Last week Jake had his two month follow up MRI and they found a new spot. It is still on the left side of his brain, but jumped out toward his skull and away from some danger zones. It is again very small and Jake is still functioning as usual and shows no signs of impaired neurologic functioning.
They will treat this newest growth through laser ablation and the procedure is scheduled for Monday, February 23. The doctor does not anticipate that Jake will have any deficits after the treatment. It is a relatively new procedure for brain tumors that is less invasive than a full brain surgery. They will drill a small hole, go in through a catheter and will be able to burn the growth on site.
There is also some enhancement on the area that received a double dose of radiation between his first two tumors and they will be able to biopsy and treat whatever it is (growth or radiation necrosis) through the same laser ablation treatment.
This new growth has been the push we needed to move to another new treatment option for GBM. It is called Optune and Jake heard of it months ago through his continual brain tumor research. It has proven to be an effective treatment with very few side effects. The major change for Jake will be in shaving his head and going from being an inconspicuous brain cancer patient to being a very obvious one.
We are so grateful for all of you who are concerned, praying, and offering your support to us at this next juncture. We were sad and disappointed to see a new tumor develop, but are not dismayed nor do we feel that all is lost. I will write more about it later, but I can say that we feel liberated in some ways to know the next steps he needs to take in his treatment and some changes we need to make in our life.
6 comments:
Thanks for the report, Jord. We love you, Jake, and the kids, and continue to fast and pray for you. We are grateful for your grace and courage, and your example.
vfr
I was wondering how things were going. I knew Jake was due for an MRI sometime in Feb. I was disheartened to read the title to this post... thinking of you guys. We'd love to see you this weekend if you feel up to it. If not, that's totally fine.
Thanks for the update, Jord. We love you, Jake, and your children very much! We pray that as he does this new treatment there will be much success. You are all examples to us of grace and dignity, as I have said before. Lots of love and prayers from the Nance home!
So glad I checked FB today to see your update. It is awe-inspiring to see what a full-court press looks like for brain cancer in 2015. You both are amazing. You will be in my thoughts & prayers, esp. on Feb 23.
Jordan, our prayers are definitely with you, Jake, your kids and his doctors as you take on this bump in your road. I have no doubt the Lord is aware of all and is near your side. I pray you are given extra strength and support. I will say that Jake will definitely look way better with a shaved head than I did-- he can attest to that if he remembers. But really, I pray this new treatment is successful and all is well. Sending love your way,
Marianne & Andrew
We continue to root for you and remember your family in our prayers. We salute your courage and fortitude.
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