A Mixed Bag of News
Yesterday, Ricky underwent another significant step in his treatment journey—an exam under anesthesia (EUA). As always, we went into this procedure hopeful, and while some of the results brought a sense of relief, others left us with more questions and uncertainty.
The Good News
First, the good news: Ricky’s tumor responded well to the chemotherapy. The doctors noted a 30% reduction in size, which is a clear sign that the intra-arterial chemotherapy is doing its job. Each bit of progress, no matter how small, feels like a victory, and we’re holding on to that as we move forward.
The Not-So-Good News
But with the positive news came some concerns. The doctors are closely monitoring “seeds”—small clusters of cancerous cells that can spread from the tumor. While his MRI didn’t show any indication of spread beyond the eye, the doctors believe there is a real possibility that these seeds may have ventured further. This means that after Ricky completes his current course of intra-arterial chemotherapy (where the inject the medicine directly to the tumor), he may need to start traditional chemotherapy through a port (which will bring all of the typical chemo side effects). If that happens, we’re likely looking at an additional six months of treatment on top of the 3-6 months we already have left.
An Unexpected Scare
This time around, Ricky also had an allergic reaction to the chemo meds. It was an unexpected scare, but the incredible doctors and nurses at Jackson Memorial Hospital were prepared for it and acted quickly. Thankfully, they treated it in time, and Ricky made it through safe and sound.
One Day at a Time
This week’s visit has been particularly tough. We had hoped for a more definitive “all clear,” but instead, we’re grappling with the idea that there may still be more treatments ahead. It’s daunting to think about another six months of fighting this battle, but we are taking things one day at a time.
No matter what lies ahead, we remain hopeful and focused on Ricky’s long-term health. We’ll face each challenge as it comes, drawing strength from Ricky’s resilience and the support of our incredible medical team and loved ones. Thank you to everyone who continues to stand by us during this difficult journey—we couldn’t do it without you.