Preparing for an Encore

Keith and I met with Dr. Mittal today to review the results of my latest MRI of the brain in detail.  This new tumor is different from what we saw last time.  Typical for melanoma, there is no pattern.

Size: It is 1cm without a surrounding cyst
Location: It is in the mid-left lobe between the areas that control motor 
               and sensory skills 
Depth: It is beneath the surface rather than right next to the cranium 
Swelling: The swelling is more severe – it is several times the size of the 
               tumor

We discussed my 4 options for treatment, ordered according to their level of intensity/aggressiveness.

1) do nothing

2) whole brain radiation

3) Gamma knife radial-surgery

4) Craniotomy + Gamma knife combo (resect the mass and treat the tumor bed)

      We have chosen Door # 4 for the following reasons:

• We wish to continue to fight the cancer as aggressively as possible.  A craniotomy will remove the cancer and relieve the swelling to prevent damage to my motor and sensory function.  Furthermore, I responded and recovered surprisingly well after the first craniotomy. 
•  I remain an excellent neurosurgical candidate.  Aside from this new lesion, I am in extremely good  health.
• Tolerable surgical risk. On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the easiest and 10 being the most difficult), this surgery is a 4-5.  This is due to the fact that the tumor is not right next to the cranium but further away from the surface which will require Dr. Mittal to navigate through some brain matter to reach it.

My craniotomy is scheduled for Tuesday 11/15 at 8am at the Detroit Medical Center. Gamma knife treatment will occur two to three weeks later pending how quickly I recuperate.

As always, I feel fortunate to have been given a solution and am beyond grateful for everyone's support and encouragement.