May 7 2009 MRI Results
Brain Tumor Vaccines, DCVax, MRI May 8th, 2009
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Real quick but this really illustrates how much we really need to just stay in today. My own conjecture about the increased frequency of my seizures, including brain swelling, possible growth, etc never include “stability”. However, that is what the final report says – stable. Additionally, the edema is reduced.
This is a victory of sorts! In spite of the recurrence, the working theory is that cells are dying off and that’s leading to irritation of the tumor and seizures – the gamma knife surgery is a large part of this but so is the vaccine perhaps.
As far as no change on the MRI, we don’t know the reason for the stability but DCVax has to be considered. Only time will tell because the gamma knife surgery was only several months ago as well and the full effects/results will take more time to reveal themselves.
I’m going to go on Avastin again to keep hitting it. This shouldn’t be too bad though. I’ve had it before. My biggest fight with Avastin is staying as hydrated as I need to be – you have to drink water/fluids like a fish!
That’s it – Happy Mother’s Day to the mom’s out there….
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Oh, Mark, I prayed for good news and as you say, this is about as good as could be expected at this time, and it is not BAD news!!! It has now been a year since my IMRT and the last MRI showed all 3 tumors stable which they said was the standard “good news” – rarely do they shrink. I am still battling seizures, too, and now am at the max dose of Carbatrol, so we are looking at adding another med. Which ones are you working with to attempt control? Thanks for keeping us up to date, Mark, we all care so much about you, and I look each day for good news about evidence that the vaccine is working or results from the GAMMA Knife, I pray for ANY good news.
God Bless you and your family, Vivian
So glad the news was good.
All good my friend … sounds like pretty good news to me!
You and your family are in my thoughts always,
Scott
Yeah! Great! That’s the news (victory) we’re all waiting for! Congratulations Mark! You mentioned some posts ago that you pretty much maxed on Keppra. May I ask you how many mg/day do you take? Again congratulations Mark, this news makes me so happy!
Thanks for all of the support! I really appreciate it so much. As to some of the questions:
With Keppra I’m taking 3 500mg AM/PM for a total of 3,000mg daily. Most believe any effect above 3,000mg is very nominal
The various drugs we use to fight seizures are Keppra, Lamictil, Topomax, etc. All standard. Send an email through contact me if you want more info
Thanks again to all
Mark