For what seems like an eternity, we have had a dark cloud over our heads with no light in sight. Last week, however, a ray of sunshine finally peeked through.
We waited four anxiety-filled days and sleepless nights to get the results of Mike’s brain and spine MRI. And I am happy to report that all in all, the results are pretty good. Of course, you have to put "good" in context of what we are up against. The spine is stable. There are no new tumors/lesions on Mike’s brain, and all the ones on his brain lining are shrinking! They are not gone, but we are not greedy, and we will take "shrinking" any day. Only one tumor, which is the largest one of the bunch and is on the brain itself, decided to be stubborn and slightly grew. So we are going after the little bastard--HARD!
Within the next two weeks, Mike will have a procedure called Gamma Knife RadioSurgery. For the avid readers of this blog—all three of you—you might remember that we were really hoping for Gamma Knife when Mike was first diagnosed with brain tumors/lesions. But at that time, we were told Mike was not a candidate. Well now it seems that he is able to have Gamma Knife to the one large tumor.
Here is your medical lecture for the week: Gamma Knife, which ironically does not involve a knife or even an incision, is a machine that delivers powerful mega doses of radiation to a specific target in the brain. Think of it as shooting a gun at a target. It is powerful, precise, and our best shot at getting rid of this bastard tumor. Gamma Knife is about 90 percent effective. Since Mike and I are big gamblers and calculate everything in terms of winning odds, we figure that Gamma Knife has double the odds of winning a blackjack hand. So we are absolutely betting the house on this one!
In a life measured in short intervals marked by Cat Scans and MRIs, and filled with doctors’ appointments, lots of medications, IVs, and different treatments in between, each piece of good news, no matter how small, is a huge victory. Although we are waiting and hoping for a really sunny day, for now, we will bask in the ray of sunshine that we have been given.
Thank you to everyone who called, emailed, and above all, prayed for us. Words cannot express our appreciation. We are so lucky to have your love.
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8 comments:
Outstanding! The $4.82 in pennies and nickles I dropped into the Schuylkill (sorry, no fountains near-by) used to good effect. Congrats guys.
Glad to see we have some pull with the big guy upstairs - he's hearing us and healing you.
Love,
Team Tall
From the great state of Illinois, we are glad to hear some wonderful news from the east coast. We pray for both of you as your journey down this road of hills and valleys. Keep putting one foot in front of the other.....onward, Christian soldiers.
Dear Liz,
I was thrilled to read on the MPIP that Mike was going to be able to do gamma knife to zap those nasty met out once and for all. You do a great job explaining what gamma knife is. I've read about it but you put it in language that I think I'll actually retain. I'm bad about glassing over when I read technical mumbo jumbo but a powerful gun shooting at that bastard Mel is perfect. You and Mike remain in my thoughts and prayers. As ever, Carver
Way to go! That is awesome news!!!!bigrenay
Things are going in the right direction - still have ways to go though. I will continue to pray for Mikey every minute I get a chance - there is nothing as too many prayers :)
I love you both,
Mori
You are such an impressive, supportive person, and I think of you both often, even though I don't know you. I am amazed by your generosity and sweetness.
Mike i am glad to hear the news.. you are always in my prayers..amy k. miss you
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