Friday, January 18, 2008

Preliminary results

Dr. L stopped by this morning to check on Steve, discuss next steps and tell him the preliminary diagnosis.

The pathologists believe the lesion is an astrocytoma, the kind of tumor we discussed last week. They believe it is a grade 3 or 4 tumor (with 4 being the most aggressive). We will learn the definitive results when we return for appointments next Friday.

In general, grade 3 is treated with six weeks of radiation therapy followed by chemotherapy. Grade 4 is treated with radiation and chemo concurrently.

Steve's body is still reacting to the biopsy. The left side of his face is almost completely back to normal. He has experienced numbness on the right side of his face. He has lost the ability to taste well -- he can't really distinguish flavors. (His sense of smell doesn't seem affected, though.) Dr. L strongly suspects that all the pain Steve experienced yesterday during biopsy was related to swelling and irritation around the fifth cranial nerve, which might explain at least the numbness he's having now on his right cheek.

His vision is still double, but wearing the patch has helped his orientation some. (And it gives him a good excuse to say "Arg!" frequently.) His head aches, and not just in the lower back of his head as before. There are those healing holes from the biopsy plus wounds from where the halo was screwed into his head.

He was removed from most of the lines and monitors this morning, sat upright in a chair for a while and walked around the nurse's station with help. He relished sitting in the chair, taking pressure off the back of his head.

The current plan is for Steve to stay another night on the neuro floor. If he's doing well tomorrow, he'll be discharged. We'll stay a night at the hotel attached to M.D. Anderson, allowing him to rest, then drive back to Dallas Sunday morning. Jayshree will drive with us and will fly back to Houston that night.

Then, we'll return to Houston Thursday night and meet with doctors Friday morning -- follow up and suture removal with Dr. L, treatment plan with Dr. C and a visit with a radiation oncologist. We hope to be back home Friday night.

Radiation will need to start as soon as Steve's sutures are healed.

We are all struggling with the news. When you look at Steve, you just can't believe that there is an awful tumor growing in his brain stem. With the help of the steroids, he has been working, taking care of and playing with Cooper and Katie, washing dishes, walking Margie. We are greatly encouraged by all of that, by his excellent lifestyle and health (tumor notwithstanding), by his inspiring attitude and outlook, by the resources we've had available, by our faith, by your faith, by the stories of beating the odds and by news of miracles.

Even though we're a few hours from home, we've never felt alone, enjoying the company of Jim, Betty and Jim, Shauna, Swati and the nice people we've met along the way.

In review:
1. Steve is feeling relatively well considering everything he endured yesterday and the news he received today.
2. Pathology says the cells look like an astrocytoma, either grade 3 or 4.
3. Steve should be discharged Saturday. We would drive home Sunday.
4. We'll return in a week for follow up, official diagnosis and treatment plan.

6 comments:

Lisa said...

Steve and Tyra,

I've been praying for you and will continue to do so ...

Psalm 139:13-16 says, "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb ... You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."

Continue to trust that God loves you both with a perfect, unfailing love and that He is in control. The God who made those delicate inner parts can also heal those delicate inner parts.

Love,
Lisa Veigel

Anonymous said...

Hi Tyra and Steve,

I'm glad you are up and around a little, Steve. You need this like you need a hole in the head (vain attempt at humor)! Arg!

Can I bring you dinner on Sunday evening? or whatever day you come home?

Love,
Lorrie

chapman.d said...

I'm glad you are one step closer to at least know what you are dealing with. Hang in there and remember how much you are loved.
Debbie

Anonymous said...

Steve and Tyra,

You are and will continue to be in our constant thoughts and prayers.

I don't think anyone understands why these things happen, but I do know that this blog has given wonderful insight into what an incredible man Steve is and how amazing his wife and family are. The circle of friendship and love that you are surrounded by is awe inspiring.

Our legacy on this world can best be judged by the people we've touched and inspired, and your family has already created quite a ripple. Throughout the good and bad of this journey, I know that ripple will continue to grow around this world and others.

I'm proud to know wonderful people like you and will pray for your happiness and health tomorrow and forever.

Rob Schneider {and Jenn, Becca and Bennie}

Anonymous said...

Tyra & Steve,

Lee and I had no idea until last week that you and your family were going through all of this. Jen told me she thought Beth had called and I guess Beth probably thought Jen had called us. We read the entire blog tonight to catch up on all that has transpired, and we are bowled over by your faith, tenacity, love and positive outlook. You are an inspiration to all. We will keep you in our prayers. We've been through a comparably very minor scare with our youngest this past week and are totally convinced that God's divine intervention comes in many unexpected and unexplainable ways. We are here for anything you need when you get back in town! Love, Lauren

Unknown said...

As with every passing day and hour, I am thinking and praying for you both. Your story of strength and courage is inspiring and Tyra-you are amazing!

Your love for each other and God will sustain and comfort you. I have your pie waiting!!!

Love to you always-
wendy