Sorry for the late update, it is amazing how fast the weeks go by.   We were not successful weaning Genie of the dexamethasone.    Her symptoms got progressively worse as we decreased the dosage even with the additional hydrocortisone.   There were additional circumstances which include the pulmonary embolism I mentioned in the last communication which makes breathing more difficult.  Honestly; Genie has struggled a great deal over the last few weeks with memory, balance, speaking and daily activities which caused additional concern and anxiety going into yesterday’s MRI appointment at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Center at Duke.  Unfortunately; our concern was well founded when Dr Landi reviewed the MRI results.  Genie’s tumor is now active which has caused an increase in swelling in the right temporal lobe.  There is also new tumor growth in the frontal lobe which has caused significant headaches over the last few weeks.  Surgery is not an option as Duke does not operate for recurring gliosacrcoma tumors.  Genie is also too much of a surgical risk as she would have to be taken off the Xarelto (blood thinners) which is a large risk due to the clots in her leg and lungs.  She has received the maximum radiation in the original tumor site and was taken off  temzolomide (chemo) in January because it was too much for her system.  Duke feels her best option at this time is a drug called Avastin.  Avastin is a drug used to constrict the blood vessels that are feeding the tumor and keep new blood vessels from forming.  This will help reduce swelling and hopefully and finally help her feel better.  We are praying this will give her the quality of life she deserves as she continues to fight this horrible disease.  She will start the injections in the next couple of weeks at Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center in Fayetteville.  She will received treatment twice per month and we will return to Duke for another MRI in 8 weeks.  As always, God Bless you all.  We could not do this without your love and support.