As many of you have heard, the doctors found a small spot (measured in millimeters) on mom's last two MRI's. After much debate, they decided that it is most likely a recurrence of the SNUC tumor, even though it is in a totally different area (the cerebellum rather than the frontal lobe). Even though that's rare, it would be more rare for her to develop a completely different type of tumor. As one doctor said, it would be like lightning striking twice.
They found no other areas of concern in the PET scan, so they are going to focus on the spot. The consensus regarding the treatment approach is that she should have Stereo Tactic Radio Surgery (aka STaRS). This is the "one dose" of radiation that they mentioned earlier. It's basically a very intense, precise dose of radiation that will remove the tumor. So even though it is called "surgery," there's no cutting involved. Just radiation.
She was fitted for the radiation mask the week before Christmas, so everything is set for her to have the procedure next week. They would have done it sooner, but she had planned to visit Allie and Natalie and families in Virginia this past week and the doctors were very much in favor of her doing that. So, she's back home as of last night and resting up for the big day.
Hope that 2012 has already brought you many blessings and that it holds many more,
jk
Friday, January 06, 2012
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