Gemistocytic Astrocytoma

Samples from my "Alien" showed it to be an astrocytoma with gemistocytic properties. Treatment for this type of tumor is a "gray area," said Dr. Sajeel Chowdhary, MD, Neuro-Oncology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. (I'm NOT calling him MY Neuro-Oncologist yet!) As anticipated, this type of tumor is WHO Grade II (Grade I is the most benign, Grade III and IV are considered malignant.) So this really is good news! The not-so -good news is that tumors with gemistocytes can have the tendency to regrow at a quicker rate than those without. I've chosen to take the watch and wait approach rather than the more aggressive routes of chemo and radiation. The radiation-oncologist at Moffitt said that this route is what he would recommend for his wife or daughter, so I'm going that way too. The fact that he is a radiation specialist (who certainly believes in what he does) helps me to feel comfortable that I'm doing what's best. So for now, we wait. We'll watch it in September with an MRI.

Million Dollar Question

The answer is...YES, I am seizure free! I haven't had one since before the surgery. WHEW!!!

Did I mention...

...Jeff??? He's so awesome! He has been amazing through all of this, and I want everyone to know it! I can't even find the words to express my feelings on this one. (Shocking, right?) That's it...all I have to say tonight!

I'm Hooooome!!!

Whew! What a ride! I'll fill you in later. Thanks for everything, I'm definitely 'feelin' the love!" I know that the love, prayers, positive energy, and well wishes from family and friends have helped me find the strength within myself to get this far. I genuinely felt you there with me, and I kept coming back to it. Thank you and please keep it coming as I continue to recover at home! Right now it's more darvocet and sleepy time for me.
Much love,
Emily

Coasting Toward Home

Emily has been released from the hospital and will be home tomorrow sometime. So, I'm guessing she'll take control of the blog again. I'm not sure I can add much more at this point, other than it's times like these that make you realize what an incredible network of family and friends (extended family) we have. Much Thanks and Love to all of you!!

Recovery in Progress

Emily was released from ICU today at 11am. All monitoring devices were removed with the transfer, and she is no longer receiving IV fluids. Her new nurse told her that if she didn't start eating, her pain meds would be withheld indefinitely. Guess what? She started eating! As of now the whole thing has been text book must have someting to do with the patient. Hoping to have her home again in a day or two (simply amaaazing!).

Good News from the GreenWELLs

The surgery is complete - just 3 hours! The surgeon said everything went as planned and as expected. After 2 hours in recovery, we visited with Emily in ICU. She was cracking jokes and complaining about a headache and even giving instructions for the children. We expect her to be in ICU for up to 2 days, and then she will be transferred to a regular room. The doctors and nurses are very pleased with her progress stating that her good health has been to her advantage. Jeff and the boys are doing well with lots of care from friends. We are so thankful for your thoughts and prayers!