Burzynski Patient Report

[Guest guest]

http://www.burzynskipatientgroup.org/jasonm.html

 

 

Jason Merkle

 

 

 

Jason was diagnosed at the age of 13, with an inoperable, benign brain stem

tumor in July of 1994. He had severe hydrocephalus and had a shunt put in the

ventricle to drain the fluid off of the brain. After seeking advice from

numerous doctors around the country, we were satisfied with the prognosis that

these types of tumors never change. He can live 80 years with this and it will

not be any problem. Jason went on with his life attending high school, playing

sports, active in church and community and attending college and never had any

problems. We followed with yearly MRI’s to monitor the tumor.

 

 

 

In July 2001 after a routine MRI, the doctors gave us devastating news. The

tumor had transformed into a highly malignant, rapid growing tumor. Since we

would not allow a biopsy, because it would cause some brain damage, the tumor

was classified as a brain stem glioma. His local neurosurgeon gave him 2-12

months to live.

 

 

 

We sought opinions from several major cancer centers. John Hopkins, Brigham and

Women’s, Henry Ford Brain Tumor Center, University of Michigan and MD Anderson.

The consensus was the same from all the doctors. Jason’s condition was terminal.

Radiation and chemotherapy were the recommended forms of treatment, both of

which are non-curative. Success, by these doctors standards, with radiation and

chemo is determined if the patient lives 3 months after the treatment. The side

effects of radiation in the brain stem are devastating, plus there is the risk

of radiation necrosis. Chemotherapy does not penetrate the blood brain barrier.

It is accepted, but not effective in brain tumors. None of doctors could give us

a success story. Jason’s local neurosurgeon told us if he were in our position,

he would not radiate or do chemo because of the devastating side effects they

create in terms of quality and length of life. Just “let him die.”

 

 

 

After much prayer and research, we opted to try the Burzynski Clinic, in

Houston. Dr. Burzynski at least offered hope. The antineoplastin treatment is

non-toxic, so there are no permanent side effects. We called the clinic, sent

Jason’s MRI’s, and waited to see if they could take Jason. He was accepted

immediately for an FDA Phase II Clinical Trial. In August 2001, Jason went to

Houston. After the initial physical and evaluation, Jason was ready to start

treatment. We all learned how to administer the antineoplastins, which are

delivered in IV form through a port in the chest.

 

 

 

For four months the tumor continued to grow. We spent a lot of time in prayer.

There were people all around the country praying for Jason and our family. Jason

was beginning to have some neurological problems because of the size of the

tumor. He couldn’t hear very well, his eyes were only partly open and he had a

very difficult time staying awake. The FDA wanted to pull Jason out of the

trial, but the doctors at the Burzynski Clinic convinced them to give Jason a

little more time. Finally in December 2001, the tumor quit growing. For three

months there was no change. In February the tumor started to respond. It was 20%

smaller. Jason’s hearing came back, his eyes opened and he was able to stay

awake all day. The tumor continued to shrink. Not rapidly, but nonetheless it

was getting smaller. The side effects of the antineoplastins are minimal.

Watching sodium intake, drinking lots of water and taking supplements to keep

the electrolytes in balance became part of the daily routine.

Once the tumor began to shrink, Jason was able to resume a fairly normal life

style.

 

 

 

In July 2002, Jason, his dad and I were sent to South Africa for a hunting

safari. Jason was able to go hunting, and shot a warthog, an impala, a kudu and

a zebra. He also darted a white rhino and implanted microchips in its horns to

guard against poachers. All of this was done while he was on the

antineoplastins. We transported the medicine to Africa with us and continued on

with the daily routine. This was a dream come true. God brought some very

gracious and generous people into our lives because of this tragedy.

 

 

 

The MRI in August showed 40% reduction. Praise God! On December 4, 2002 the MRI

showed no tumor. Jason had a PET Scan in January which showed no active cancer

cells. Jason continued on the infusion treatment and the next three MRI’s showed

no cancer. On April 21, 2003 we returned to the Burzynski Clinic. Jason is in

remission. He went from the infusion therapy to the capsule form. He will

continue with the capsules for at least 8 months. God is so good. HE is our

strength for each day. It was only by God’s grace that we found Dr. Burzynski.

Communities of people, churches, schools, family and friends have lifted us up

in their prayers. We are very grateful for Dr. Burzynski and his staff. This

treatment has given Jason back his life.

 

We would be happy to speak with anyone who may have questions. You may email us

at jay3337 or get our phone number from the Burzynski Clinic.

 

 

 

Jay, Patty and Jason Merkle