Well, we got the brain MRI results today. There's a 3 mm spot in the right occiptal region, but at this time it's too small to be able to accurately identify. Dr. W2 said there is a possibility that it is simply a blood vessel on end. He said he'll be faxing a copy of the report to the neurosurgeon and consult with him within the next week or so. He gave us a lot of scenarios that began with "if".
He said he wanted Pete to have a follow-up MRI in about 2 months. If at that time it's unchanged they'll most likely just continue to monitor it closely. If it grows, however, then he, together with the neurosurgeon (Dr. E) and the hematology oncologist (Dr. W), will decide, based on size and location, on a recommended response. If it remains relatively small (5-6 mm) he would probably recommend radiosurgery (gamma knife) as it is located some distance away from the site that was previously radiated. He gave us the script for the MRI, scheduled that for May 12 and made an appointment with him to get those results May 19.
After going upstairs and picking up the MRI films to take to next week's appointment with the neurosurgeon (Dr. E) we went to Dr. W (hematology oncologist) to get a script for an echo cardiogram. He needs to have one periodically as one of the chemotherapy drugs can damage the left ventrical so they monitor heart function very closely.
We'll be going out to dinner this evening. It is St. Patty's day, afterall, and Bruce wants his once-a-year corned beef and cabbage. Pete said he could go for a reuben sandwich. I'll stick with a salad.
Showing posts with label brain MRI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brain MRI. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Back to Work and "Pete's Mask" - March 15, 2010
Pete went in to work today. The rest of his schedule includes tomorrow (Tuesday), Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Wednesday he'll be off and we'll be going to the radiology oncologist to get the results of his latest brain MRI and he'll also have his CT scan to assess his lung mets. I don't know when we'll be getting those results, but we'll have to see the medical (chemo) oncologists for them.
Speaking of his brain MRI and going back to his radiation therapy, I finally got around to taking some pictures of Pete's "mask" that I had mentioned in a previous blog (2 Down, 3 to Go - Friday, Jan 22, 2010).
It was made by taking a flat, U-shaped frame that surrounded what appeared to be plastic material full of holes. Reminded me of a tennis racket, but the holes were smaller. The device was heated, placed over Pete's face, and the technician pushed down on the frame clamping it to the table Pete's head was resting on. As it cooled it hardened. It conformed very tightly to Pete's facial features and though it's quite thin and light, the material is very strong and rigid.
Speaking of his brain MRI and going back to his radiation therapy, I finally got around to taking some pictures of Pete's "mask" that I had mentioned in a previous blog (2 Down, 3 to Go - Friday, Jan 22, 2010).
It was made by taking a flat, U-shaped frame that surrounded what appeared to be plastic material full of holes. Reminded me of a tennis racket, but the holes were smaller. The device was heated, placed over Pete's face, and the technician pushed down on the frame clamping it to the table Pete's head was resting on. As it cooled it hardened. It conformed very tightly to Pete's facial features and though it's quite thin and light, the material is very strong and rigid.
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