MRI and mixed results

Susan’s two-month MRI on Wednesday showed mixed results. The area of tumor growth in the right hemisphere appears unchanged (that’s good), while that in the left has increased since November (not so good). The fact that changes on the left side are noticeable compared to November and not January means it’s growing slowly (good again).

Functionally, her overall improved state of the past few years continues. People regularly remark how well she’s doing. And her independent streak thankfully remains. She’s able to get out of bed and most seats without help. She ambles around the house with good balance even without her cane, and enjoys kicking Daisy's ball down the hall for regular doggy-therapy. She even gets from bed to the bathroom without my help most nights. If I’ve observed a cognitive decline recently, it’s only slight. So we’re grateful.

With five monthly infusions of Carboplatin on board, she’s handled it well except for a recent hit to her platelet counts. February’s injection had to be delayed a week when platelets dipped into the 90s. In August they were 315. She squeaked by this week at 100, the exact minimum needed for chemo.

We discussed continuing Carbo for the time being, and possibly resorting back to Temodar (her initial chemo in 2007) in combination with Accutane, a novel therapy that’s been found effective with some patients like Susan who are missing a certain protein on the molecular level. Her oncologist watches Susan closely. In spite of the cautious outlook, we remain happy and hopeful, and are doing well.

My new line of work as a writer with a mutual fund company has demanded more of my time and energy over the past six weeks, a move made possible since Susan has been doing so well and since we have such helpful friends and family to fill in the gaps. While I no longer have the luxury of taking her to every lab appointment, I’m even delegating chemo visits and some doctor appointments. Susan’s parents, our kids, and our friends are amazing and continue to support us in vital ways. Susan’s strength, gracious spirit and hopeful outlook make it all that much easier. We thank God for each day and always are grateful for his love and faithfulness.