We've been all over the map with regards to mom’s treatment. November was particularly tricky as we considered next steps after learning George was back. First, the doctors suggested surgery, followed by intensive chemo/Avastin. Then, our neurosurgeon said the tumor was too small for another surgery. Then the radiologist weighed in and recommended radiosurgery using Gamma Knife. The Duke team said x-nay on the radiosurgery-ay, but the parentals weren't convinced. While mom and dad discussed these options with the medical oncologist in Stilly, I contacted experts at UCLA and Duke, and Erin contacted an expert at NIH, who unanimously said NO RADIOSURGERY. Essentially, the radiosurgery would have caused tissue necrosis and would have prevented blood from reaching the tumor site, which is needed in order to effectively transfer the chemo. Anyhow, she started Avastin/CPT-11 one week later and was doing well until last week, when we learned, yet again, that her tumor is back. She started her new treatment today, which pairs Avastin with another oral chemo. All this maneuvering proves just how difficult GBM is to treat. Still, some options are better than others and the oral-IV combo appears to be as good next step. She seems to be improving from her bout with sepsis, and is ready for these next chapters of die, George, die. It’s nice to hear a stronger voice on the other line; it gives me hope that we may actually turn this corner. And that’s something! --J
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