Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Infiltration

The MRI results were not good.  What I considered to be swelling over the last couple of weeks, was the tumor growing and pressing on KK's brain.

When KK had the two surgeries (one at UMass and one at Children's) to remove the tumor, they did their best to remove as much as they could see. Glioblastomas typically have "tendrils" that surround the brain tissue and this is what they injected the Adenoviral Vector Trial into during the tumor resection at Children's. It is these tendrils that have grown and have now infiltrated the folds of the brain at the visual cortex on the left side (which accounts for the loss of peripheral vision on her right side).

MRI images from January 20, 2016
Where we stand right now...

  • The tumor growth is not a mass that can be removed, so there is no talk of surgery.
  • It is safe to say that the Temozolomide and Avastin treatments aren't working, so they did not proceed with treatment today.
  • We will regroup with KK's medical team early next week. We will put everything on the table -- new chemo drugs, new trials, even the possibility of new hospitals (St. Jude's, Memorial Sloan Kettering,...depending on what trials are offered where). 
Ultimately, we are standing on God's promises that He who began a good work in KK will be faithful to complete it.

4 comments:

Heidi Peterson said...

He is still in control. We will keep praying, including that He will give you both rest tonight.

Terri said...

Crying, praying, and crying some more right along with you. Praying for comfort, wisdom, guidance, and that the awesome loving presence of our God will overwhelm your hearts tonight. Love you both

Kim Chernisky said...

I'm so sad to hear this. Praying for you both. Praying for wisdom and discernment for the medical team and for you to choose what option will work best to treat these aggressive tumors.

Karin said...

I love you both.