Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Children's health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Joseph's ongoing journey with Neuroblastoma

997 replies

Trazzletoes · 13/05/2013 22:24

I've lost count of the thread number now, but my 3 year old DS, Joseph, was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer called neuroblastoma last year.

Part-way through treatment he has relapsed (currently still clarifying that, but it's almost guaranteed) and at that point long-term survival is less than 5%.

He is beautiful and wonderful.

OP posts:
MrsSheepiness · 17/05/2013 21:37

So happy for you all, enjoy this evening you deserve a celebration

whymummywhy · 17/05/2013 21:56

What wonderful news for such a special family. Have an amazing weekend x

GoingGoingGoth · 17/05/2013 22:18

Such good news Grin xxx

BuffyFairyTopsTheTree · 17/05/2013 22:18

Amazing news! I cried tears of joy. So, so happy for you. Praying it's the start of more positive news to come.

Enjoy the pizza and beer! Xxx

DearlyDepartedMrsFinch · 17/05/2013 22:31

Fantastic news! So happy for you and Joe!

Ohwooisme · 17/05/2013 22:35

Am so very very pleased to read your update! Hope the Trazzles are enjoying their pizza and beer!!!

SerBrienne · 17/05/2013 22:35

I'm crying. Well done Joe ...

Original poster
Trazzletoes · 17/05/2013 22:39

Ok, so here is the current situation as we understand it...!

We have had some incredible news today. Joe has undergone some re-scans this week and they have shown that the areas of cancer in his head that were "new" have now disappeared!! The area of cancer in his femur that has been there since the beginning also showed up more faintly on the scan.

Joe's Consultant was stunned by these results. The Doctors are at a bit of a loss for how to explain this but they think that, as Joe's immune system has recovered from the high dose chemo, it has noticed these areas of cancer and, as they were quite small and weak, it has got rid of them. They aren't certain that's the explanation though! They are aware of this having happened before but it doesn't seem to be within the experience of any of the Doctors at the hospital as it is so rare.

As a result, Joe is back on his original treatment programme and starts 3 weeks of radiotherapy on Monday. This will target the area of the original tumour and has its own side effects and risks.

Because what has happened is so unusual, the Doctors can't say what the long-term effect will be. It is possible that Joe's prognosis could be worse than other children because the cancer has already returned so it is more likely to come back again. It is also possible that, if his immune system has targeted these cancerous areas now, his long-term prognosis could be better. Or this episode could make no difference at all. However, it seems that Joe is broadly back in the situation that he would have been in had these areas never appeared.

Obviously there is still the possibility of a relapse at any point but for tonight we are celebrating!

OP posts:
dinkydoos · 17/05/2013 22:40

So so Happy for you. You deserve this!

SoupDragon · 17/05/2013 22:42
Shock

Amazing!!

Almostfifty · 17/05/2013 22:43

Oh Trazzles.

There's hope. That's what you've got to hold onto.

I can just see him wandering around with his Zimmer.

Bless him, I just hope with all my heart he continues to zap this shitey, horrid disease.

PseudoBadger · 17/05/2013 22:43

It's so wonderful xx

Millie2013 · 17/05/2013 22:54

I checked into this thread tonight with a very heavy heart, but I'm now sitting here with "something in my eye" and a big smile. Enjoy your celebrations, they are overdue and so well deserved xx

WouldBeHarrietVane · 17/05/2013 22:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Trazzletoes · 17/05/2013 22:58
Grin

We got the news over the phone and I did pass the phone to DH and asked the Dr to tell him exactly what he had told me so that I couldn't be imagining it!

OP posts:
Ragusa · 17/05/2013 23:00

Ah Trazzles, thanks so much for updating. Love to you all xx

BIWI · 17/05/2013 23:02

Oh my goodness! That sounds brilliant. I am so please for you and for Joe Flowers Wine

Hellenbach · 17/05/2013 23:03

Have been following your posts.
So,so happy for you, what wonderful news!

paranoid2 · 17/05/2013 23:04

A religious lurker at home and work but have never posted as never feel I have something sensible to add. However todays news is just great and goose bumping

D0GWithAYoni · 17/05/2013 23:06

Oh trazzle. I have tears. I'm so so pleased for what sounds like very positive news. I'm not really a believer in god but ill be talking to someone and hoping this carries on Smile

Liz79 · 17/05/2013 23:11

Grin yayGrin

onedev · 17/05/2013 23:15

You have to celebrate where you can. Go Joe!! We're all backing you & loving you & hoping for the very best. Much love & prayer beautiful boy. xxx

TwoCrazyKids · 17/05/2013 23:20

Amazing news!!!! Big hugs and kisses for how from all his mumsnet aunties!!!

BarmeeMarmee · 17/05/2013 23:23

Hooray Trazzles, that's amazing! Quite right that you should be celebrating! Hurrah!!

Trumpton · 17/05/2013 23:23

Tears in my eyes at your news. Go Joe go !!!