Mostly Good News!

Hey All,

So it was mostly-good-news results today; yay, God :)

The best news of course was that there's no tumor activity whatsoever; he's perfectly "clean!"  Huge praise there!!

However, when we got talking to him more about other symptoms (and by "him" I mean the PA we saw because the surgeon wasn't in, but it was ok), he decided to have Mark do another MRI of his spine (neck, thoracic, and lumbar) to see if there was anything there causing his continued leg problems (actually foot/ankle/leg and arm/hand).  

Another interesting thing was that we found out he may be having what are called "subclinical seizures."  I don't know if you remember us mentioning how he "shuts down" at times, and these times are definitely triggered by things like bright lights, loud noises, etc..  He even gets what's called an "aura" that tells him it's about to happen.  That's the nutshell, but anyway he's going to see his neurologist again to get checked for that, as well as a double-check again for MS (long-shot, but worth a double-check).

On top of all that, his fatigue may be caused by high blood pressure.  So, he's off to our regular doctor to get meds for that (hopefully soon).

So that's probably more than you wanted to know, but thought I'd tell you anyway :)  Thanks again for all the prayer and love and support.  It has meant so much!

love,

kim 

Great News!!!

Great news!!!  We saw Mark's surgeon and P.A. today to talk about the results of last week's MRI.  Everything looks so "clean" that they said he doesn't need another MRI, or to see them, for another YEAR!!!  We had fully expected to be on the "every three months" and then "every six months" schedules for the next year or two.  So to be able to jump straight to the yearly schedule was a huge encouragement and relief.  :)

We also talked with the P.A. more about his energy level (or lack thereof) and the weakness in his right leg/foot/toes.  He said that the fact that there has been even "slight" improvement is a good sign (even though it's super slow).  He encouraged Mark not to give up on the PT, because there is still a definite possibility for that to get better.  He also said that it's not unusual for people not to be feeling "back to normal" for at least 18 months to 2 years.  It was good to hear him *say* that, so we don't keep wondering/worrying why he's not progressing faster.  We've had other friends (with experience with brain injuries) tell us the same thing, but hearing it from the doctor too was a good reminder today.

Hopefully I won't need to update the blog for another year, so until then...
I don't think we'll ever be able to say "thank you" enough for everyone's care and concern, practical help, kind words, and prayer!!  We've had phone calls and emails; neighbors who went above-and-beyond anything we ever could have asked for; cards and meals; an unbelievably understanding and generous work client; family who came from miles away to be able to help; and even just listening ears when we've needed it.
We are humbled and grateful for the friendship and love you have all shown.
We have learned a lot along the way...  Some things we never wanted to know (like all the medical stuff), but other things that we are thankful for, such as how to bless others in this situation; remembering what *really* matters in this life (faith, family friends); and of course knowing in a very real way that Jesus is our Rock.  We can count on Him to hold us up, and to *never let go*, no matter what.

"Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed; for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning.  Great is Your faithfulness!"  Lamentations 3:22-23

Life is Good :)

Today we talked to both the neurosurgeon and the oncologist about the results of Mark's MRI last Monday.  Excellent news!  They both came to the same conclusion, that everything looks great!  There is some scar tissue, but no "residual" tumor, or anything growing back.  We really hadn't anticipated anything, but still, it was in the back of our minds (no pun intended, hehe).  And, I suppose it will always be there for us somewhat, at least for the next few years.  The honest truth, though, is that we were still given an amazing amount of peace right up through our appointments today.  Totally a God-thing, and we are just as thankful for that as we are for the good result.  Many thanks again for all the prayer!

The humorous thing today was when another surgeon walked into the room where we were looking at the MRI pictures with our surgeon.  You would have thought they were a couple of frat brothers comparing their Frisbee golf scores:  "Dude, check out this tumor I took out!"  "Woah, dude, that thing was huge!  Great job!"  "Thanks, man!  Yeah, I really had to be aggressive!"  Ha!  Well, maybe not in those exact words, but you get the idea...
Anyway, one MRI down, and three more to go for this year.

Another nice thing is that at this point we really don't need to see the oncologist anymore.  The neurosurgeon will be the one on top of things for now. 

We also asked about the potential for improvement in his leg and foot (and toes), as well as in his stamina.  They pretty much agreed that there is still a chance for some improvement, but no one was ready to say that there would be a total recovery there.  So, he just continues to work at his PT, and also to rest when he can. 
It can be somewhat discouraging at times, but I have to hand it to Mark ~~  he just keeps saying, "Life is good!" 
And it is  :)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7

Christmas Lights. Seriously?

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 :)

"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

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!  :)

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!