February 2nd Doctor visit on what's next

Today was the doctor visit that we all have been anticipating. Today we would find out the next phase or series of steps that are needed. I think that we are learning that cancer is approached in many different ways but over all it's an "attack... wait and see....wait and see....attack" rhythm that can wear on everyone involved, especially the patient.

So to bring you up to speed thus far mom has had MRI and CT scan testing, a major surgery to remove the very large tumor from her head, speedy recovery from surgery, 28 days of radiation, the PET test that has shown another tumor on her aorta and then today's visit to map the future.

Unfortunately I was the only one of five children that was unable to go to mom's Dr. apt with her and dad today but I got the full review from Josi. The Dr. wants to wait for another 8 - 10 weeks and do another full MRI on her to see if anything has come back on her head, to see if the other tumors have grown and to see if anything new has appeared. If all has stayed some-what the same they will proceed with surgery to remove the spleen in it's entirety and burn the tumor that is located on her liver. There was talk about not removing the spleen in my previous posts but they feel it should now be removed. The tumor on her aorta is not confirmed yet to be cancerous so they want to wait and see what the MRI shows in 10 weeks to see if there are any changes and then they will address it then. It does not appear that they will remove that yet. If there are signs of significant growth between now and the MRI they may have her undergo further radiation to shrink those tumors. Once surgery is complete the physicians are considering a pill form of chemo to ward off further growth of cancerous cells. So once again it's a wait and see then attack scenario. For now we need to fatten her up and keep her rested so she can be strong for surgery.
I'll keep you updated on her progress throughout the next 8 weeks and let you know the results of the MRI and once again the next steps.