MRI Results
DCVax, Gamma Knife, MRI, Medical Updates March 13th, 2010
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I had an MRI on Thursday which was 30 days post-gamma knife. As you might recall, a second tumor appeared 30 days ago and I immediately was scheduled for gamma knife which was a great way to address the problem. I really prayed for was that the original tumor resection site was stable and that the Gamma knife treatment directed at the new tumor would essentially destroy most of the tumor tissue. Of course the risk continues to be centered around motor function, left-side weakness and seizures.
First, here is an image of the scan (click for a larger view):
The yellow arrow represents the original tumor. The report indicates that this is stable which is great news. The red arrows point to the new tumor location and as you can see it is now hollow to spare you the medical jargon. The only possible issue that is something to potentially be dealt with in the future is scar tissue from the recent Gamma knife procedure. Sometimes Gamma knife can result in what’s called necrosis, or scar tissue. This can irritate areas of the brain and result in brain swelling. If frequent headaches result, sometimes surgery is necessary but I am far away from anything like that, so all in all this procedure went well and I am very happy with the scan.
Moving forward the plan is going to be pretty aggressive. I have three doses of DCVax left. We’re going to administer those over the next six weeks, two weeks apart. After the first two doses I’m going to start back up on avastin. I will likely go back onVP-16 which has obviously done the job over the last 30 days in stabilizing the original tumor. I’ll also continue taking Valcyte. I am like a drugstore cowboy! I have an entire cabinet in the kitchen dedicated to my medications. It’s unbelievable.
Today is good. I’ve been very tired due to family and friends being in town the last three weeks so this weekend is the weekend to relax and catch up with things around the house.
Thanks to everyone for all your prayers around this latest MRI. They really mean a lot to us.
God bless
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Mark, great news. Thanks for the update and scan pictures. I have learned so much from you. Looks like that new tumor is deteriorating. Hope you get some relief from the seizures and weakness too. Keep on keeping on!!!! Prayers coming your way. Marc has a PET scan on Thursday and then a MRI next week. I will keep you posted too. Have a great Sunday.
Hi Mark,
I’ve joined your team here as of today and Forrest relayed this your blog. My wife Diane is battling brain cancer that is expected to be terminal. This is our third round of cancer (breast, lung and now brain).
We certainly can relate to your situation although your treatments sound more aggreessive then ours. My wife was diagnosed via MRI in January with more than 10 tumors in her brain so surgery was not even an option with so many sites. We believe that all these things happen for a reason and it’s our goal to fulfill that purpose by faith.
Please accept our best wishes and know that we will hold you up in continual prayer.
Our best regards to you and yours,
Tom
Mark, miss you a ton man! Lakers vs. Kings tonight, rack another one up for the Lake Show! Take care. -Robert