A much needed howdy and happy autumn to you. Since my last entry in August, I've had many false starts on doing another update. With starting a new teaching year and getting back into a busy work life, its hard for me to sit myself down to get this current.
My August MRI results added another layer of stress to the blur of turning into a teacher. The results were inconclusive as to whether or not the scan showed radiation damage or new tumor growth. My doctor looked nervous, I didn't care for that. The MRI I had done was a special one that also measure the spectoscopy and markers of how my tissues absorb a rare earth metal that was injected via an I.V. The readings indicated radiation damage and tumor growth, so the MRI was a bust, inconclusive. My doctor referred me to get a PET scan and also to visit the neurooncology/brain team at University of Washington, to make sure that we're doing the right thing for my case. I met with my radiation oncologist and during our appointment, he showed an overlay of where the radiation treatment was targeted, and how the doses were distributed, and they aligned pretty well with the MRI image, which made me a bit comforted. My dad found a few studies online that were helpful as well. It was a blurry time.
I had the PET scan and received good news in an email ------"...good news is PET scan indicates radiation damage." WOW, I could finally breathe again. This happening in combination with the start of school (182 new students to meet and to be a spectacular teacher to, while worrying about a 3rd surgery or chemo=tough) As you can imagine, I was so happy to hear the good news that the PET scan brought.
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| Inconclusive MRI |
I had another visual field test a few weeks ago. Turns out my vision is getting better (yay!), but according to the norms it isn't "adequate for driving". Thankfully, I have 2 wonderful friends who also live less than a mile from me and teach at the same middle school as I. We have a great carpool going, although when it's "my turn", one of them generously drives my car with us in it. Thank you Erin and Scott!!
As the subject of this implies, I've been reflecting on the many X-Files experiences that this whole brain tumor surprise has delivered. I have started watching reruns and I think I might do some looking back on some of the surreal and science fiction moments that I've experienced with medical professionals. Look forward to hearing about what its like to get half of your brain turned off with barbituates while a neurologist wiggles a rubber lobster at you. Really, this happened and insurance covered it, (cue the X-Files theme song!)
I hope that you are all warm and cozy this early October.
Thank you for your care and energy,
xooxo Sara L.
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| Happy Autumn! |
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| What ME Worry?? |
