First, the good news. April is the 5th anniversary since my lung cancer diagnosis and first chemo. Only 2% with Stage IV lung cancer survive 5 years after diagnosis!! March was the 3rd anniversary since my first radiation treatment for brain lesions. I am lucky to have great doctors and treatment options at IU Hospital and the IU Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis.
Next, re: my right eye. After an MRI of the orbits (eyes) yesterday, it was decided that a biopsy is not really necessary. So...today's "needle in the eye" was cancelled. Instead, the opthalmologist will monitor the growth. If it gets larger and begins to cause side effects, they will determine a process to remove it. This will probably include breaking up the growth and aspirating (vacuuming/sucking) it out of the eye.
Finally, the issue of brain lesions. Of the 13 lesions originally treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery in August, 2011, 3 have shown possible growth since early 2012. The lesion treated with Novalis radiosurgery in December, 2011, is stable. A new lesion spotted in early '12 has grown. I have exhibited no new side effects; but, lesion growth means treatment is needed. The doctors will discuss and determine a course of action in the next few days.
No comments:
Post a Comment