MRI Update
11/11/2004

Lori had an MRI early this morning. We had an appointment with Dr. Levy (surgeon) & then with Dr. Raizer(oncologist).

There is definitely something showing on the MRI. The area where the tumor was is close to twice the size as before & there is a new spot in the frontal lobe. It is very possible that all of this is inflammation and or dead tissue from the drug IL 13. The 2nd spot could be inflammation where a catheter was placed. Or it is possible that it is tumor.

Lori & Erik stayed at the hospital to set up the next step which will be a biopsy and possible surgery on Monday. Before Monday, they will decide what the next step will be if it is tumor. They will be looking into other clinical trials - some would be out of town & would require the surgery to remove the tumor be done at the same facility where the treatment would be done. Some don't care where the surgery is done, they just do the treatment.

If it is inflammation & dead tissue, the doctor will continue with the surgery. If it is tumor he may or may not continue depending on the trial. Dr. Raizer seemed to think inflammation is likely because it did respond to the steroids Lori was on but we won't know anything for sure until the biopsy.

Please pray that it is inflammation and dead tissue & that it can all come out on Monday.

Linda

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