Update on 02/24/07

Update on Chris 2-24-07Just an update on the last few days… At the beginning of the week, Chris was walking in the pool with a walker. By Thursday, he had begun to walk all over the pool with NO support or assistance! This is wonderful news. He is doing really well and is able to walk for al long time in the pool, holding on to nothing. They will continue to work on endurance and see how long he can go without taking breaks.He is also still using the lift gait machine to walk during physical therapy. It supports him in a harness, while he walks. They are gradually reducing the amount of weight it supports, to make him do a little more of the work himself every day. This is really amazing to watch and we are excited about the new improvements every day.I also wanted to let you know that Chris talked to the liver specialist on Friday afternoon. From the testing he ordered on the biopsy samples, he was able to confirm that Chris does have a germ cell cancer, but the new development is that the detailed testing shows there to be some other elements in the germ cell cancer that they didn’t notice before. It may be that some of the other chemo regimens didn’t quite get everything, because of these other elements. So, they are starting a new regimen of chemo, likely next week. They will be doing a CT Scan first and then maybe start the chemo on Friday. It will be two new chemo drugs that he’s never taken before. And, he will only take them on day 1 and day 15. So, this isn’t so bad. Chris will still be able to continue his physical therapy with very little interruption from the chemo. The liver doctor will continue to see Chris, but is also consulting with Chris’ oncologist and Dr. Einhorn at Indiana University. This is all I know for now, but I will let you know if I get more details.Love,Mandy