It's All in Your Head!

Actual mapping MRI of Dr Dan's brain, horizontal cross-sectional view at the level of the orbits
(yellow spots represent melanoma deposits)








Truer words were never spoken. We just returned from Charlottesville after another round of imaging studies, lab tests and consultations with both the neurosurgeon, Dr Sheehan, and the oncologist, Dr Grosh. The PET scan indicates no evidence of active disease from the neck down, but the MRI of the brain demonstrates at least nine small tumors which have progressed in size since the last study. All but one of these appear to have been present on the previous scan (final report still pending). I remain remarkably free of any signs or symptoms from these metastatic deposits in the brain. So, indeed, it’s all in my head!

From a medical standpoint I appear to be somewhat of an enigma. It is unusual to demonstrate progression of melanoma tumors in the brain and yet have no evidence of active disease elsewhere, especially in light of the extensive metastases found throughout my body at the time of initial diagnosis.

Although it is clear we still face a formidable foe, it is also clear that nothing short of the miraculous could have brought me this far. One year ago I was immobilized with pain, emaciated, pale, unable to eat, hardly able to draw a breath at times, at the brink of death. Today I am pain-free with renewed energy, an insatiable appetite for all that life has to offer, and a little over-weight :-)

How we face the formidable foes in our lives is a matter of the head. The awesome reality of God’s peace that I have experienced through all this is a direct byproduct of how I choose to fill my head. Listen to these encouraging words: "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3) "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:7) I have put this to the test and know it to be true.

We have reviewed the treatment options with our consultants (whole brain radiation, stereotactic radiosurgery, ipilimumab infusions, or other investigational therapy) and have chosen to proceed with the gamma knife procedure. Because of the number of lesions to be treated, this will be done in two sessions, now scheduled for April 10 and April 20.

Meanwhile, I rest in this thought: “You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.” (Psalm 3:3)

Dan