Last week was a big week. Tom had his most recent MRI. They have been promising us a better scan but the findings the radiologist wrote were not what we wanted to see:
IMPRESSION:

Worsening imaging findings, with progressive enhancing tissue, primarily along the inferior aspect of the previously visible enhancing disease in the right frontal lobe.

In reality, some areas were slightly bigger, some slightly smaller and as Tom pointed out, the volume was the same as his last scan. It also was not obviously pulling a big blood source. There were other findings when balanced out that suggested it could be still effects from his treatment. After we were talked down, it was determined this radiologist likely wrote an aggressive report. Not comforting for us who had to digest it. Tom also couldn’t get his hands on the actual images as quickly as he normally does. We got them minutes before his appointment Thursday and we could not see a big difference from his last scan. His doctor pointed out some positive signs indicating treatment effect-fuzzy edges versus sharp and no indication of that blood source being pooled. There is an area we are watching but he believes it could still be treatment effect and believes it will improve. He recommended another PET MRI if we can ever get one. Recommended still no driving or heavy exercise. It has been almost 7 weeks since Tom’s last seizure so we are thrilled with that.

The following day we saw Tom’s original surgeon at OHSU. We had waited three months for this consult. It had been 9 years since we had last seen him! While the surgical resident was concerned by the radiologist report, the actual surgeon was in sync with Tom’s doctor and thought it is also treatment effect and recommended a perfusion study which is another imaging technique that will measure blood flow and distribution in the brain.

It was reassuring to have the two more experienced doctors believe this is still effects from the treatment. Tom hasn’t had any symptoms in 7 weeks either so that points in the right direction. We can’t thank Tom’s sisters, especially Mary for hanging out with him during my travels and talking us off the ledge when that bad report came in. So we wait again for these images. OHSU isn’t known for speed these days but one can hope, especially after they screwed up his last PET MRI so royally.

As for me, I am three weeks post radiation and healed, or 99% healed. I will meet with my oncologist at the end of the month to get going on my anti-hormone therapy.

This week also marks a year since Tom’s tumor came back. What a difficult year it has been. We’re still here… Thankful, but weary.