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Posted by: Dan @ 2:54 pm
Dan usually writes all the blog entries but today I wanted to say a few words. As you know, today was the day we met with doctors. I was able to give my neurosurgeon, who performed a craniotomy (brain surgery) on me six months ago, a big hug and tell him I wish I wasn’t seeing him so soon. Actually it was great to see him and I have a lot of respect for and confidence in him.
I want to tell you about my treatment decision. It is 95% sure that I will have conventional brain surgery again, not cyberknife radiation surgery. It is so sure that my surgeon is making space for me in the schedule on Monday, May 15. The only thing not definite is that I need to confer with my neuro-oncologist next Monday, May 8. He is an important part of the team because along with surgery, my treatment must include more chemotherapy. Most likely it will be a different chemotherapy than what I have been taking, since there has been this new tumor growth while taking the current chemo drug. On Monday, after my surgeon and oncologist confer, the decision will be made. Ultimately that decision is mine. I believe that knowledge is power, and with knowledge a patient can make an informed decision. It’s funny, but I think all along I knew this would happen, so I am prepared.
Why would I want to have brain surgery again? Because at this point I believe it is my best chance to have a good quality of life for the time I have left. I have a glioblastoma multiforme grade 4 brain tumor that now has spread and will most likely continue to do so. If I was to have cyberknife radiation surgery there is a lag time in the effectiveness of the treatment - 2 or 3 months to find out if it’s effective. But this new tumor is so aggressive we can’t afford to waste time. Cyberknife cannot remove as many cancer cells from my brain as regular surgery could. This new growth is a little less deep than the other tumor they operated on. And it also is not in a critical function area of the brain yet, as I am not having any symptoms. One added benefit to conventional surgery is they can diagnose the type of cancer cells which gives us more information for treatment.
The surgeon said that 40% of his GBM 4 tumor patients have a 2nd surgery. He also said that many times surgery is not an option. But in my case this is an option — I am young, relatively asymptomatic and healthy (heck, I taught 4th grade a week ago!). These factors give me a better chance for longer quality of life. Life isn’t about quantity, but is about quality. I am happy I can have brain surgery. That may sound funny but for seven years my original less aggressive grade 2 tumor was inoperable. So having this new growth be operable makes my perspective positive. I lasted six months since the last surgery, so if this next surgery gives me six more months, I’m blessed. I also believe in exceptions to the rule and the power of prayer. So keep the prayers coming. I’ll admit I’m not thrilled about the idea of getting 20 staples in my head again, but I feel strong, cocky and ready to keep fighting. If Lance can do it, so can I.
This journey is not a sprint, it has no finish line and more and more I am realizing the gifts it has brought me. I would not change it. I hope that by being open with this journey it will help others understand the journey of cancer or any other challenges they or a loved one may face. I am so blessed to have Dan, my son Cameron, my family, my colleagues, and my friends. Though there are difficult days ahead, Dan and I are going to continue to see the beauty in this life and have some fun and laughs along the way.
Live Strong.
Sandy
At the Stanford Medical Center…
May 5th, 2006 at 3:56 pm Sandy, you are a babe. I wish you well with your second surgery. I think I told you before that my second surgery was a snap compared to the first, as I knew what to expect and wasn’t surprised by anything. My neurosurgeon told me last month that when mine grows back, he’s prepared to go in for a third time. All this for a 55 year old out of shape woman, not a young fit woman like yourself. So girl, I say go for it, and come out even better than before, if that’s possible! Love you, Shirl
May 5th, 2006 at 4:19 pm Sandy, Stay cocky and strong. I can’t wait to relax at the bay with you and the whole family. Keep that beautiful thought in your head as you’re kicking some cancer butt!!! We love you both and lots of prayers. Susie
May 5th, 2006 at 6:09 pm Sis, We read your note and I guess I should’nt be amazed with your attitude by now but I am.Where you get your strength from I don’t know because I don’t have it.We’re all here for you in Bellingham. Love You,Eric,Patty,Taliia,Paris L.
May 5th, 2006 at 8:34 pm You two are absolutely incredible! How proud I am to me your mom and mom-in-law. I still think a book should be the result of your messages. What a teaching lesson for all of us. Love and hugs, Carolyn
May 5th, 2006 at 10:03 pm WOW … no words, just a lot of love. Goodnight Sandra B and Dan O Will be with you both in spirit tomorrow. pk
May 6th, 2006 at 5:31 pm OK must admit that I read your letter in the middle of a college library. hmm mary as you know was crying and all the people were looking at her, got throught it, and then thought of the brat faced “Louise” whow was always causing trouble. I love you so very much my dear, and you wil get through it, it is the perfect “thelma” who won’t get through it, so Carolyn please come out and take care of me, dan and Sandy I love you so very much..