Sherry and I met with Dr. Frager this morning to review the treatment on the two BRAF-negative melanoma metastases in my brain (R parietal, R frontal). There is some exacting measurements to be done in preparation, then a single radiosurgery session to zap the two nodules which I hope will be done around December 15. Dr Frager reports that there is less than 10% chance of symptomatic impact (fatigue or seizure) which they will mitigate even further with prophylactic medication.
The picture is from the MRI they did a couple of weeks ago. It shows the larger nodule on the back right side of my brain (the picture is a mirror image with eyes at the top). It is just under 1 centimeter or about half an inch in diameter.
The smaller nodule is less than .3 centimeters or about 1/10 of an inch. It is so small that they considered doing nothing with it and waiting to see what the immunotherpy might accomplish. But Dr. Frager said the immunotherapy which is quite effective in the rest of the body hardly penetrates into the brain. So I affirmed doing the radiosurgery to both spots. Dr. Frager consulted with Dr. Mashru and it will be a “two-fer” in a single radiosurgery session.
If you want to see a larger version of the pictures click here.
The immunotherapy infusion will be Friday afternoon, beginning at 1:00. Dr Frager confirmed that most patients tolerate it well and the treatments are quite effective. Of course results vary by person and I would add by prayers of the saints on our behalf – and there are many for which we are extremely grateful.
I am in Boise where I co-teach my Leadership Cohort class (with Steve Walker) all day Tuesday. I would normally hang with Bethany (our non-legal daughter), Jesse and the three of their five who are not in school before I fly home. Unfortunately Jesse and Bethany are are not feeling well so I went directly to the airport with only a brief and distanced check in on Monday. I did get to tour the addition to their house which will finally give room for their family
Aloha Professor!
Thanks for the update. I’m praying that God continue to sustain, encourage, and fill you with his joy during this time. I’m also praying for your family as well as they support you.
Thank you so much, Christian!
Continuing to pray for you and Sherry. I let Community know you had a new update.
Thank you Dean. I am very much looking forward to February
Praying for you, brother! Hope you were able to see the kids before you head home. Wishing you a good, restful, blessed week of preparation for Friday.
“When you pass through the waters, I [He] will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.”
Thank you, Ken. You know a lot about cancer. Dr. Burt’s job was a lot easier with me than with you. Unfortunately, I only had brief and distanced connection with Bethany and the kids. With five germ factories, sick is common in their house!
Hi Gerry,
Here is a voice from your past. 😊
I recently heard of your health issues. Bob and I are praying for you and Sherry. May our Father strengthen, encourage and give you and Sherry continued peace. Praying also for your doctors to have wisdom in determining the best treatments for you. To God be the glory!
What a marvelous voice it is, Bonnie! We receive your prayers and blessing and friendship joyfully!
Godspeed brother, praying for positive short and long term results!! And a speedy recovery. Also that you will feel His loving arms wrapped tightly around you and giving you peace and comfort!!! Bob Fuller
Thank you, Bob. I receive your blessing with gratitude
Praying for you, Gerry!
Thank you, Laura. Perhaps I can get some Chic-Fil-A in the infusion room . . .
I remember a surgeon once told me techniques and medicine only does 50% of the job, the patient’s positivity do the rest of the job plus recovery. I am thankful for good treatment, pray for excellent surgery outcome and pray for you and your family continue to have peace and joy in your minds, hearts and souls because God is with you no matter what you need to go through, when and where you need need to go through them. He got this, you got this (with Him).
You get it, Cecilia!! Thank you for your encouragement and join you in thankfulness for Him and His body
Many prayers being prayed for you, for the treatments and procedures to be done in the coming days. Praying for the doctors doing the procedures. May you tolerate them all. And they are successful!
Thank you, Mary. I deeply appreciate your prayers and support
Most definitely praying! The doctors have so many statistics on how targeted radiotherapy and immunotherapy work. What they don’t have stats on is the power of pray and the God-factor. You are right, Gerry, you have many, many people praying for you now, including me! Thanks for keeping us up to date.
I tell all the doctors and nurses about the power of prayer. One nurse is a believer and we have good conversations. Others are responsive and respectful. No one has rolled their eyes, I am glad to say.
But we know His incredible power. And I am super grateful for your long time friendship, Bonnie
Thanks friend for the update. Glad you have competent and caring professionals to guide your way forward.
I am so pleased with the professionalism, advocacy and kindness of the team. Kaiser is really good to Sherry and me