Progress



Today was a very long day.  Most of you already know that my mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor on 12-1-10.  On 12-3-10 she underwent brain surgery to have it removed.  Pathology came back and it was classified as a Glioblastoma Multiforme IV.  Her prognosis was stated as 12-18 months but there are cases of 19 years on the books and a co-worker of hers is 2 1/2 years out.  We are a positive bunch around here.  One of my mom's favorite sayings is, "There is no expiration date on the bottom of my toe!"

Anyway, she completed phase I of her treatment which consisted of radiation and chemo.  She had a three week break and today she went in for a MRI to see if there had been any re-growth (the type of tumor is very aggressive).  He scans looked excellent!  The swelling in her brain has significantly gone down and there is nothing visible to the eye on the scan to worry about!  God is good! 

Look out phase II here we come!  Phase II will consist of continuing chemo.  She will start up again next Monday.  The dose will increase.  She will take it for 5 consecutive days on and then will have 23 days off.  The dose will then be upped again.  Same thing, 5 days on and 23 off.  At that point she will have completed 2 cycles and will go in for another MRI and MD appointment to make sure the treatment plan is working. 

It absolutely amazes me how mentally and emotionally draining something like this can be.  We were at the hospital from 10:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. today.  I got home and went to the gym.  Needless to say, I really didn't do much today but I am exhausted.   Um, and who knew that the brain cancer ribbon color was grey?!  Seriously!  Thank you google images.  Maybe I can sport a glitter silver ribbon...do you think that is close enough to grey?

XoXo,

        NMO