The doctors at North Western reported that their joint recommendation from the tumor board is surgical resection. Brain surgery.
They explained that the size of my diffuse grade II tumor has grown to the point that it is likely to produce new grade III or IV tumors, and that is probably what has happened. The problem with Cyber knife radio surgery is that a biopsy would not be harvested to confirm the grade advancement. Confirming the grade via a biopsy would open up alternative treatments available in clinical trials.
They went on to say that since the tumour is in a eloquent region the surgery would be 'awake' to minimize any damage. The doctors seemed confident that they could get most of the tumour with little side effects....but no gaurentees.
That said, I went back to see the surgeon who did the first surgery at Rush University. He reviewed my case and had the same opinion. I want this out of my head. Surgery it is.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Monday, October 17, 2016
Its back, again.
Its been Six years after diagnosis. I have not been writing much. I have been feeling great and the MRI's have been stable.
I had an appointment with my neuro-oncologist today and he had some disappointing news. A new spot has showed up on the MRI taking contrast. These spots have come and go over the years, but this one stands out and looks to be trouble. It is in the middle of the diffuse tumor that also looks like it has grown over the past 18 months. The doctors at Rush had indicated the diffuse tumor was growing a couple years back - but it was not obvious. Now it is.
He said I have three options,
- Wait and see. I am in good health and have no symptoms.
- PCV Chemotherapy. Ewwwewah.
- Biopsy/Resection. My doctor is concerned about doing more harm than good here.
One of my sisters reminded me that there is also Cyber Knife the doctors at Rush University suggested. I need to talk to the doctor on why this option was not suggested.
My doctor is going to present my case to the tumor board this Friday and we go back to discuss options in detail on Monday.
I had an appointment with my neuro-oncologist today and he had some disappointing news. A new spot has showed up on the MRI taking contrast. These spots have come and go over the years, but this one stands out and looks to be trouble. It is in the middle of the diffuse tumor that also looks like it has grown over the past 18 months. The doctors at Rush had indicated the diffuse tumor was growing a couple years back - but it was not obvious. Now it is.
He said I have three options,
- Wait and see. I am in good health and have no symptoms.
- PCV Chemotherapy. Ewwwewah.
- Biopsy/Resection. My doctor is concerned about doing more harm than good here.
One of my sisters reminded me that there is also Cyber Knife the doctors at Rush University suggested. I need to talk to the doctor on why this option was not suggested.
My doctor is going to present my case to the tumor board this Friday and we go back to discuss options in detail on Monday.
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