We did get a little bit of information during our recent visit to the neuro-oncologist. The 3 month post-op MRI shows that surgery resulted in a near-total resection. We knew they wouldn't be able to get all of the tumor, but they came pretty darn close. And, in addition to the tumor having the IDH mutation and 1p/19q co-deletion (both good things), tests showed that the MGMT gene is methylated (also good). From what I understand, this means that the Temodar (the chemo drug that Pete is taking) will be more effective, and the tumor cells will not be able to repair themselves. So, the fact that this is a stage II glioma with a near-total resection, IDH mutation, 1p/19q co-deletion and MGMT methylation, means that this is the absolute best possible type of glioma anyone can have. Which, to put things in perspective, is about as great as sitting at the cool table in a mental hospital.
By the way, if reading that previous paragraph made you feel stupid, it should. I honestly don't understand half of what the doctor tells us. I go home and google everything to try to get a basic understanding of it before passing the information along to others. I've honestly considered writing a book titled Brain Tumors for Dummies, but it seems a little offensive. ;)
In other news, it's been an entire six months since Pete's seizure! You know what that means? He can drive!!! He returned to the office this past Monday, and though he complains about not being able to work in his pajamas, I know he really enjoys being around his co-workers. Actually, it's been good for both of us. We've spent the last six months around each other constantly, and it's enough to drive anyone insane. Any married couple who says they could spend every waking moment together is either A) Lying B) Crazy or C) Lying.
And on the topic of being sick of one another, Tuesday was our 9th wedding anniversary. (Yes, we got married on Elvis' birthday. No, it was not planned that way.) I was sick with a virus that mimics strep (lucky me!) and Pete was stuck at work until 8:30pm. So, when he finally got home, we celebrated in style by eating canned soup on the couch and watching Downton Abbey on the laptop. Yes folks, 9 years and the magic is still alive. In all honesty though, this last year has taught us more than the other 8 years combined. You stand there on your wedding day and vow to take one another for better or worse, in sickness and in health. And of course you mean it, but it's when you actually face those circumstances that your vows are called to action. In the last six months, we've been able to prove to one another that we're in it for the long haul, that we meant what we promised all those years ago. I think those opportunities in life are rare, and today it's got me feeling pretty lucky.
Our wedding day, January 8, 2004. Pete looks like a Backstreet Boy, and I have Michelle Duggar bangs. Awesome!
I'm honestly not sure when I'll be updating this blog again. As I mentioned before, the cancer news has become rather sparse and there isn't much to share. I'm entertaining the possibility of starting a new blog to follow our whole family, though. If I decide to move forward with that idea, I'll be sure to let you know.
Best wishes to all of you in the new year! Thanks again for following our story and continuing to encourage us!
