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