Dr. Graves called us a little while ago. Dr. Nabors told her that at this point Sharon should stay on Temodar and should not add Avastin. Dr. Nabors reviewed her scans and he does not believe her treatment plan should be changed.
The doctors discussed that what the scans show might be 'psuedoprogression.' I did some quick Internet research and found the following summary in a paper from the 2008 American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting: "Increased contrast enhancement on brain imaging following chemoradiotherapy is often interpreted as progression of disease (PD). However, there is growing evidence that radiographic and even clinical worsening may result from effects of therapy rather than from true PD." The study looked at people with the Grade 4 version of the tumor Sharon has (which was rated as Grade 3). The Grade 4 tumors seem to get a lot more research attention than the Grade 3s. Here is the link for anyone that is interested:
http://www.asco.org/ASCO/Abstracts+&+Virtual+Meeting/Abstracts?&vmview=abst_detail_view&confID=55&abstractID=35278
Sharon did well with the first night of chemo. She is pretty tired today but otherwise is in good spirits. Like me, Sharon was pleased that Dr. Nabors thinks we should 'stay the course' with her current treatment plan.
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4 comments:
thanks for the update, uncle dave. it seems like this is somewhat of a relief given the gravity of recent events.
you all are in my prayers!
-drew t.
Thanks for the article. It sounds like her results are not as bad as you thought, thank goodness.
Love you both,
Mom
Drew/Mom-
I see Dr. Nabors' feedback as encouraging; certainly more encouraging than the initial UAB feedback.
Dr. Nabors could have scheduled Sharon for an MRI in one month or two. Two was the original plan. He stuck with two. I think it's encouraging that he did not want her to get the MRI in one month.
Dave
We'll take encouragement in whatever form it comes. While this still is less than definitive, I guess that's the nature of things as to cancer treatment. Glad that Shar is tolerating the Temador relatively well so far this round. Prayers continue. Still hoping to come visit over Presidents' Weekend. Love you!
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