Dear Readers:
I regret to deliver unpleasant news. I have not written in the last couple of days because of surprising developments that have arised as a result of Trinity's second surgery just 10 days ago. The team of doctors at UCSF got together earlier this week and examined the tumor that was removed from Trin's brain. Then on Friday, they called her in for an appointment to personally deliver the news. During this meeting, doctors informed Trinity that her brain tumor has developed into Stage 3 Cancer.
The type of tumor Trinity has is called a Mixed Oligoastrocytoma Grade III. Only 1 in 100,000 people get it and there's nothing that causes it - it just happens. The median age for someone to be diagnosed with oligoastrocytoma is 42 years old; Trinity is just 27. Symptoms of this type of tumor are headaches, seizures, and motor changes - all of which Trin has suffered.
Thankfully, the surgeons removed as much of the tumor as possible without disturbing eloquent regions of Trin's brain (speech/motor cortex) and other critical brain structure. She will continue to undergo subsequent MRI exams for the rest of her life to monitor the resection cavity. Even after surgery, an oligoastrocytoma may recur. Treatment for a recurring brain tumor may include surgical resection down the road - but as of now doctors have scheduled Trin to begin chemo and radiation therapy in 6 weeks.
We've told Trin that we will shave our heads with her if she stands to lose the rest of what hair she has left as a result of therapy. Even better, doctors have informed Trin that they can harvest her eggs if necessary so she can eventually have children, despite the potentially damaging effects of therapy. And since it's a medical issue, her insurance will likely pay the rental fee to hold her eggs in storage.
We've told Trin that we will shave our heads with her if she stands to lose the rest of what hair she has left as a result of therapy. Even better, doctors have informed Trin that they can harvest her eggs if necessary so she can eventually have children, despite the potentially damaging effects of therapy. And since it's a medical issue, her insurance will likely pay the rental fee to hold her eggs in storage.
Survival time of this type of brain tumor varies. Experts say a younger age is one proven factor in improved survival time. Since Trin is young and in otherwise good health, we have reason to believe that she is off to a great recovery since the odds (and faith) are on her side!
We continue to be inspired by Trinity's determination - and we know that God will not give her more than she can handle! She's a pillar of strength and example for all of us to appreciate one-another and not to take anything for granted... life can change so quickly overnight. We love you Trinity!!! Stay strong sister!!! <3Faithfully,
Nazy
Nazy....thank you for keeping all of us updated on Trinity's condition. Please let her know that she has so many pulling for her and praying for her. I know starting chemo and radiation is going to be tough...but she is going to make it and beat this!
ReplyDeleteTammy Davis and family
Nazy ..So glad we saw you this afternoon....and thank you for writing this blog. Trinity is in our thoughts and prayers. We think of her all the time and wish her the best full recovery anyone can have. Marilyn and Tim S.
ReplyDeleteGod Speed Trinity, God Speed !
ReplyDeleteTammy: Thank you for your support and your donation that day!
ReplyDeleteMarilyn: Thank you and Tim for inspiring me to make this blog page and for holding me to my word!
Mom: Yes! Love love love <3