The Good: I am done! I made it through all 6 sessions.
The Bad: Round 6 was a lot worse than some previous sessions.
The Good: I recovered at home much faster than usual. I have been feeling much better.
PET/CT Scan and Brain MRI
The Good: The PET/CT was clear. These scans have been clear/clean since the last surgery on my neck in June of 2007.
The Bad: The brain MRI detected a new, small spot in the brain. It is about the same size (2 millimeters) as the original 4 spots. The doctors performed a higher resolution MRI a few days later to obtain more detailed information, and another spot, even smaller than 2 millimeters (and thus not visible in the first brain MRI) was identified.
The Good: The recommended solution is another round of stereotactic radiation to burn out the spots. The treatment isn’t too difficult.
The Bad: The worst part of the treatment is that I have to wear this custom plastic mask which is very tight on the face. Then, this mask is locked into another piece of equipment and then a heavy, metal frame is connected, all to ensure that my head does not move AT ALL during the 20-40 minute session. It is quite uncomfortable. Hannibal Lecter had much more room in his mask.
The Good: Only 2 sessions should be needed, not 4 like last time! My sessions are on May 28 and May 29. Until then, it’s party time.
6 comments:
Dear Rich, I'm so glad to hear you are done and the news is, for the most part, quite good. I'm sure you make an effort to sound upbeat and positive and for that, we all can learn from you. We should be making you laugh, but instead you amuse us :) In the moments that feel hard, remember we are all here routing for you and wishing you speedy recovery and pain-free procedures.
Love, Nancy, Adam, and Gabrielle
Hi Rich, thanks for the update and congrats on completing the full round of biochemical treatment! We'll be thinking about you on the 28th & 29th and wishing you well. Silence of the Lambs ranks high on my list of all-time favs. Best of luck coping with the radiation. We know that you'll approach it, as always, with a positive outlook and great humor! Keep us posted on developments and hellos to Michelle and Lucy for us! Cheers - Suzanne & Andre
Rich, We're glad to hear you are doing well. I have no words of wisdom to share that wouldn't appear shallow. Attitude seems to make a bid difference and you seem to have your mojo working.
We're thinking about you.
Dave, Elizabeth, Grant and TBD 6/17/08.
Dear Rich, I spoke with your mother today and found some info that might be of use to you.
http://www.asco.org/ASCO/Abstracts+%26+Virtual+Meeting/Abstracts?&vmview=abst_detail_view&confID=47&abstractID=35349
and
http://www.asco.org/ASCO/Abstracts+%26+Virtual+Meeting/Abstracts?&vmview=abst_detail_view&confID=47&abstractID=34733
are abstracts from ASCO on the efficacy, safety and response to MDX-010.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
Scott Andrews
Crown Medical Group
Rich - great to hear the news is positive. I am trying to picture you playing Hannibal Lector in the next Silence of the Lambs movie - could be a good career move. Can i buy you lunch one of these days?
Phil, Mindy and Will (and baby to be named in November)
Rich, I was out of the loop and didn't know you were fighting this until just recently. Reading through your blog a bit, I see that you haven't changed a bit - sharp wit matched with logical approach. Reminds me of the chats during our midnight runs between school work. Wishing you get through this quickly and healthily!
Gleb
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