Prognosis: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)
Outlook: Super Duper Hyper Positive
Chance of kicking it's rear: Oh, you better believe it. Consider this a warning little tumor.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Well Crud....

We found out yesterday that mom's tumor is a persistent little turd, and has decided to show up again. It goes without saying that this is not what we wanted or anticipated.
We are now onto plan B.
Plan A was the chemo/radiation and Avastin. We think the chemo stopped working, but Mom hasn't....so we are off the study and onto new things.
Plan B is a combination of gamma knife and a different chemo and hopefully more Avastin soon (it's now FDA approved). We do not know the schedule, nor do we know when or where this new regimen will begin. All we know is that the doctors were sad to give us the news, but just as excited to try out the gamma knife.

The gamma knife is precise, we've heard that it eradicates tumors for years. Mom couldn't have it the first time because her tumor was too large and needed surgically removed. The second time her regrowth was barely visible and so it also didn't qualify, now her tumor regrowth is just right (really it's just wrong). Mom and I were talking today and compared it to Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Her tumor is now mama bear size and the gamma knife can obliterate it. Yes, obliterate. Somehow that word is more awesome than it should be right now.

So don't be sad. We're sad enough for everyone, trust us. Somehow though, we are still hopeful, the initial shock wore off quickly this time. No more time for tears (okay maybe a few). So she's tightening her laces, and putting on her armor and is ready for battle, again.

There is so much to tell and yet with how much we have been on the phone and talking to our little family, I don't have it in me to rehash. I know we have ALL been there. Thank you for reading and keeping us in your prayers, we still get email and cards and phone calls and FB messages reminding us that you still pray for her. Thank you thank you thank you.

Heavenly Father knows the plan and we are discovering it, step by step, little by little. Our faith and trust in Him has increased yet again. Jesus Christ is our Savior, our Redeemer and He knows better than anyone the pain and suffering we are all going through, that mom's going through, that we, her children are going through.

My parents would have been married 32 years this month, we celebrate it as we always do, and it's just a lovely reminder that families will and can be together forever. Do not doubt that promise, it will change your life.

I will have an update sooner this time.

xoxo Lindsay


My family (and Grandma!) Circa 1995.
Oh yeah, that's a good looking bunch. Hahaha.

12 comments:

Rachel said...

so sorry to hear the news :( good luck to your mother and the new procedure! lots of prayers and love! your family is so adorable, i love the old school photo :)
what a sweet post - families are forever and i am so grateful!

Jessica said...

I am so sorry. LAME. Really.

Josh and Megan said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!! We love you so much and we love the word "obliterate" too!! Fight sher-bear!!

Hayley Marie said...

Sounds like they have some good options for you guys at least! We are praying for your family! Hope you get some good news soon!

Malerie said...

We're still praying out here in Iowa! You guys are amazing and such an inspiration.

Jordan and Crystal said...

super lame! Sheri your a fighter and we sure love you! In our thoughts and prayers.

Nathan, Andrea & Jack said...

We love you Sheri!

Brittany said...

Praying, praying, praying!!! We love you guys.

Camille said...

WE ARE PRAYING HARD OVER HERE!!! We love you guys so much. Sheri is a fighter.

PS. I LOVE this picture because it is how I still remember meeting the Bird family way back when... 1995 was when we met you guys!

Jan said...

I wish I could take some of the burden from you. This has got to be simply the hardest thing ever. I love the family picture too - forever families rock! You are beautiful, strong, and truly an inspiration. Please know there are hundreds of loved ones out there praying for you all. xoxoxo

B said...

how did I miss this? CRAP! I'm mad. I'm so sorry to hear this news but hopeful, like you, Sheri can pull through this one, yet again. She is such an amazing fighter and the best example of perseverance. I love you all. I pray for your every day (twice a day actually).

mama cavanaugh said...

This photo reminds me of your cute little family when we met you in 1998. You were each a little older but Sheri and Keith look the same! I can not say enough about how wonderful your parents are and how much we love them. We do keep your family in our prayers and put your name on the temple prayer roll.