Tim flew to Utah on Thursday to have his 2nd check-up after radiation/chemo with the neuro-oncologist. Everything looked good (was clear) so that is good news on the cancer side. He will have appointments with the neuro-oncologist every 2 months for awhile on the cancer side. He will also take his chemo medication, temodar, for 5 days each month for the next 6-12 months. The tumor will grow back eventually, but since it's a slow growing type, we're hoping there will be advancements in the next few years that will slow or even stop the growth of oligodendrigliomas (and Austin can now say this word because he's heard me say it so much)!!!
He is still VERY tired, even more tired than he was when he was going through radiation. His infection has cleared up and his pick-line is out, but the infectious disease doctor wants to wait until end of March or April to replace his "bone flap" (aka: missing piece of skull). This is to make sure the infection is completely gone and there no infection hiding out when they put in the titanium plate to replace the missing skull bone. It's still so strange to think he has a big chunck of skull missing. There is a pretty good sized depression in that spot and you can actually see the beating pulse of the brain in that area.
Thanks for all the prayers, and please keep my cousin Shelly in your prayers. She was just diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I know she'll get through it just like Tim!!! Hang in there Shelly and be comforted in knowing A LOT of faith and prayers are with you and your family!!!!
