August 9th, 2016

ethanscancerfight

Yesterday I had my lumbar puncture which was more of a nuisance than I thought it would be, the purpose being to ensure that there are no cancerous cells within my cerebrospinal fluid. I was told that I would experience headaches throughout the day afterward but I didn’t seem to have any symptoms at all. I had bloodwork done as well and saw that my white blood cell count has been dropping but my other counts (platelets, hemoglobin) have remained within normal ranges so I haven’t needed any blood product transfusions. 

Tomorrow I have another appointment with Dr.Schuh who is back in the clinic now. Hopefully he will think this nelarabine protocol is working, and will tell us how many cycles he thinks is best. I will also ask about setting up an appointment with the transplant team so we can start organizing a time to receive my bone marrow transplant. After that appointment tomorrow, my family and I are off to the airport and headed to Florida for the weekend which I’m very excited about. Not sure if there are any published chemo protocols including sunshine and saltwater but it can’t hurt to try.

I wanted to give a big thank you to everyone who has been keeping up with my blog and my fight so far, there has been a huge outpouring of support from so many truly kind people, and situations like the one I am in really illuminate all of those around you who truly care. I have received feedback from readers saying that there aren’t enough updates, so I will try to appease you all with more frequent little updates along the way. I will also make more of an effort to respond to comments because I haven’t been very good with that. Anyway, stay tuned for photos from down south!

Still fighting,

Ethan Wissell

16 thoughts on “August 9th, 2016”

  1. Ethan, I am so glad things went well with your spinal tap. They can be brutal. Have a great time in Florida. Eat queso, drink Dr. Pepper, fish, swim, basically enjoy the heck out of yourself. I mean if, as the great Garth Brooks says “That science has proven/ That heartaches are cured by the sea” there is some precedent. I wish we could meet up with you. Maybe next time. Let us know when you are coming and we will try. Love from Texas, Aunt Sharon and Uncle Randy.

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      1. Ethan this is great news! Keep up the great fight you are awesome! I hope you enjoyed your time in Florida – love the photos your Dad posted! What an awesome much need rejuvenated break for all of you!

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      2. Ethan this is great news! Keep up the great fight you are awesome! I hope you enjoyed your time in Florida – love the photos your Dad posted! What an awesome much need rejuvenated break for all of you!

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  2. So glad too hear that the new drug protocol is going well Ethan.
    Wishing you and your family a wonderful weekend in Florida.
    Enjoy and keep fighting,
    Sue

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  4. Ethan. We’ve been following your blog religiously and are so happy to hear that you’re able to get away for a few days to Florida with your family We’re glad that the new medicine is having a positive impact with what seems like limited side effects from your description. We look forward to hearing from you soon through more posts and pictures and will continue to pray for you. All the best to you and your family. The Silvers.

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  5. Ethan – have a great time in Florida with your family. Hope the fishing is good! Have you caught any of the Olympic swimming – 16 Ye old Penny is a fellow TSC!
    Keep fighting.
    The Williams

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  6. Great to get a quick trip to Florida with your family. Colin keeps us updated as well; Kenzie is his volunteer counsellor so we make Colin give us the play by play as you jump hurdle after hurdle! On a funny ‘lumbar puncture’ note: when I was in University I had meningitis and had to have a “Spinal Tap”. I asked the doctor what to expect and he said, “It’s nothing like the movie”…no kidding, that’s what he said. Ohhh the 80’s…anyway, you’re lucky to not be flying with a raging headache. Keep the posts coming, they are shared by so many people who are thinking of you and your family daily.

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  7. Ethan, thank you for sharing through your blog
    You are truly inspirational!
    Can’t wait to see the photos
    With love and prayers from the Sheedy’s

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