I haven't written much recently because I've been uninspired, a bit depressed, and still unsure about the future. Since radiation is finished, that is no longer an option. Recent MRI's show the possibility of either necrosis (tissue death), or tumor activity - either one is bad, but obviously one is slightly more treatable. I've been on a drug (Trental) which hopefully would help determine if it was necrosis, but the second post-radiation MRI showed an increase in the targeted area. But it's still treatable if it's not tumor...So the options include:
1. steroids (undesirable side0effects
2. avastin (unpleasant treatment)
3. hyperbaric oxygen (probably the next alternative)- if interested check this out http://www.cincinnatihyperbarics.com/hbottherapy.html
4. surgery to remove this small focus of enhancement (not gonna happen if I have the three options above)
5. continuing with just trental and close follow-up (also a small possibility)
I like being aggressive with treatment, but I want to avoid more surgery.
I'll edit this same post after I speak with the docs tomorrow and come up with an official plan.
Take care all!
