Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Stable

Today's MRI is identical to the one taken in June. That means there is no regrowth and no new visible tumor activity. Isn't that awesome?! We will continue to pray that the mass will shrink to provide more relief of his neurological symptoms.

We spent much more time than expected at the cancer center to get the good news. The MRI was at noon. We were scheduled to see Dr. M at 2:30 p.m. but didn't actually see her until 4:30. Thankfully we both had books to read and enjoy each other's company! (Cooper and Katie spent the afternoon with Grandma.)

In addition to the MRI news, we learned:
1. Steve can start Cycle 5 of chemotherapy next Monday. He'll remain at 200 mg of Temodar (down from 300 mg) and will continue taking Accutane.

2. He can try to drink liquids without thickener. He still has no gag reflex, but Dr. M and her staff agree that if he's careful and sits up straight while drinking, he should be able to avoid aspiration. If he starts coughing while drinking, he'll return to the thickener and straw. Tonight he drank regular ol' ice water out of a glass for the first time since January. "It was highly exciting," Steve reports.

3. Dr. M wants him to try to go back to 2 mg of steroid daily. He's been at 3 mg for a couple of weeks after a failed attempt at 1.5 and then 2.

4. He's going to add a multivitamin daily with the hopes of increasing calcium (for weakening bones) and Vitamins C and E (to stave off cataract growth).

Thank you for continuing to check on Steve, for praying for him and sending us good thoughts!

7 comments:

Laura said...

Awesome news!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

YAY! This for sure calls for a group field trip to Walgreens to buy some Smartwater!!!!! - Kerri

Chitnis and Chahal said...

We take simple things in life for granted. Reading about Steve finally able to drink water after January was humbling.
Really glad the scan came out stable. As always we continue to pray for him and hope he does better each day.
Good luck with the next round of chemo. You guys have been troopers, God is taking care of you.
Love to the children.
Shilpa

Natalie Willis said...

Great news! Keeping you strong in our prayers as always!
Love,
Natalie
www.believeinmandy.blogspot.com

Wendy S. Harpham, MD said...

Great news. Happy for all of you.
With hope, Wendy

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news! We will continue to pray that the tumor will be completely gone!
CArrie

Stacey said...

Excellent! (Not that I ever doubted there would be good news.)