We met with the specialist this morning. He was fantastic. He explained everything calmly and clearly, and presented us with a concise picture of what we’re facing. And it’s not what we thought.
Emmett’s x-rays showed that he has two microscopic nodules on his lungs. As soon as he said that, my heart sank through my feet. Does that mean it’s already spread?
It could mean that, he said, but it could also be something totally benign like a fungus or mineralization of the lung tissue. They’re too small. There’s no way to tell at this point. But, because of these nodules, they decided not to amputate, but instead to remove the tumor on his leg. He’s in surgery right now.
Then we have to take him every three months to x-ray his lungs and to track whether or not those nodules change or grow. We also need to keep a very close watch on his leg to ensure no new tumors pop up. If he does get more tumors on his legs, we’ll revisit the amputation IF it turns out the nodules are nothing.
If it turns out that they’re something… well, then, that’s a whole other discussion.
We’re staying with my parents for now because they live about 15 minutes from the specialist. Plus it helps to keep Lucas occupied because my mom’s little dog Otto is his best, best friend. So while we wait for Emmett to get out of surgery, and because I’m in need of a little smile, I filmed Lucas and Otto on my cell phone camera last night. It’s a little fuzzy/choppy, but you’ll get the idea of their sustained level of play.
John says
08•06•09 at 2:57 pmHe’s healthy for now and has all four legs. Considering the circumstances, and the bummer that is reality, I guess things couldn’t have gone much better. Emmett’s healthy and that’s what’s most important.