I've been meaning to update for quite a while, I just haven't had the time. And there's quite a bit of new information that I've actually known for a while, so I apologize for the delay!
The tumor board of experts got together on Thursday, the 10th, and reviewed Jared's MRI. They all concluded that it was tumor re-growth, but they also agreed that invasive surgery wasn't the answer...yet. They decided to do what they call radio-surgery. It's pretty much gamma knife surgery, but a little different. We met with the neurosurgeon last Tuesday to go over the details. It's basically just like a radiation treatment, but much more powerful and precise, with lasers coming from all different angles. Before they can do the procedure, he will be fitted for a mask to go over his head (just like he did for radiation) and he has to get an MRI and CAT scan. The actual procedure only takes about 15-20 minutes. The only side-effect is a possible headache for a day or two, but it's out-patient and really simple. So it's definitely something we can deal with!
The down-sides to this procedure: It's not as effective as regular surgery, which is a HUGE minus for obvious reasons, and the doctor acted like this is basically just prolonging a more-than-likely future surgery. So I guess we're just buying time. My only question or hesitation with the radio-surgery is this: If the radiation from a year ago causes necrosis or dead tissue in the brain (not good), won't this radiation create even more future problems? Obviously if it's re-growth, that's the least of their concerns. And the other question is: What if this isn't re-growth at all? I think that question will be answered when he gets his pre-surgery MRI and CAT scan.
So we're looking at probably next week for the procedure to take place. We're still waiting to get pre-approval from the insurance. It's now been three weeks since the last MRI. The day before the last MRI he went to a store with his dad and said he REALLY struggled. He had to sit down after a couple minutes and they had to cut the trip short. He's noticed this past week that he hasn't been near as dizzy or off-balance. If the tumor were getting bigger, you'd think his symptoms would be getting worse, and instead, they're improving, but I'm no doctor. We're definitely hoping and praying for a miracle on this next MRI. If it still shows additional growth, we need to just have faith and hope that this radio-surgery will do the trick.
On the brighter side, Jared got a new Murano a few days ago! And we love it even more than the old one! And honestly, we're both doing okay. We had a really rough first four days, a four days I wouldn't wish on anyone, but we've both been doing much better this last couple weeks. Jared hasn't been sleeping much, but I think even that's gotten a little better. Right now we're both anxious to get this procedure over with!
