October 2 2012

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

First post- surgery visit with the neurosurgeon today. Pathology reports on the tissue removed indicate some small quantity of malignant cells present in the material removed.  While not much, I'm afraid it is the equivalent of being a little bit pregnant. Well the stitches are out now in any case. Small progress.

The surgery itself was not difficult, and he felt like it was successful. And it probably was. But it is next to impossible to get it all, especially in the brain. most importantly, however, the radiation and chemo were not successful at stemming the tide of regrowth.

What's next?  We are getting set up with a medical oncologist at Hopkins in the next week or two to discuss options, probably clinical trials. The last round of chemo which was postponed for surgery will be cancelled. More radiation could be in the future, but there's not a big enough target now, there is some risk involved and one only gets two rounds with the zapper.  Our hopes now will hang on what the new oncologist has to say.  Tere will be more frequent MRIs in the future to monitor activity, so I'll get more rounds with the anvil chorus of MRI.

Current meds are being reduced or for steroids, eliminated. golf ok, strenuous exercise another couple weeks. Singing ought to have better sound now that the resonating chamber got enlarged a bit.

Clearly not the news we wanted, but there remain positives on which to clasp.  We know this to be the nature of the beast, and knew that the day would come. There will be worse ones as well, but we are far from there.  I got no symptoms, there is not a mass, there are options to be considered, and I've got the best support team anyone could pray for. Laissez bon temps roullez!

Ross