A Brain Scan Update

Hi! Today I had appointments with Dr. Mueller (top left), my neurosurgeon, and Dr. Malkin (top right), my neuro-oncologist. They reviewed the results of a brain MRI I had on October 18 and seemed pleased with the results. I was a little shaken by the news that there were two "millimeter sized" (their words) mets in the frontal lobe, but neither doctor seemed concerned about these and both doctors said the mets were "stable" (whatever that means, right?). Both doctors say I appear to have responded well to all of my brain treatments so far, and Dr. Mueller said he feels like, from a brain perspective, things are heading in the right direction. The doctors ordered a new MRI in six weeks to keep an eye on things. They also gave me the all clear to pursue treatment of the abdominal lesions, which continue to grow and multiply. I asked both doctors what they would do if they were in my shoes and both said the same thing: talk to Dr. Legha (bottom) and do whatever he tells you to do.

I can't speak highly enough about all of these doctors. Not only are they top-rate physicians, they're also caring, listening human beings. Several times during my appointment today, for instance, Dr. Mueller made a point of saying how good it was to see me--and he says it just that plainly. It really makes me feel like these doctors care about what happens to me, which is exactly what you want when you're going through an experience like this. Once again, I feel like I have really been lucky in the medical team that has treated me throughout this entire ordeal. (I'm including pictures of all doctors so you can put faces to names.)

I contacted Dr. Legha and am waiting to hear back from him about what he recommends we do next. I'll keep you posted.

Oh and I have to make a public apology to Kelly. After the appointment, I came home, got Finn from the neighbor (thanks for babysitting again Katie!), ate lunch because I was starving, and then sat down to type an email to Dr. Legha. I was so absorbed in all this that I totally forgot to call Kelly. After four hours of fretting and not being able to eat and worrying that I was being strapped into a frame for another gamma knife procedure, she finally called me wondering about the news. I certainly deserve to be put in the doghouse for this one. Thank God I married a wonderful--and understanding--woman! : )