Adventures in Ohio

The trip down was uneventful, the night was long...poor Greta's not used to sleeping in a 'pack-n-play', so she kept herself (and us!) awake for most of the night.

Meeting with the doctors was informative and a bit daunting; we've heard so much good news as regards her response to the treatment that we weren't necessarily on guard for the realities of what lies ahead.

Cincinnati has recommended that Greta continue to receive chemotherapy for probably another 15-16 weeks. While the tumor is minimal in size at this point, there could be cancerous cells located here and there- only surgery or radiation, or some other new treatment, can/may eliminate it completely. Therefore, we're advised that Greta should continue to receive chemo to keep reducing the tumor and continue to eliminate cancerous cells. If we continue chemotherapy we will have the option of using a lower dose radiation which not only will kill the remaining cancerous cells but it will also minimize its damage effects to healthy cells. It is critical to knock this thing out the first time, because if it comes back it will be much more difficult to treat. That is why we must do all we can to get rid of the cancerous cells, even if it means using risky treatment.

We have an appointment next week to return to Cincinnati for a P.E.T. scan, one that might give the doctors a better idea as to the point of origin (DeVos does not have the particular piece of equipment to perform this scan).

Please continue to pray for us all; we have some difficult decisions to make for Greta, knowing your love is behind us is a terrific comfort that we most sincerely appreciate.

Love,
The Betz Family