The results of the CT scan taken yesterday are in, and it shows only one tumor in Lauri's left lung. Of all the bad news, this is the best we could get. Our Oncologist looked back through old CT scans from December and August 2008 and, now that she knows exactly where to look, she can see the tumor back in August of 2008.
The tumor is about 3 cm in size, located in the middle of the left lung. The growth rate has changed since December of 2008. The growth rate was very slow from August to December 2008, but has since increased in order for the tumor to reach its current size. Lauri's body has changed a good bit since December, with pregnancy and its associated hormones. Lauri has also suspended her anti-fungal supplement regimine during pregnancy. Both of these changes will revert back to normal after our son is born, so we expect to be back in a slow growth environment in the long term.
For the short term, we are focusing on several options. We will either proceed with surgery after the baby is born, or we will proceed with chemotherapy either before or after the baby is born, followed by surgery. The choice of which option to follow is being discussed by our Oncologist and Surgeon to determine if surgery without chemotherapy is viable considering the tumor's growth rate.
Chemotherapy before the baby is born is not preferred. While studies have shown that chemo treatment is possible in pregnant mothers without impacting the baby, it is a risk we are not excited to take. We meet with our OB Gyn next week to discuss "no earlier than" dates for the baby's delivery. This date will help us structure surgery and chemo plans, whatever they may be.
We are optimistic about our current condition. Only one tumor to deal with indicates the disease has not spread out of control. The tumor's age also indicates this is not new growth, but instead part of the original round of tumors that we missed the first two times. This may not be the last tumor we have to deal with, but it is certainly easier to deal with them one at a time.
We expect to hear back from the Surgery and Oncology teams by the first week of August. We'll let you know what we hear!
5 comments:
So glad to hear it's the least bad situation if there had to be any bad news at all. We're thinking about you!
So glad to hear it's not a new tumor and that it might be growing just due to the pregnancy hormones, etc.
Hang in there! You'll get through this just as you have everything else and at the end you'll have a beautiful little boy.
Just let us know if you guys need anything. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
erin sent me your blog so i could see baby bump pictures and read about your progress. i'm so sorry to hear about what you have to deal with. from everything i've read and from meeting you both a few times, you are a strong couple and an inspiration. i'll keep all 3 of you in my prayers.
heather (erin's sis)
I am happy that ya'll are 6 monhs pregnent with a blessed little boy. Glad the tumor is not new and not so big. I am a friend of Lauri's mom and your family is in my daily prayers. Stay strong! Maureen
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