Gamma Knife!

An MRI scan revealed that Jeanne has three small cancerous tumors in her brain. Our two treatment options are 1. Whole brain radiation and 2. A Gamma Knife procedure.
Due to the small amount and size of the tumors, the doctors believe she is a good candidate for the Gamma Knife procedure.

We met the neurosurgeon last Thursday. He agreed that Jeanne is an ideal candidate. He did caution us that if the MRI, that is performed immediately prior to the Gamma knife (and which is more detailed in its views), shows multiple tumors, the Gamma knife procedure may not be effective, and/or may be cancelled. If this is the case, the whole brain radiation treatment is our only option.

We will be scheduling an appointment for the Gamma Knife procedure at the Providence Medical Center in Portland.

Dr. Livingston, a prominent medical oncologist at the University of Washington, reviewed Jeanne's medical record, and he believes that our doctor is following the best possible course of treatment for her.

The doctors are not in complete agreement on the need for whole brain radiation, though. The radiation oncologist believes that there are likely other, smaller tumors growing in her brain. These undetected tumors may be too numerous to warrant the specific nature of the gamma treatment. His understanding is that the chemo drugs do not pass the brain/blood barrier, thus are not effective on brain tumors. The medical oncologists believe Xeloda, one of the drugs Jeanne is taking, may in fact impact cell tumors. Time will only tell. Gamma treatments can be repeated, to a certain extent, while whole brain treatment is only done once in a person's lifetime.

I realize this is a lengthy posting, but I felt the extra information would help you in your specific understanding on Jeanne’s current medical options, and our specific prayer needs.

Pray that:
- the Gamma Knife procedure is effective
- Jeanne has no other tumors in her brain
- the chemo drugs kills all her tumors, regardless of where they are.
- she can keep her immune system strong during chemo, which generally compromises the immune system.

For more information on the Gamma Knife procedure, see attached link.
http://www.providence.org/oregon/programs_and_services/gamma_knife/default.htm

Thanks again to everyone.