Excellent news: Detailed version

Steve's MRI this morning shows:
1. There are no new cancerous areas.
2. There is no growth on the current tumor.
3. The cystic part of the tumor is ever so slightly smaller.
4. The swelling and disturbance around the tumor is the same size.

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Steve did well with both needle sticks -- one for contrast media during the MRI and another for the blood draw. Both techs needed just one stick to get in each time.

Dr. M was, as always, positive and encouraging.

She explained that the cystic part of the tumor (the inside of the whole bad Spot) is a tiny bit smaller. The swelling around the tumor, which shows up as a sort of cloud on the MRI, is the same size. Steve's brain is continuing to heal, slowly ridding itself of the dead tumor cells. We expect that to continue and eventually for the disturbed area around the tumor to get a little smaller, too.

To keep attacking the cancer, Steve will continue taking chemotherapy. We're hoping for at least six more cycles -- seven days on, seven days off. He'll start cycle seven on Monday. As we expected after last week's drop in counts, the Temodar dose will be lower. He'll be back to 200 mg instead of 240 mg.

We'll return at the end of cycle seven for a routine check-up. The next MRI will be the week before Christmas. My list for Santa will be very short, and I'll ask for early delivery!

Steve has lost three more pounds since last month's visit with Dr. M. He's about 15 pounds lighter than his typical pre-cancer weight. I'm going to add protein powder to his morning smoothies and pack him a snack for work every day to help maintain his weight.

Steve and I celebrated the awesome MRI news with lunch out. Then we picked up Sprinkles cupcakes for all four of us to enjoy later today. (As a bonus, maybe Steve will gain a pound today!)