The neurosurgeon agrees that all is well! I think it's safe to be completely elated now :)
His next MRI and set of check-ups will be around the beginning of March. We're on an every-three-month schedule this coming year, just to keep an eye on things.
We forgot to mention in the last post that because of the results of the "chromosome test" (FISH test, if you know whatever that is), they know that Mark had the kind of cancer that does not respond to chemotherapy. So, any further treatment would either be radiation or (in an extreme case) more surgery. Of course, we're praying that we won't be looking at any of that.
His leg and foot are still responding slowly, but at least they are responding. In fact, he felt confident enough to put up our outside Christmas lights this year (with help from my dad)!
We have a two-story house.
With high peaks.
I couldn't look.
But, to tell you the truth, it was great that he could do it, and they sure look terrific :)
(And thanks, Dad!)
Many, many thanks for all the prayer and encouraging words! It has meant so much to us...
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Mark and Kim :)
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
"Nothing Special" never sounded so good
Mark had an MRI on Monday, and then we saw the radiation oncologist and the oncologist today. Even though the oncologists didn't have the final "written report" from the MRI, they were still in communication by phone (and were able to see the MRI pics on CD). The initial opinion between all three (the two oncologists and the MRI person) is that it all looks good! In fact, the oncologist said that when he looked at the MRI, he didn't see anything special (I told Mark, "Yay! You're nothing special!" Ha!) We were able to see a "cavity" surrounded by scar tissue, and filled with the normal brain/spinal fluid. There was no indication of any further cancer!
We still have to get that final MRI report, though, as well as talk to the neurosurgeon tomorrow. We'll update again after that.
Assuming all is well with those results, there is no recommendation for radiation at this time. Mark will have an MRI every three months next year, so they can continue to monitor him.
Also, some have asked why Mark hasn't had a PET scan or other tests to see if the cancer has spread, or if it came from somewhere else in his body. We asked specifically about that today. The answer is, it isn't necessary because that is not the kind of cancer he had. Cancers are named according to where they originate, and the kind they are. Mark's started in his brain, and is an "astrocytoma." It isn't the kind that will spread, nor did it come from somewhere else.
So, you can probably imagine the relief we are feeling today!! Again, we still have some hoops to jump through, but we are (cautiously) elated!!
More tomorrow.... Stay tuned.....
(PS ~~ I tried to change some settings, so it may be easier to comment now.)
But I trust in You, O Lord. I say, "You are my God. My times are in Your hands."
Psalm 31:14-15
We still have to get that final MRI report, though, as well as talk to the neurosurgeon tomorrow. We'll update again after that.
Assuming all is well with those results, there is no recommendation for radiation at this time. Mark will have an MRI every three months next year, so they can continue to monitor him.
Also, some have asked why Mark hasn't had a PET scan or other tests to see if the cancer has spread, or if it came from somewhere else in his body. We asked specifically about that today. The answer is, it isn't necessary because that is not the kind of cancer he had. Cancers are named according to where they originate, and the kind they are. Mark's started in his brain, and is an "astrocytoma." It isn't the kind that will spread, nor did it come from somewhere else.
So, you can probably imagine the relief we are feeling today!! Again, we still have some hoops to jump through, but we are (cautiously) elated!!
More tomorrow.... Stay tuned.....
(PS ~~ I tried to change some settings, so it may be easier to comment now.)
But I trust in You, O Lord. I say, "You are my God. My times are in Your hands."
Psalm 31:14-15
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Christmas Shopping :)
Looks like the first week of December is going to be pretty busy! Mark has an MRI on the Monday after Thanksgiving. Then his surgeon, oncologist, and radiation oncologist each want to discuss the results with him at three separate appointments on the following Wednesday and Thursday. We'll have more of an idea about any treatment after that.
He has 5 more physical therapy sessions this month, and then they will reevaluate and decide if he would benefit from more sessions. While maybe not as quick as he would like, he is seeing improvement in the strength and function of his right leg and foot. The toes are a little slower to follow though, which does affect his walking. We are trying to look at the bright side: we get to park in the handicapped spaces for now, which is going to make Christmas shopping a whole lot easier! :)
He has 5 more physical therapy sessions this month, and then they will reevaluate and decide if he would benefit from more sessions. While maybe not as quick as he would like, he is seeing improvement in the strength and function of his right leg and foot. The toes are a little slower to follow though, which does affect his walking. We are trying to look at the bright side: we get to park in the handicapped spaces for now, which is going to make Christmas shopping a whole lot easier! :)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Are all neurosurgeons like this?
We had the follow-up appointment with the neurosurgeon today. Most of the time was spent with his very affable P.A. However, in the three minutes we had with the doctor, he let us know that Mark is healing exceptionally well. Then, almost as he was walking out of the room, he sort of nonchalantly mentioned that Mark might not recover "full" use of his right leg/foot/toes. Huh? This guy cracks us up with his, um, "bedside manner." Good thing he's otherwise really good at what he does... And good thing the physical therapist is a bit more optimistic!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Oncology update/from Mark
Hear any good brain-jokes lately?
I met with the Oncologist today and at this point he is suggesting we wait on any Radiation or Chemo treatment. I will meet with a Radiation Oncologist probably during the next week or so, because with my age and the type of cancer I have, I fall right on the line in regards to treatment solutions. Under the age 40 they recommend no Radiation, 40 and over they recommend Radiation. Since we are dealing with the brain, side effects of treatment include paralysis, so proceeding cautiously is favorable. By letting the brain settle down over the next six weeks, we should have a better idea how to proceed. This close to surgery, an MRI may not show a difference between scar tissue from the surgery and missed cancer tissue.
So this is good news!
In six weeks I will have another MRI taken and then will review those images with the Oncologist and then set a treatment course, if any, at that time if he sees it necessary.
Today I was also given a clean bill of health via the Speech Therapist. She was quite amazed how well I was able to speak, process and think, only having surgery 2 weeks ago. Yep, not only do I have pictures that prove I have a brain, I have a therapist who signed off on that I use it pretty well. :-)
As of today, I am moving around pretty good. I do have to use a cane to walk, but everyday feeling more strong. I have 7 more Physical Therapy sessions to attend over the next 3 weeks, and then will be reevaluated for further therapy.
I think that is about it.
Thank you again for your prayers and kind words. I will continue to keep you informed on how things are going.
m
I met with the Oncologist today and at this point he is suggesting we wait on any Radiation or Chemo treatment. I will meet with a Radiation Oncologist probably during the next week or so, because with my age and the type of cancer I have, I fall right on the line in regards to treatment solutions. Under the age 40 they recommend no Radiation, 40 and over they recommend Radiation. Since we are dealing with the brain, side effects of treatment include paralysis, so proceeding cautiously is favorable. By letting the brain settle down over the next six weeks, we should have a better idea how to proceed. This close to surgery, an MRI may not show a difference between scar tissue from the surgery and missed cancer tissue.
So this is good news!
In six weeks I will have another MRI taken and then will review those images with the Oncologist and then set a treatment course, if any, at that time if he sees it necessary.
Today I was also given a clean bill of health via the Speech Therapist. She was quite amazed how well I was able to speak, process and think, only having surgery 2 weeks ago. Yep, not only do I have pictures that prove I have a brain, I have a therapist who signed off on that I use it pretty well. :-)
As of today, I am moving around pretty good. I do have to use a cane to walk, but everyday feeling more strong. I have 7 more Physical Therapy sessions to attend over the next 3 weeks, and then will be reevaluated for further therapy.
I think that is about it.
Thank you again for your prayers and kind words. I will continue to keep you informed on how things are going.
m
Friday, October 16, 2009
Baby Steps and Legos (Note from Mark)
I just wanted to thank all of you who have been praying and loving on my family during this season of our life. Some of you I may never know but I will remember by the peace you helped provide me through your prayer, confirming God is in control and we have an awesome God!
Today I got to go home. Yeah!
Now I look forward to playing Legos with my boys. They are going to enjoy playing with dad. Who knew it would be the simple things like this that will help reprogram my brain and rehabilitate me back to a full recovery.
I have a lot to relearn, and so much to be thankful for. With baby steps and Legos I am on a path to a full recovery!
In His grip!
m
Today I got to go home. Yeah!
Now I look forward to playing Legos with my boys. They are going to enjoy playing with dad. Who knew it would be the simple things like this that will help reprogram my brain and rehabilitate me back to a full recovery.
I have a lot to relearn, and so much to be thankful for. With baby steps and Legos I am on a path to a full recovery!
In His grip!
m
Home!
Mark is home! :D We are so happy :D He is doing really well.
The boys made big "Welcome Home, Dad" posters, which Nana hung on the porch railing for him to see as we drove up :)
Next week we start up with all sorts of appointments, but for the next few days we rest.
The boys made big "Welcome Home, Dad" posters, which Nana hung on the porch railing for him to see as we drove up :)
Next week we start up with all sorts of appointments, but for the next few days we rest.
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