I haven't blogged in awhile and, while I haven't been doing much, a lot has been happening.
I will start with my oncology appointment today. I had my 3 month MRI and PET scan last Tuesday. All of us spent a few days in Gwinn for the 4th of July; Kurt and Nathan came back to our house on the night of the 4th. Ashley and I stayed until Friday - with the extreme heat last week, it was nice to be in a home with central air. On Thursday, Kurt got a call from a nurse at my oncologist's office asking how I have been feeling. They said that my MRI showed some brain swelling and they wanted to make sure I wasn't having headaches. They also mentioned that I had persistent lesions but would not explain that any further than to say that my oncologist would discuss with me at my appointment on Monday. So, while this information was on our minds and a little stressful to think about, we tried not to think/stress about it to much. As I said to Kurt, they didn't have me come into the office until my scheduled appointment so I took that as "okay" news.
Today we met with the oncologist and she indicated that my MRI showed some brain swelling. I need to continue to stay on the steroid medication (I've been asking to get off because of weight gain, my continually growing beard :), my facial puffiness, etc). If I have any new symptoms such as headaches, etc., I need to let them know. My MRI also showed that one of my brain tumors - I'm thinking it is one that was there before but not positive - is small but has doubled in size from the last MRI. The other two appear to be stable. Because of the increase in size of the tumor, I have appointments next week to see both the neurosurgeon as well as the radiation oncologist. My guess is that they will do stereotactic radiation to that one brain tumor ... but we will find that out next week for sure.
My PET scan showed something in the liver but the oncologist wanted to discuss this further with the radiologist who read my last MRI and PET scan as two different radiologists can look at things a bit different. In any case, it is very small if there is something there and there is no new tumors. As far as my hip tumor, we cannot get a clear picture on that due to just having the surgery.
I am "on hold" as far as chemo goes. I will see the oncologist in 3 weeks after I am done with my treatment from the neurosurgeon/radiation oncologist. It didn't sound like I would be going back on the current chemo drug I have been taking since the brain tumor did grow - but I am not yet sure what my oncologist is thinking.
I AM OFFICIALLY CRUTCHLESS! Last night I took my first steps down our front stairs at our house. Each day is getting better and better as far as my healing from the femur surgery. I have been "sore" but not in pain and I feel like I am starting to walk better every day. (Oh, and for those not on facebook, I put status updates that Kurt took out my stitches - he did a great job - and Ashley has given me the shots in my stomach for blood clotting; nice to have two "nurses" to take care of me!)
On a personal (and non-medical) note, we've had lots going on - Kurt has been busy with our house remodel/construction, etc. We are adding a mud room and covered deck to the back of our house, putting in new windows/sliding door and putting up new siding. Our house looks like a mess right now but it will be an awesome addition and the new windows and siding will be great as well! (Since I haven't been able to help, Kurt told me I am a good supervisor!)
I will update my blog again after we meet with the doctors next week and have a better idea of what the next "bump in the road" is. Thanks for the thoughts! I continue to believe!
No comments:
Post a Comment