August 8, 2014: Sometimes you are gliding along and find yourself in the rain. Nanette was gliding along fairly well but she’s encountered a rain storm of sorts. She went for her regularly scheduled MRI last week and the doctors informed her that her brain tumor has started to grow again. At the time of diagnosis, the tumor was 6 cm and was located in the right temporal lobe. Over the next several months, with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, the tumor was reduced to about 3 cm and was stable, not showing signs of extension. The most recent MRI shows that from May-July, the posterior margin of the tumor has extended into the hippocampus an additional 3 cm, forming a “peanut-shaped tumor.” The area of new tumor growth is not amenable to surgery due to the critical functions of that area of the brain. Radiation also is not a real option, because more time is required before retreating the brain with radiation. As the tumor has shown new growth, a change in treatment is required. Nanette will continue her Avastin infusions every two weeks. However, the Temodar (oral pills) will be discontinued. She will start treatment with CCNU as a single oral dose every six weeks. It is expected that she will have more side-effects to the CCNU than she did with Temodar.
We have all been discouraged a little bit that there is new growth but know that we need determination to never allow our energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by that discouragement. Nanette had a short moment of discouragement herself with the rest of us but she quickly returned to her positive attitude and hopeful outlook. She has had visits from her brother Tony and wife Cristie and family from California and a surprise visit from Sergio’s parents and two sisters Rosie and Gloria from California. She was able to enjoy their company and love and support.
I read this quote the other day and include it here along with this news about Nanette. “Cancer is so limited. It cannot cripple love, it cannot shatter hope, it cannot corrode faith, it cannot eat away peace, it cannot destroy confidence, it cannot kill friendship, it cannot shut out memories, it cannot quench the spirit and it cannot silence courage or reduce eternal life.” Nanette’s courage has not been silenced and she is so grateful for your friendships, love and concern.
