Anna and I went down to the Mayo Clinic on Friday to meet with the neuro-oncologist who we hoped would give us a definitive answer on what type of tumour was removed in the April surgery. The results he had suggested that it was the same type as before (Glioblastoma) but said that there was still some uncertainty and that he would ask for some additional pathology tests to be performed. He also suggested that I return to Mayo today to meet with the radiation oncologist to discuss treatment plans.
In today's meeting I found out that the pathologist has downgraded the tumour to an anaplastic astrocytoma (there will be a test at the end of this post!) which is a grade III glioma, based on the additional tests performed on Friday. Although this seems like good news, it doesn't change the treatment plan and the original tumour site remains the primary concern.
The treatment is basically a repeat of the combined radiation/chemotherapy I had before Christmas, then a break of a few weeks, followed by six months of higher dose chemotherapy. There are some risks associated with having two rounds of radiation so close together, but they are far outweighed by the risks of the tumour returning.
I know this is not the most upbeat post, but I feel like I've had a few days of talking about/thinking about brain tumours and the treatment plan for the next 7/8 months and it has taken its toll. Maybe I just need a change of subject (or a good bike ride).
In today's meeting I found out that the pathologist has downgraded the tumour to an anaplastic astrocytoma (there will be a test at the end of this post!) which is a grade III glioma, based on the additional tests performed on Friday. Although this seems like good news, it doesn't change the treatment plan and the original tumour site remains the primary concern.
The treatment is basically a repeat of the combined radiation/chemotherapy I had before Christmas, then a break of a few weeks, followed by six months of higher dose chemotherapy. There are some risks associated with having two rounds of radiation so close together, but they are far outweighed by the risks of the tumour returning.
I know this is not the most upbeat post, but I feel like I've had a few days of talking about/thinking about brain tumours and the treatment plan for the next 7/8 months and it has taken its toll. Maybe I just need a change of subject (or a good bike ride).
Hey it doesn't matter that it's not so upbeat, it tells us what we need to know. Last time we knew so much less, this time we understand a little more, we're on board with you whatever.
ReplyDeleteNow go on, on yer bike!!
Sending lots of love and hugs full of positivity
michelle xxxx
Hi Barry
ReplyDeletei think i missed the original comments on when this all started but have been keeping up to date on through you blog and we all send our love!!
take care
Vicki xx
Hi Barry
ReplyDeletesent a comment this morning it doesn't seem to have reached you, so here goes again.
In life, with everything it is always better to know what exactly your dealing with, so whatever action you have to take, at least your dealing with all of the facts. Your current endeavours are no different, remember one of our little chats a few years ago when I told you of the captain at sea who had "wind and tide" against him, making him adjust course to reach his destination. Well in your current journey, your the Skipper with a very good crew so stay positive even though you may be adjusting course a little.
I look forward to having those "chats" again very soon.
Love and best wishes
Steve
hey come on bazzarooney we dont always need an upbeat post just the fact you are letting us know
ReplyDeletewhat is going on especially to those of your family and friends who are so far away and wish they were much closer is just what we need
its going to be another tough round for you all to get through but you can do it with all the love and support you have
keep the fight going, stay strong and go and ride ya bike
loads of luv
carol
ps will speak to you at the weekend xxxx
Just keep on going son. I am so proud of you Barry. Being so far away is difficult because at times like this I just want to give you a big hug. You've never been one to shy away from a challenge and here you are with another one to face. As Michelle says just having the updates helps us to understand what is happening. We are with you all the way. All my love and lots of hugs. Mam xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your messages of support everyone. I was having a bad day on Monday (and that's ok too).
ReplyDeletehey bazza, i just got to catch up with the blog and its also good to see you are human - for a while there i thought superman was having to catch you up.. dont think for a min about it not being upbeat..it cant possibly be all the time so good that you havent tried to be on top of it all the time.. you will come through though, because the determination far outweighs it.. i got a leaflet today from the american brain tumour association..i think it was from when i sponsored anna somehow.. i did take time to read it though...and i realise how lucky i am xx take it easy, enjoy every wheel that turns xx lacey xx
ReplyDelete