Test and Scan Results Are In

Dearest Family and Friends,

Over the past three days, Theofanis underwent a full series of tests, scans and a biopsy as part of his post-chemo, post-tandem stem cell transplant, and post-radiation treatment protocol. All final test results were expected to be complete by today.

Happiness is...catching snowflakes.
Happiness is today!

Anxious and nervous, we finally received the call from Theo’s oncologist Dr. Cohn with news that “this series of scans does not show any evidence of disease!”  His bone marrow is clear, the MIBG scan shows nothing, and the CT scan confirmed no new masses, a clear abdomen, and the tumors on his cheekbone and arm are fully matured ganglioneuromas, which means that they are benign.

We are thrilled beyond words to be able to share this news with you. And we sincerely and humbly thank you all for your infinite support, your never-ending prayers, your words of encouragement, your acts of kindness, your generosity, your hugs, your tears and your priceless love and friendship. 

Theo’s journey is not over quite yet, though. He will be starting his last phase of treatment on Monday. He will undergo six months of Immunotherapy, a new treatment for neuroblastoma which has proven to show a remarkable improvement in survival rates by 20%. This treatment, which utilizes antibodies, basically kills microscopic/undetectable cancer cells that could be lingering in the body and greatly reduces the risk of relapse in neuroblastoma patients. It is a difficult and painful treatment, but we’re hopeful and we’ll continue to pray that Theo tackles this phase with the same strength and winning grace that he’s shown over the past 10 months.  

On that dreadful day when our son was diagnosed, we told Theo, “We will do everything possible to make the cancer go away and to make sure it never comes back!”  With Faith, Love and Prayer and with YOU, we got the first part done, and now we’re onto the second part. And again, we can’t thank you all enough for everything you’ve done and continue to do to help us keep our promise to our son.

And finally and most importantly, we must thank our Almightly God, Christ, the Theotokos, and all the Saints for this miracle that they have bestowed upon our son and our family. We thank you Lord for placing your arms around Theofanis and protecting him and leading him to this day. We humbly pray that you continue to place your strength within him and around him, always keep him healthy and cancer-free, and guide him through a long, long and happy life. And Lord, please, please protect all of your beautiful and precious children.

With all our love,

Eleni and Kosta