The very best kind of update!
In support of
Alexis Mirakian
View Support Registry
Alexis Mirakian
Last week, Chris and Alexis traveled to Houston for both a PET scan and for meetings with various doctors at MD Anderson. What an incredible trip it was. Sharing Chris's powerful update below. Alexis - we are all in awe of your strength, grit and positive persistence! YOU ARE AMAZING! We will continue to fight alongside you and love you so much! 💪🤍🙌
"Very positive meeting with the MDA team today. They showed the comparison PET scans. 1st pic is July and 2nd pic is yesterday. No detectable metabolic activity anywhere except the main tumor in the right center lung lobe. The doctors are all very impressed. Described her treatment response as “incredible” and “beautiful.” And beyond what they typically forecast.
NOW for next steps. The thoracic surgeon and radiation oncologist both are recommending surgery to remove the right middle lobe, where the primary tumor exists. The data shows far greater long term prognosis with removal of the primary tumor - whether through surgery or radiation. Primary downside of radiation is proximity of the tumor to her heart. Proximal radiation could lead to unwanted heart complications down the road. Downside of the surgery is that it’s invasive. And always a risk involved when removing part of an organ.
The upside of the surgery is that it will 100% eliminate the primary tumor. They would go through her back and between the ribs. Doctor would also be able to assess some of the nodules and lymph nodes that previously exhibited metabolic activity. These would be removed as well.
The team will present their findings and recommendations to the MDA Tumor Board on Tuesday and will confirm their recommendation with us on Wednesday of next week.
A lot to digest. But we’re both VERY glad we came down here and both very excited and encouraged by the continued positive news about the progression of Alexis treatment.
As always, Alexis is doing an amazing job. I love her very much and am EXTREMELY proud of her."
"Very positive meeting with the MDA team today. They showed the comparison PET scans. 1st pic is July and 2nd pic is yesterday. No detectable metabolic activity anywhere except the main tumor in the right center lung lobe. The doctors are all very impressed. Described her treatment response as “incredible” and “beautiful.” And beyond what they typically forecast.
NOW for next steps. The thoracic surgeon and radiation oncologist both are recommending surgery to remove the right middle lobe, where the primary tumor exists. The data shows far greater long term prognosis with removal of the primary tumor - whether through surgery or radiation. Primary downside of radiation is proximity of the tumor to her heart. Proximal radiation could lead to unwanted heart complications down the road. Downside of the surgery is that it’s invasive. And always a risk involved when removing part of an organ.
The upside of the surgery is that it will 100% eliminate the primary tumor. They would go through her back and between the ribs. Doctor would also be able to assess some of the nodules and lymph nodes that previously exhibited metabolic activity. These would be removed as well.
The team will present their findings and recommendations to the MDA Tumor Board on Tuesday and will confirm their recommendation with us on Wednesday of next week.
A lot to digest. But we’re both VERY glad we came down here and both very excited and encouraged by the continued positive news about the progression of Alexis treatment.
As always, Alexis is doing an amazing job. I love her very much and am EXTREMELY proud of her."
Comments
Amy Holsopple
Jwood4
Katie Adams
Andrea Welsh
Gayla
Ali Begnaud
Tammy Broaddus
Sally Anderson
Dani Beaver
Peggy Bradley
Margy
You, Alexis, are so incredible and so resilient!! You are beating this and you are in the final "cleanup" phase!! Cancer free, here you (we) come!! It's such a relief, so exciting!! Love you and congratulations on this great news!
Nancy Alexander
Kylie Owens