Kids with Cancer

Results from Justin’s MIBG Therapy: The Cancer is Gone!

by St. Baldrick's Foundation
July 3, 2012
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Photo by Rachel Kemble Photography

Written by Lori Miller whose son, Justin, recently underwent an up-and-coming therapy to fight childhood cancer for the fifth time. Justin is a St. Baldrick’s Foundation 2012 Ambassador Kid.

Sit down for this one…are you sitting? The cancer is gone! None, zero, zip…gone! I am still slightly surprised, definitely pleasantly surprised, but still reeling in the adrenaline of the news. We are beyond thrilled!

When the doctor called to give us the scan results, he said there was good news and bad news. The good news: there was no sign of cancer on the MIBG scan, the MRI and the CT scans – none. They were all pleasantly surprised. The bad news: they didn’t have a plan for Justin. Since there is no cancer present, he can’t do another round of MIBG therapy and without active cancer he is excluded from other studies as well.

Everyone agrees that we need to do something preventative, especially now that the cancer has been destroyed—they just don’t know what to do. We know for sure that Justin will need to get a stem cell rescue in order to help his body recover from the weekly transfusions. To get the most out of the stem cells, this also means we will do a round of lower dose ICE chemotherapy (combination chemotherapy regimen using ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide) again. I am hopeful we will start this week. The doctor said he was very happy with the results and how well Justin responded to the treatment. VERY HAPPY! Now to just keep him clear of cancer…

Justin spent the rest of the day in clinic, spreading the news of his new-found cancer free diagnosis, oh, and getting platelets in preparation for the big week of relaxation we had planned.

We had a great time on our week off – just celebrating life and the pleasant surprises. We were fully prepared for a good response, with some follow up radiation or therapy, but a complete response is a true MIRACLE! Thank you for believing in Justin and for praying for him daily. Thank you! After almost a year of cancer progression, two relapses, up to 6 spots at least, Justin’s cancer is no longer detectable. This is awesome. We are on cloud nine. SO HAPPY!

Improved childhood cancer therapies and treatments do make a difference. Make a donation today to fund the best childhood cancer research and help kids just like Justin.


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