Update - Gamma Knife #4

We are home from the gamma knife surgery. It went great. We came away with four pieces of good news:  
1.  Three new tumors were successfully treated. Bam!  
2.  The suspicious spot noted in last Wednesday’s MRI is shrinking away
      and no longer a concern. 
3.  The tumor causing the seizure is not active melanoma.

We didn't realize it, but this tumor was previously treated by gamma knife. Unfortunately after treatment it bled, causing it to look bigger. Today’s high resolution MRI confirmed that the tumor is actually shrinking. Unfortunately the blood around it caused irritation which triggered edema or a fluid buildup in the brain; and that’s what caused the seizure.

Under normal circumstances Harold would be given steroids to reduce the swelling and that tumor would be off the worry list, but Harold has been treated with immunotherapy. Steroids would slow down his heightened immune response, basically stopping further benefit from the treatment. It’s not a tough choice. When you have to decide between having brain surgery or cancelling out your best bet for a cure, brain surgery sounds pretty good.

4. That surgery, originally scheduled for October 18th, has been moved up to Friday, October 12^th. There was a cancellation, something that a week ago seemed highly unlikely, but it happened and Harold was given the spot. 

Harold is now "comfortably" settled in his recliner. He's got ice packs on his head, and a remote in his hand. Football anyone?