Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Another update

Hello everyone--Scott here. It has been a little while since an update since there wasn't much happening over the weekend (other than just fun with the kids and a dinner out with friends). I also have been getting back to work which is great therapy. Got some additional news today which I'll pass along to you all. We rec'd the second pathology opinion from Dr. Rosenblum (head pathologist at Sloan) today. He essentially confirmed the first pathology finding by Dr. Bouffard. Both pathologists see this as an anaplastic astrocytoma tumor that had certain areas were Grade 2 and other areas which appear to be Grade 3. Doctors (and I) think that any tumor including Grade 3 areas should be treated with radiation and chemo (typically at the same time). I am still pushing for second oncology opinion from Sloan, but we haven't gotten that yet.

Most likely, I will be starting radiation treatment in the next couple weeks. I will also likely be taking oral chemo mediation at the same time. We haven't scheduled an actual start, but I am ready to move forward whenever I can. I have started some work with a radiation doctor, where they started mapping out my head and started the computer driven process that aims the radiation directly at the former location of the tumor and the area immediately around it. They also custom make a mask that holds my head in place to make sure they are as accurate as possible. That work and the mapping will likely take them a week or so. After they get the mapping done, they are ready to go.

I am most thankful for Julie and my family. Julie has been amazingly supportive, brave, energetic and loving. She is the keystone of this family and I don't know what any of us would do without her. She has rec'd a great deal of help from many of our friends and family and that is much appreciated.

I thank you all for your support, prayers and energy. Also, we thank you all for all the cards, gifts, giftcards, food, etc that has been coming to the house, it is really amazing. You all are very generous....really beyond than we every could have thought.

Thanks again to you all. I love you all.
Scott

5 comments:

  1. Anonymous10:58 PM

    I concur with you and the doctors, too--I've done lots of research and read many good case histories by now--I'm actually pretty sure I can practice medicine at this point. But I'll leave the mapping, etc. to the physics nerds--I wouldn't want to step on their toes.

    I also concur that Julie is awesome--we're all happy you have her, too.

    Love and non-stop prayers, Marge

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  2. Anonymous1:43 PM

    Don't quite understand the grading of the tumors, and what does that mean to the patient? Does it have to do with it spreading?

    Confused in Colorado

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  3. Anonymous5:30 AM

    Hi Scott! We are so thrilled you've been able to work!! It sounds like your coworkers miss you tons and can't wait for you to come back to the office. We miss and love you tons too, and pray for you everyday!! We're anxious for you to begin the next step so you can (in the words of one of your friends), "Kick this things ass!!!" Keep the Faith!! Lots of hugs to all.... Bev,Dan Jake and Will

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  4. Anonymous7:35 PM

    Hi Scott. I just found out what you've been going through and I'm so sorry for you and your family. You have always been such a positive person and in the best of spirits always and I hope you are able to do that now as well. It sounds like you are in really good hands. You and Julie as well as your children (2 kids oh my goodness we need to catch up) are and will continue to be in my prayers. I'd love your address (I'd like to send you a little something). God bless all of you. Keep your chins up. You will make it through all of this.
    Pamela (Richardson) Barton
    pamela@5thfloor.com

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  5. Anonymous5:15 PM

    Dear Scott,
    It's never fun to be back in touch with old friends under unfortuanate circumstances, but hi! I heard about your illness and was sent the link to your blog from Pamela. I am happy to hear that you appear to be on a path to a great recovery. It is so wonderful to know that you have such loving and positive people surrounding you during this difficult time. Please know that you and your family are in my thougths and prayers. I will continue to check your website for updates. Wishing you the best as you continue to recover.
    Melissa (Emma) Widmeier

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