(posted by Greg)
Yesterday was a sad day for Monica and her family. Her father's condition took a sudden turn for the worse and he passed away yesterday afternoon. We spent the afternoon and evening with her mom and brother.
At some point I will write more about Opa. For now: He could be stubborn and difficult but he was a good, generous and hard-working man who loved his family and friends. A good father-in-law and grandfather, he always seemed to have a soft spot for Monica. She will miss him now.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Our family had a nice Christmas.
First, Daniel, his wife (Seanne) and daughter (Mollie) came to Vancouver for Xmas. Marley and I drove to Seatac and picked them up on the 22nd. Monica did not want to come (because of health insurance complications) and she stayed home with Jesse (who moved home for the holidays after his last exam.) Marley and I had a nice drive to Seattle. The weather was great, we (for once) were not in a rush (actually drove the Chuckanut from Bellingham to Burlington) and had some good one-on-one time to talk about things.
Mollie changed the tone in our house almost immediately. She will be 4 in February and is at a very precious age. She is like a tonic as she is really into and enjoying all the Xmas traditions. So, we had a great Xmas Eve and Christmas! Ingo was able to bring Oma to our house for Xmas dinner (Opa was not up to coming as he continues to recuperate) and we a great meal. Santa's helper (Marley) had done a great job of making sure that there were lots of good gifts under the tree for everyone. Everyone pitched in and helped with the cooking (and the dish-washing which seems to accompany Xmas). And, in case Christmas, its memories and traditions did not evoke enough emotions, Monica had Daniel buy us a device for converting our VHS tapes to digital. So, we have been having fun looking at some of our old family videos. (Did I really have red hair and so much of it?)
On the evening of Boxing Day, Marley left for a short visit to South Dakota where her boyfriend Ross is home from Purdue. She is really looking forward to the visit. She will drive back to Purdue with Ross and then fly home from Chicago on January 5th.
Monica has enjoyed the holidays. She really enjoys having her kids around and has been pretty game (i.e. yesterday she went to to aquarium with Jesse, his girlfriend, Sydney, and Mollie and used one of the wheel chairs which they have available.) I watch her a lot to see if I can detect any positive changes from the treatments or negative changes from the tumour's growth. At this point, I am not sure if there have been any big changes in the last 10 days - she still has little strength on her right side and so is finding it hard to walk and hard to use her right arm if any gripping strength is required. While I find that it really bothers me to see her have to struggle, she doesn't complain or whine about it and, when asked how she is doing still says "fine".
Later today we go to the Cancer Agency for the 2nd Bev treatment. After that, her next series of appointments and treatments are scheduled for the 10th and 11th of January.
Monica
Our family had a nice Christmas.
First, Daniel, his wife (Seanne) and daughter (Mollie) came to Vancouver for Xmas. Marley and I drove to Seatac and picked them up on the 22nd. Monica did not want to come (because of health insurance complications) and she stayed home with Jesse (who moved home for the holidays after his last exam.) Marley and I had a nice drive to Seattle. The weather was great, we (for once) were not in a rush (actually drove the Chuckanut from Bellingham to Burlington) and had some good one-on-one time to talk about things.
Mollie changed the tone in our house almost immediately. She will be 4 in February and is at a very precious age. She is like a tonic as she is really into and enjoying all the Xmas traditions. So, we had a great Xmas Eve and Christmas! Ingo was able to bring Oma to our house for Xmas dinner (Opa was not up to coming as he continues to recuperate) and we a great meal. Santa's helper (Marley) had done a great job of making sure that there were lots of good gifts under the tree for everyone. Everyone pitched in and helped with the cooking (and the dish-washing which seems to accompany Xmas). And, in case Christmas, its memories and traditions did not evoke enough emotions, Monica had Daniel buy us a device for converting our VHS tapes to digital. So, we have been having fun looking at some of our old family videos. (Did I really have red hair and so much of it?)
On the evening of Boxing Day, Marley left for a short visit to South Dakota where her boyfriend Ross is home from Purdue. She is really looking forward to the visit. She will drive back to Purdue with Ross and then fly home from Chicago on January 5th.
Monica has enjoyed the holidays. She really enjoys having her kids around and has been pretty game (i.e. yesterday she went to to aquarium with Jesse, his girlfriend, Sydney, and Mollie and used one of the wheel chairs which they have available.) I watch her a lot to see if I can detect any positive changes from the treatments or negative changes from the tumour's growth. At this point, I am not sure if there have been any big changes in the last 10 days - she still has little strength on her right side and so is finding it hard to walk and hard to use her right arm if any gripping strength is required. While I find that it really bothers me to see her have to struggle, she doesn't complain or whine about it and, when asked how she is doing still says "fine".
Later today we go to the Cancer Agency for the 2nd Bev treatment. After that, her next series of appointments and treatments are scheduled for the 10th and 11th of January.
Monica
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Like everyone else, our home seems busy this time of year. We are squeezing in some cooking, shopping and house cleaning between our tours of B.C.'s health care facilities. I appreciate more than ever how lucky I am that Marley is able to be at home. Because she is with Monica, I am able to look after some of the year-end things that I have to do at work. Marley chauffers Monica around each day and makes sure that Monica doesn't try to do too much. It is a big help.
In the last week, Marley has taken Monica shopping with her. Walking is quite hard for Monica but, fortunately, she is not too proud to use a wheel chair and so they have been able to get quite a bit done. I think that they are having a great mother-daughter time together as well. Both Monica and Marley are already more appreciative of what handicapped people need to cope with as they do their everyday activities.
One of our family's Xmas traditions is to have a pork pie for breakfast on Xmas morning. On Friday night many of my family came to our house and we spent the evening preparing the pies for everyone. It was a special time as we visited and snacked (and yes did some work) together. This is the 3rd or 4th year we have gotten together to prepare the pies and it is becoming a tradition in itself. Because it was quite relaxing, I think Monica enjoyed it quite a bit too.
On Saturday, we tended to some chores and had a good visit with Oma (and her sister who was also visiting). She is back from the hospital and seemed pretty good.. Ingo came by Saturday night and had dinner with us. I made some meat loafs for the freezer on Saturday night.
After more chores and shopping on Sunday, I made chilli for the freezer while Monica and Marley went to the latest "Twilight" movie.
On Monday Monica and I visited Opa in Richmond Hospital while Marley shopped. He is doing much better and ate all of the chilli which I smuggled in for him (although apparently it needs more spice!). I think the chilli must have helped as we have learned that he is going to be going home at last (6 weeks after going in for day surgery). Ingo is making arrangements with the care home and Fraser Health for additional care for him (with bathing and changing dressings etc.). It will be good to have both Oma and Opa back in the same faciilty again.
Jesse finished his exams yesterday and has come home for the holidays. We are looking forward to being together this holiday season. Daniel, Seanne and Mollie arrive on Thursday night.
Like everyone else, our home seems busy this time of year. We are squeezing in some cooking, shopping and house cleaning between our tours of B.C.'s health care facilities. I appreciate more than ever how lucky I am that Marley is able to be at home. Because she is with Monica, I am able to look after some of the year-end things that I have to do at work. Marley chauffers Monica around each day and makes sure that Monica doesn't try to do too much. It is a big help.
In the last week, Marley has taken Monica shopping with her. Walking is quite hard for Monica but, fortunately, she is not too proud to use a wheel chair and so they have been able to get quite a bit done. I think that they are having a great mother-daughter time together as well. Both Monica and Marley are already more appreciative of what handicapped people need to cope with as they do their everyday activities.
One of our family's Xmas traditions is to have a pork pie for breakfast on Xmas morning. On Friday night many of my family came to our house and we spent the evening preparing the pies for everyone. It was a special time as we visited and snacked (and yes did some work) together. This is the 3rd or 4th year we have gotten together to prepare the pies and it is becoming a tradition in itself. Because it was quite relaxing, I think Monica enjoyed it quite a bit too.
On Saturday, we tended to some chores and had a good visit with Oma (and her sister who was also visiting). She is back from the hospital and seemed pretty good.. Ingo came by Saturday night and had dinner with us. I made some meat loafs for the freezer on Saturday night.
After more chores and shopping on Sunday, I made chilli for the freezer while Monica and Marley went to the latest "Twilight" movie.
On Monday Monica and I visited Opa in Richmond Hospital while Marley shopped. He is doing much better and ate all of the chilli which I smuggled in for him (although apparently it needs more spice!). I think the chilli must have helped as we have learned that he is going to be going home at last (6 weeks after going in for day surgery). Ingo is making arrangements with the care home and Fraser Health for additional care for him (with bathing and changing dressings etc.). It will be good to have both Oma and Opa back in the same faciilty again.
Jesse finished his exams yesterday and has come home for the holidays. We are looking forward to being together this holiday season. Daniel, Seanne and Mollie arrive on Thursday night.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Monica had her first Bev treatment today. The procedure is pretty simple. These treatments along with blood transfusions and IV chemotherapy are administered in a separate section of the Cancer Agency. Monica (along with Marley and I) were put in a small small room which can accommodate 4 patients at a time. Monica sits in a very comfortable chair and receives the treatment by infusion into her blood. The whole process took about 90 minutes. Monica was very comfortable and had no problems with the treatment. Once again the staff at the Cancer Agency were exceptional.
I am really hoping that the Bev will do its job. We are noticing that the tumour is affecting her more and more now. The effects seem to be accelerating. Her strength etc is quite a bit different now than it was two weeks or even one week ago. I am finding it hard to see her struggle with some of these mobility issues and more than a little scared for her. Fortunately, she continues to be calm and to have a good attitude.
Monica had her first Bev treatment today. The procedure is pretty simple. These treatments along with blood transfusions and IV chemotherapy are administered in a separate section of the Cancer Agency. Monica (along with Marley and I) were put in a small small room which can accommodate 4 patients at a time. Monica sits in a very comfortable chair and receives the treatment by infusion into her blood. The whole process took about 90 minutes. Monica was very comfortable and had no problems with the treatment. Once again the staff at the Cancer Agency were exceptional.
I am really hoping that the Bev will do its job. We are noticing that the tumour is affecting her more and more now. The effects seem to be accelerating. Her strength etc is quite a bit different now than it was two weeks or even one week ago. I am finding it hard to see her struggle with some of these mobility issues and more than a little scared for her. Fortunately, she continues to be calm and to have a good attitude.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Monica got called today by the Cancer Agency. Her first Bev infusion is scheduled for tomorrow. We are glad that it is happening this quickly and hopeful that it will stop the tumour for a while and give her some relief from the symptoms. It is becoming more and more obvious that she is losing strength on her right side: she has a marked limp,her right foot drags a bit and she is not able to use her right hand for anything requiring strength.
The Cancer Agency had referred us to the local Home Care providers and we had our first visit from the nurse. She outlined what services are available to us when and if we need it. Basically, we would be able to get 4 hours of nursing care per day (in chunks of time of our choice). The nurse is going to have an occupational therapist visit us to make recommendations as to how we can make sure our house is safe for Monica while she is walking and usable if she needs to use a wheelchair in the future. She is also going to have a physiotherapist see us. It may be that a brace on Monica's right foot would make it easier for her to walk and less likely to trip. The nurse was very nice and I must say that I am generally impressed with what our health care system can do when it works well (which is what seems to be happening for us!).
I continue to be impressed by Monica's attitude. While it bothers her to have the strength on her right side affect her mobility, she doesn't let it get her down. So far she continues to take it all in stride and to be able to find the humour in some of the situations: i.e. she laughed with us all when we referred to some decision as a "no brainer" and ie. when visiting Opa tonight, her and Marley decided to take advantage of an empty wheelchair by the hospital door. It made me feel sad to see her using the wheelchair but when Marley started pushing her Monica let out a happy "Whee!"
Some news on the other medical fronts as well -Oma was released from the Langley Hospital today and returned to her care home - the social worker from the Richmond hospital called about Opa today so I think they will want to move him from the hospital soon (although he is not up to full speed yet and probably can't yet go back to the independent living section of the care home that he was in before his operation.)
Monica got called today by the Cancer Agency. Her first Bev infusion is scheduled for tomorrow. We are glad that it is happening this quickly and hopeful that it will stop the tumour for a while and give her some relief from the symptoms. It is becoming more and more obvious that she is losing strength on her right side: she has a marked limp,her right foot drags a bit and she is not able to use her right hand for anything requiring strength.
The Cancer Agency had referred us to the local Home Care providers and we had our first visit from the nurse. She outlined what services are available to us when and if we need it. Basically, we would be able to get 4 hours of nursing care per day (in chunks of time of our choice). The nurse is going to have an occupational therapist visit us to make recommendations as to how we can make sure our house is safe for Monica while she is walking and usable if she needs to use a wheelchair in the future. She is also going to have a physiotherapist see us. It may be that a brace on Monica's right foot would make it easier for her to walk and less likely to trip. The nurse was very nice and I must say that I am generally impressed with what our health care system can do when it works well (which is what seems to be happening for us!).
I continue to be impressed by Monica's attitude. While it bothers her to have the strength on her right side affect her mobility, she doesn't let it get her down. So far she continues to take it all in stride and to be able to find the humour in some of the situations: i.e. she laughed with us all when we referred to some decision as a "no brainer" and ie. when visiting Opa tonight, her and Marley decided to take advantage of an empty wheelchair by the hospital door. It made me feel sad to see her using the wheelchair but when Marley started pushing her Monica let out a happy "Whee!"
Some news on the other medical fronts as well -Oma was released from the Langley Hospital today and returned to her care home - the social worker from the Richmond hospital called about Opa today so I think they will want to move him from the hospital soon (although he is not up to full speed yet and probably can't yet go back to the independent living section of the care home that he was in before his operation.)
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
(posted by Greg)
I have found that my sleeping pattern has been affected by what is happening in our lives. I go to sleep quickly and sleep well but, if something wakes me up, my mind starts going and I can't get back to sleep. So..I am taking this opportunity to update the blog a bit early this Saturday morning.
Today, is our 28th wedding anniversary. We don't have anything special planned but Monica's brother is going to cook dinner for us. We will probably try to visit both Oma and Opa today. Monica and Marley saw Opa yesterday and report that he was maybe the best that he's been yet. We are still hoping that he will not have to be in the hospital for Xmas but the Dr. indicated that he may be first placed in a sort of "transitional" place.
Oma is currently in Langley hospital. They have had some success with reducing the amount of fluids in her so that she is more comfortable. Apparently one of her arms is quite swollen and red, so they are looking for other causes for that. She seems to be getting good care. We are hopeful that she will be able to go back to the care facility as well. Both her and Opa are also getting lots of attention and support from the family of Oma's sister.
Monica and I had a busy week. For many years one of my clients/friends has invited us for dinner at this time of year. Monica , Marley and I were able to join them again on Wednesday night and had a nice evening. On Thursday, my office had its staff party. Monica and Marley came as well and Monica had a chance to see everyone who she had been working with for the past few years. On Wednesday, our friends Liz and Tony were able to visit Monica too.
We haven't heard yet when the new treatments with Bev will start. I expect to hear from the Cancer Agency early in the new week. The Cancer Agency has already made a referral for us to the local home nursing people -we meet them on Monday. At the moment, Monica is doing well and we really don't need any nursing care at home. However, we want to make the connection with them so that we are prepared should the need arise. (This part of the process is like getting a splash of cold water. It really drives home again some of the unpleasant things that we are going to have to cope with.)
The news from last Tuesday was pretty sobering. We have had some serious talks and tender moments as we reflect on all of this. Monica's spirits continue to be pretty good. (In some ways better than mine as my tear ducts are acting up quite a bit.) Twice the other day I happened to catch a glimpse of her in an unguarded moment. On one occassion she was talking to Daniel on Skype and on another occassion Marley was tucking Monica into bed and saying good night. I was really pleased to see how happy Monica looked at those moments. A friend suggested that I should be keeping a camera handy for moments like this and I think I may have to take that advice.
I have found that my sleeping pattern has been affected by what is happening in our lives. I go to sleep quickly and sleep well but, if something wakes me up, my mind starts going and I can't get back to sleep. So..I am taking this opportunity to update the blog a bit early this Saturday morning.
Today, is our 28th wedding anniversary. We don't have anything special planned but Monica's brother is going to cook dinner for us. We will probably try to visit both Oma and Opa today. Monica and Marley saw Opa yesterday and report that he was maybe the best that he's been yet. We are still hoping that he will not have to be in the hospital for Xmas but the Dr. indicated that he may be first placed in a sort of "transitional" place.
Oma is currently in Langley hospital. They have had some success with reducing the amount of fluids in her so that she is more comfortable. Apparently one of her arms is quite swollen and red, so they are looking for other causes for that. She seems to be getting good care. We are hopeful that she will be able to go back to the care facility as well. Both her and Opa are also getting lots of attention and support from the family of Oma's sister.
Monica and I had a busy week. For many years one of my clients/friends has invited us for dinner at this time of year. Monica , Marley and I were able to join them again on Wednesday night and had a nice evening. On Thursday, my office had its staff party. Monica and Marley came as well and Monica had a chance to see everyone who she had been working with for the past few years. On Wednesday, our friends Liz and Tony were able to visit Monica too.
We haven't heard yet when the new treatments with Bev will start. I expect to hear from the Cancer Agency early in the new week. The Cancer Agency has already made a referral for us to the local home nursing people -we meet them on Monday. At the moment, Monica is doing well and we really don't need any nursing care at home. However, we want to make the connection with them so that we are prepared should the need arise. (This part of the process is like getting a splash of cold water. It really drives home again some of the unpleasant things that we are going to have to cope with.)
The news from last Tuesday was pretty sobering. We have had some serious talks and tender moments as we reflect on all of this. Monica's spirits continue to be pretty good. (In some ways better than mine as my tear ducts are acting up quite a bit.) Twice the other day I happened to catch a glimpse of her in an unguarded moment. On one occassion she was talking to Daniel on Skype and on another occassion Marley was tucking Monica into bed and saying good night. I was really pleased to see how happy Monica looked at those moments. A friend suggested that I should be keeping a camera handy for moments like this and I think I may have to take that advice.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
(posted by Greg)
It has been a couple of busy days. But before writing anything about that (maybe in a follow-up blog), I want to pass along that Monica had an MRI today and a follow-up meeting with the oncologist. The Cancer Agency expedited her MRI which had been scheduled for the 13th and the meeting with the oncologist which had been scheduled for the 20th when I told them that her symptoms were getting worse. (Her limp has quickly gotten worse, her balance is affected and she has some weakness on the right side.).
Unfortunately, the news is not good. What the October MRI detected is in fact the tumour and it has grown since then. The tumour is quite "deep" in the brain. I am have not mastered the technical details but it is near the internal capsule (which, I think, is just above the brain stem and where the motor fibers come together and go from the brain to the nervous system). Monica's right side motor functions are affected because the tumour puts pressure on that area.
According to the oncologist, surgery is not an option because of the location of the tumour. More radiation is likely not an option because this area of the brain had likely been included in the original treatment (this is going to be verified with the radiation oncologist). More chemotherapy is also not an option because of how Monica's bone marrow has reacted to the chemotherapy. Basically, the Dr. indicated that the only good option is a drug called Bevacizumab ("Bev").
The growth of primary tumours to larger than a few millimeters requires the recruitment of blood vessels and vascular cells to support the tumour's metabolic requirements. A critical element in the growth of primary tumours is the "angiogenic switch": the ability of the tumour to promote the formation of new capillaries from preexisting host vessels. Bev is a drug which targets angiogenesis. It is administered intravenously as a 30 to 90 minute infusion every two weeks. It has some side effects (high blood pressure) and there is a 5% risk of serious complications (stroke, clots etc).
Prior to this meeting with the oncologist, Monica was not sure whether she wanted to take this drug. However, it quickly became apparent that there are not a lot of treatment options, Monica is "bothered" by the weakness she is already experiencing and the prognosis without treatment is not very good (basically right-side paralysis in 6 to 8 weeks with worse to follow).
I was really proud of how Monica handled the meeting (probably better than me- remember the genetically deficient tear-ducts). She herself asked all of the right questions, quickly analyzed the situation and decided to take the Bev treatment. The Dr. indicated that most patients taking Bev react well to it and feel good (not nauseous as with the chemo). The hope is that it will significantly slow down the growth of the tumour, that it will give some relief from the symptoms and that it will,generally, give some better quality of life while it works.
Monica had the blood work etc done today so that she can start the Bev treatment right away. It may take a few days for the treatments to start as there is quite a demand on the center's facilities for transfusions/infusions and the people needing are triaged for priority.
We have all been worrying about the symptoms. It is funny but there is a sense of relief from getting the actual diagnosis (even though it is bad)- I think it is being reliefed of some of the worrying and having something specific to do. Monica is bearing up well and still has the ability to laugh with us at some of the silly things that happen.
It has been a couple of busy days. But before writing anything about that (maybe in a follow-up blog), I want to pass along that Monica had an MRI today and a follow-up meeting with the oncologist. The Cancer Agency expedited her MRI which had been scheduled for the 13th and the meeting with the oncologist which had been scheduled for the 20th when I told them that her symptoms were getting worse. (Her limp has quickly gotten worse, her balance is affected and she has some weakness on the right side.).
Unfortunately, the news is not good. What the October MRI detected is in fact the tumour and it has grown since then. The tumour is quite "deep" in the brain. I am have not mastered the technical details but it is near the internal capsule (which, I think, is just above the brain stem and where the motor fibers come together and go from the brain to the nervous system). Monica's right side motor functions are affected because the tumour puts pressure on that area.
According to the oncologist, surgery is not an option because of the location of the tumour. More radiation is likely not an option because this area of the brain had likely been included in the original treatment (this is going to be verified with the radiation oncologist). More chemotherapy is also not an option because of how Monica's bone marrow has reacted to the chemotherapy. Basically, the Dr. indicated that the only good option is a drug called Bevacizumab ("Bev").
The growth of primary tumours to larger than a few millimeters requires the recruitment of blood vessels and vascular cells to support the tumour's metabolic requirements. A critical element in the growth of primary tumours is the "angiogenic switch": the ability of the tumour to promote the formation of new capillaries from preexisting host vessels. Bev is a drug which targets angiogenesis. It is administered intravenously as a 30 to 90 minute infusion every two weeks. It has some side effects (high blood pressure) and there is a 5% risk of serious complications (stroke, clots etc).
Prior to this meeting with the oncologist, Monica was not sure whether she wanted to take this drug. However, it quickly became apparent that there are not a lot of treatment options, Monica is "bothered" by the weakness she is already experiencing and the prognosis without treatment is not very good (basically right-side paralysis in 6 to 8 weeks with worse to follow).
I was really proud of how Monica handled the meeting (probably better than me- remember the genetically deficient tear-ducts). She herself asked all of the right questions, quickly analyzed the situation and decided to take the Bev treatment. The Dr. indicated that most patients taking Bev react well to it and feel good (not nauseous as with the chemo). The hope is that it will significantly slow down the growth of the tumour, that it will give some relief from the symptoms and that it will,generally, give some better quality of life while it works.
Monica had the blood work etc done today so that she can start the Bev treatment right away. It may take a few days for the treatments to start as there is quite a demand on the center's facilities for transfusions/infusions and the people needing are triaged for priority.
We have all been worrying about the symptoms. It is funny but there is a sense of relief from getting the actual diagnosis (even though it is bad)- I think it is being reliefed of some of the worrying and having something specific to do. Monica is bearing up well and still has the ability to laugh with us at some of the silly things that happen.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
(posted by Greg)
A friend recently asked me about the "comments" section. It seems that, for some reason, we are not receiving the comments that people have been posting for the last few months. So, if you have been making comments and we have not responded in any way, it is not because we are ignoring you. We will play around with the blog a bit and see if we can fix it.
We have now been told that Monica's follow-up MRI is scheduled for December 13th. The visit with the oncologist is set for December 20th. I am glad that they are coming soon because of the right-side weakness that Monica is now demonstrating.
If the MRI shows that the tumour is growing, I think that the oncologist will be recommending some antiangiogenic therapy and will prescribe a drug called bevacizumab. We are going to try to read a bit about this drug before the meeting with the oncologist so that we have some understanding of the side effects etc.
A friend recently asked me about the "comments" section. It seems that, for some reason, we are not receiving the comments that people have been posting for the last few months. So, if you have been making comments and we have not responded in any way, it is not because we are ignoring you. We will play around with the blog a bit and see if we can fix it.
We have now been told that Monica's follow-up MRI is scheduled for December 13th. The visit with the oncologist is set for December 20th. I am glad that they are coming soon because of the right-side weakness that Monica is now demonstrating.
If the MRI shows that the tumour is growing, I think that the oncologist will be recommending some antiangiogenic therapy and will prescribe a drug called bevacizumab. We are going to try to read a bit about this drug before the meeting with the oncologist so that we have some understanding of the side effects etc.
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