MRI Results 21 Sep 2018

Dear ones,

The results of my MRI on 12th Sep 2018 again showed no growth in the tumor. The doctor has concluded that the trial drugs seem to be working and I will continue taking them for now.

My next MRI is on 18 Oct 2018.

Symptomatically I continue to experience double vision along with fatigue and weakness due to the medicines. I see your continued your blessing and support to help me sail through these difficult times.

Regards,
Hasit

MRI Results 21 Aug 2018

Dear Ones,

Since starting the new clinical trial drugs, I have been experiencing some balance and stability issues. I was therefore, a little nervous about my next MRI. However, the MRI on 21st Aug showed no growth and the tumor is stable! Nevertheless, given my balance issues, the doctor wants to monitor me closely and do the next MRI in one month, instead of two months.

Meanwhile, I have been started on steroids and, have been prescribed mineral supplements along with some physiotherapy that will help build strength and restore balance.

In other news, Chandra and I officially moved from New Jersey to San Diego, California this month. We were in NJ for 2 weeks to pack and move our belongings. The visit gave us a chance to meet a few of our close friends and family after a very long time and wish them well. While it was certainly heart-breaking to leave NJ, we look forward to spending quality time with our son, daughter-in-law and nephew. Our nephew Reyansh is a little over a year old, and his toothy grin and endless babbling are therapeutic!

Thank you for keeping me in your prayers,

Love,
Hasit
 

MRI Results June 2018

Dear all,

After taking the two oral clinical trial drugs for almost a month, a repeat MRI scan was performed on 26th Jun 2018. The report showed no further growth in the tumor. Dr. Piccioni (my new doctor in San Diego, California) is pleased with the results and has decided to continue my treatment in the clinical trial. Like my previous doctor in New Jersey, he also feels that the symptoms are likely to stay due to the location of the tumor, but we should be happy even if the growth is arrested.

Restrictions on my travel have been removed and I plan to visit New Jersey for some time in July/August.

My next MRI will be in 2 months on 21st Aug 2018. Blood work will be continued to be monitored every two weeks.

I sincerely hope that the treatment continues to work for me and that my symptoms reduce to a level that can keep me more comfortable.

Thank you for keeping me in your prayers.

Yours,
Hasit

MRI Results May 2018

Dear all,

The MRI reports from 22nd May 2018 showed a significant increase in the size of the tumor. It is now slightly larger than what it was when I was first diagnosed 2 years ago. I was advised by my Doctor to immediately change my treatment. He gave me the option to either start treatment with Avastin or enroll in a clinical trial of two new oral drugs (Cediranib and Olaparib). I chose the latter and have started treatment since 30th May 2018. During this time, I have been advised to stop taking any alternative therapies.

The side effects of the new drugs are not known for certain at this time. I will continue to take them as long as they work and succeed in keeping the tumor under control.

Please continue to keep me in your prayers.

Yours,
Hasit

Restart of chemo after March MRI report

Dear All,

My latest MRI report received on 20th March shows a mild increase in the tumor and the doctor has recommended to restart chemotherapy with the same drug (Temozolomide 280 mg x 5 days per month). Two other doctors also recommended the same. Hence, I have restarted and completed one round already.

Meanwhile, I am continuing my alternate medicines (Ayurvedic and Homeopathic) and I hope the growth will be arrested soon. My next MRI will be in the third week of May.

Keep me in your prayers and send your blessings.

With love,

Hasit

MRI Results Dec 2017

Dear all,

Let me start by wishing you all a wonderful new year! May this year bring health and happiness in our lives.

I had my last MRI of 2017 on 18th Dec. On 20th Dec 2017, I met my Doctor and the MRI results continued to show no change in the tumor. My symptoms are more or less the same for the last several months and I have now reconciled with the fact that I have to accept and live with them for the rest of my life. But, as they say "No news is always good news"...

Dec 2017 is also 2 years since my initial diagnosis. These last 2 years were humbling, to say the least. There were moments of pain and despair. But on hindsight, moments of hope and endurance were definitely more powerful. My family and I will always be grateful for the prayers and blessings that we have received from everyone!

My wife and I now spend more time in San Diego with my son, daughter-in-law and grand-son Reyansh. Watching Reyansh grow, playing with him and listening to his infectious laughter fill my days with happiness.

I will be travelling to India again in Jan 2018. My next MRI is in March 2018.

Best wishes,
Hasit