Test results

Now that Austin has completed his regime of high-dose chemotherapy the tests and scans begin to determine two things:
1) Was the chemotherapy successful in killing all of the cancer? and
2) How damaging was the chemotherapy to the rest of Austin's body?
Yesterday, Austin went for his first and most important test: an MRI of his brain. Today, the BMT (bone-marrow transplant) doctor came in to tell us that the MRI looked "clear" of any tumour(s). However, the neuro-oncology doctor visited shortly thereafter. He inquired about the MRI, and I explained that, once again, the MRI team did not complete the full MRI of Austin's brain and spine. Also, they neglected to inject him with contrast dye prior to doing the pictures. These mistakes make for an inconclusive MRI. It looks like we will have to go back again for another MRI next week.
Today Austin had a hearing test. Sadly, he has (mild to moderate to severe) hearing loss that is permanent. He will need a hearing aid in the near future. Poor little guy. A small price to pay, though, to beat cancer and save his life.
Tomorrow Uncle Richy (my brother) will be coming to Toronto to visit for a whole week! We are both very excited to see him. Austin has been granted weekend day passes out of the hospital - so we can actually visit with Rich at the Ronald McDonald House. Then, we go back to the hospital to sleepover and get overnight hydration. The plan is to discharge Austin on Tuesday from the hospital to the Ronald McDonald House. However, we will need to remain in Toronto for a while yet until his blood counts stabilize. He will be going to the hospital for clinic a few times a week, which will be gradually reduced over time.