I know it's a mouthful.
Grade III. The worst is grade IV- a glioblastoma multiforme. I don't have that one.
It's cancer. I'm ok. There's not a very good nor a very definitive prognosis.
The tumor is too large to operate. 5 x 6 x 9 centimeters. About the size of my fist all squished in my right Temporal lobe. (It's good that it's in my least dominant lobe of the brain; thank goodness I am right handed).
Radiation therapy and Chemotherapy is standard treatment. Radiation has been proven to be effective, the chemo--not so much. I'm not sure if I will undergo chemotherapy until I get a second opinion and some additional questions answered. Much of the research and articles available online state that chemotherapy is not a proven beneficial treatment for this type of tumor/cancer. So I don't want to be sick as a dog and on my ass for a year or lying in some bed if I don't have to. Oncologists will try to tell me that my lifespan will be even shorter if I don't do the chemo, but then they also tell me to try and do normal things and have a positive outlook. I would like to try to do the normal things I enjoy doing, and since there is no way to tell how my body will respond with chemo, and if it's not even all that beneficial...
The enormity of the situation is still a lot to swallow and a little too big to wrap my arms around at this point.
Right now the best thing that can help me is all my family and friends' smiling faces, normal daily activities and routines, a positive outlook, etc.
I'll write more after I meet with the radiology oncologist sometime this week. I'll write more after my consultation with a nurse from Loma Linda University's proton therapy program. A treatment option my loving uncle recommended that I look into..
See you all soon.
13 comments:
Carina- Thanks again for coming to church yesterday so that we could hear the prognosis and pray for you. Chloe is more than happy to hang out with you anytime--she always does wonders for the spirits!! I hope that you will continue coming to church so that we can see you on a regular basis! We will continue to pray for you and the doctors during this time.
Love, Katie, Andrew and Chloe
Carina,
You have a positive attitude and that's half the battle. You're doing your homework and getting a second opinion on the chemo, etc. Keeping some normalcy to your life is smart too. I would expect nothing less of you, because I have always been so proud of your independance and intelligence. Still, I can only imagine how difficult the decisions must be on your own. Know that I am always here for you. I feel more comfortable knowing you have people that you consider "family" so close to you, since we are so far away. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. You go girl! Love, Aunt May
I hope I get my phone charger tomorrow and all my luggage so I can call you and hear your voice again!
Hey, Carina! Thank you for keeping us posted on what is going on. You have our prayers as well as our friendship. God is glorified by your practical and yet faithful approach.
in Christ,
Kirk and Marianne
Carina, I am so very proud of you. (I always have been) but especially now. It is good to take charge as much as you can. Love you, Muna
Wow! I don't know you but found your blog off of someone else's. You are amazing! You have such a great attitude. You keep up the good spirits! I truly believe that your attitude can make a huge different in your outcome.
My dad passed away from lung cancer about 1.5 years ago and he did great with his treatment when his spirits were high and then my sister passed away and his spirits dropped and then the treatments stopped working and he just went down hill from there.
Also, I think it is great that you are getting a second opinion. Also, smart to do all the research that you are. Sometimes doctors don't make the best decisions.
Good luck! =)
(btw, we are pretty close to each other...I live in Stockton)
Carina-
I am thinking of you constantly. Good luck as you work your way through second opinions and specialists. You sound very strong and brave.
-Kristal
Hey it's looking like I will be able to come up this weekend, so that's good. I'll be driving the van, which is kinda annoying (no radio, or cd player, or anything, and I think I'm the only person on the planet who doesn't own an ipod) but it'll actually be able to make the trip, so yeah! I'll keep you posted. :)
Carina, I'm praying for you my friend. I just read this blog. I've been gone for over a week. I'm so sorry about this but take comfort in Jesus friend. I will call you later
LOVE YA!
Hey Carina,
I missed church on Sunday but I heard the news at lifegroup tonight. I am so sorry. We prayed for you tonight and will continue to lift you up in prayer. It seems like you are in good spirits, and I am thankful for that. Hope to see you soon.
Andrea
Time for something new.. It's been like 6 days.. How was your visit with Susie?
Lacey :)
Carina (or Bicicleta, as i used to call you),
I'm thinking of you. Sounds a little creepy, no? But it's in a good way.
There was a little rumor that you might come to LG this week; I hope you can make it.
-- (love) kate
Glad to see you smiling on Sunday. We are praying for your recovery and spirits. We'd love to help out anyway we can.
:) The Quayles
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