MARCH 3

Today we saw the doctor to discuss the results of the MRI and PET scan. He walked into the room and said, "You just want to give me trouble." He along with a score of doctors had poured over the scans and spent the morning discussing what they need to do.

The good news is that the Lymphoma in Gary's body from the neck down is gone. The bad news, the spot in his brain has grown. This time, it showed up on the PET scan as well. It is on the 5th cranial nerve right smack in the middle of his brain. This is what is causing the pain, and paralysis along the right side of Gary's face. Even causing him to notice problems hearing in his right ear.

Because of where it is located and being on a nerve, there is no way they will be able to do a biopsy to determine if it is Lymphoma. It is possible that it could be a schwannoma (see http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/336141-overview ) but the doctor acted like that was not as likely. After much dialogue between our doctor and neurosurgeons, they are going to treat it as Lymphoma and plan to do gamma-knife radiosurgery on Friday. You can read about this procedure at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gamma-knife-radiosurgery/MY00206.

We will see the neurosurgeon tomorrow to discuss this further. Next week, Gary will go ahead with another Methotrexate treatment. The doctor will continue doing this until Gary goes to transplant so as to make sure the Lymphoma does not return. We covet your prayers for us as we process this new setback.