Family Life and Friendship Network

New Developments

I just spoke with Julie's Neurosurgeon, Dr. Dan Fults, and thought I'd post some answers to a few questions.

• Julie has an Anaplastic Astrocytoma
• She will undergo radiology therapy and chemotherapy, 6 weeks at a time
Radiology/chemotherapy treatment may remove much of what is left of the tumor
• Julie will receive a new chemotherapy pill called Temodar instead of IV treatment, and Dr. Fults reported that Temodar has proven effectiveness
• Since the brain tumor will likely never be entirely removed, she will require indefinite follow up - even if she's pronounced clean, further checkups will not hurt
• A similar tumor located elsewhere does not classify as cancer, but since this tumor resides in Julie's brain it has much more severe effects - thus it classifies as cancer

Now some good news. Some of you may have read more about Anaplastic Astrocytomas. Most of what you find with Google (or other inferior search engines :) ) will yield less-than-satisfying news. Most people who have Anaplastic Astrocytoma tumors are much older. Treatment for ailments in the elderly are generally less successful. Thus, most research for this tumor has a negative slant because the sample populace (social science geek self coming out here) has a lower success rate in general - not just with this tumor. Julie has a much higher probability of success. Finally, Julie's mental state will improve overall, and she will regain much of what she has lost if not all.

Social stats aside, Julie will have even greater success because so many of you love and care for her, because we all pray for her, and because she has the conquering will that we all know she has. Thank you to all of you for your support, your love, and your prayers. It helps me get through this as well. I cannot express how much your continued support means to me.

Pathology Report

Result Type: SP Final Report
Service Date: August 14, 2007 13:37
Result Status: Final
Result Title: SP FINAL REPORT
Authored By: LAB -TECH, LAB on August 14, 2007 13:37
Electronically Signed By: LAB -TECH, LAB on August 14, 2007 13:37

Final Report

ACCESSION
SP07012735

SP SUBMITTING PHYSICIAN
Fults/Neurosurgery

SP CLINICAL HISTORY
Brain tumor

SP GROSS DESCRIPTION
Received are two containers labeled with the patient's name and medical record number. Container number one is received fresh for frozen section and is labeled "brain tumor", and consists of an aggregate of pale yellow to pink soft tissue fragments 2.0 x 1.7 x 0.5 cm. A representative portion of the specimen is submitted for frozen section. After frozen section the specimen is transferred, submitted into cassette 1FA for permanence. The remaining portion of tissue is wrapped, submitted entirely into cassette 1A. Container number two is labeled "temporal lobe", and consists of an aggregate of white to pink, hemorrhagic soft tissue consistent with brain mass measuring 3.5 x 3.0 x up to 1.0 cm. Sectioning of the specimen reveals it to have a predominantly pale pink to white marble. Representative sections are submitted in two cassettes 2A-2B. JP/ah 8/14/07

Signature Line
08/14/07 (JP /AH )

SP FROZEN SECTION DIAGNOSIS
Frozen section diagnosis per Dr. Chin.
1FA: "Low grade infiltrating glioma."

SP MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION
The frozen section diagnosis is confirmed on permanent sections but the final diagnosis is upgraded after examination of the additional tissues. Sections of specimens 1 and 2 show pieces of an infiltrative glial neoplasm of low to moderate cellularity. The neoplastic cells have pleomorphic, irregular to elongated nuclei and variable amounts of cell cytoplasm. There is extensive infiltration of white matter and subpial involvement. Mitotic figures are present, but significant micorvascular proliferation with hyperplasia and necrosis are not identified.

SP DIAGNOSIS

1. BRAIN TUMOR, LEFT TEMPORAL LOBE, RESECTION:
   - ANAPLASTIC ASTROCYTOMA, WHO GRADE III
2. BRAIN TUMOR, LEFT TEMPORAL LOBE, RESECTION:
   - ANAPLASTIC ASTROCYTOMA, WHO GRADE III

Signature Line
08/15/07
(SSC/SSC) I certify that I personally conducted the diagnostic evaluation on the above specimen(s) and have rendered the above diagnosis(es):
Steven S. Chin, M.D., Ph.D.
electronic signature