Oncologist Review

E. met with the local oncologist today. It was another one of those review appointments more than anything. He was pleased with how E. was doing and was thrilled with the most recent MRI results. E.'s still having some long-term effects of the chemotherapy and radiation, including neuropathy in his fingers and toes, but there's nothing that can be done about that. Overall, E.'s doing great. Unless something comes up in the meantime, E. doesn't have to see the oncologist again for another six months as well.

MRI Results

It was before 8:00 in the morning when the radiation oncologist called with the results of yesterday's MRI. There is no new growth. Matter of fact, he said things even look a little better. I asked if cancer could present like that ... growing and then shrinking. "Not typically" was the answer, especially since there has been no treatment involved. "And what about scar tissue?" was of course my next question. "Sometimes." Don't you just love how clear this all is? Us too. But really, this is the best news we could have gotten. It's not the news we expected, which it makes it all the better and more incredible. Things need to be kept a close watch on, so another MRI will be scheduled for a couple of months down the road. In the meantime, we'll keep a close eye on things at home too.

MRI Day

E. got his MRI done today without any fanfare.

He has an appointment with the oncologist on Thursday, January 19th, so I'm assuming we'll get the results then.

Brain Tumor Review Board

The radiation oncologist called to let us know that the Brain Tumor Review Board had met and reviewed E.'s case. And we have no more information than we did yesterday! The Board felt like the area around the cavity in the back of E.'s brain showed more enhancement than the area around the front cavity. They agreed that there was some "fuzziness," but nothing definitive. There was some additional confusion because it was felt like the MRI's were not taken from the same angle. It is very difficult to always get the exact same angle in each and every MRI and therefore when looking at the different "cuts," you're not always looking at the same thing. In any event, the Board agreed that the next step should be another MRI, which is already scheduled for the 16th.

Review with Neurologist

E. met with the local neurologist today. She reviewed his meds, including the new one he was put on while at Texas, and left everything the same. She did rewrite his prescriptions so in case there are any problems, it will be easier to deal with her locally than try to may contact with the doctor back in Texas. E. did mention that he's had fewer headaches and less neck tension since adding the second anti-seizure medication, so that was a nice bonus. The rest of the appointment turned out to be a lovely social visit, comparing notes about New Orleans since we were fortunate to spend a few days there and she studied there. Unless there's a problem or something new comes up, E.'s not scheduled to see her again for six months.