Jodey&Eddie&Blue
Very Active Member
Hello Everyone,
I'm writing at this moment to let you know that tomorrow, October 23, Eddie and I are travelling to VCA Victoria to meet with Dr. Genevieve Hammond, the radiation oncologist who designed Eddie's SRT plan back in February 2021 when it was delivered at VCA Calgary, Alberta.
I know not everyone agrees with seeking further treatment for acromegaly after hypophysectomy, which Eddie had in 2020 but which removed only 60% of the tumour. That was followed by SRT in 2021 to support the hypophysectomy. As for the DM, Eddie never went into remission, as did his brother, Blue.
I have spent a lot of time reflecting, even agonizing about this decision but have taken it for a number of reasons:
Tina Owen said there are two ways to look at SRT:
Year 1_ 9-12 months post SRT: effect on the actual tumour
Year 3. Possible SRT effects on Endocrine system
I may find that Eddie is not a candidate for SRT. Perhaps it's already too late, I don't yet know. If they determine he is not, I will return home and we will carefully and purposefully looking into Cabergoline.
Tina Owen pointed out one issue that needs be taken into account and that is Eddie's insulin dose: 27u Levemir. If his is a candidate for SRT and receives it, that high a dose is of concern if he goes into "remission". She has impressed upon me that he needs be closely monitored while he's receiving any treatment and I'm taking it upon myself to ensure that happens.
Dr. Hammond is aware of Eddie's issues with 3 different types of sedation and they have assured me they will not administer them either for the scan or for any sessions he may have., which might, if he's a candidate, be anywhere from 1 - 3.
I am both hopeful and afraid. I am doing what I think is best for Eddie and I'm doing my best. I really appreciate all the support he gets on the DM/Insulin side of FDMB and here in the Acro forum and I hope you all will keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
@Wendy&Neko
I'm writing at this moment to let you know that tomorrow, October 23, Eddie and I are travelling to VCA Victoria to meet with Dr. Genevieve Hammond, the radiation oncologist who designed Eddie's SRT plan back in February 2021 when it was delivered at VCA Calgary, Alberta.
I know not everyone agrees with seeking further treatment for acromegaly after hypophysectomy, which Eddie had in 2020 but which removed only 60% of the tumour. That was followed by SRT in 2021 to support the hypophysectomy. As for the DM, Eddie never went into remission, as did his brother, Blue.
I have spent a lot of time reflecting, even agonizing about this decision but have taken it for a number of reasons:
- Eddie's insulin requirements have for the most part been increasing. He's currently on 27u Levemir BiD and even though he's relatively stable at that dose, that stability is provisional based on the tumour secreting GH.
- Eddie's last IGF-1 was 156 and that was in February 2022.
- Eddie had a CT scan in March 2022 and it showed an area that could have been scar tissue but is probably tumour material, even though it was smaller than before his SRT.
- I do not want to see Eddie deteriorate while that tumour takes up space and causes all kinds of trouble. He is relatively stable right now and I'm grateful for that.
Tina Owen said there are two ways to look at SRT:
Year 1_ 9-12 months post SRT: effect on the actual tumour
Year 3. Possible SRT effects on Endocrine system
I may find that Eddie is not a candidate for SRT. Perhaps it's already too late, I don't yet know. If they determine he is not, I will return home and we will carefully and purposefully looking into Cabergoline.
Tina Owen pointed out one issue that needs be taken into account and that is Eddie's insulin dose: 27u Levemir. If his is a candidate for SRT and receives it, that high a dose is of concern if he goes into "remission". She has impressed upon me that he needs be closely monitored while he's receiving any treatment and I'm taking it upon myself to ensure that happens.
Dr. Hammond is aware of Eddie's issues with 3 different types of sedation and they have assured me they will not administer them either for the scan or for any sessions he may have., which might, if he's a candidate, be anywhere from 1 - 3.
I am both hopeful and afraid. I am doing what I think is best for Eddie and I'm doing my best. I really appreciate all the support he gets on the DM/Insulin side of FDMB and here in the Acro forum and I hope you all will keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
@Wendy&Neko
Last edited: