Tumor is on the run!

We had very welcome news today - the latest MRI revealed that the tumor has gotten smaller. I am posting a few pdf's from current and previous MRI's so you can see the difference with your own eyes. The active tumor tissue is the bright white misshappen area clearly visible on the top (December) MRI's. The dark area in the "middle" of the tumor ring is necrotic tissue - tissue which has died. This is a "classic" presentation of GBM - Glioblastoma Multiforme. In the most recent MRI's, shown below each of the December MRI's, the active area is much smaller (only visible on 2 slices vs 4 in December) and the tumor looks like it is collapsing in on the necrotic area.




Why is the tumor getting smaller? There are never easy answers. First and foremost, however, it is beginning to seem like Keith may be among the lucky percentage who respond to Temodar. Temodar's mechanism (if it works) is to disable the DNA in the cancer cells so that they cannot replicate. This is similar to the benefit derived from radiation treatment. Temodar can be safely continued for 24 cycles - so we can continue the press and hopefully continue to benefit from its impact.

In addition to chemo, Keith has pursued several complementary strategies which we feel may be supporting our current success. The first strategy has been to reduce inflammation. There is scientific evidence that inflammation is a precursor to and a stimulant for cancerous growth. Since October, Keith has been taking daily doses of celebrex (a COX II inhibitor) and tagamet (cimetidine)- both of which target inflammation but may not be front of mind in terms of cancer treatment. Other anti-inflammatory tools include the strict avoidance of sugar and "bad" fats in favor of a diet rich in beneficial Omega-3 fats and olive oil.

We have also focused part of our diet and supplement strategy toward limiting vascular growth: tumors need blood vessels to deliver nourishment and support new growth. Keith eats a handful of brazil nuts each day (high in selenium which is anti-angiogenetic) and strictly limits his intake of copper (with promotes angiogenesis). All water is filtered to remove trace copper and some beloved foods (apricots, almonds, shellfish to name a few) are strictly avoided.

Keith has remained very faithful to the nutritional guidelines recommended by Dr. Jeanne Wallace who specializes in work with brain tumor patients (http://www.nutritional-solutions.net/). He takes a "bowlful" of supplements each day and continues to get help from acupuncture, reike and massage. Right now, at least, it seems like we have all the right things working.

Next round of chemo starts Saturday...next MRI in two months.