Alrightythen......here we go.....update from Deb:
So, the title of the blog entry correlates to the grading system, 85% equals a B grade.
We met with both the oncologist and surgeon yesterday and today to follow up on the MRI Billy had a few weeks back. Billy did the standard Thursday lab work and appt. yesterday and had his chemo treatment today. The outcome of the MRI was good/not so great, but we're looking at this as the glass is half full. The official report says "increased enhancements" - that just means that there is tumor present right on the mid-line of the brain near the surgery site. This is important because we don't want to see any new tumor on the other side of the mid-line or creeping up in different areas of the brain. Our surgeon wasn't entirely surprised, because all along he said he took out as much as he could without causing long term deficits in the brain - meaning there is 15% of the tumor left, he got 85% out (there's our B grade).
So the MRI wasn't clean. Here's what we think.....so what?!?! Really though, does it really matter? We won't change the treatment at this point, Billy feels relatively well, no concerning symptoms, etc. and he's still grabbing hold of each day as a gift, going to work, staying active. He was waiting for the doctors to clear him to go on a Lake Tahoe trip with his pals in a few weeks, yesterday he said, "I'm going, I don't care what the Dr. says" - today we fessed up this little plan, and the surgeon said, "go for it"!! Do we know if the chemo is working?...Not really. Do we have a million questions?...Yep. Are we frustrated and confused about what we should do, questions we should ask?......uh - yeah! Do we feel that we're doing the best that we can? Yes. And we're both damn grateful for another day, regardless of what a report says!
We'll have another MRI at the end of September, at which point we could see some shrinking of what's in there, the surgeon said it was too early to know if we're getting the desired results from the chemo (which is to stabilize or shrink or keep from spreading what's currently in there), which means it could be working, we just have to do constant monitoring (and try and not stress over the unknown - I know, easy to say, hard to do).
Bottom line - we're staying positive and doing the work. Thanks to everyone out there that stays connected, supportive and concerned - we feel the love.
Love and gratitude,
Deb
4 comments:
As always love the positive attitude that you guys always have, without that what is there? I really have so much respect and admire your entire family, you are so strong.
Always thinking and wishing the best...xoxoxo
Denise
thats ok billy, just think of it as extra innings, were staying here until the games over and we win.....were still playing hard, not giving up and the fat lady hasen't sang, keep the faith because WE BELIEVE!!!!! love to the fam susie
Hi,
Good news. Bad news. The good news is that everyone is so positive and we all need to continue thinking this way. Bill is doing good with the chemo so hopefully the end results will also be good news.
Bad news, the MRI percentage was not as good as we all hoped and prayed for. But with all the family and friends praying and pulling for ALL of you, let's all
hang in there and bring the good percentage up higher.
We will all miss you in Colorado but go for the Tahoe trip. Have fun. My thoughts and prayers are with you daily, Love Auntie Barbara
Hello Bill and Deb,
Your fighting spirit is empowering - keep it up. I understand chemo now- had my first session last week- 15 to go.
As my husband, Jim, says, "no one said life had to be fair but it can be great" I'm going with great.
love
kate
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