April 26, 2011
We are cautiously optimistic. This is the only way that Marc and I can
think of to explain the outcome of Josie's MRI.
Josie's Oncologist was modestly pleased with the new MRI and felt that
the chemo was working. Here are the
bullet points of the preliminary results (more information to come Friday after
the Tumor Board meets):
* The tumor has
not grown, which means the new chemotherapy is doing what it is
supposed to be doing.
* The tumor has not necessarily shrunk, but it appears to have
changed and the area of the tumor looks "cleaner" than the last MRI
in February. This is a good thing.
The MRI still needs to be read by the Neuro-Surgeon and will
go to the Tumor Board this coming Friday.
Things that need to be determined at the Tumor Board are the following:
* When to replace her skull bone and take the cotton balls
out from her last surgery.
* When to do surgery for a G-tube in her stomach.
* If and when to do a stem cell harvest - which would be
needed for the last rounds of chemotherapy at some point in time.
* What type of chemotherapy to use in the coming months -
another round of inpatient was given as an option.
We are encouraged with this first consultation, but also
realize that we are still in the midst of this battle with cancer. Josie still has a long road ahead of her. The bright spot is that the doctor is
extremely encouraged by how well Josie is developing. She gave him some good smiles and showed him
how she can really get rock'n!
After Friday, we will give another update as the pieces fall
into place for Josie's treatment. Thank
you to all those that are praying for us - we have felt the peace of God in the
midst of all that is happening this week.
When we think that we should be worried and anxious, we have been
supplied with peace. When we are tired
and feel like we are at the bottom of our strength, there is always someone
that steps in and helps us or gives us a word of encouragement to keep
struggling well.
May God be praised,
Marc & Darcia
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