Friday, April 04, 2008

Steve's Brain Tumor

We went to Madison yesterday. They told us ahead of time that the first MRI after the first round of radiation/chemo would probably be bad, even possibly showing growth because the radiation is still working and the brain is still irritated from the 6 week assault on it. So, yesterday he had the MRI and the results were: GREAT!!!!!! There is no recurrence of the tumor that he had removed and the secondary focus (the other spot in the top back that was smaller and where they cannot do surgery) is "entirely stable" and the report even shows "some resolution of tumor" -- I'm not sure if this means it has shrunk or that the dead cells are already being reabsorbed -- either way it was good news.
It was an all day trip -- mostly we had to wait a lot for blood work and then the new round of chemo meds - in between meetings with Dr Ian and Diana.
He started the new protocol of chemo last night -- he is in the group that gets 5 days of chemo drugs and 23 days of and it will probably last for 12 months. He was on 175 mg during the radiation and now he'll be taking 350mg of Temodar. I haven't talked to him yet today to find out how the first night went, but we weren't really expecting it to be too bad -- they anticipate everything at UW Madison and they've been doing this a long time, so they even know when to expect a drop in his blood work counts. They've armed him with anti-nausea meds and even provided a drug that works as an anti-seizure, anti-nausea, and sleep aid all in one!

Just wanted to let everyone know how it went and thank you all for the prayers and good thoughts -- keep them coming! (Ian also told us he has a patient that has been in remission 3 years, which usually leads to 4 years and at 5 years he considers them cured! --- So that's the goal!)

14 comments :

Sherry said...

I'm so glad to hear that things are looking so "up". Hope the chemo goes easily.

Annie said...

Sending prayers and best wishes your way!

Annie
: )

Jeanne said...

Joanne, I'm so happy the report was a good one. I'll keep praying.

BitnByAQuiltingBug said...

I've decided to stop being a lurker and actualy post to the blogs I read regularly. That means you! What Great News! God is GREAT!
Regina

Dona said...

So glad to hear the good news on the MRI. Am keeping Steve and your family in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

That is fantastic news.
Deb - Australia

Steven Talbott said...

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Know that you are truly helping my Mom and I, and we appreciate it tremendously!

Thank You.

Steve

Carol said...

That is just the VERY BEST news...I couldn't be happier. We'll keep those thoughts and prayers coming.

Anonymous said...

THaat is just the best news ever. Praying for 5, 10, 15 etc etc

I am a 26 year survivor of breast cancer and hoping hte same for Steve.

By the way I talked to my girlfriend from NIU we didn'thave anyone living in our lounge. YOu had to have been in the other girls wing.

Mary aka Oleqwilter@aol.com

Tazzie said...

I'm really thrilled for the positive results so far, I shall pray that the news continues to be so wonderful.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Gail said...

I'm so happy for you, I'm crying. I'll keep praying for you all.

McIrish Annie said...

I read the good news on steve's blog! I'm so thrilled for all of you! Offered to let him drive my mower here in CT if he wants to hop a plane! LOL

Patti said...

Thank God for such a wonderful report. I pray that the good news and recovery continues. I think of you, your family and your son often. Medical science has progressed so far in the 13+ years since my sister's tumor was found.

Evelyn aka Starfishy said...

Very good news! I am so happy that you, your son and family have this good report!

Cheers!
Evelyn