Wednesday, November 28, 2018

There is bad news ...

"There is bad news, Prakash!" That is how my NeuroOncologist started the conversation with me and my wife today afternoon. 

He continued on with "The something unusual from the MRI on October 3, 2018, has been confirmed as a tumor recurrence with a noticeable 2.5 cm growth in the MRI on November 20, 2018". The tumor has come back in the same location - the left parietal lobe - in which I had my second craniotomy on July 19th, 2018.


This came as a shock to both of us. Since the medical team had not called me immediately after the MRI, I had assumed that all is well and I have nothing to worry about. Turns out it was that way because last week was a holiday week. 😅

The fact that I am not experiencing any physiological symptoms to indicate the presence of a tumor is another factor that was making me confident and complacent about my health. 😔

As this recurrence indicates that whatever we are doing is not working, the doctor made me stop the daily 80mg Temodar treatment I was on immediately. We discussed a few options for further treatments and ended the meeting on the note that we will meet again in three weeks to decide on the future course of action. 

It will take some time to digest all this and come to terms with it. Here are some of my initial thoughts:
  • The most important thing right now is to fight like hell against the forces of darkness - fear, hopelessness, despair,... And reinforce the positive spirit and strength of mind.
  • Now is the time for second opinions. 
  • To review what we have done to identify what has worked and double down on it. 
  • And to identify what hasn't worked and drop it.
  • To explore for solutions outside the normal scope of our search.
Hoping to continue on this journey with a smile on the face and strength and determination in our hearts and minds.

10 comments:

  1. Sending you hugs and good karma from San Diego ...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Prakash, Try all possible remedies including traditional ancient techniques like Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda, Natural Therapies.
    Wish you all the best!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Keep up the good fight Prakash. Try alternative therapies as well. All the best.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am not sure if you have tried this. One of my friend's father has bone cancer and he has tried the Shimoga some homeo treatment. Also one of my relative had the problem and this medicine has almost cured it. Please check it out.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwu4map-qA4

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love you. Explore possibilities. I love you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Stay strong, Prakash. Is it okay to add you to our church prayer chain? Am thankful that you're starting with MD Anderson because they have been known for miracles for ages!!

    ReplyDelete

The story so far

It has been a month since I decided to start a blog to journal my journey with Glioblastoma Multiforme after bei...