I wanted to take a little time to post a quick blog about my recent trip to San Diego and update all of you readers since I know that you've been concerned and anxious to hear about my situation.
I flew into San Diego on Monday the 11th. I had a few preliminary appointments to get cleared for surgery on Wednesday. Lab draws, the go-ahead from anesthesiology, and another MRI to map specific points in my brain to be used as a GPS during surgery.
The biopsy results (including path) revealed that the increased blood flow and duration results from the Profusion are consistent with tumor recurrence. Obviously not something that I want considering that I have not even been battling this disease for a year, and yet there are already signs of progression. Additional surgery is not a desirable option or part of the current plan. Instead I am to receive another radiation "boost."
Here's the fancy hospital built to give the feel of a nice hotel:
More radiation means more radiation to the area that was already treated last winter. Another round of radiation has its risks, and I am told that most hospitals wouldn't provide this type of treatment a second time for the same beast. Because the area to be treated is small at this point, and because it is adjacent to the cavity where my initial tumor was partially resected, my doctors advise to proceed with more radiation.
The plan was to go ahead with 5 days of radiation treatment to this area starting Monday. My original UCD Radiation Oncologist never shared specific information of his treatment plan/summary with my Radiation oncologist (Dr. Murphy) at UCSD, so I've decided to complete the footwork to get this information expedited as soon as possible and then resume treatment in San Diego on May 26. I am not encouraged to "sit and wait" or to avoid treatment altogether, but I just didn't feel comfortable rushing into treatment so soon knowing that the concise plan from my previous treatment was not readily available for my San Diego Physicians. Although the information is unlikely to have a profound affect on my new course of treatment, I feel more at ease to go through with this course of action.
Other than that, I am well. It is hot outside, and I met two new cool friends today and hung out with them at their Garage Sale. :)
Here's a shot of the Rose Garden in bloom (taken end of April):
5 comments:
Sorry to hear it sounds like tumor recurrence. I am still sending you positive vibes from Sydney!
The hospital is very fancy!
Sounds like alot of decision making about your treatment.
Stay strong!
xx
Thanks for the update Carina. Now we know how we can pray for you more specifically. I too am sorry to hear that there may be tumor recurrence, but I know how strong you are and that you will fight this battle again! That hospital is beautiful! I would choose treatment there too!
Thank you for that update. Still praying every single day for you. I love you. Let's talk soon, okay?
Thanks Carina, I have talked to Jennifer so I was somewhat prepared. Sorry you are having to go through things again. You know I love you,Muna
Carina...
Not the news we were all hoping to read as I'm sure you weren't overly thrilled to hear it yourself. Thank you for letting us know how we can be praying for you specifically. God is big and He loves you!
Amy
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