Treatment plan

Brack and I have spent the last two days at appointments at the hospital. On Wednesday, we met with a neuro-oncologist to get more information about the biopsy results and my treatment plan. He was very patient, thorough and explanative. We appreciated his honesty and are ready to move forward with his recommendation. 

I have been diagnosed with a high-grade malignant glioblastoma. The tumor is not operable and treatment will happen to shrink it as much as possible to minimize symptoms. The plan is for me to begin treatment 4 weeks post-surgery, which will be about two weeks from now. I will go to The Dalles (45 min from Parkdale) 5 days each week for 6 weeks for radiation. I will also take chemotherapy in pill form (called Temodar) at home each day for those 6 weeks. We also discussed side effects, which will be manageable, and weekly blood draws to check my levels. After the 6 weeks of treatment, I will have a break, another scan and check the progress.

Today, I had a thyroid biopsy and a CT scan of my abdomen to check two other spots found on the spinal MRI. I have been told the tumor in my brain is a primary brain tumor and likely began there and will not travel elsewhere in my body. If pathology on my thyroid shows something, it will be a separate issue. I should know more about today's tests early next week. 

The next step is a consultation in The Dalles next Tuesday to discuss radiation treatment. I hope to get a starting date while I'm there. Brack should be able to get me to and from appointments for about two weeks before he has to go back to work. Thankfully, it should be much easier for me to get a ride to The Dalles instead of Portland each day. We are celebrating small victories!

Another worthy celebration will be my mom bringing my kids home next Wednesday. We are so ready to squeeze them. They have a new room and playroom to explore. I'm so ready for those sweet faces to be in our home again. 

Thanks again for all the well wishes, prayers, and encouragement. Our family is grateful. 

-Jordan

Our favorite local spot, Solera, at sunset

Wheelchair riding through Target

Making myself comfortable at the hospital today. These socks and blanket are now part of the uniform!

Brack has worked hard to finish our DIY bedroom. Headboard! Dresser! Table!

Finally got my rings resized and am starting to feel normal again