Update on Brian - March 17, 2008

Some news on Brian....



Today, the clinical trial physican's assistant from Stanford called Brian regarding his last MRI and MRSI. They concur with the Peoria team's assessment that there is an area of increased enhancement - a small growth. It is not an alarming growth, but given the aggressive nature of the pathology (Grade IV glioblastoma, makes me cringe to write that still), it warrants further assessment and possibly a change in Brian's course of treatment.



They are sending their findings directly to the Peoria team (well, his oncologist anyway since don't really HAVE a team here). She is talking with the neuro-oncologist at Stanford for us to seek his opinion as well.



Brian is scheduled for another MRI in two weeks on March 31, 2008. The appointment for receiving the results is on April 9, 2008. If this MRI shows further progression, a change in Brian's treatment plan (a new chemo) will definitely be recommended.



This is difficult, to say the least. We are in good spirits because the change was minimal. Any change with this diagnosis scares us, though. Brian is feeling pretty good. He is having some issues with a sinus-type headache above his eyes, around his nose and over his ears. His left ear is in more discomfort, which naturally has me worried. In July 2006, he experienced lots of these sinus headaches and discomfort over his ear. Looking back, that was probably the beginning of the recurrence. Naturally, these sinus headaches are a concern to us as a potential sign of something more significant. Overall, though, he is feeling relatively strong and I would say his speech is improving.



Pray for Brian - his healing, his peace of mind, his healing, his headaches, his healing

Pray for me - I am a mess trying not to look like one. I am very talented at this.

Pray for my boys - my biggest fear is that they will not have a daddy to raise them. Please pray that my biggest fear is just that - a silly fear.



If you don't pray just read these words and you have prayed anyway...



Lord, we lift up Brian to You for Your promise of healing. We know You are a God of miracles and we are claiming that miraculous healing for Brian right now. You can restore him to the perfect health You desire for him. We are agreeing with You right now for the spirit of truth and understanding You have given to Angie, not a spirit of fear. Fear has no power over You. None. We are praying that Gavin and Grant will have their daddy present in their lives for many years to develop them, suppport them and encourage them. Your desire is for the family to be a unit that models Your love. We pray that for the O'Neills. In your name. Amen



KEEP BELIEVING