Moving Forward...Round 9!

Again, sorry this may be just my boring dialogue but we still do not have access to video, and many of you have been asking about the latest scoop.
Christopher has had a rough past few weeks in regard to the healing of his leg.
After the second surgery where more bone was removed, (but the knee cap spared) to close where the scar line had opened up, he again encountered trouble. There was a pretty consistent draining which is not normal. Dr. O'Connor tried removing some of the stitches and putting in more a bit tighter - not pleasant for Chris as there was little warning before she attacked the stump! On a return visit because there was still a little leakage she consulted with another surgeon, removed all the stitches and decided to put him on a "Wound Vac" This is the pump like unit you can see in the picture, that is continuously running to remove any excess fluids and close the site.
He completed round 8 of chemo with the Vac in place and after a brief break from it he is back on it. Dr. O'Connor is still concerned with the tiny drips, especially seeing as he has 2 more weeks of chemo in a row, the last being the tough one on his system.
The lack of healing is most likely due to the effects of chemo on Christopher's immune system though leave it to him to find an article stating that this surgery (or this level of amputation) is controversial due to impaired wound healing. So who knows.
We do know that he is improving everyday and maintains an incredible amount of strength and hope that this too shall pass. He is "patiently "waiting for the day he can be fitted for his prosthetic but that is at least a month away.
He is feeling very good, eating really well - like a crazed teenage boy!- and is ready to face round 9 today at Wolfson's.
Thanks as always for all the love and encouragement as we continue to move forward on this journey, one day at a time.
Peace,
Patty
We are

One step backward...

Hopefully 2 steps forward to follow!

Christopher was scheduled for another round of chemo this past Monday, however after being at Nemours/Wolfson's for over 12 hours getting prepped we were sent home.

The scar on Chris' stump was not healing according to plan and had begun to open up putting him at risk for infection. Thank God I had some of the Dr.'s there take a look at it before he started or it could have been a bad scene. Infection is to be avoided at all cost.

We went to Mayo on Tuesday to see Dr. O'Connor for evaluation and she immediately scheduled Christopher for surgery on Wednesday. Dr. O'Connor removed more of his bone in order to create an adequate amount of skin to properly close the wound. Thankfully she was able to save the knee cap (he thought he would lose that going into surgery), and take bone away from another part of that area. Not having to go to the next level of amputation was a blessing as well.

All went well, the scar looks a lot better and Christopher was discharged late this afternoon (Friday). Though he is in a lot of pain his counts are still good enough to allow him to be able to enjoy a decent 4th of July weekend.

He will see the Oncologist on Monday, Dr. O'Connor on Tuesday and resume chemo either later in the week or the following Monday (July13th).

Seems to be a double edge sword whereas he cannot be without chemo for more than a 2-3 weeks at a time but in the same token it is the chemo that is preventing his body from being able to heal from the surgery. A very frustrating situation that he is handling much better than I. The unknown and unpredictable nature of this disease is quite scary. I continue to be amazed at Christopher's bravery and perseverance. We really do take one day at a time and pray for some light at the end of this journey.

Happy 4th of July to all!

Peace, Patty