Mary Ellen Newell

From Doug Johnson, pastor, Cleveland, OH; Meadville, PA:

On October 2, Mary Ellen Newell received gamma knife radiation. In mid-November she began chemotherapy in pill form, having her first follow-up MRI December 20 and her first follow-up with the oncologist December 27. The doctor's review of the MRI was very positive. He saw no new tumor growth, only dying tumor tissue. On January 9, Mary Ellen is scheduled to see the doctor prescribing the chemotherapy. If it appears to be working well, she will remain on it; if it doesn't appear to be making any difference, he will take her off the medication. She appreciates your continued prayers.

12970 Harlan Avenue
Lakewood, OH 44107

From Doug Johnson, pastor, Cleveland, OH; Meadville, PA:

Mary Ellen Newell, a member in the Cleveland, OH, congregation, had her fifth brain surgery this morning, to continue to treat a brain tumor.

Surgeons were generally pleased with the result, as there was no spinal fluid leakage, and only limited residual bleeding. She still faces further treatment in the form of gamma-knife radiation, as the tumor has partially wrapped around the carotid artery.

Mrs. Newell is doing well overall, and she and the family appreciate all the prayers they know have been made on their behalf. She is experiencing some discomfort following this latest surgery, but asked that we “let everyone know I’m doing OK!” Please continue to remember them in your prayers, as this is one more step in an ongoing journey.

12970 Harlan Avenue
Lakewood, OH 44107

From Doug Johnson, pastor, Cleveland, OH; Meadville PA:

Mary Ellen Newell is recuperating well from her surgery, and thanks everyone for the prayers and cards.

Sometime soon, probably within the next month, the surgeons will operate again on the original tumor, which appears to have grown due to being outside the area previously treated with radiation. This tumor is nearer the front of the brain, and involves endoscopic surgery, which is less invasive than the operation just completed. However, it is very sensitive due to the close proximity to several critically important body functions, such as the optic nerve and carotid artery. Then the doctors plan a one-time radiation treatment of both areas of her brain where surgery has been (and will be) completed.

Your prayers are certainly still requested and appreciated, and we will keep everyone posted on developments as they occur.

From Doug Johnson, pastor, Cleveland, OH; Meadville PA:

Mary Ellen Newell is finished with surgery, and has been sent to recovery. The surgeon said that he removed as much of the two new tumors as he could see under microscope. The two new tumors are a spread of the original. Within the next day or two she will need to have another MRI which will, this time, cover the entire spine.

A few hours after the surgery, the surgeon spoke very frankly with Greg, Mary Ellen’s husband, about his wife's condition. It is nearly five years since her brain tumor was initially discovered, and she has now had four surgeries. The surgeon explained to him that they view the patient's chances for survival of such a serious condition in five-year increments, and that the chances for long-term survival diminish greatly with each increment. Mary Ellen will need further surgery, which has not yet been scheduled, pending consultation with an endoscopic surgeon. She will also need radiation, in the surgeon's opinion. The original tumor is growing again, which is what the greatest problem is now.

Your continued prayers are most definitely needed and appreciated by the Newells, including their two teenage daughters, Jessica and Liz.