MRI results and update on Brian Oct. 15, 2008

We had Brian's MRI results from Tuesday's scan today.

It is with a very heavy and devastated heart that I reveal to you Brian's enhancement grew 24% since the last scan 3 weeks ago.

The doctor will not say for sure that is is tumor growth, but we have never seen this amount of growth in such a short time before. It COULD be radiation change, also, but there is simply NO way of knowing for sure, barring surgery.

Brian is not a good candidate for surgery. The last surgery left Brian with enough deficits and an additional surgery could be even more detrimental.

The board will review Brian's scan on Monday and as a group of specialists come up with a recommendation. Possibly a PETscan to better determine if it is tumor or radiation effects, but in the end it will probably not change much. The oncologist does not think this chemo is serving much purpose anymore. We will probably change chemos in two weeks or so. Brian just received chemo on Monday, so his body has to recover from this last dose. We will call the doctor on Monday evening after the board meeting to determine what to do next.

He is starting a round of steroids today as well to see if that helps. There COULD be some swelling that perhaps doesn't show up on the MRI and the steroids would alleviate the swelling if THAT is what is causing Brian's speech issues.

There is really nothing left for options beyond that at this point in time.

Brian remains in good spirits because beyond his new speech issues (which makes his speech just a LITTLE worse than it was a few weeks ago), he feels the same.

I am a mess, but trying very hard to hold it together. We are making decisions about work now and whether Brian returns or not. I want him home so I can spend as much time with him as possible, but he says when he stays home, he doesn't like how little he does. I told him if he didn't watch his mouth, I would come up with a project. I might even start taking him grocery shopping with me. That'll teach him.

I am going to try to best explain what I can to the boys and their teachers. I have their conferences tomorrow, so it is good timing, if there is such a thing.

We leave tomorrow for a trip to my family in Southeast Missouri. We are going to a winery on Saturday as well and I am hoping for a relaxed weekend.

Next weekend, my sister in law and I are hosting a shower for our other sister in law and Brian's little brother will be in town for that. So, that is also good timing, if there is such a thing.

I will update here as much as I see fit about how we continue to fare. Keep checking if you are interested. Beyond that, I will not be reading your blogs much, if I am a regular at your site now. I want to spend just about every waking and sleeping hour next to my man right now.

Everyone asks what they can do. Pray. Send cards. Pray. Treat us like normal people. Pray. Invite us to do fun things. Pray. Treat Brian like the Brian that doesn't have cancer. Pray. Spend time with us. Pray and ...

KEEP BELIEVING