I just copied my mom's newsletter to friends&family:
Today is the 5th week milestone of Jerry's latest surgery and he is doing great!
It has been another white-knuckle week to say the least, Jerry had the usual round of three month testing which included MRI's, CT scans, labs, x-rays and doctor consultations. Things started out a little shaky, but the final report was outstanding.
Quoting the main oncologist, "there is no "measurable" sign of disease, the disease is stable, and Jerry's progress is nothing short of phenomenal." The doctor declared it a key milestone and a day to rejoice!
Initially, the neurosurgeon, was concerned with the latest MRI relating to one of the brain tumors, it appeared that it was growing, however, the main oncologist feels the last MRI may have given a false reading because it may have been taken at a different angle. Net-Net, the brain tumor is still half of its original size and is still quite small.
The next phase of the journey continues with daily interferon injections, same high dose as pre-surgery. There were other options, however, we agreed with the doctor, why change if something is working. Amen!
In fact, Jerry started the injections last night, and the expected result happened, intense flu-like systems. The side-effects should subside within the week and he should start feeling better. This course of treatment will probably last 6-12 months, with three month check-ups. I know it probably sounds like a long time to you, but to us, it's not that long, and if it works it is worth the pain!
The past year has been very challenging for us, and each of you, has given us so much strength and courage with your words of encouragement, positive thoughts, and prayers. We are so serious when we say we could not have gotten this far without you. I know this sounds sappy, but it is in our heart and we want you to know how we feel.
We are keeping the faith and continue to start everyday with a good attitude and plenty of gratitude, and realize everyday is a gift and one that should be enjoyed
Today is the 5th week milestone of Jerry's latest surgery and he is doing great!
It has been another white-knuckle week to say the least, Jerry had the usual round of three month testing which included MRI's, CT scans, labs, x-rays and doctor consultations. Things started out a little shaky, but the final report was outstanding.
Quoting the main oncologist, "there is no "measurable" sign of disease, the disease is stable, and Jerry's progress is nothing short of phenomenal." The doctor declared it a key milestone and a day to rejoice!
Initially, the neurosurgeon, was concerned with the latest MRI relating to one of the brain tumors, it appeared that it was growing, however, the main oncologist feels the last MRI may have given a false reading because it may have been taken at a different angle. Net-Net, the brain tumor is still half of its original size and is still quite small.
The next phase of the journey continues with daily interferon injections, same high dose as pre-surgery. There were other options, however, we agreed with the doctor, why change if something is working. Amen!
In fact, Jerry started the injections last night, and the expected result happened, intense flu-like systems. The side-effects should subside within the week and he should start feeling better. This course of treatment will probably last 6-12 months, with three month check-ups. I know it probably sounds like a long time to you, but to us, it's not that long, and if it works it is worth the pain!
The past year has been very challenging for us, and each of you, has given us so much strength and courage with your words of encouragement, positive thoughts, and prayers. We are so serious when we say we could not have gotten this far without you. I know this sounds sappy, but it is in our heart and we want you to know how we feel.
We are keeping the faith and continue to start everyday with a good attitude and plenty of gratitude, and realize everyday is a gift and one that should be enjoyed
