elp
him determine what direction to continue with chemo treatment. I was
initially opposed to having the MRI since most of the medical advice we
were given said that it would be 4 - 6 weeks after Proton treatment
before a good baseline could be done. The largest concern was that the
tumor could appear larger if the tumor was dying off or if the Proton
Therapy did not work. The other possibility was that the tumor would be
the same size and it would be difficult to determine why. So we agreed
to have the MRI performed with the full intent of ignoring whatever
results were given to us.
Much to our surprise and relief the tumor has shrunk from the original post operation de-bulking procedure. Yes shrunk. This is an answer to many prayers and petitions lifted up on our behalf. This is the first measurable medical evidence that any of the treatments he has received has stopped the cancers progression. While we are quietly celebrating the news and waiting for the next scheduled MRI there is also some unfortunate news to add. While the tumor has shrunk there is also evidence that there has been some damage to the brain near the area of the tumor. The tumor de-bulking operation that Kenny had in May was to give some space between the brain and the tumor. This would allow for a lighter Proton dose and give some additional space to minimize the beams from hitting the brain at full power. The brain damage will not be visible immediately and we are not going to know the extent for several months to come. This was a known risk that was discussed with all of us before we started any of the treatments.
So the current plan is Kenny will re-start chemo tomorrow for an additional 3-3week session. We will have another MRI in about 6 weeks and we will continue to pray.
Praises
Gods answer to prayers.
A smaller tumor.
Some calm from this storm in our lives.
Prayer concerns
That the brain damage will be very light and we provide Kenny with the proper post procedure treatments.
The remaining cancer cells are killed by the chemo.
Thank you one and all for the difference you have made in our lives. This storm in our lives has been made more bearable by your prayers and encouragement.
~Ken and Jo~
Much to our surprise and relief the tumor has shrunk from the original post operation de-bulking procedure. Yes shrunk. This is an answer to many prayers and petitions lifted up on our behalf. This is the first measurable medical evidence that any of the treatments he has received has stopped the cancers progression. While we are quietly celebrating the news and waiting for the next scheduled MRI there is also some unfortunate news to add. While the tumor has shrunk there is also evidence that there has been some damage to the brain near the area of the tumor. The tumor de-bulking operation that Kenny had in May was to give some space between the brain and the tumor. This would allow for a lighter Proton dose and give some additional space to minimize the beams from hitting the brain at full power. The brain damage will not be visible immediately and we are not going to know the extent for several months to come. This was a known risk that was discussed with all of us before we started any of the treatments.
So the current plan is Kenny will re-start chemo tomorrow for an additional 3-3week session. We will have another MRI in about 6 weeks and we will continue to pray.
Praises
Gods answer to prayers.
A smaller tumor.
Some calm from this storm in our lives.
Prayer concerns
That the brain damage will be very light and we provide Kenny with the proper post procedure treatments.
The remaining cancer cells are killed by the chemo.
Thank you one and all for the difference you have made in our lives. This storm in our lives has been made more bearable by your prayers and encouragement.
~Ken and Jo~
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