On Tuesday morning, January 22nd, we met with a neuro-oncologist, Dr. Degroot, to discuss treatment options for Travis. Dr. Degroot concurred that he believed Dr. Lang, the surgeon, had removed 100% of the tumor and that what is currently seen on the MRI as tumor is hard to determine if it is actual tumor or artifact related to swelling of the brain or surgery. He also agreed that Travis' tumor has been labeled a Grade 3, borderline Grade 2. The reason for this diagnosis is because in the pathology they found infiltrating cells that are characteristic of cancerous cells. Infiltrating cells are ones that infiltrate and move into surrounding tissue. Most of the time these microscopic cells infiltrate back into the tissue and are unable to be removed surgically. For this reason, Dr. Degroot is recommending radiation therapy for 6 weeks. After that time another MRI will be conducted to see if there is any new growth. If there are no changes then Dr. Degroot will monitor the tumor site with MRI's every 2-3 months. If there is any growth of another possible tumor then chemotherapy will be given. As of right now Dr. Degroot does not feel that the positive effects of chemotherapy would outweigh the future negative effects. Dr. Degroot also spoke with us about the prognosis. In Grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma tumors the average life expectancy is 3 -5 years. As you are reading this I know that this news scares you as much as it does us. We just want to let you know that Travis is anything, but average! Dr. Degroot also thinks Travis is above average and said he had a lot of great things going for him. #1. His age. #2 His recovery from surgery. If you haven't seen or talked to him yet, you will be amazed to find almost no deficiency physically or mentally. #3 The complete or nearly complete resection of the tumor. #4 The border line Grade2/3 pathology report. Most importantly, Our great and powerful physician THE LORD OUR GOD! We know that He has an incredible plan for Travis' life to be Glorified beyond any NUMBER.
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Amen! You said it exactly right. God is above any prognosis that any doctor can give! Don't forget that! "Turn your eyes upon Jesus and the things on earth will grow stangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." Amazing lyrics about an amazing Savior!
Still praying!
Coleen & Doug
Post a Comment