Latest MRI results

14th September 2010

Hi there,

Jed's MRI results are stable. Our last MRI was 20 July 2010 and there is no change since then. We pray that the surgeon got the entire tumor out and that the temodar (chemo) is working to mop up any left over cells.

The results still need to be reviewed by the neuro surgeon but according to the radiologists review my son's cancer is stable - thank you Lord God and thank you each person who has stood by us today and prayed with us.

Ray and I have discussed doing another scan in 2 months but will continue to take it day by day. The CSF leak was very evident on the scan and whilst it looks rather shocking on the image it is causing NO discomfort to Jed.

Jed's spine remains clear of any drop mets!!!! AMEN!

In God we Trust.

Thanking God for healing my baby.

Love and hugs

Bonni

Jed's mommy

Jed's Pathology

27th August 2010


Hi everyone,

It has been a while since I updated with what has been going on...... the news isn't good.

Jed's pathology came back from the US that the tumor is now an AA3 (Anaplastic Astrocytoma grade 3 - high grade glioma). The original pathology may have been wrong or the tumour has morphed into a more aggressive grade because of the high doses of chemo and radiation. The worst news is there is no treatment plan for an AA3 as it does not respond to chemo. I've been to see Prof Janet Poole at the Johannesburg General Hospital to ask her if she has ever treated an AA3 patient and she has not and nor does she know of any "local" cases. What she did know about the tumour wasn't positive..... She referred me back to the US and I'm now researching and trying to locate doctors in the US that have some experience with this high grade tumour. Thank you once again to DHL for doing all the shipments free of charge and with urgency!

I want more for Jed's life..... more giggles, more smiles, more walks and adventures. I would give up anything I own to save my son! I dream of packing his school lunch box one day and doing his homework. I dream of his birthday parties and the friends he'll make. While you look at the watch today and wish the day away so you can leave your job, I ask that time stops..... pauses and that I can live in THIS moment forever! This cancer has robbed me of everything I have ever worked for and taken away the joys I once felt but it will not take away my faith as more and more I realise the only person that can save my little boy is God, so if you want to do something for a mother who is broken, pray!

Jed is doing well, the only issue being low platelets. He is happy and full of energy. There is morning vomiting but this is controlled with the zofran.

The attached picture was taken from our little break to Emerald - where we had an AWESOME time.....

Love you all and thank you

Bon x x x
Jeddy's mommy!

Update with Newspaper article

11th August 2010

Hi there,

Been a while since I updated my special Jed10 supporters.

Jed is doing well. He finished his first round of temador trial chemo on the 26th of July so we start the next round in 23 days time. He tolerated the chemo so well and even his blood results were outstanding (just below the normal ranges)

We sent all the tumor slides (samples of the "monster" removed in his latest surgery) to the US for them to review and confirm that they agree with the SA team's pathology. I have heard back from them; they do NOT agree that Jed has a Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma but it is some form of Astrocytoma. The chemo we are using at the moment is for all types of Astrocytomas and we are positive that the growth is an astrocytoma due to the star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes.

Jed's tumor changed from a Pilocystic Astrocytoma to a Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma from grade 1 to grade 3 - my understanding is that with chemo and radiation treatment the tumor's get more aggressive. I pray that this is not the case with our boy once again! I'm feeling confident with the team in the US. I believe they will come back to me with confirmation by early next week. Thank you to the DHL team who have ensured that the samples arrive safely. The lastest shipment left last night and contains all the tissue samples taken from Jed during all 3 his brain surgeries. See attached article published in our local newspaper.

The CSF leak is the same size maybe a little bigger than a few weeks ago but I am not overly concerned as Jed is doing well in his physical functioning which indicates no pressure on the brain.

My prayer requests

That the tissue samples arrive safely in the US
The US team confirm that the cancer is treatable and recommend a chemo treatment that is effective
and that by the mercy of God the surgeon removed the entire tumor - this remains our prayer!!! Jed is healed, Jed is healed, Jed is healed.....

Thank you to everyone for your messages of support and love, I often feel that some may be bored with the ongoing drama of my life so when I get a message, a mail or a letter my heart rejoices! This is the hardest experience of my life and I appreciate each one of you so much.

In God we Trust!

Love and hugs
Bon x

News on Jed

7th July 2010

Hi there,

We met with the oncologist on Tuesday and he has recommended Temador at 120mg - Jed was on this protocol in Feb 2009 but we stopped it due to low blood counts (platelets) therefore I will be nagging for platelet donors again soon. This is not an IV chemo but an oral. The side effects are less than the trail chemo and we will try this before going for the Avastin (which has very harsh side effects)

DHL have sent the pathology slides to the US for confirmation that the tumor is Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma - there are two doctors over there looking at Jed's protocol to ensure that we are on the right path with regards to treatment going forward.

Jed is doing amazing, his left side weakness is no longer evident AT ALL (thank you Lord) and he is running around like a normal little boy - the only time you would notice the surgery is if you saw him from the back. He is my miracle boy and I want to say thank you to each of you for the prayers over this difficult time.

We MRI on the 20th of July 2010 and then we will know what we are dealing with...... our prayers are that the surgeon got the whole tumor - cystic cells and all. He explained that he went very deep into normal brain and removed every part that looked like cancer, scare tissue and radiation damage.

Radiation is not an option in this country as we don't have proton (direct at the tumor) - Jed has had maximum dosage of conversational treatment. If there is growth we will take Jeddy out the country if need be but for now we just pray, breathe and hold onto the hope that the surgeon got it all out.....

With love and hugs
Bon
x x x x

Today's update

17th June 2010

Hi there,

I have just called Linksfield to confirm that post surgery Jed will be in isolation and have a dedicated sister looking after him. Dr Klass (pediatrician at Linksfield he actually dx Jed back in August 2008) has confirmed that they have staff issues due to the soccer but will ensure that Jed is given priority. He said he and Dr Weinberg discussed once again the risks of the surgery and from then on I heard bla bla high risk bla bla due to radiation healing is a huge problem bla bla bla....... as long as my son is pain free and I want to see his smile asap, the rest is just talk at this stage!!!

Today Jed is still mobile, he is falling like a drunken boy but he is still determined to move around and be independent. He has fallen three times pretty badly and I think he may have cracked his nose as it is swollen and blue.... but he is not complaining of pain at all. His best friend Thami (see photo) is staying with us and they are laughing playing games and enjoying normal things boys do. So neurologically Jed is "okay"..... the nausea is controlled with the very high doses of steriods - I am yet to see the steroid rage come out. Although he is very emotional - crying about silly little things like the TV on the wrong channel or his bottie not warm enough so the steroids are kicking in as Jed is normally so sweet.

I got busy and organised today. Got Jed's new bedding for the hospital and goodies to decorate his room - I'm going Toy Story 3 as it seems to be very "in" at the moment. I have got him a duvet, pillow, carpet and a few dvds for the hopital. I got him sheep skin from Michelle and special creams to prevent bed sores. I have meds for tummy issues related to high doses of pain medication. I have clear liquids and new bottles - I got zip up tops as nothing will be able to go over his head (already there is swelling). I have purity and liquid food supplements, nappies as he won't be able to move and bed sheets and wipes.... please let me know if I have forgotten anything. Feeling organised makes me feel in control and with cancer u have NO control so this obsession is therapeutic at this stage. I'm sterilizing the bedding and hospital clothes now and will pack them up tomorrow - "keep on swimming, keep on swimming, keep on swimming!!"

Gillian Declan's (he sadly passed away from cancer) mom dropped off some cooked meals which was a wonderful and welcomed surprise, as you all know I just HATE cooking so starving to death would suit me right now... Ray has already lost 12 kgs with all this cancer stress and I guess I found half of the 12kgs which is great as eating seems like a huge mission (I have room to starve a bit) but yes, we are keeping up our strength.

Please pray, I'm isolating myself more and more I guess this is selfish but I just know that if I speak on the phone it may just push me over the edge which I'm currently leaning over - toes already gribbing the sides... today Alida phoned and it took so much strength not to cry that I think I landed up sounding rude, sick and mad.... so let's stick to mails.... but thank you for the beautiful messages of strength and love at this putrid time!

Love
Bonni Jed's mommy

Jed's Reality

15th June 2010

Hi there,

The update so that my phone silences...

Dr Reynders told us that we have days with Jed - the cancer is very aggressive and almost at full size. My baby is suddenly weak, he can't really walk and the pain is setting in... but he is playing in true Jed style.....

Our time with him is precious so I will not be taking calls to chat and repeat myself.

We are seeing a surgeon to discuss the possibility of taking the tumor out to relieve the pressure to avoid pain for Jed. He is reluctant to operate as the
wall around the tumor is hard due to the two previous operations in the same location. South Africa has a proton radiation and if I find it this will also make Jeddy be more comfortable during this time. Please feel free to donate to this if you feel you would like to.....

We do not want new visitors at this time as we don't want to entertain anyone and to be honest this is our family time. I will do all I can to ensure Jed does not suffer and that if this is God's will then I pray he directs us and gives us the medication required.

How am I???? Well I broken to the core - there are honestly no words to describe this pain - death for me would be a pleasant and welcome experience. I picture not seeing Jed in his school uniform and never seeing that little tooth growing in his mouth - I think of sleeping without him in my arms and I know that I couldn't do it.... so on the how am I... I am currently strong for my son whilst shattered as NOW this is about Jed and not me.... or Ray or his precious Gwannies..... we all need to be strong for MY SON. My precious beautiful wonderful son!

Jed's bank account details to assist with care during this time.

First National BankAccount No: 62218655184Branch: GreenstoneBranch code: 201510Acc Name: Jed SucklingReference: Your name or if you prefer anonymousSwift Code: FirNZAJJA 188

Bonni - always Jed's mom

Vusi died yesterday

Hello everyone,

Our little Vus Vus puppy died yesterday. He was barking at the maid and I hit the bed and shouted "Vusi stop barking" he got a fright fell off the bed, hit his tiny head on the corner of the set of draws, broke his neck and was dead on landing. We rushed him to vet and I insisted they do everything to try bring my little puppy back, but it was too late......

Vusi was not just a dog, he was the little boy who at 3am when "suicide hour" hit would lick my tears and cuddle up to me. He was my replacement of the lack of affection, he'd keep me warm and he was my little comforter. When Jed would go for treatment I'd say "we gotta get this done coz little Vus Vus is waiting". Jed would rush through it so we could get home to our doggie.

My heart is broken into a million pieces. Losing Vus just highlighted once again how in an instant your world can change. - If I never shouted to him to stop barking he may not have fallen off the bed.... if . ... if ... if....

On the way to the vet I was crying and driving very fast. Jed said... "mom don't drive fast, Vus Vus is already with Jesus, Jesus told me... there is a special heaven where doggies go, and mom Vus is okay so stop crying" - my son shocks me....

The clocks ticking is louder and the silence is hurting my ears.... I miss my little doggie and I feel extra lonely now....

Ray has already said that he does not want another dog in the flat but it doesn't matter cos Vus is irreplaceable.

In Nemo-The Movie-Dori sings to Nemo when he is scared of the dark "just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming" and when times are hard I sing it too... but right now the current seems too strong...... with my puppy gone..

Please pray for us.

Love Bon and Jed