Monday Update

Busy day, long day. Nice to have a chauffeur (my dad). I have not been sleeping or when I do it is restless, and I did get to sleep a lot of the trip.

I am choosing not to go into the details of our neurosurgical oncology consult just yet. I will say that it was a positive discussion and we have a game plan with a few backup plans on how to tackle the brain. Collaboratively, we have all come to understand that if we are moving forward with treating the body systemically, then we have to treat the brain simultaneously, or the other will be in vain. Several details need to be worked out to clarify possibilities and options that will somewhat be controlled by what is allowable on the ipilimumab protocol. Hopefully, those answers will come in the next day or so.

I will be upfront with you and tell you that a lot of what we are discussing involves Brian's quality of life and what he is willing to live with. Our anticipated option has high risks for permanent damage that Brian has to be able to accept, yet the side effects are not necessarily devastating in the sense of the big picture. We're probably talking about additional weakness in his leg, maybe much worse or maybe just about what it is now; and of course possible additional weakness in the face and arm. Again, these might be recoverable or at least able to be improved. If the systemic treatment works, then this will be a great decision; if it doesn't slow the disease, it will just compound some of Brian's issues. As you can see, we do have a lot to consider and are trying so hard to just let God lead us to the right solution.

Please continue to storm Heaven on our behalf. We pray for direction and understanding, for peace in our decisions, in thanksgiving for the wisdom and expertise of our oncologists, and for the miracle we promised we would never stop praying for.

I'll keep you updated later in the week concerning our decision.

On another note, it has worked out for us to get tickets to Wicked in Chicago on Sunday!

Make each moment count,
Jenni