Update

Super quick catch up paragraph:
Nan completed her course of radiation and chemotherapy.
A follow up MRI at the end of January determined that the treatment has arrested growth, but did not shrink the existing tumors. This was considered a pretty good outcome.

She began IV infusions of the drug Avastin the first week of February. This is to help control cerebral edema, in lieu of steroids (which have very serious side effects themselves). She seemed to respond well to the Avastin; after the first infusion there was a marked improvement in her ability to speak and her energy levels.

Current Update: 
 Yesterday Nan began vomiting, and very early yesterday morning she had several seizures.
She is now inpatient at her local hospital; she was given a large dose of a benzodiazepine, which has stopped the seizure activity. She is now resting comfortably, she is very tired- of course she is, it is normal to feel deep fatigue after a seizure, and she was given a large quantity of drugs- when we popped in to see her she smiled at the baby and squeezed my hand. While this development is frightening, it is worth noting that vomiting and seizures are often symptom that leads to the diagnosis of Glioblastoma. The fact that Nan has not had experienced these symptoms previously is somewhat remarkable.

I will continue to update at least every other day for the time being, so please check back to hear the latest. If you have specific questions, please feel free to email or text me.

- Sue Ann