A Good Report

We made it home safely and things have finally settled down so that I can update everyone.  Jackson was so happy to see mommy and daddy so we had some quality play time upon our return! 

We had two appointments today that really turned out to be one long appointment.  It is a great set up at Duke!  Instead of having us run around the hospital/ clinic to see the various specialists they all lined up and came into the room to see us one by one.  The attention to detail and care is unlike any other I have ever experienced.  They truly put the patient's interests first. 

The clinic visit consisted of many neuro exams and consults regarding Reyn's recovery.  He passed the exams with flying colors!  After the neuro exams we observed Reyn's new MRI scan along with the oncologist and discussed future treatment.  It was interesting to see where the tumor had been removed and the portion that remained.  The portion on his frontal lobe has been removed and the remaining portion lies on his temporal lobe.  Doctors estimate approximately 70% of his tumor was removed.  As for the remaining portion, Duke will monitor him with regularly scheduled MRIs in the future.  He will have 3 more this year, 3 the following year, and 2 after that if all goes as planned.  As long as the tumor remains the same no further treatment is required....Praise the Lord!  If the time comes that Reyn requires more treatment he will receive an oral chemotherapy treatment for a year.  His tumor has deletions of chromosomes 1p and 19q and studies have shown this tumor type will respond favorably to chemotherapy.

The doctors also confirmed that he has an "Oligodendroglioma, grade 2, benign tumor."  And the comment made by the oncologist was -- "If you are going to live with a tumor, this is the one you want."  So we are praising God for this!  Just 3 months ago we were given the diagnosis of "Oligoastrocytoma" from Emory here in Atlanta.  As many of you have read from previous posts, an Oligoastrocytoma is a much more aggressive tumor and it does not respond as favorably to chemo if needed.  At the time we asked all of you to pray with us that the astrocyte cells would be removed from his tumor OR at the very least be the smaller portion of his tumor.  God heard our prays and answered them as the doctor confirmed today-- NO ASTROCYTE cells were found in his tumor!  I believe in my heart that they were removed according to the prayers of so many.  Isn't it amazing to know that the God of the universe hears us when we cry out to Him?!

When asked about Reyn's prognosis the neurosurgeon told us his prognosis is GOOD and significantly improved given the tumor type and fact that the majority of the tumor was removed.  It is a positive overall outlook.

So, where does this leave us?  We will have regular check ups with Duke.  No further treatment at this time.  Reyn can resume all normal activites and return to work.  He is so excited to get back to doing what he loves best and working with his team again!

We still seek your continued prayers for our family and ask that you pray for the following:

1.  Pray for Reyn's energy levels to improve.  He is still healing from surgery but doctors say most patients have their energy back by month 3 or 4 following the procedure.
2.  Pray for the entire family as we resume a normal schedule again and return to work.
3.  Pray for complete healing
4.  Pray for no tumor growth or change in the years to come
5.  Pray that we will continue to trust God daily
6.  Most importantly, that God will be glorified through our story and testimony

We love you all!