Concerns

We went to UCLA on Wednesday for Susan's scheduled MRI and oncology update. The timing was good, because on Sunday morning she vomited at the breakfast table and developed a persistent headache – two signs that tell us something could be wrong. While there's no obvious tumor growth in her left frontal lobe where the tumor was removed, the MRI showed an area of swelling nearby. The blood clot from January's hemorrhage is slightly smaller than six weeks ago, but what's there may be obscuring the view.

Dr Nghiemphu is also concerned about an area to the right of Susan's tumor cavity near the midline and ventricles that may be new tumor growth. The area didn't pick up the contrast solution that would highlight a fast-growing tumor; but she's concerned about a lower-grade cancer since Susan's biopsy had both types of cells. She ordered a dopa-PET scan for the first available slot, but that's not until mid-August. Since Susan's headache eased by mid-week and she's generally doing well otherwise, we're not too alarmed. We hope she continues to do well so she can avoid going back on the steroids that would be required if she declines. As always, we're ever in the Lord's hands and trusting him.

Here's an encouraging passage from Psalm 28:

⁶ Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.

⁷ The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.