Ricky back in school July 20 2010

Good News!

Today July 26 we finally received the results of the test Ricky has been waiting for. It is complicated but the short version is that the tissue shows a gene deletion at the p1 and q19 sites. When these types of tumors show this deletion it is a good prognostic factor. In other words this is the good type of tumor to have if you have a brain tumor. Doctors know that this type of tumor is much more sensitive to chemo and radiation and many studies show a much better clinical course for people with this marker.

We are very pleased about this. In the big studies many patients lived for "extra years" when they had this type of tumor marker. Ricky has an appointment now with Dr Ray Richards on Friday to see what the next step is. There is still a lot to understand and decisions to be made about how to treat this tumor. Much thought, study, prayer and listening to the doctors will go into this next step. Dr Richards will be able to answer some of our big questions and help with the next step. We are lucky to have him as he has now accepted Ricky as a patient.

It is a big important day. This is huge!!!! For Ricky's sake this test today is very encouraging and very needed. He needed a break in all of this. His prognosis has just taken a big step in the right direction. We are all so grateful. I will post a report after our big meeting with Dr Richards on Friday.

Jeff

Ricky Surgery Video

Oncology Visit July 19

Today Ricky, Erika and I met with Dr Ali Chiquar(sp) from Salt Lake City. He comes down and holds a clinic once a month for all of the patients originally seen at the flagship Intermountain Center in SLC. He outlined what we know about the tumor and what the probable treatment course will be. Since scientists are unsure whether chemo or radiation is better most patients get both along the way. Ricky is now considering a protocol to determine which course of action to take. We are still waiting on one tumor marker (test to tell what is happening) to help determine this.

At this point the doctor did an exam and told Ricky he had a very good outcome from the surgery and that he has 4 good things going for him:

1. He is young and healthy and that means a lot with this diagnosis.
2. His diagnosis is an Oligodendroglioma which is better than the more common Astrocytoma.
3. He had a very good surgical resection. The Radiologist is calling it a complete resection but the doctor explained that with this tumor there is always the possibility of outlying cells.
4. There are no neurological deficits in Ricky's situation which is huge as most people suffer with neurological problems.

At this point we are waiting on these protocol papers to decide what the best treatment choice would be, and we are waiting on this one last tumor marker test which has some prognostic value to give Ricky treatment course guidelines.

The bottom line we will probably start chemo and/or radiation or both in about 6 to 8 weeks from the time of surgery. They want the original surgery to heal.

Ricky is doing great and is in great spirits. For Family Home Evening tonight we took out half of his staples. Erika will take out the other half in two days. They are going to Vegas in the morning and he will be in class Tuesday. We all wish you great luck Rick.

Jeff

Well Wishers From Family & Friends

Ricky's mom Lori and Uncle Jim and Brother Kasey


Dad Rick and sister Syd


Erika and Brother Kasey


Ricky with Ryder


Ricky helps shave his PA friends heads


Some of Ricky's Las Vegas' PA Class. They came to visit Friday July 16th. To help support Ricky they shaved their heads.