Amy Update Day 2

The first full day after surgery has been filled with a lot of information and emotion. I will do what I can to relay the info that both Jeff and Mom have passed along as accurately as possible.

First off, Jeff indicated that Amy continues to recovery very very well. She has actually been up and around, is eating, and is feeling better. She still has that headache, but that is expected, right? The doctors are really happy with how well she is responding and the plan is still to be released on Sunday.

The tough part of today was the fact that Amy was finally debriefed on the status of the surgery and what they could and couldn't do. Prior to surgery, she was the most fearful of the need to do radiation, and that is now a reality. Clearly, she and all, had hoped that what they saw, was what they got, and there would be nothing more. So, to hear that there was another tumor that required additional treatment, was difficult to hear.

They had the opportunity to speak with the oncologist and this is where they are at:
The surgery was successful in removing the tumor what was rooted in two places. This was determined to be a "Grade" 1-2 tumor. However, while in surgery they discovered another tumor that was diagnosed as a "Grade" 3-4 tumor. (Both were the size of Golf Balls, if you can imagine that!) They couldn't remove it all and the Doctor had to make a tough decision of not doing more due to the risk of possible long term side effects.

Real quickly, Jeff wanted me to clarify "Grade". In previous posts, I used the term "Stage" and in fact that was not correct. "Stage" is used to define a different kind of tumor. However, with brain tumors, the term "Grade" is used. Grade 1-2 means that the tumor is slow growing, less aggressive and very likely benign. This was the tumor that they successfully removed. Grade 3-4 means that the tumor is faster growing, more aggressive and very likely malignant. This is the tumor that could not be completely removed.

So, with the diagnosis of a Grade 3-4, the doctors are moving forward with a very aggressive treatment plan. Amy has shown tremendous signs of fight and strength, so given her young age, they feel this is the right course of action. She will undergo both Chemo-therapy as well as radiation treatment. The Chemo will be in the form of a pill that has very little side effects. The radiation, will be 5 days a week, for 30 minutes, for 6 weeks. This treatment will likely start in about 2 weeks.

Everyone has asked, is there anything they need? At this point, Jeff says to simply continue to keep their Family, and especially Amy in your prayers. Their "local" friends have been tremendous, and the Moms have been there as well. However, he specifically said that they can truly feel the presence of everyone's thoughts and prayers through this process. In fact, Jeff told me that it is that support that is keeping them strong, and faithful that they will make it through this difficult time. Without this support, he really is not sure where they would be.

As I mentioned earlier, Amy will be coming home on Sunday. If you would like to send a card or note to her and the family, I am sure they would love it. If you don't have their home address handy, feel free to email us at mjandsj@comcast.net and we will send it to you. Also, feel free to pass along the blog address to others wanting to stay updated.

I think that is all for tonight. We ask that you continue to pray for Amy, Jeff and the Kids that they stay strong. I will be posting another blog post shortly and ask that anyone that is reading the updates post some thought, well wish, favorite verse, etc. for them. This way Jeff and Amy can see all comments in one place and also see the power of their "network."