Ependymoma (Pen)
Since we received Penn’s initial diagnosis of Glioblastoma, the medical team swiftly organized her treatment plan. Penn was slated to start treatment the day after Paige’s sixth birthday. We were mentally preparing ourselves for six straight weeks of chemo and radiation. If Penn was approved to participate in a clinical trial, she would be on a second chemotherapy drug. We were spending a lot of quality time with the girls and trying to remain positive.
On Friday May 28, at 4 pm, we got an unexpected phone call from Penn’s oncologist. She received the latest pathology results from Sick Kids in Toronto. Based on the report, Penn doesn’t have Glioblastoma. They are changing the diagnosis entirely. Penn is being diagnosed with Ependymoma. Sheldon and I had to ask the the oncologist multiple times if she could spell the name of Penn’s cancer. What are the chances that her name is in the cancer she is being diagnosed with.
“Penn’s diagnosis was changed from Glioblastoma multiforme to Ependymoma.”
Penn now has a chance - she went from 0% to 40% curable. Studies have shown Ependymoma is curable in children. Penn’s oncologist cautioned us that her cancer is on the aggressive side however, we now have a prognosis which she wasn’t able to give us before. We now have time to reassess and review Penn’s treatment plan. We had no idea this was a possibility - a change in diagnosis. Everyone’s positive thoughts and prayers have really made a huge difference. It’s really the only explanation we can think of.
Sheldon was picking up Paige from school and I was at home with Penn when we got the call. When Penn’s diagnosis changed, I muted the phone and started balling. I then sent a text to Sheldon: you should always trust your wife. I knew it. Deep down, my intuition was right. Everything would be OK. We still have a long road ahead of us, but I will take Ependymoma over Glioblastoma.
My biggest lesson learned from this: always trust your instincts. And Sheldon’s lesson learned: always trust your wife!