removed necrosed tissue and a small amount of GBM malignant tissue.
Although she can not work or drive and must sleep for a few hours during
the day, she was able to spend quality time with her boys.
She started a new drug from the USA called Avastin which is very expensive
and not presently on the PBS list so not covered by the government.
She was on a low dose and had an infusion every 3 weeks plus anti seizure
medication and steroids and chemo. The low dose of Avastin did not
seem to be that effective as her latest MRI showed another mass on the
right side of her frontal lobe. She went into surgery on Thursday
08/09/2011.
Audrey had a successful surgery but has been highly affected with short
term memory loss and confusion plus a lot of facial swelling.
Audrey's surgeon was happy with results but did have to go into both sides of the
brain. He removed a mass in the spot where the MRI indicated and a smaller mass in the
area he last operated on.
As of now Audrey is tumour free.
Following the surgery Audrey spent a night in ICU and most of the next day. Nurses moved her to the neuro ward the next day.
I saw her in the afternoon and she was barely awake but seemed to be fine
with no noticeable functionality deficit.
She was very weak and tired as she had very little sleep and had not eaten
in two days. She also had nausea and vomited out what little she had in
her.
Doctors and nurses are happy with her progress thus far but say it will be
a long recovery and time is not what Audrey has in abundance.
I spoke with Audrey's Oncologist and she is not overly impressed with
Audrey progress. The pathology came back and the tumour is similar to
the previous one removed, GBM Grade 4 malignant and aggressive. She also is
not optimistic that she will fully recover from her present state.
We were discussing the possibility of palliative care next week as she
needs more attention than she can get at home or at the hospital. Audrey
is looking at it as a respite to gain her energy and catch up on sleep. No
decisions will be made about care or next course of treatment until next
week.
It seems Audrey gains a little each day and is totally coherent but still
is confused and disoriented.
Thank you all for all your thoughts and prayers.
Best Regards Barry, Charlie, Jack, Declan and Audrey xx
Comments
(who had just turned 2when her mum died) and trying to explain to her where her mummy is, was gut renching, even today it hurts. Barry, stay strong for yourself and your boys you need each other right now.