After meeting with the surgeon a couple of weeks ago, we decided not to pursue the surgery option. Our surgeon considers himself quite an aggressive surgeon (puts himself at 8 out of 10 in terms of being willing to go in where others might not) but still has significant concerns about trying to remove any of Ramsy's tumor. He feels there is a high risk of leaving Ramsy not only unable to communicate, but also unable to understand language and potentially paralyzed. Essentially, the worst case scenario would be that we end up with Ramsy as a nice cooked carrot in a hospital bed.
So.... the next day we met with the nurse who is in charge of the drug studies at Cancer Care and she presented us with the information about a very new drug that stops the enzyme which allows a glioblastoma multiforme tumor to grow out of control. The main side effects that they have seen so far in the study are intestinal "distress", shall we say, and sometimes fatigue or headache. Participating in this study will not prevent Ramsy from using other treatments down the road, and he would be able to withdraw from the study at any time for any reason if he chose.
It seems like a low-risk option, so we have signed up for this and Ramsy started taking the drug last Saturday. It is in pill form, which he takes every morning before he eats. Once a week he must go to Winnipeg to see the study nurse and have blood tests. He will have an MRI every 8 weeks, and as long as the tumor stays stable (or even shrinks!) he will remain in the study. If there is any sign of tumor growth, he will go off the study drug and on to a more standard treatment. So far, we have seen almost no side effects except for one isolated incident. 'Nuff said.
As for the flood situation here, so far, so good in our town. The government did not have to release as much water as they had thought and the flooding was not nearly as extensive as projected. There is still water in the fields, and the water table is very high (not to mention the river!) but it looks OK for now.
Hi Ramsy & Shannon,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are trying this new drug and hope and pray it will be more effective then previous treatment has been. You guys AMAZE me with your ability to remain positive and to even be able to find and express humor in your situation! I love you and think of you often.
Eileen
Hi Ramsy and Shannon,
ReplyDeleteIn all of the many difficult decisions you have to make, like this new drug vs. surgery, your trust and rest in God's wisdom, radiates through your blog entries. You're a continual inspiration in how you approach your struggles with a spirit of humour, which makes us laugh too. Incredible! Your level of hope for tomorrow - unbelievable! Our thoughts and prayers are with, and for you. Sure would love to see you and the family, again.
with love,
Richard & Hanny