update - 2 years (almost) post radiation

hi all,

i wanted to post some positive news for a change - beginning of November I was due for my MRI and the results are: Status quo - no additional growth, no change in malignancy, the 'blip' that showed up in April is still there but unchanged - neurosurgeon says it's nothing to be worried about if it's not changing, back in April it looked as if maybe a new tumor had seeded but if the good doctor is not worried about it, then I won't be either. I still have to deal with fatigue and most nights unless I take something, I don't sleep. but other than that, life's good. It's almost 12 years since the diagnosing dr. told me that 50% don't make it past 5 years after diagnosis, i guess it's good to be that much over my 'best before' date and further proof not to believe any statistic you haven't faked yourself.

I wish all other members of the IJB all the best for the upcoming festive season, and I'll keep updating.... Ralph

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Permalink Reply by Ralph Hill on December 12, 2011 at 5:43pm

another update - this one unfortunately not so positive - turns out the neurosurgeon I talked to looked at the MRI pics, but hadn't received the radiologist's report, in which he states that it appears to have progressed as there is an 'indolent' increase in contrast uptake all around the perimeter of the resection cavity, I should consider chemo as a treatment option, maybe I have to come to grips with the tumor no longer being 'just' benign...today was a rather dark day, but tomorrow will be better I hope.

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Permalink Reply by Beth Rosenthal on December 12, 2011 at 8:34pm

Hi Ralph. I'm so sorry to hear the news. Please keep us posted.

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Permalink Reply by Amanda on December 17, 2011 at 12:14am

Hey Ralph....so sorry to hear the news...will keep you in my prayers.

Ralph Hill said:

another update - this one unfortunately not so positive - turns out the neurosurgeon I talked to looked at the MRI pics, but hadn't received the radiologist's report, in which he states that it appears to have progressed as there is an 'indolent' increase in contrast uptake all around the perimeter of the resection cavity, I should consider chemo as a treatment option, maybe I have to come to grips with the tumor no longer being 'just' benign...today was a rather dark day, but tomorrow will be better I hope.