Dear Church Family & Friends,
In a word - Astonishing!
I am thrilled to share that Donna has once again had a clear scan this week! To use Dr. P's terminology (her brain surgeon) "Astonishing".
Let me put this into perspective. Several weeks ago, Donna's oncologist, Dr. Lyod, mentioned that since Donna has had all clear MRI's, that perhaps we should get a PET Scan next time.
Leading to the next question, what is a PET Scan? (I copied this from the following web site: http://www.falange.demon.co.uk/explain-petscan.htm)
PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. A PET scan uses a small dosage of a chemical called radionuclide combined with a sugar. This combination is injected into patient. The radionuclide emits positrons. A PET scanner will rotate around a patient's head to detect the positron emissions given off by the radionuclide. Because malignant tumors are growing at such a fast rate compared to healthy tissue, the tumor cells will use up more of the sugar which has the radionuclide attached to it. The computer then uses the measurements of glucose used to produce a picture which is color coded.
Translation: It is a new type of scan that can detect activity from malignant cells. Essentially, Donna has no malignant activity in her brain. Astonishing!
We have always been told that anyone with a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) tumor will always have GBM cells. Although the PET Scan can miss cancer cells, it will show if there is any activity.
When speaking with one of the technicians during her scan, I mentioned that I was surprised that Donna's doctors had not mentioned this type of scan before. I was then told that it was just not available until very recently. WOW!
The scan was Tuesday. We then learned the results Thursday from Donna's oncologist. Today, Friday, we met with Dr. P, the brain surgeon. Needless to say, these doctors are as blown away with these results as anyone - perhaps more so because they understand the aggressiveness of GBM.
Of course, this led to the next question - "Can Donna stop taking the chemotherapy Temodar?"
As Dr. P. said today, Donna is in uncharted waters. There is no protocol for someone who has had a GBM 21 months ago and basically has had no tumor regrowth.
The 'bad' news - if you can call it bad - is that both Dr. P. and Dr. Lyod have recommended that Donna remain on the chemo. Why? Basically because she has tolerated the chemo as well as she has, her blood counts are still up and she really has not had any bad side effects from it. Their thoughts are, since it ain't broke, don't fix it. Dr. P said today that given the circumstances that Donna is in, you could take 10 neurosurgeons and ask their opinions as to what Donna should do, and he felt half would say continue the chemo and half would say stop.
Donna and I have spoken about this, and for the time being, she will remain on the chemo. Why? For the reasons mentioned above, but more importantly the Holy Spirit has not indicated to us that she should stop. Donna and I spoke about this last year and we both felt that when the time came to discontinue the chemo, He would let us both know that it was time to quit. Even given these incredible results, neither of us have felt the leadership of the Holy Spirit indicating that she should stop the chemo.
The game plan from here is that in three months, we will have a follow up MRI instead of a PET Scan. Dr. P prefers the MRI over the PET since it gives more definition to what he needs to see, referring to the tissue in the brain. He explained that even if the PET showed activity, he would not do anything different. So, Donna will have another scan in three months.
In other news, Donna's web site seems to be getting more traffic. I have had several folks write into us asking questions and looking for something encouraging since all they see out on the web is negative news. We even posted another survivor story on Donna's web page! I try to share with these folks that it is a bad cancer, but with the Lord on your side, all will be well - no matter what happens. When a loved one comes down with a Brain Tumor, your perspective really changes from the here & now to the eternal.
As always, our prayer remains 1.) For the Lord's will to be done, not our will, 2.) For this tumor NEVER EVER reappear, 3.) For the next MRI to be clear, 4.) For all of Donna's side effects to disappear.
We would ask for you to also remember the other folks who have contacted us recently that have Brain Tumors or have family members with Brain Tumors. Most of their emails express how frightened, scared, confused, angry and disheartened they are and they have no idea what to expect. While I don't want to sugar coat their situations, I do share with them that there is always hope - and His name is Jesus.
Dr. P said today "I don't know why God has done this, but He has". We know why. So that people can see and hear Donna's testimony and for her to share what the Lord has done for her!
All we can say is Praise the Lord! Wow! Astonishing!
And finally, as always, we appreciate your prayers, cards and emails. Your prayers have made and continue to make all the difference in the world to our family!
In His Name, Service and Love,
Frank
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