Sunday, April 22, 2012

CyberKnife

I had my mask fitting and CT for the CyberKnife today.

The treatment will not start until 30th April as the surgeon has to be there also. They also told me that there would no knives involved, now I am not so sure:)

My Dad is visiting again 2 May which is wonderful. I am very happy about that. I think that he is coming for sunshine as English summers do not involve much sun.

Friday, April 13, 2012

The verdict (today)

The verdict (today)

All of the docs had their meeting today and decided that I need more radiation.

Maybe 6 days (first round was 36 days), targeted at what they "think" is tumor growth.

I have an appointment with the radiation- onco on Tuesday. I will take the most aggressive treatment available to kick this thing in the a**.

The good news is that I had a fabulous ride again today:)

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Progression vs pseudo progression

I haven't updated after the "MRI clinic" Tuesday 10th April, as things have been uncertain and still are.

Some enhancement of the tumor was found on the MRI. This could mean tumor growth.

It could also mean something they call pseudo progression - which is often distinguished between real tumor growth simply by the absence of symptoms. It is sometimes seen at this stage of therapy after radiation and temodar were combined.

The next day I had a perfusion MRI which is supposed to give an answer of which of the two it could be.

Well in this case it didn't. There is still no consensus.

Friday afternoon there is a meeting between the neuro-oncologist, radiation-oncologist, surgeon and radiologist. The options as I understand them are:

1. Continue as planned and do another MRI in 4 weeks.
2. Gamma Knife (targeted radiation)
3. More regular radiation.

I will hear more late afternoon Friday.

And now to my favorite photo of the last show: