MRI Shows The Need For More Radiation



New tumor

  As we sit and wait in the waiting room, no words need to be spoken yet again, it's another shared moment between the two of us. We have come to the Clinic for results of Phil's MRI, and we both share concern over this  appointment.  Phil had an MRI on Monday, and Wednesday was the office visit with the Neurologist and Tumor Specialist to discuss the results. Part of this concern is self inflicted due to viewing the MRI CD that was provided to us in which we attempted to diagnosis him ourselves.  It is never a good idea to attempt to figure out an MRI when your not radiologist.  I would venture to say that looking at the CD  put more anxiety on me for this appointment, so I've decided not to do that again for sanity reasons.

While waiting I can only think of the conversation in the car on our way to the Cleveland Clinic.  Phil had asked if I was OK?  I replied, "I just don't want to see you go through another surgery."  He grabs my hand and states, "I just don't want to see my family go through this anymore, I will be fine."  The man is  always thinking of other's first, he just amazes me at times. 

"Phil Kenderes" the nurse stated loudly.  We get up and follow the nurse back to our assigned room number.  Before we get there, Phil is weighed.  We guess at the weight as we have done through this whole process of every appointment at the Clinic, he was closer this time so he won.  The nurse opens the door and we step in and we sit down in the chairs provided.  She proceeds as usual, "Do you have any pain?", "Where is it located?", and "On a scale of one to ten what would you rate it".  Phil answers the questions with a perplexed look on his face.  He never knows how to answer them accurately.  His pain is all over the place on a scale from one to ten.  He proceeds, she documents, takes his blood pressure, and then closes the door behind her.  And again we wait.

Finally after what feels like an excruciating long time in our assigned room, the doctor appears and is going to share with us the results of his MRI.  At this moment I am unsure if I really want those results and yet at the same time I do.  She is standing with her arms crossed, and leaning backwards against the counter.  That just happens to be one of my pet-peeves when your talking to a patient, sit down, and talk with us.  Enough of that, that's just something that irritates me, and I do like her as his doctor.  It's just at this moment I am finding anything that is irritating and going with it.  With arms crossed and leaning back on the sink, she states, "I have been reviewing your MRI, and there is an increase in activity of Myeloma throughout the spine, however, one area on C4 will need radiation."  I was relieved that at least it's not a surgical procedure involving a blade.  However, it's still increase in Myeloma cells eating away at his spine and yet again he will endure more radiation.  She reassures us that even though there is an increase in activity, the rest of the spine looks "stable".

As we leave Phil states, "Here we go again.", with the look of discouragement and anger on his face and Myeloma again peering back through his loving eyes.  It will again be several appointments just to get him ready for his stereo-tactic radial surgery.   The reason it takes time it that the radiation laser needs to be accurate and precise, so a mesh mask will need to be prepared for locking him down to the table.  Tatoos  will be placed on the mask and him for lining up laser.  It's a moment that I am thankful for treatment and yet I  feel angry again that Myeloma  is calling the shots. Once again I am reminded that "God is in control of this, not me, not Myeloma, but God".  I am writing for just one favor from you, will you pray for my husband. 

This is another picture
his spine.

Just another view.

I ask you to pray for strength, comfort, and that the radiation will kill this tumor.  Also, that the radiation will not cause any further damage to the spine.  That he will be provided with relief from pain, and peace  through this next phase of dealing with a new tumor.  God is in control of this but we appreciate your prayers.

Thank you,