The Tumor Reunion Tour

Remember in 2008 when New Kids on the Block announced their reunion tour? It was supposed to be really cool because, hey, it was New Kids on the Block and they were making a comeback! But then it just turned out to be super embarrassing because they were all middle aged men with wives and kids and all their songs still used a synthesizer. 

That’s kind of how it feels to be updating this blog.

We haven’t posted anything since 2013, and instead of being young and cool with an interesting story to tell, Pete and I are like, “Hey, remember us? Those older, fatter, less attractive people that still have that brain cancer thing going on? Yup, that’s us. We’ll be giving out autographs after the show.” 

For those of you who are just learning about this, here’s a quick recap: In July 2012, Peter unexpectedly suffered a grand mal seizure. After a day in the emergency room and several tests, we found out he had a brain tumor about the size of a golf ball in the left frontal lobe. He underwent resection surgery 3 weeks later, and the biopsy revealed it was a grade II oligodendroglioma. (Scripps Spelling Bee contestants be like, “Can I have the language of origin, please?”) It is a slow-growing tumor, but because it infiltrates the surrounding brain matter, they will never be able to remove it entirely. The prognosis is 10-15 years. Peter underwent chemotherapy for one year, and for the past 4 years the residual tumor has remained stable.

Fast forward to late April this year when Pete went for a follow-up MRI and doctor visit. If it’s any indication of how comfortable we’d grown with receiving good news at these visits, we almost considered leaving before getting the results of the MRI. You see, while Vanderbilt is good at many things, they aren’t so great about seeing patients in a timely manner. If you have an appointment in the cancer center, I highly suggest bringing a sack lunch and low expectations. 

Anyway, we decided to wait it out, and it’s a good thing we did because this wasn’t a typical follow-up. The doctor informed us that there was new growth at the tumor site that hadn’t been there six months earlier. This was completely unexpected, as we’d been told it would likely be six or seven years before any regrowth occurs. What can I say? Peter is advanced. 

Peter’s case was presented before the tumor board (because that’s an actual thing, apparently) to decide on the best course of treatment. We were told that they might recommend radiation, another course of chemo, or just to wait a month and order another MRI. None of that happened. They’re recommending a second surgery. We have to meet with the neurosurgeon on Monday to discuss whether he thinks he can perform this operation safely and whether it’s the best treatment option.

So, suffice it to say we’re fairly nervous, a little scared, and really, really frustrated that all of this is happening again so soon. Another surgery would mean significant time off work, lengthy recovery, and possibly, God forbid, me having to chauffeur the world’s most obnoxious backseat driver until he gets clearance to drive again. We’ll keep all of you updated as soon as we have news from the neurosurgeon, but in the meantime we would greatly appreciate your prayers. We know that God is in control, but we could really use peace and guidance during this time. 

Thanks for sticking with us and supporting Peter through the tumor reunion tour. I’ve suggested that he name his tumor Voldemort so he can dramatically announce, “He’s back! Voldemort’s back!” Still waiting for a response on that one…