What a year this has been.
I had my 8 month MRI and follow-up with my oncologist at MD Anderson on December 18th. Very Blessed news...the new MRI indicated that the brain cavity where the tumor was taken is stable, there was no progression of the previous tumor, and there were no new lesions.
As with all glioblastomas in every person, some of the tumor tissue will always remain in the brain. Therefore, the oncologist is watching the MRIs closely. The center of the cavity appears gray which is an indication of inactive brain tissue and is a good sign, however, there is an area around the cavity that it is still lighting up on the MRI. The oncologist believes this area is a result of the dead tissue, the treatments, and the healing process. I am still participating in the immuno-therapy IV trial that occurs at MD Anderson every 2 weeks.
What an adventure this year has been. This Saturday will mark a year since the first MRI I ever had. I woke up Friday morning a year ago planning to drive to my mother's house for Christmas and a day later I am facing a brain tumor. My wife and I left the house on December 21st and didn't set foot in our house again until a little over a month later.
The biggest surprise and blessing was the outpouring of support that came our way from so many family and friends. Thru the pre-op, the surgery, the 6 weeks of radiation and chemo, the continued chemo, and the many and on going Immune IV treatments that support was very important and needed in helping me recover. It was the best Christmas present that I ever received. My wife and I thank you all so much for your continued prayers and support.
This November and December have been great months. Since being able to stop the monthly chemo treatments I have got a lot of my strength back. November I was able to do my 11 mile run/walk morning goal, it was not my best and the last two miles were tough going. A little over a week ago I took on my 12 mile morning December run/walk goal, I was able to complete the 12 miles. I felt so good I went ahead and did another 1.1 miles to complete a half marathon. It has been almost 4 years since I completed a half marathon.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas a Blessed New Year.
I had my 8 month MRI and follow-up with my oncologist at MD Anderson on December 18th. Very Blessed news...the new MRI indicated that the brain cavity where the tumor was taken is stable, there was no progression of the previous tumor, and there were no new lesions.
As with all glioblastomas in every person, some of the tumor tissue will always remain in the brain. Therefore, the oncologist is watching the MRIs closely. The center of the cavity appears gray which is an indication of inactive brain tissue and is a good sign, however, there is an area around the cavity that it is still lighting up on the MRI. The oncologist believes this area is a result of the dead tissue, the treatments, and the healing process. I am still participating in the immuno-therapy IV trial that occurs at MD Anderson every 2 weeks.
What an adventure this year has been. This Saturday will mark a year since the first MRI I ever had. I woke up Friday morning a year ago planning to drive to my mother's house for Christmas and a day later I am facing a brain tumor. My wife and I left the house on December 21st and didn't set foot in our house again until a little over a month later.
The biggest surprise and blessing was the outpouring of support that came our way from so many family and friends. Thru the pre-op, the surgery, the 6 weeks of radiation and chemo, the continued chemo, and the many and on going Immune IV treatments that support was very important and needed in helping me recover. It was the best Christmas present that I ever received. My wife and I thank you all so much for your continued prayers and support.
This November and December have been great months. Since being able to stop the monthly chemo treatments I have got a lot of my strength back. November I was able to do my 11 mile run/walk morning goal, it was not my best and the last two miles were tough going. A little over a week ago I took on my 12 mile morning December run/walk goal, I was able to complete the 12 miles. I felt so good I went ahead and did another 1.1 miles to complete a half marathon. It has been almost 4 years since I completed a half marathon.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas a Blessed New Year.
