7th Treatment

Makenzie's blood counts bounced back nicely and she was able to get her 7th treatment. Dr. Etzl is concerned about her not feeling well all the time and having difficulty swallowing. He talked about maybe changing the chemo medication she is on. He was concerned that tumor growth or shift may be causing her problems and we might need to get more aggressive with the treatments. We doubt there will be any change though. He's been in Japan for a week at a brain tumor conference and had not spoken to her neurosurgeon or her neurologist. He also had not reviewed her latest MRI for himself. The neurosurgeon already reviewed her MRI from when she was in the hospital and said he did not see any growth or shift. We think it is just swelling in and around the tumor. Anyway, we'll find out for sure at her next appointment. She has been doing better the past week or so. She's eating better, got some weight back on. The steroids have increased her appetite. Her voice is sounding better and she's got some color back also. The vincristine is affecting the nerves that go quadriceps... that makes her legs a little sore and stiff and she walks like a penguin.