16 Jun 2010

Lynne and I met with the neurosurgeon at Barrow Neurological Institute yesterday. The surgeon confirms that the MRI indicates recurrent tumor. The surgeon suggested a clinical trial. Based on the trial description, I presume the clinical trial is a treatment using Cotara. Lynne’s survival to date places her in a small group of only 5 to 10% that survives glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) for more than 3 years. As a result, a continued aggressive approach is recommended. The tumor enhancement is small but all standard treatments have been used. This recommendation goes before the tumor board on Friday to reach a collective consensus on the approach and to ensure that Lynne meets the stated criteria for the clinical trial.

 

Cotera is a radioactively-tagged antibody that is injected through two catheters into the tumor bed over a two-day period. The theory is that the tagged antibodies attach to the cancer cells to deliver the radiation, while avoiding healthy cells.

We will learn more on Monday, 21 Jun 2010. I will post an update to provide additional details as we receive them.

9 Jun 2010

We received the radiologist report from Lynne’s MRI on 2 Jun 2010, which indicates evidence of nodular enhancement and a thin rind of enhancement along the entire periphery of the tumor resection cavity. No evidence of midline shift is present indicating the cancer has not migrated to other parts of the brain.

The neurosurgeon and tumor board of the Barrow Neurological Institute also reviewed the report and images and confirm the recurrence of tumor. At this point, I believe the enhance is minor. Lynne and I will meet with the neurosurgeon next week to determine future steps.

Your continued prayers and thoughts on her behalf are appreciated.

Regards,

Darryl

24 Apr 2010

Lynne is doing very well and has been for the last few days. I don’t remember the last time she was up at 5:00 am but she was awake this morning and feeling pretty chipper. She made her way to the hobby room to make some cards. A couple of weeks ago, she was prescribed a new medication that did not agree with her and she spent a few miserable days. She is scheduled for her next chemotherapy treatment this next Wednesday.

17 Mar 2010

On 2 Mar 2010, Lynne underwent an MRI. The radiologist noted a subtle enhancement on the periphery of the tumor site. I forwarded the images and report to the Barrow Neurological Institute for review by the tumor board seeking recommendations. For now the tumor board recommends continued chemotherapy and another MRI review in three months.

Regards,
Darryl

Cancer Radiation Treatment

Rick Reilly wrote an article George vs. The Dragon that chronicles the radiation treatment of George Karl, the Denver Nuggets coach. Lynne underwent this treatment in 2007 for the brain cancer. This helps the rest of us appreciate the battle that cancer patients face each day.

Regards,

Darryl

6 Feb 2010

Lynne continues bi-weekly chemotherapy treatments. The side-effects are extreme fatigue, mouth blisters, headaches, and a laundry list of others. She also receives a Neulasta injection after each treatment to boost the white count levels. The Neulasta is effective but causes aching to the bones.

The doctor did commend her for continued positive attitude and gives much credit to her attitude and support system for the length of her survival. After many years in the business, he has seen those without those traits live much shorter lives. We are very thankful for those who encourage her regularly. According to the doctor, your encouragement contributes to her success in this fight.

The doctor stated that he added Lynne to his miracle list as most patients with glioblastoma live only 3 months without treatment and 9 to 15 months with optimal treatment. On February 1, 2010, Lynne celebrated three years of survival following the diagnosis and first brain surgery, which places her in a group of only 10% surviving up to five years.

She will have an MRI in March to determine the effectives of the treatments. As long as the treatments are effective, the doctor plans to continue the treatments.

Regards,
Darryl

9 Dec 2009

Lynne received the report from her MRI on 8 Dec 2009. Our interpretation of the report is good news.

1. No definite evidence of residual or recurrent tumor within the surgical bed.
2. Minimal enhancement of surgical bed lining presumably related to postoperative gliosis.
3. Minimal vasogenic edema

However, she continues to suffer the side effects of the chemotherapy treatments. Each treatment builds on the previous treatments, so the chemotherapy levels increase with each treatment. Her next scheduled treatment is 16 Dec 2009. Your continues prayers and thoughts on her behalf are appreciated.

Regards,

Darryl