Deb McNamara

As many of you know Deb had a Surgical Biopsy for a brain tumor done on Friday Oct. 19th.   What led to this biopsy was Deb was having vision changes and headaches the weeks prior.  She contacted her primary doctor and he advised her to see a eye doctor for a complete eye exam.  At that visit it was determined that Deb had little to no peripheral vision and the eye doctor did not feel this was caused by her eyes.  It was something more serious.  She than contacted her primary doctor again and he would order two MRIs .  One of her face and one of her head.  These were done on that Wednesday  Oct. 17th.  After having them done she than met with her doctor that day to go over the results.  Deb was than told the she had a large tumor in her vision portion of her brain ( that is what was causing all the vision problems and headache).  She was set up to see a Neurosurgeon the following day in Eau Claire.  It was the same surgeon the performed her benign tumor removal three years prior.   After meeting with the surgeon he advised her that a biopsy of the tumor need to be done the next day.  This was due to swelling in her brain caused by the tumor and she couldn't be treated for the swelling until the biopsy was complete.  No one got very much sleep that night.  We were all praying very hard. We knew GOD had every thing in his hands.   Deb had the Biopsy on Friday Oct. 19th.  The surgical biopsy did not take very long.   He met with us after surgery and we were told that he was not be able to remove any the tumor due to risk of leaving Deb blind.  He was only able to remove enough of the tumor for a good biopsy.  He also told us that we should pray for another tumor some where else in her body.  The reason for that was if Deb was to only have a malignant tumor in her brain we were told it would be very hard to treat due to it being a very aggressive tumor.  ( We never knew we would all be praying for a second tumor).  The next day (Sat) Deb would have a CT of her entire body.  Those results would not be back until the following day (Sun).  That morning we would find out that Deb not only had a large tumor in her brain she also had a large tumor in her right lung.  We we were beyond shocked.  She had no symptoms from the tumor.  The next day we would get the final biopsy results back.  The oncologist met with Deb that afternoon and she was given her results.   She has Stage 4 Non Small Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Lung (Lung Cancer) with Metastasis to the brain.  He went on the say that this form of cancer was very treatable ( this gave all of us relief and hope) Praise GOD!!.  The oncologist stated that this form of lung cancer can sometimes have mutated gene called PDL1.  If she was to have this mutated gene PDL1 that would mean she could possible have Immunotherapy vs. Chemo.  Immunotherapy has a lot less side effects than Chemo.  What Immunotherapy does is it boosted your bodies immune system into fighting off the Cancer.  We are praying so hard that Deb's cancer has this mutated gene!!!  We know that through GOD all things are possible.    The plan is for Deb to start radiation on her Brain on Mon Oct. 29th.  She will have 10 sessions total and will go Monday- Friday for two weeks.  They are treating the Brain tumor first in hopes of shrinking it, since most of her symptoms are coming from the brain tumor and not the lung tumor.  After the 10 sessions of radiation are complete they will be focusing on the primary lung tumor.  Deb is going to have a very tough road  ahead of her.  I know she can defeat this!!!  She is one of the toughest women I know and I feel very Blessed to call her my mother-in -law.   We ultimately know the good Lord has his hands in it all.  We  ask for continued prays and support for Deb.   I will try and update as much as possible.  


Love 
McNamara's

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”