Despite Wayne being immunosuppressed, MRI scan No.12 on 2 February 2005 showed further improvement in the fungal infection in his left eye and sinus. This result negated the anticipated need for extensive and invasive surgical debridement. Wayne kept defying the odds. Chemo was administered over the next three months with the possibility of igniting the fungal infection again and yet, on 9 May, MRI scan No.13 (see images below) showed "no intracranial abnormality"! Miraculous?
By now, Wayne's doctors were all commenting on how "clean" his deep wound looked. This, combined with the MRI result evidenced amazing progress, as Wayne had no immunity during the time that he was on chemo. The declaration that Wayne was again in clinical remission was also met with great relief.
Wayne was excited to return to classes at Westlake Boys High School on five days in June, each time for several hours. Both Westlake Boys High and Westlake Girls High had held mufti days that raised funds to help cover the cost of his expensive treatment. Neither Wayne nor his family could believe the extent of the support given by these schools.
Wayne with his parents Bruce and Ruth
With these extremely positive results and the clearing of his infection, Wayne began to look forward to the meeting with his ORL surgeon on 25 July. Wayne and his family were ecstatic when the surgeon told them he was planning to commence reconstructive plastic surgery on the deep wound in his face.
But the good news that day was short lived. The bad news? Wayne's leukaemia had relapsed for the second time! Upon receiving the news, Wayne fell to the bed, distraught.