My goodness, how quickly things change

[Pancake_Lefse]

My goodness, how quickly things change.

When we met with Jeff’s radiation oncologist, he advised that it was unlikely neurosurgery would elect to do surgery. He stated they are very selective with whom they do surgery on and since Jeff has more than 1 tumor and in different areas, he probably wouldn’t be a good candidate for surgery. “They can’t go in and get them all.”

We left the appointment Monday with the understanding that Jeff would proceed with targeted radiation. However, the radiation oncologist wanted a consult with neurosurgery prior to setting that plan in motion.

We met with neurosurgery today. The neurosurgeon explained that Jeff’s largest tumor wasn’t in his brain, but on the dura pressing into his brain.

Due to the size of the tumor, if Jeff opted for radiation, it wouldn’t reach the entire tumor. If left alone, the tumor will continue to grow (at an unknown rate of speed), potentially causing disruption or impairment to his motor skills, memory issues, possible strokes or seizures, and brain bleeds.

If surgery is performed after symptoms present, the goal would be to remove the tumor in hopes that symptoms don’t worsen. It’s not likely that symptoms would resolve.

Jeff has elected to undergo brain surgery to have the biggest tumor removed. Tentatively speaking, surgery will be on September 17, 2021.

Since Jeff isn’t having symptoms and the scans show minimal swelling, the neurosurgeon doesn’t think the tumor is stuck to Jeff’s brain. If they find it is stuck, this will complicate his surgery, but the surgeon believes there would be more aggravation if stuck. Neurosurgeon maintained that he felt like the tumor was ‘only’ pressing into Jeff’s brain.

Once the surgery is performed, Jeff will meet with another radiation oncologist that specializes in brain metastases/cancer.

They will radiate the area where the tumor is removed in hopes it doesn’t come back. Additionally, they will radiate remaining tumors. It’s unknown at this time as to which radiation will be performed. (Ie: whole brain, targeted, gamma knife)

We also met with the medical oncologist who is onboard with Jeff’s surgery. He advised Jeff to continue with the Zytiga/Prednisone. He wants Jeff on Zytiga/Prednisone for at least a month before deciding if his treatment plan needs to change.

Much to our surprise, Jeff’s insurance actually approved the PET scan, which was supposed to be done today. However, the medical oncologist canceled it. His oncologist advised that regardless of what the scan showed, the course of treatment would not change. Fantastic news though, when Jeff needs the PET scan going forward we know it’s available.

Currently Jeff is not experiencing any symptoms from the brain metastases. Should that change prior to tentative surgery, he is to let them know right away.

As Jeff’s pain is managed, he is feeling pretty good these days. Bless his heart, he was worried about missing work to have brain surgery. As if worrying about brain surgery isn’t enough.

(PS: the neurosurgeon noted that Jeff has multiple skull mets. That didn’t surprise us. What did surprise us is that the neurosurgeon believes the brain tumors came from the skull mets. If any of you find this concerning, please know the neurosurgeon also noted this is very rare. There’s a 1-2% chance that men with prostate cancer with mets to skull will also have brain metastases.)

#teamjeffgallagher

[Dett]

Thanks for the update. Good to know Jeff is feeling better. Cautiously optimistic?

[Shooter1]

Sounds like the best news you could get with what is presented.. Waiting to here progress reports as they become available... Life is Good. Live it the the fullest of your ability...

[Hailwood]

It really sounds quite miraculous to have a surgical option. Good luck

[dmt1121]

May you both get that miracle!

[Rogersw]

God bless things seem to be getting better

[lcfcpolo]

Wow. You have a great team supporting Jeff as well as yourself. Best wishes to Jeff for the next stages. Ps. Never has a man had a better reason to take sick leave than Jeff. Hopefully he will take the time to recover. Great attitude though.

[cesces]

You may not have the time, but if you can see if you can get a second opinion on using proton therapy for the big met in the skull.

Proton therapy is noted for being very effective on skulls.

[Cooolone]

Deep thoughts and prayers for you and Jeff that you may find relief and successful therapy! 🤞

Is good news to hear he is feeling better!

I'm wondering if there is any relevance to what I will provide below, and I am not providing this to create any false assertion that it does... Only sharing it because every time I hear or read about "Brain Cancer" it takes me there.

canceractive.com/article/ho...

One of the first things I had come across upon diagnosis and searching for answers was his story. A truly compelling one it is... Again, I'm not saying anything there is relevant, but it's worth a look.

Wishing you two the best!

[Survivor1965]

Hes still working?

[Pancake_Lefse in reply to Survivor1965]

Crazy isn’t it? Yes.

He was off for about 5 months after his initial dx and surgery (tumor removed from spine) in Dec 2020, but returned to work about 3 months ago and has continued to work since then.

I truly don’t know how he does it. He tries to schedule all his appointments around his work schedule and has worked on days while battling excruciating pain or profound fatigue.

I say he’s my hero and he is. My Jeff is the bravest, most courageous man I am honored to know and love. I’m grateful beyond measure to be acquainted with all the heroes within these forums as well.

It’s usually me that gets emotional when receiving bad or overwhelming news. No matter how hard I try to maintain my composure, I seemingly have no control over my eyes welling and overflowing.

Yesterday, the magnitude of our situation hit Jeff full force. He angrily wiped his tears away as he tried to process the news we received. For once, I sat stoically. I rubbed his back and offered silent comfort.

To my dismay, when Jeff finally spoke, he said he wanted to move forward with the surgery, but quipped he needed 30 days so he could sort out work first.

I hate that he worries about work so much, however he has said it’s the only “normal” thing he has left.

[spencoid2 in reply to Pancake_Lefse]

wishing you both the absolute best. for some people work is aggravating for others like me it is therapy that i need. if i can't make things or write programs i get anxious but my dogs calm me down. If Jeff wants to work it is my opinion that he should.

[Hidden in reply to Pancake_Lefse]

Jeff? Please stop work for now? Save energy to heal ..he is strong .. But He will need all his strength to get though this. No one can overstate his precarious status. Positivity love and support are what you’re giving him.. that’s all that’s needed. I pray that the doctors pull off some kind of miracle.🙏peace to the kids.

[Survivor1965]

But work adds stress that he doesnt need. Can he retire?

[Pancake_Lefse in reply to Survivor1965]

He just turned 54 in June, however his palliative care team offered to aide him and point him in the right direction to receive benefits.

Jeff thanked them and said he would keep it in mind.

He’s just not ready to let go. In fact, it was in that appointment that he noted it’s the only normal thing he has left.

While I don’t think I could work under these circumstances, I also think that, for Jeff, the pros currently outweigh the cons with his sustaining employment. I would agree it can be stressful, however it gives him the motivation to face each day.

So far he has remained remarkably in high spirits and that’s despite all the challenges thrown his way.

[Hidden in reply to Pancake_Lefse]

That is great!

[Rsdutcher7]

You two are doing great with just taking it day by day. And your support, strength and courage along the side of his will get you both through it. Little bits of “normal” and the distraction of working are good for him now. You don’t have to make any big decisions right away!