November 18, 2009 - Status Update

I am unsure where to start this update.  So many things have occurred, circumstances changed and tests taken that it would be literally impossible to include it all in this Post.  Let's say, in a nutshell, the past week has been an extremely grueling one for all of us, and especially so for Dee and Bernie.  The situation concerning the neurology is extremely complicated and has just been worked out following the last MRI and consultation with a vast sea of doctors.  We have worked with,  or are currently working with,  the following teams of doctors: Internal Medicine; Hematology/Oncology; Bone Marrow Transplant Team; Radiation Oncology; Psychology; Infectious Disease; Occupational Therapy.  All of these professionals have been working together to determine exactly what is happening with Dee.  Her condition is very unique and consequently requires much more testing and thought than a typical case of Large Cell Type B Lymphoma.  Initially, the thought was that the neurology indicated an infection of some type, such as Spinal Meningitis.  This was ruled out by the last MRI which instead pointed to the Lymphoma.  It is occurring in the bone in her skull (not brain) and cheekbone.  It presses on the Cranial nerves controlling facial functions,; causing the droop, slowed speech, etc.  The other Lymphomas are few and are located in the neck, chest and arm regions.  This is typically where they are found, the head and brain area is not.
No final treatment plan, other than Chemotherapy, has been settled.  They are doing a final MRI tomorrow and team consultation. Following this,  they will determine an exact plan and what team will engineer the train concerning the plan.  So far, the prognosis is that it is all treatable and the cancer can be killed leading to a remission ~ very good news.  The path to that place however; will be long and hard. They have started the Steroid process necessary as a part of the Chemo.  As I write this, Dee is in surgery to have a reservoir inserted into her brain, so that Chemo can be directly inserted into it.  The reason for this is a barrier that prevents any Chemo given intravenously to enter into the brain region. This reservoir provides a much easier way for my Mom to receive Chemo there, as well as give them spinal fluid samples.  The alternative is lumbar picks, which are painful and will develop scar tissue, making it more and more difficult to perform and painful over time. The second port for Chemo will be put into her chest. Depending on the Neurosurgeon and MRI, Chemo will begin sometime in the next two to three days.  In the meantime, a variety of conditions ~ including the Lymphoma ~ are sometimes causing her to hallucinate, become incoherent and delusional.  This is the most heartbreaking condition to deal with.  We are assured that the Steroids and the Chemo will dramatically reduce this and have already seen small results with the Steroids alone.  We are taking turns manning her hospital room, and will continue to do so until this condition dissipates.  The staff is wonderful and very helpful, but in no way can take care of all of Dee's current requirements.
We are sorry that it has taken so long to post an update.  We felt it was better to wait until a clearer picture formed.  Once again, we ask that you continue praying.  We so appreciate them and the loving concern that you share for Dee.  God Bless You