More Opinions & Some Great News

We had a busy week. Based on recommendations from Mayfield Clinic in Cincinnati, we sought followup opinions in three locations: Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, OH), MD Anderson (Houston, TX) and University of California - San Francisco. I learned that several major brain tumor centers will provide a free second opinion that doesn't require the patient to travel. In my case, I was close enough to both Mayfield and Cleveland that I chose to be seen in person, and submitted my information through the mail to MD Anderson and UCSF.

Essentially, all four centers agree that my MRI is indicative of a growing meningioma, and that it does require treatment. As to be expected, there are slight differences in their recommendations, but the general consensus is that Fractionated Sterotactic Radiotherapy is the right treatment plan. I was also able to confirm my understanding that I'm going to have the best possible treatment in Cincinnati. Mayfield Clinic is one of the most experienced practices in the country for FSR, and I'll get the best possible care here.

The best news of the week is that the original tumor samples have been graded as WHO Grade 1. When I first sought an opinion from Mayfield Clinic, the tissue samples from the surgery in 6/03 were re-analyzed. Tumor grading standards have changed, and the first look at grading the original tumor by today's standards indicated the tumor was WHO Grade 2. About 95% of meningiomas are Grade 1 - benign. About 2-3% are Grade 2 - atypical, and 2-3% are Grade 3 - malignant. Treating a Grade 2 tumor meant a longer period of radiation, and greater risks of side effects, complications and another recurrence. As Connor (our ten year old) said "This is the best thing I've heard about that tumor in three weeks!"

I am grateful this week for getting closer to a final treatment plan, a great vacation with friends from college, and great support from our family and friends. I have seen so many seriously ill people in the waiting rooms with me this week, many of them alone. While this is not an easy situation, it would be unbearable alone. Thank you for being with me!

To More Grace,

Amy

Round Two

As many of you know, I was diagnosed with a benign meningioma in June 2003. After the inital terrifying diagnosis, we found a surgeon with a different technique (a skull base brain surgeon). I had the surgery in late June 03 and recovered very quickly. As part of my checkups, I have regular scans. The most recent scan shows recurrent tumor growth. So far, I've seen multiple doctors at Mayfield Clinic (University Hospital's Neuro program) and the recommendation is that I have radiation therapy. The specific reco is Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy (FSR). This type of radiation is very focused and will specifically target the tumor with the least possible side effects.

Bob and I have received a whole lot of support already, and we are grateful. Tommorow we will travel to Cleveland Clinic for another round of opinions. I believe that we will have my current treatment plan confirmed, but certainly believe in second (and sometimes third and fourth) opinions.

I have no doubt that the great outcome I had five years ago was a direct result of prayer support. Back then, the information flowed via email chains. Today, I'll have the benefit of using a blog - and the benefit of FSR. I will have no less need for prayer. I'll be using this as an efficient way to keep everyone up to speed, and hopefully share some laughs along the way. Over time, I'll add some details on what happened five years ago, how the treatment works, etc. Please pray for wisdom and discernment for Bob and I as we travel to Cleveland tommorow and meet with the physicians there. Please also pray that this second round of addressing the tumor will completely eliminate it - with no complications. Finally, I would ask you to pray that we would fully trust God throughout the process - and grow to a greater faith in Him and in His Son.

To More Faith,

Amy