So, here we are at Dana-Farber for Mama Marian's fourth consult, second MRI here, and 3rd Avastin infusion. As usual, the entire day is an arduous process of sorts, complete with multiple blood draws, imaging, and plenty of anxious waiting. Fortunately, we spent last night at Hotel Indigo in Boston and are staying again tonight, so we get to skip out on the double two-hour Mass Pike experience. Unfortunately, I had to share a hotel room with Dad, the human whale (who huffs and puffs out of his blow hole during the night in an unnaturally persistent rhythm) and Mom with her gasping snore/yowl. Quality of sleep left much to be desired, but I plan on making up for this immediately upon my return to the hotel this afternoon.
After four plus months of getting bad news, we were all a bit on edge today before the consult with Dr. Drappatz and Dr. Wagle (Mom calls him "Wagley Tail"). However, the results of this morning's MRI were delightfully optimistic and, for once, we left for the infusion with smiles all around.
Because of the Avastin treatments, Mama Marian's tumor has shrunk by 50%. It may even shrink smaller still, as it has only been one month of treatment thus far. Avastin is now very close to being FDA approved for the treatment of brain tumors. Since the tumor is so close to the motor strip in the left hemisphere of Mom's brain, it will likely continue to cause her difficulty with the right side of her body. However, it will hopefully continue to improve with future treatments.
Dr. Drappatz explained that Avastin typically works for brain tumor patients over a six to nine month period; however it may even be longer since it has already shown so much improvement with Mom. As we have noticed over the past few weeks, Dr. Drappatz and Dr. Wagle note that Mama Marian's neurological functioning has improved and she has gained some strength back in her right arm and right leg. It is imperative for her to continue regular physical therapy at this point in time.
Also on a positive note, Mom will be tapered off the Decadron over ten days. This means her "big fat cheeks" that she has been lamenting over these past few months will begin to disappear as the swelling goes down from the steroids. We have also noticed (upon VERY close inspection by me) that Mama Marian is sprouting new locks of hair atop her head where we were told new hair may not grow back. Mom and I spent some down time this morning in the hospital gift shop and have purchased her a lovely little hat to replace her old lady driver's cap. I will even post a picture of her from a few minutes ago in the waiting room... looking lovely.
So, we are hoping for a good afternoon to finish off such a happy morning. Mom is in the infusion room for another few minutes while Dad and I chow on mall court sushi and hang out. We spoke with the doctors about Mama Marian's reaction to the infusion two weeks ago... the shivers, chest pains, etc... and they are planning on reducing the speed of her Avastin drip as well as treating her with some cortisone beforehand to treat allergic reaction.
I will definitely post more as I can throughout the next couple of days. This is definitely a fitting beginning to spring, however, and I will take all the good days we can get!
