Magda's Next PET SCAN

I hope you are all preparing for Thanksgiving and excited by the promise of extra time spent with family. Needless to say, now more than ever we should all be thankful for our health, our children, and those in our lives who make every day worth living.

Tonight, if you read this on Sunday, please say a few extra prayers for Magda. It is time for her second set of PET SCAN's post chemo therapy. We should have results on either late Tuesday or early Wednesday.

We all believe that we will receive more great news to be thankful for come Thursday.

To those of you also suffering with family challenges during the holiday season, know a day does not go by that Magda and I dont think of all of you. Magda more than anyone I have ever met, truly worries more about any of you she hears about with struggles than she does herself. Lets just be thanful that we have each other to rely on.

To each and every one of you, know this, when we sit down on Thursday, regardless of the outcome of this weeks tests, THE NEWMAN FAMILY WILL GIVE THANKS. Thanks for having people like you in our lives.

Wishing you the best for this Holiday Season

THE NEWMANS

p.s. I will be deep frying Turkey again, the photo here shows last years efforts to NOT burn my house down. It was raining so I came up with the idea of doing this in the Garage

October Update

Hey Everyone. Time for another update. The last few weeks has brought some new information and news. Magda has had the opportunity to visit Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NY. Arguably the worlds leading Cancer Center. There is a doctor there named Joachim Yaholam from Israel. He is believed by many to be one of, if not the, top Radiation Oncologists in the U.S.. He specializes in Lymphomas and we were blessed to be able to get an appointment.

Special Thanks to Jeff Sinacori for helping us get the appointment.

As many of you know, the decision to follow up Magda's Chemo with Radiation Treatments was one of much debate. The doctors here were not in favor of doing the Radiation. We very much wanted to get a second opinion to make sure we are doing everything possible to insure the Cancer does not return.

Our visit with Dr. Yohalom was amazing. From the moment we walked in, we knew that Sloan Kettering was a special place. After a thorough review of all Magda's records, her treatments and a physical exam, we met with Dr. Yohahlom for about an hour. Here is what he had to say.

• Magda is absolutely in complete remission. This is great news.


• Everything they have done in NC to this point has been perfect.


• He agrees that we should NOT do Radiation.


• Here is where the news gets a tad bit worrisome. The reason he and the Dr's here in NC do not want to do the Radiation is the extent of Magda's earlier cancer. Because it got so late stage and because it reached so many parts of her body, there is no way to know where the Radiation would have the best and most impactful effect. They would need to radiate to much of her body and this poses to grave a risk for other forms of cancer.


• Dr. Yohalom also feels that due to the extent of the cancer and the aggressive nature of the form of Hodgkin's Magda had, the prognosis for a recurrence of the disease is not as positive as we had initially hoped. Still good odds the cancer won't return, but not as good as we previously believed. Given his extensive experience and the number of patient's he has seen, Yohalom feels the odds of the cancer coming back in the next 2-3 years is about 50/50. In the past we had thought it was more like 70/30.


• If the cancer does return, IT IS STILL VERY CURABLE! At that point however, the treatment would be far more extensive than just chemo. We did not get into to much detail, but it may include a bone marrow transplant, more chemo, and would definitely require Radiation at that point. Because of the extensive treatment, Magda's doctors here in NC and Dr Yohalom all agree that if it does return, we would need to go to Sloan Kettering for future treatment. Dr. Yohalom has already promised to see us ASAP if anything should happen.


• Over the next two years we have to step up the vigilance with which we monitor Magda's condition. She will need to have PET SCANS and Checkups every 90 days. And in the event of any symptoms returning she needs to go for a SCAN immediately.

So, 50/50 is still pretty good odds. Magda is feeling great although she does get pretty tired still. The boys are thriving with Mommy back. Magda as usual is amazing. She is living every day to the fullest and even though there is this dark cloud over her head, you would never know it. She already has a bunch of new Piano Students and is volunteering at the Jewish Community Center teaching piano to Senior Citizens for free. Funny, I even came home the other night from a 3 day business trip, one of our neighbors was having a baby. Magda had taken their two other children in for a sleepover. She was playing piano and games with all of them and all the kids were just having the time of their lives. She really is a special women.

On a separate note, some of Magda's other friends from Chemo are not as lucky as we are. Please tonight, say an extra prayer for those people living with this horrible disease. Magda worries more about all of them then she does herself.

Keep smiling everyone. Take heart in Magda's strength and courage. And know that every day should be cherished for the gift that it is. All our love, THE NEWMAN'S

Happy Days!!

To say it has been a long summer would be somewhat of an understatement at this point I think. So I won't say it! But, what I will say should bring a smile to your face, a tear to your eye and otherwise brighten what is left of your day. Magda is in COMPLETE REMISSION!

Your read it right. Over the past few days we have reviewed the results of all the follow up SCAN's and Bone Marrow Biopsy. From ever radiologist report, Magda's oncologist, and a radiation specialist, NO SIGNS OF ANY REMAINING HODGKINS! (sorry about all the exclamation points) If I could shout this across the country to all of you I would.

Needless to say we are all overjoyed at this point. In fact, as of now Magda is not even going to need radiation as we had expected. (may go for a second opinion on this point but not sure yet)

Some negative news but not much. The cancer has left her with some spine injury. To small fractures in her spine that cause some discomfort. Magda will be seeing a back specialist soon. But in the grand scheme of things not to bad given the early diagnosis and prognosis.

If you could all see the life rushing back into Magda I think you would be moved beyond words. To watch her chase the boys around the house and play tickle monster, to listen to her sit at the piano and play again, to have her back in our lives as the wife and mother we all know and love is overwhelming and wonderful!.

Saturday will be our 5 year anniversary. You have all given us a gift we will never ever forget or ever be able to repay. Your love and support has just been remarkable. Thank you all so very much.

The Newman's

CHEMO IS OVER!!!

Well its hard to believe but Magda made it! Yesterday was a big day. Magda completed her 12Th and final chemo treatment. As you might expect she is not feeling all that great today, but our hopes are high for the future. Over the next 30 days much will be reviewed and decided on. PET SCANS will be redone and Magda will need another bone marrow biopsy. (YIKES THIS HURTS LIKE HELL!) God willing, if Magda remains "Cancer Free" we will then need to decide on Radiation Treatments. Given how large the masses had grown in Magda's chest and spine and the fact that the cancer made its way to her bone marrow Radiation Treatment is probably going to be needed to ensure the Cancer does not return.

Then if all goes as hoped SCANS and MRI's will be done every 90 days for the next 2 years or so. Given that Magda had Stage 4 Hodgkin's there is a 20-30% chance the cancer will return. THAT MEANS THERE IS A 70-80% Chance it will not!

Thanks so much to all of you for your encouragement, love and support over the past 6 months. The road has been long and bumpy, but because of all of you it has been bearable. The boys are both doing well and the entire Newman clan is hoping for a brighter and smoother road ahead! Thanks again.

WHOLLY COW SHE DID IT!!

MAGDA IS CANCER FREE!!! Can you believe it?? 1/2 Way through Chemo and we went in for a PET SCAN and Magda is showing CANCER FREE! Just amazing news for all of us!

Lets not get ahead of ourselves, she does have to endure 3 more months of Chemo. The purpose of which is to make sure it never returns. But this is really amazing news. Magda is beside herself with joy.

The past 3 months (SORRY FOR NO BLOGS LATELY) have seen some pretty rotten days and nights. Better I didn't bum you out. But the news this week has really lifted our spirits. So tonight, raise a glass and have a toast! We did!

Whether it was the power of prayer, the power of love, or just the indomitable power of my wife's spirit I DON'T CARE! Because MAGDA IS CANCER FREE!!!!

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!

Love the Newmans

p.s. How'd you like Jacob in Magda's Wig

YITBOS

Most of you who read this post have no idea what the title means. Dont worry, you shouldnt. But those of you who do, Thanks! This past weekend, our family came to realize once again the power of those 5 letters. The photo attached tells you why. Not to leave you all in the dark, just know that it means brotherhood. Phil and Russ, you can't imagine what it meant to have you show up the way you did. BALD NO LESS! Magda was so moved and cant stop talking about you guys.

Magda has chemo #3 today. She feels pretty good.

I wanted to share these pics as I think they show just how amazing my friends and more importantly my wife are!

Ill update later this week to let you know how Magda held up to this round of Chemo

Good News Bad News

Well, much like we learned with Nathaniel and our life with Treacher Collins Syndrome, we are now learning many of the same lessons (once again!) with Cancer. The key, don't let the highs get you to high or the lows get you to low.

The past week or more has been a bit of good news/bad news. I'll start of with some bad news... (hey tough noogies, this blog is not for the faint of heart it is about reality so deal with it!)

Bad News #1: As if playing some sick twisted joke, the powers that be have decided that this would be a good time for Magda's wisdom teeth to act up and become impacted! Even worse, there is not a darn thing we can do about it. Once Chemo starts the blood and flow of blood to the jaw are insufficient to promote the healing oral surgery would require. The teethe must come out but it will have to wait six months post chemo. Thats right.. A YEAR!

Good News #1, there are no cavaties in the teeth and with good oral hygene and some different techniques to minimize inflamation Magda should be able to hack it.

I wonder if your thinking what Im thinking.. THE BAD NEWS SUCKS much more than the good news is good.

Good News #2 (switched it up for you all happy types!) MAGDA STILL HAS ALL HER HAIR!! She likes this one alot.

Bad News #2 - It wont be long now till bald city. Yes, I will be shaving my head in support of Magda.

Bad News #3 (back to reality) The second round of chemo was yesterday. Lets just say Magda has been happier, Now learning a bit more about the joys of bombarding your body with the TOXIC AVENGER! Magda is wiped out, nauseaus, achey and down right unpleasant (BUT I LOVE HER)

Good News #3 - Two treatements down 10 to go! Im sure if you ask Magda she would not agree right now that this is good news.

Funny Side Story: The other day Magda had no desire to eat and was a little nauseus so I gave her one of her meds called MARINOL. Yes you pot smoking friends of mine it is made with the wacky weed! It in and of itself doesnt get you high just stimulates the munchies! But, on top of that, her back and mouth were killing her. So, I figure, how bad can it be to give her a Vicadin with some Marinol???? I know, Im not a doctor, but you spend as much time in Hospitals as I have and you would think you know some stuff to.... With that, my now somewhat loopy wife desides we should go furniture shopping!! get her in the car.. start driving and about five minutes in Magda asks me ( I swear this is true) "WHY DO ALL THE LITTLE CARS LOOK LIKE ARMADILLOS????" With that we both laughed for about twenty minutes, picked out some nice end tables, and went home and ate a pizza!

The moral to all of this..... Dont get to high or to low and dont mix Marinol with Vicadin.

(To my Dads friend Alan E.... Ill save you some, I know you more than anyone are dying to try this!!!)

Magda sends all of you her love. Is so appreciative of all you have done, and wants me to say she is sorry if she misses a Thank You Card somewhere along the way.

Be Well!
The Newmans!!

A Birthday Wish For Magda

Well, I blew it. With everything going on around here, I lost track of the days. When I woke up this morning, Saturday, I realized today was Magda's B-Day. So what do I do now. What gift could possibly be enough given the current situation. What could bring even the slightest glimmer of a smile.

I've thought about this for about 4 hours now. ( Jacob was kind enough to want a bottle at 4am) Here is what I've come up with for Magda's gift idea......

I WANT TO GIVE HER 72 More March 3rd's. 72 More Birthdays, 72 More Celebrations with Nathaniel and Jacob.

I don't think I'm being greedy. That would make my angel 100 years old. She will surely have celebrated bar mitzvahs, weddings, grand and great grand kids, and all of life's other wonderful moments. She will have chased away countless women not good enough for her boys. She will certainly have straightened my sorry ass out by then... MAYBE... and most importantly, she will have made me the happiest man in the world.

So today, on Magda's birthday, I need your help to deliver her this special gift. There is one sure fire way to deliver her this gift. Continue to do exactly what you are all doing. Pray for Magda, send cards and letters, flowers and everything else you all are doing. Because I know one thing to be certain. The power of the love and prayer you have all mustered will surely bring Magda this precious gift.

Thanks

The War Begins

Good Morning Everyone -

If fighting cancer, like any other war, is a series of battles, then we have not fared all to well in the initial encounter. You see yesterday was a setback. It turns out that Magda's Hodgkin's has progressed to Stage 4. Results from both her bone marrow biopsy and the PET scan indicate that the cancer has spread to Magda's spine as well as made its way in to her bone marrow.

As an aside, those of you who have heard about Magda's ongoing struggle with her back, turns out that it was the Cancer all along. Crazy huh?

What this means is that we just need to fight a little harder. In fact, after consulting with an Oncologist at NYU Medical Center, and our local doctor, we have stepped up the schedule and Magda is starting her Chemo regimen at 9:00 am this morning. Magda is actually excited to get started.

I can not tell you how proud I am today to be Magda's husband. In spite of what some of you might think, I am the weak link in this family chain. Magda is the iron and steel that makes our little family the unbreakable team that we have become. This woman is an absolute wonder to me. 3 years of commitment and dedication to Nathaniel, the birth of Jacob, hours of pain from her back, building a new house, feeling sick and not knowing why, and on and on an on... Yet, she actually looks forward to tackling this disease head on.

She said to me yesterday, I MUST BE HERE FOR MY BOYS! And she will!!!

Many of you have read about Nathaniel's journey and even taken part in this magical trip he has lead us on.. Well now we set sail again. This time armed to the teeth with even more determination than before. Nathaniel still at the helm, Magda directing our path.. Jacob probably down in the galley eating us out of house and home, and as usual, I'm just along for the ride...... (to be continued!)

p.s. Smile... We are!

Lets Try Blogging

OK, I figured by now many of you have heard that Magda has diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Instead of blast emailing you all updates, not knowing if this is something you want to get email at work or at all, I figured I would join the blog movement. So here goes.

Please understand, if no single person reads a single post on this website, it will still serve the cathartic purpose for which it is most intended. I need to vent and here is where I will do it.

So, where are we at? On Monday of this week after all initial tests were pointing to some sort of Lymphoma, doctors completed a biopsy by removing a lymph node from Magda's neck. She now has a pretty good size scar but that should fade with time. Results confirmed her diagnosis. Hodgkin's Lymphoma (Nodular Sclerosis type) GRADE II which is a little more aggressive (I know, the hits just keep on coming)

On Thursday Magda had a quick surgery to implant a "Power Port" in her chest. This will enable Dr's and nurses to quickly administer chemo, draw blood, give other meds, all without having to stick her in the arms a ton of times over the next 6 months to a year. It is a device implanted under the scan. Kind of looks like Magda has a small heart shaped IPOD hidden under her skin.

After that Dr's needed to do what is called staging the disease. There are 4. 1 Being the earliest and 4 being the most far along. Problem is Magda has symptoms of everything from stage 2-4. So in for more testing. On Wed. they did a Bone Marrow biopsy and I do not recommend anyone taking this on voluntarily. OUCH! Magda was a trooper. Ill save further description. Then today Magda underwent what is called a PET Scan to see if cancer had spread into other areas of her body. Primarily her spleen, which would indicate stage three or into other organs and bones of the body which could indicate stage four. Oh yeah, if they find it in her bone marrow from the bone marrow biopsy then we are at stage 4.

The good news, it appears the treatment for all 3 stages would be largely the same. Starting next week Magda will begin Chemotherapy. SIX MONTHS WORTH. Followed by radiation treatments to the area most effected which right now appears to be the area just below her left shoulder above her heart. Ill let you look up the stats on survival at the various stages. Point is we don't really care about the stats. MAGDA WILL MAKE IT NO MATTER WHAT!!!!

That's the gist of it right now. Magda is tired, uncomfortable and a little sick of the poking and prodding but know what needs to be done. I am so proud of her you have no idea. Now I know where Nathaniel gets his warrior spirit.

I'll do my best to update the blog as often as I can and visit as often as I can. Magda will read along with me and may post herself from time to time. Please visit often and share thoughts prayers ideas humor you name it we want to here it.

Thanks for the initial flow of love. It is already helping