« Today's Lying Liar | Main | Today's Really Scary Rumor »
February 14, 2009
About that tumor...
Well, its been six months since I had gamma knife surgery for that darn brain tumor. I haven't talked much about it since, I've had a bit of rough time, mostly because of the follow up medication which I did not react to very well. The first six weeks were really hard and included one scary trip to the emergency room, but once I got past that very necessary medication, things got tolerable for the most part. The headaches returned though, as did the vision problems, and that was a bitch to deal with, trying to find the right combination of non-narcotic medication to combat the pain. Posting here over the last few months has been light because of it.
Anyways, at the three month check up, it seemed that the tumor had gotten a little smaller and that was good news, but it was dampened with the worry about the severity of the headaches and the vision problems. There was some loss of vision, mostly in my left eye, mostly in the peripheral areas and some concern because the loss over the last few tests seemed to be worsening. Some of that could have been caused by residual swelling from all that radiation, but no one could be sure. Only time would tell.
So. I had a lot of vision tests but the three month period seemed to be the worst point. We were still adjusting the medicatiion and that seemed to help. Over the last couple of months, the blurry vision episodes seemed to lessen and so did the headaches. The vision test last month actually showed improvement, some of the black areas went grey and some of the grey areas went light. That meant I could see a little light in areas where I couldn't see any at all and I could see more light where I could only see a little before.
I had the six month MRI late last week, and I saw Dr. Wolf right after. The news is not only good, the news is great.
Before picture, July of last year:
and... last Thursday:
It's still there, but you can see the change the radiation made. Even if it doesn't go all the way away, the tumor appears to be dead and shouldn't grow again. That's the really important part, because even if it doesn't go away any more than it has right now, I can certainly live with it. As long as it doesn't grow, I'm good!
I'm now off the three month check up schedule. The doctor said, see you in six months, and after that, I'll see you in a year.
What all this means is the treatment is a success and it looks like I'm gonna be okay.
Thank you, for all your prayers, for all your support, for being there for me. I can't tell you how much it meant to me.
Posted by LindaSoG at February 14, 2009 07:09 PM
Comments
Congrats, Linda!
Posted by: The Watcher at February 14, 2009 08:53 PM
Linda, this news is just awesome!
Luv ya, lady!
Posted by: Melissa in Texas at February 14, 2009 09:07 PM
Woo Hoo - Thank You God! Also, thanks for updating us Linda. I, for one, didn't want to bug you about it, but the worry and concern has always been there. However, the prayers will NOT stop on your behalf.............they'll continue on a daily basis.
Stay well my friend!
Posted by: DammitWoman at February 14, 2009 09:42 PM
I haven't used this since DC vs, Heller!
Posted by: rickn8or at February 15, 2009 01:05 AM
Great news for Valentines Day. I knew Southern Baptist prayers counted for something....
Posted by: B....... at February 15, 2009 07:17 AM
Yeeehaaa! Great! Just sent a prayer of thanks. Oh, mine are Southern Baptist prayers too!
Posted by: MitchM at February 15, 2009 09:03 AM
That's great news, Linda! I join you and your friends in thanking God--and shall keep praying for your health too. (Not Southern Baptist, but since there's only one God....)
Posted by: Kevin K. at February 15, 2009 12:12 PM
Congrats, Linda! Conservative Methodist (yeah, I know, an oxymoron...) prayers added too!
Posted by: ProphetJoe at February 16, 2009 12:12 PM
Kewl as kewl can be. We love ya lady!
Posted by: cuchieddie at February 16, 2009 07:09 PM
Wonderful to hear Miss Linda. Quasi Catholic Amerind flute playing prayers......be well, keep up the good fight.
Posted by: Wollf at February 17, 2009 02:39 PM
Just checked in from afar, you have made my day, what wonderful news. God bless you, love ya Linda.
Posted by: Jack at February 17, 2009 10:19 PM
Dear Linda!
Shalom!! You did not know, but we where praying
for you also!!Barry likes to read your page. I like to visit to see how you are....We are so happy that you are well.
Maria and Barry
from Warner Robins Ga
Posted by: Barry and Maria at February 19, 2009 09:06 AM
Hi,
I'm the radiologist who wrote to you when you first posted your MR images. The images you recently posted were "Flair" images and show resolution of vasogenic edema around the darker mass, although the darker mass, is perhaps slightly larger on the new images, this would not be unexpected after radiation. Images which are also important are the images done after injection of gadolinium contrast. The mass may be some what close to the optic cortex in the occipital lobes, but a careful look at all the parts of the optic tracts, including coronal images of the area of the sella turcica should be done. You have my email address if you wish to ask any questions. SM
Posted by: smfish at February 25, 2009 02:31 AM
I was wondering how long did it take before you were diagnosed with your brain tumor? I ask because I haven't been diagnosed yet but I have the exact same spot on my mri as you do in you second mri picture. and one that also looks like there is something hanging. I have had bad pressure in the back of my head off and on for over a year now, double vision, blurred vision and periphial vision loss in my left eye that doctors can't come up with anything for. And on my latest mri the doctor didn't even get back with me on it and when I called his office I ask the nurse if she new anything about the report on it she said oh it's fine, without even checking. Just was wondering though how long it took for your dx. Thanks kim
Posted by: Kim at March 7, 2009 05:32 PM