Good News, Keep it Coming!

Good news came our way this Monday at our visit to U of M! Justin's MRI showed significant improvement. We are still waiting for the results from his lumbar puncture, but we believe the doctor will begin to tapper off his steroids by the end of this week. We may never know what caused Justin to have the headaches, etc, but we feel at this point that may be a good thing. Whatever happened, It is at least responding to something [the steroids or chemo].

Dr. Junck, Justin's neuro-oncolgist, is a very nice man. We went to the appointment on Monday with loads of questions and he was very patient answering each one to the best of his ability. He even examined the past two MRI's right there in front of us. We [Justin, his dad and me] were able to see the actual improvement in his brain. Technology just blows me away.

I also have mucho respect for Dr. Junck because he commented on what a great guy Justin is. All of us that know Justin, know that this is true. But on Monday, I added one more reason to the list as to why he is such a great person. One of Dr. Junck's interns/residents performed Justin's lumbar puncture and of course, it was her first time. She made the mistake of announcing this when she entered the room...not exactly what a patient wants to hear. She seemed to struggle a bit to figure everything out and to find Justin's fluid. Justin kept telling her she was doing a great job, saying he was only a little uncomfortable. I could tell it was a bit more than just "uncomfortable." Even when the procedure was done, Justin congratulated her and told her a job well done. That's when Dr. Junck told Justin that he is one of the coolest patients he has ever had. Even though I wish Justin didn't have to be his patient at all, it felt great to hear. I think Justin was just glad it was all over with and we could go home. It was a long day.

Justin finished his 2 cycle [treatment 4 out of 12] yesterday. Chris went with him to keep him company. They were home in time to watch the sad Tiger's lose once again. Justin is beginning to worry about the season. He seems to get more tired at the end of each treatment and cannot spare any energy thinking about why they are not doing well. He thinks Leyland needs to have a meltdown on the players. We keep hoping to see him on the field having a temper tantrum on every player! I mean, you just can't blame one. They ALL need to figure it out.