Notes from my mom on today's consultation:
We again received positive and encouraging news from our team of doctors. All-in-all things are considered stable, there is one tumor in the brain (one that was stereo-tactically treated last May) that shows a minor change, less than 2 millimeter increase. This MRI was done using a new protocol, scanning in smaller increments or slices, so it was hard to compare with the last MRI. However, the neuro-surgeon seemed to think it was insignificant and nothing to worry about, but something to keep an eye on and watch carefully. The neuro-surgeons also confirmed, based upon the spine MRI, no new activity or reoccurrence in that area.
Our consultation with our main oncologist was encouraging as well - no sign of disease in the lungs, the x-ray looked normal. Dr. Pagliaro said that he was very aggressive in attacking the disease, and again stated, just how critical Jerry was when he first saw him and how far he has come in a relatively short time. But, he also said he is going into a very very conservative mode of treatment, he wants Jerry to continue with daily chemo injections, possibly for another year or two. I can't lie to you and say we weren't a little down hearing this, but again we were reminded this disease is complex and there is no magic pill to end the nightmare. The reason to stay the course with chemo is to keep any microscopic cancer cells at bay and to try to alter the course of the disease. He also said, relatively speaking, the side effects could be much worse with other treatments. He said the longer we go without any activity the more comfortable he will feel about taking Jerry off the chemo, the next 6-12 months will be telling. He also told us, there could be bumps in the road on this path, but not to worry, we have come so far, and we are already beating the odds.
So with that said, we are counting our blessings and are so thankful for each and every one of you for keeping us strong and focused. Please continue to pray for us and send positive thoughts and we will continue to fight and battle this disease head-on and never give up hope.
Thanks again for all of your help
We again received positive and encouraging news from our team of doctors. All-in-all things are considered stable, there is one tumor in the brain (one that was stereo-tactically treated last May) that shows a minor change, less than 2 millimeter increase. This MRI was done using a new protocol, scanning in smaller increments or slices, so it was hard to compare with the last MRI. However, the neuro-surgeon seemed to think it was insignificant and nothing to worry about, but something to keep an eye on and watch carefully. The neuro-surgeons also confirmed, based upon the spine MRI, no new activity or reoccurrence in that area.
Our consultation with our main oncologist was encouraging as well - no sign of disease in the lungs, the x-ray looked normal. Dr. Pagliaro said that he was very aggressive in attacking the disease, and again stated, just how critical Jerry was when he first saw him and how far he has come in a relatively short time. But, he also said he is going into a very very conservative mode of treatment, he wants Jerry to continue with daily chemo injections, possibly for another year or two. I can't lie to you and say we weren't a little down hearing this, but again we were reminded this disease is complex and there is no magic pill to end the nightmare. The reason to stay the course with chemo is to keep any microscopic cancer cells at bay and to try to alter the course of the disease. He also said, relatively speaking, the side effects could be much worse with other treatments. He said the longer we go without any activity the more comfortable he will feel about taking Jerry off the chemo, the next 6-12 months will be telling. He also told us, there could be bumps in the road on this path, but not to worry, we have come so far, and we are already beating the odds.
So with that said, we are counting our blessings and are so thankful for each and every one of you for keeping us strong and focused. Please continue to pray for us and send positive thoughts and we will continue to fight and battle this disease head-on and never give up hope.
Thanks again for all of your help
