Sherry went to work early, and Mario stayed home. He was in more pain today than the day before. He did a bit of work and wished he could have been in New Orleans for the LSU vs Alabama game. Mario could not eat anything before his procedure, so Mr. FOG could not share the last of the pasta dish Ann and Fritz had brought over. Mario had said the pasta when excellent when he ate it on Friday, and it was still very good on Monday.
Mario’s bone marrow biopsy had more pain than anticipated, or perhaps it was a combination of everything—the foot pain from the tumor, the leg pain from the surgery, and now the two holes in the pelvis at the base of the spine.
The following web links will give our gentle readers what is involved. The first web link is animated and likely propaganda produced by the manufacturers of the tool used to drill and extract bone marrow. Watch this one if you do not want to see blood.
The second is an actual procedure, and probably more similar to what Mario had. Two penetrations were needed, since not enough bone marrow fluid was obtained from the first penetration into Mario’s pelvic bone.
It looks simple in the video, but Mr. FOG is not so sure.
Our star reporter Sherry Lane learned a few things during Mario’s biopsy. Mario's oncologist has been in contact with colleagues at the Anderson Cancer center in Houston, Emory University here in Atlanta, and another cancer facility in Florida, perhaps the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. Since Mario has a rare juvenile cancer and there are not many cases involving in adults, learning what has worked is important. His oncologist is consulting with colleagues who may have had similar cases to see what has worked best. As a result of these discussions, she will be adjusting the national standard chemotherapy protocol for Ewing’s Sarcoma. We will talk to her again, but the change may be to adapt the juvenile treatment to an adult or to take advantage of new approaches being her used. We will get back to you on this.
Sherry Lane also learned from the oncologist that Mario’s treatment may be chemotherapy and radiation only, excluding surgery. If needed, there is a fine surgeon specializing in sarcoma tumors here in Atlanta. It is still early to tell, but surgery may not be needed if the cancer responds well to the chemotherapy. Again as we know more we will share.
Mario’s Tuesday has also changed. He had been complaining of swelling in the operated leg and we are headed to Piedmont Hospital for another test to make sure there is no blood clot in the leg.
Finally a quiet evening at home for Lord, Nurse and Butler. Lee Zell from Turner sports ,a friend of Mario and Sherry’s, brought over a most excellent meal. A great salad, beef stroganoff, a pie, wine, plus more. Many thanks. More importantly Mario changed when Lee came. He is a social being and these visits from friends are good for him. Thanks to all. Mario and Sherry are doing OK
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