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Joseph's last thread? Here's hoping...

847 replies

Trazzletoes · 17/09/2013 20:47

My now 4 year old DS, Joseph, was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma last October. It's a particularly aggressive cancer with an 80% relapse rate. Long-term survival statistics are not great.

Joe has had 8 cycles of chemotherapy, an operation to remove the main tumour, stem cell harvest, high dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant as his bone marrow was destroyed, 3 weeks of radiotherapy and now 5 1/2 months of differentiation therapy and imunotherapy.

In April we learned he had relapsed and so had a 5% chance of ultimately surviving. Then, the relapse spontaneously un-relapsed but we don't know for certain what this means for his future. Whether its good or bad news.

He remains bright and cheery and gorgeous throughout.

OP posts:
bobkate · 20/03/2014 17:36

Smile Grin Smile - brill. That's super dooper news, and made my day x

ClockWatchingLady · 20/03/2014 18:35

Hurrah for Joseph and his Petit Filous and McNuggets! Grin
This sounds like anything but a small thing.

Also really pleased to hear the little girl you mentioned is responding to treatment.

And, of course, brilliant to hear that you're feeling better, Trazzles.

onedev · 20/03/2014 19:09

So so pleased to hear that - great to hear that things are on the up & up. Long may it continue! xx

Trazzletoes · 11/04/2014 23:44

Quick update to say that we have just got back from an amazing week in Florida with Make A Wish - Joe's wish to meet Mickey Mouse came true. He looks so much better for having been away - it's really lifted his spirits. We first contacted them last April just after he relapsed (which was a year ago today). I can't believe how much has changed since then. It was a bit odd being away and trying not to think how it might have been if he hadn't got better.

He's also scheduled for surgery on Monday to have his Hickman line removed. Very much hoping it goes ahead as planned. I can't wait for him not to have it in anymore.

OP posts:
saffronwblue · 11/04/2014 23:50

What a lovely update!

barefootcook · 12/04/2014 06:42

What fantastic news Trazzle- sounds like everything has worked out so well for Joe. I think of you often and really hope that Joe continues to make good progress. Do you have a photo with Mickey that you could post?

TiredFeet · 12/04/2014 07:42

What wonderful news, really pleased for Joe and all of you

Fivemoreminutesmummy · 12/04/2014 17:42

Brilliant, what a difference a year can make. Hope next year gets better and better.

apermanentheadache · 12/04/2014 19:26

Fabulous. Nothing more to say Grin.

Quangle · 12/04/2014 19:45

Lovely news trazzles. Smile

Re DD, DS gets a lot of tummy pain and a very big tummy too (he's 4). It goes up and down like a balloon. Sometimes his trousers won't do up and it's big and round and hard and sometimes it's fine. Also tired all the time (even in the morning after sleep). He has already been checked over and dr said all clear so I'm suspecting gluten too. It niggles at me as we'll and I don't have your horrible experience.... Anyway only posting to say same symptoms here and same diagnosis so hopefully that's all it is.

Wishing you all a lovely Easter together.

sneakyday · 12/04/2014 19:57

Ahhh everytime I read your updates I cry for one reason or another. I am so grateful there are more and more happy tears for you xxx

iwasyoungonce · 12/04/2014 20:23

So glad you all had a great holiday. Such a lovely update. I think about your little boy often. Good luck for Monday.

ImRonBurgandy · 12/04/2014 20:28

A wonderful update!

bobkate · 12/04/2014 22:04

Grin lovely update - thanks. So pleased it's lifted Joe's spirits and fingers crossed the hickman line removal goes ahead as planned x

sybilfaulty · 12/04/2014 22:08

So glad to hear the update. Long may it continue.

wizzler · 12/04/2014 22:10

So pleased to read such a positive update

Trazzletoes · 15/04/2014 10:47

Does this work? It's probably too small to see, sorry! And no doubt he isn't actually smiling...

Hickman line came out yesterday - hurrah! I'm too excited for words!

Joseph's last thread? Here's hoping...
OP posts:
saffronwblue · 15/04/2014 10:49

Lovely photo!

Tholeonagain · 15/04/2014 21:59

Beautiful, made my day

apermanentheadache · 15/04/2014 22:09

Ahhhh brilliant Grin

pushmepullyou · 15/04/2014 22:10

:-) so so pleased for you all Trazzles

foofooyeah · 15/04/2014 22:11

Wow, go Joe. Loving the pic with Mickey

iwasyoungonce · 15/04/2014 23:11

Gorgeous picture! What a handsome boy! Great news about the Hickman line.

barefootcook · 16/04/2014 01:44

Ahh- what a gorgeous photo Trazzle! Thanks for posting it. Joe looks great-so big and happy. Great news about the Hickman line. Onward and upward for the Trazzles.

minmooch · 16/04/2014 12:18

Lovely photo Trazzles. Great you had a fab time away.

And fantastic to have the Hickman line out too. A momentous achievement. Xxxx