We have a diagnosis now, and it isn't good news though it could (and might) be worse. Alan has Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, a very rare form of cancer (about 3% of childhood cancers). This is the more treatable form of Rhabdomyosarcoma, so we are greatful for that. The site of the tumour also makes the chances of success more favourable, so we are grateful for that as well.
He goes into surgery tomorrow morning to get a medical port (for future treatment and evaluation) and a bone marrow biopsy. The results of tomorrow's biopsy and today's bone scan will tell us whether or not the cancer has metastasized, which would be even more dire news. Because the fairly normal results of the blood tests Monday night and his general liveliness, we are fairly encouraged this is not the case. The recent tests have also shown that his lungs, liver and brain are clear. We won't know for sure until tomorrow at the earliest though.
Treatment will be a combination of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
Articles on rhabdomyosarcoma from Wikipedia, the Sarcoma Learning Center, and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
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