pray for you every day. You are definitely on the road to recovery! Love you guys!
Will and Shana..
WE ARE SOOO EXCITED TO HEAR THE NEWS!! It was great to hear the happiness in your voice today when I talked to you and your mom! We love you guys and are SOO HAPPY. What a wonderful holiday season we can all have now knowing that things are going in the right direction for you!! We love you so much and continue to be amazed by the person you are! Keep up the great fight.
Love:
Steph, Darryl, Kyle, Sydney & Alex
GREAT NEWS! Thanks for the update....I was thinking about you all day and hoping the news would be good! :) - Marianne
Will we are so excited!!! This is great news! We will keep up the prayers!
Love,
The Orlandellas
Will,
Hope you keep getting more good news in the days and weeks ahead. We'll keep you in our prayers.
WOOOHOOO!!!! Yeahh!!!!! YIPPEEE!!!! Awesome!!!! Knew it would happen!!! YEEEHAWWW!!! Terrrifficcc!!!! OH HAPPY DAY!!! WEEEEE!!!!! Fantastic!!!! Fabulous!!! Totally DUDE!!!!
All hail to WILL POWER!!!!
You GO WILL!!!!
Pretty happy...can you tell???
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers always! Everyday!!!!
Sigh!!! Oh Happy Day!
Hi Will and Shana and all,
I can't tell you how great I felt when I read "Got GREAT News Today!" There is an early Christmas gift for us all. Hopefully the next one comes wrapped up as open heart surgery.
Thought and prayed for you all day today and will continue to do so in the days ahead.
Please know we continue to stand strong alongside you.
With love and support,
Cousin Barb and family
This is great news!!! The man upstairs is coming through with the prayers! Keep up the strength, it's obviously working, and working well. Godspeed brother.
Congratulations, Will. Just like you claimed in Boston, you are beating this thing. Keep up your great attitude and positive thinking.
Shana, we know that this is taking a lot out of you as well. You are doing a great job supporting Will. You should treat yourself for a job well done.
Congragulations to the whole McCaffrey. We are proud of all of you.
Ryan, Lynda and Vanessa
Hi Billy,
I am not sure if you remember me, but I am Courtney, Sarah, Katie and Erin's Mom, Jennifer. I just learned this evening that you have been unwell and I was so happy to come across your blog this evening after searching for it for about an hour on the internet.
I am so happy to hear you had a good day, that you are responding to your chemotherapy and that you are are surrounded by such a fine group of professionals dedicated to helping you get well. Many folks do not realize how wonderful the healthcare is in Syracuse. Having traveled recently out of the state(I am living in Tennessee, near my elderly father), I can assure you it is the best. You are a very fortunate and blessed young man to have such excellent resources in your own backyard.
I want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours as you travel through this challenging time in your life. Best wishes with your surgery and God Bless, Jennifer
what an awesome day it was. we couldnt have asked for better news and i really couldnt be HAPPIER. it is like a huge weight has been lifted off all of our shoulders. I'm pretty sure we have the big man up there on our side..with the help of pa and grandma (and duane of course)..you have a lot of angels keeping you safe, and its so comforting. I know that there is still a long road ahead, but you are definately ready for the fight, and so am i!! i cant wait for phase two, whatever it may be. i love you so much, as i have said before you really are my hero and the strongest person I know. If anyone is going to beat this, it would be you. And we will be there every step. only wish i could do more. anything you need, never hesitate to ask, because i would do ANYTHING to make this easier for you.
Like you said earlier today, Will:1 Cancer:0!
WILLPOWER!!! HEART YOU!! (ahah)
love sis
Will
This is great news! we are all pulling for you
Vicki
Congrats on the AWESOME news!!!
woo hoo! this is so exciting! can't wait to hear more good news!
woo hoo! this is so exciting! can't wait to hear more good news!
Will,
This is fantastic news! I'm so glad to hear it. We'll keep sending you the good vibes and can't wait to hear about the next steps.
Cindy Dout
Hey Will, it's been a while. I just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
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