"Everything Looks Good…..Oh, Wait….."

Dan had another brain scan a couple of weeks ago.  We were able to go 4 months between scans this time around and anticipated that with a clean scan, he'd be able to start stretching out to 6 months between scans.  After a first initial "everything looks good" from the neurosurgeon he gave a quick read to the radiologists report and followed up with an "oh, wait".  My heart literally plummeted to my stomach and I began to quietly panic.  The radiologist's review of Dan's scan showed that the second tumor, previously rendered inactive by the radiation, was now 2mm larger.  After flipping back and forth between his last two scans the neurosurgeon said he didn't necessarily agree with the radiologist and suggested another scan in three months.  My head was spinning. We finished up the appointment and on the way home all these questions started popping up in my head: could the change in size be because Dan's head was in a slightly different position, was the tumor brighter in color on the test, should we get a second opinion?  Of course, I didn't have the presence of mind to actually ask these questions to the doctor. Thankfully, we had an appointment with Dan's radiation oncologist in two weeks who would also review the scans with us.

The appointment with the radiation oncologist was a bit more informative.  There was, in fact, activity in the second brain tumor.  And yes, it was a nice, bright white color like the early scans which showed growth in the tumor.  However, the radiologist hypothesized that it could be due to a blood vessel that bled into the tumor.  Apparently blood vessels in and around the tumors can be weakened by radiation and can occasionally bleed.  The presence of blood would show up white on the scan, and it also could temporarily cause the tumor to appear larger in size by inflaming the area.  However, we can't be 100% certain that is what has happened.  The oncologist wants another MRI in two months.  At that point, he'll be able to determine what is going on.  Continued activity and growth means the cancer is back, inactive tumor and returned to previous size means a blood vessel bleed.  We are hoping for the latter.

In the meantime, we will wait until after the 1st of the year when we get his next results. Dan has been pretty good through this whole process, not allowing himself to get too worried over it. (At least outwardly.)  His response was simply "it's a good reason to keep praying". So, as we patiently wait, we are asking that you continue to pray for Dan.

On a lighter note, we hosted our annual neighborhood Halloween party for Jack and his friends.  He dressed up as Sonic the Hedgehog (a video game character):

Here is a pic of Dan and Jack carving pumpkins:

I am working on another post as we approach the 1 year anniversary of Dan's diagnosis. Watch for another post in a couple of weeks.

All the best,

Jen