Driftwood on the beach in Nome – 1987
Well folks, it’sbeen a tough few days for Nicole and I. We met with my neurosurgeon on Monday afternoon to review last week’s MRI and the results weren’t very promising. Whereas in the previous 2 scans there had been successive decreases in contrast (indicating reduced blood-flow to the tumor), this scan showed an increase. That is likely an indication that the tumor is becoming more active and may indicate that ultimately the current chemo regimen is not delivering the intended result.
Nicole and I in the club where we first met
They are scheduling another MRI in about 2 weeks to confirm and will also do another MR Spectroscopy and perhaps a PET Scan to try to learn more about the tumor structure and how much of it is viable tissue. There is still hope of a positive explanation, but Nicole and I are preparing for the worst while hoping for the best.
Full moon in HK
If the tumor is indeed progressing, there are a number of potential treatment options, so by no means is there reason to give up hope. We are reaching out to experts in the US while the oncology and neurosurgery teams here in HK confer. Possible options include use of Avastin, a targeted therapy that attacks the blood vessels feeding the tumor, radio-surgery, use of other chemotherapy agents either here in HK or back at Duke in the US, and even (as an absolute last resort) radical surgery to remove the tumor. Each of the options has pluses and minuses and there may be other options that haven’t been considered yet. Right now we will just wait to see the results of the next scan and the recomendations of the medical team here.
Nicole, my rock, at the Big Buddha in Lantau
Right now Nicole and I are just trying to remain positive and optimistic while we wait. Nicole is better at it than me and remains my rock. I guess the reality is that none of us can predict the future so there’s no use worrying too much about what might happen or could happen. Any of us could be hit by a bus crossing the street (a real possibility here in HK!) any day. I can still take away the positive that this experience has taught me a lot about myself and made me realize and truly appreciate all the incredible people who have supported and continue to support me. Thank you all for caring and for all the positive energy you are sending my way.
-Ted
