Tuesday, May 12, 2009

05.12.2009 - MRI & Going Well

On 05.12.2009, I had a MRI and it showed that everything is presently stable. My doctor showed me the scan from hours earlier compared to a scan from over a year ago and it was clearly visible that the tumor had responded to treatment. I was very pleased to see that.

The new treatment plan is to discontinue using BCNU because I have had as much, if not more, than anyone has ever had of BCNU and it could cause lung damage. The last lung test that I had showed my DLCO as 134% of normal for people my age. My doctor was impressed by this. I think the weight lifting and running has paid off.

DLCO is the extent to which oxygen passes from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood. He and my nurse were concerned that use of the drug any further could significantly affect my DLCO.

Now, we will continue using the Etopiside and Taxol via IV and the Temodar, orally. When I get to 24 months - which is only five months away - we will switch to all oral medications.