This past Thursday I learned just what thanksgiving is all about – I had a seizer and my family was there at my side the entire time… my parents… my brother, all of my in-laws – and of course my wife Kim- I am truly thankful for all their love and support.
As far as me I am doing great recovering and am on the road to recovery. I should be starting IV chemo sometime in the next few days.
On Thursday I met with my new neurosurgeon, Kim and my brother went with me for support – I was very nervous since I had just had the MRI on Monday and my radiation Dr. wanted me to see the neurosurgeon as soon as possible… we were all expecting the worst. What we got was generally good news… as I said I was expecting much worse. There is a small 7 millimeter growth near the original tumor site - it is within the range of the first tumor. It’s in a great spot (as great as one could be with a tumor in their head)… so we have three choices.
I’m sorry to be so negative but that is just part of my battle – I am going to have good days and bad days. What I need from you is the positive thoughts and prayers… and you know what really helps is the messages you leave on my facebook and the blog keep them coming they help me keep my positive thoughts. I love you all.
Life is still good – and I’m feeling great! Yesterday I had an MRI to see if there is any re-growth of the tumor. The MRI went great except that when the tech had to inject the contrast we ran into a problem. My veins are hard to find because of the radiation and chemo… she tried about 10-12 times to get a usable vein but couldn’t and let me tell you it hurt… being poked that many times does hurt. What we ended up doing is going to the main hospital to see if they could do it – well after only three tries she found a vein… rite in my knuckle and again it hurt like hell but worth it. I have a feeling I am going to end up with a port… now I understand why so many cancer patients have one.
Preliminary report looks good - a little swelling but good… I meet with the neurosurgeon on Thursday to find out more but I think and feel that there will be no re-growth if so very little and the chemo will take care of that. So wish me luck and keep on praying for me… it looks like its working. I will update you all on Thursday or Friday with what I find out.
Yesterday I had appointments with two of my doctors. I saw my chemo doctor and my neurologist... both of them said I am doing great and am better than most patients at this point. The chemo Dr. is going to set me up for round two of chemo and that is when the pills double… but it’s not every day – if I remember correctly it will be five days of pills then a few weeks off then five days of pills… etc. This could go on for at least six months but most likely a year or longer. He has some patients who have been on chemo for several years. Frankly I don’t care how long I am on chemo so long as I am healthy and the tumor does not grow back. Speaking of growing back I should be getting a new MRI in the next few weeks sooner than I thought. That will be the big test… we will find out everything then… if there is any regrowth... if so how big is it…? Do we need to go back in? I’m keeping positive and believe that I will have no regrowth. But still keep me in your thought and keep praying for me.
I just got reenergized. I am going to go to a brain tumor support group next week that I think will be very helpful. The woman I spoke with is a 20 year survivor… that’s very encouraging. I felt a boost of energy after speaking with her. This will be great talking to people who have been and are going through the same thing I am.
Other than that nothing new other than I was on the radio this past weekend talking about health care reform. How did that happen? Well I’m glad you asked. I took the family and some friends to one of my new favorite restaurants – Linda Beans Perfect Lobster Rolls. It was my third time there in less than two weeks and there was a radio station doing a live remote promoting the place. So I went on the air to say how great the place was. Not two minutes into the interview the DJ changes direction and goes from how great the lobster rolls are to Health Care reform. I was caught off guard but I think I gave a good answer. I said something has to be done but I don’t think Obama’s plan is perfect and anything run by the government will be run slowly and it will take time for patients to get approval for new medications.
And Please remember to watch my newest video blog - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2tT6s83IBo
