However, upon closer analysis, the scan seemed too ambiguous to distinguish new tumor growth from pre-existing tumor and edema. The bad news is that two different doctors have confirmed the tumor is allegedly growing on the inside walls of both ventricles. There is a 1 cm regrowth near where the 2cm tumor was cut out 6 weeks earlier. In my opinion, this MRI looks worse than the MRI before my surgery just 6 weeks earlier. It is despairing that it seems my surgery was for no obvious benefit.
Doctors insist intravenously is now the best approach since regrowth is on both sides of the brain.
Doses are administered once every four weeks with MRI's every 6 to 9 weeks. This drug is a common drug for fighting severe cases of acne. This oral chemo causes cell proliferation via an unknown function of high dose vitamin A. Side effects are primarily peeling of the skin. In January of 1997 my neurosurgeon at UCLA stated that I wouldn't make it to the end of the year. Not only did I make it but my health was outstanding and my spirits were exceptionally high as I passed this marker date.