July 30th Results

OK....I had some trouble with my account not allowing me to sign in but, obviously, it's fixed now.

On Friday July 24th, I was at work when I had an extreme dizzy spell that almost caused me to fall to the ground, followed by nausea and a spinning sensation. It continued to worsen as the day progressed. I grew more and more concerned until I eventually called my Doctor's office to inform them of my symptoms. After carefully examining them, it was decided that I may possibly be having minor seizures. I contacted my sister who then called my parent's and they came and drove me home from work when I got off. These sensations continued throughout the weekend as I struggled to make it through my shifts. On Monday I again called the Doctor's office and informed them that it was still happening. They decided to schedule me for an EEG for the following Wednesday (an EGG measures brain waves and brain function to see if interruptions are being caused by any abnormalities). I went in for the EGG and was told that I would get the results the following day at my July 30th appointment.

So now that bring us to the long awaited July 30th! The day I've been so anxiously waiting for, and the day that could change everything. My Parents had to leave for England on the 29th so my Sister, Aunt Karen, and Sean went with me for emotional support and to help relay the message to Mom and Dad.

Dr. Fink and her colleagues reviewed all of the data and determined that the MRI scans from all of the different months were not all exactly at the same level (slices). Basically, the tumor had NOT grown, just remained the same! Now the question is, did the chemo keep it from growing or has the tumor stabilized itself? We decided the best plan of action right now is to not proceed with the radiation or the chemo. We are going to monitor the tumor by doing MRI's with profusion every 2 months. If it begins to grow without treatment, then we must react! I'm so excited that for the first time since May of 08 I may have the chance to feel somewhat "normal" again, or at least have a higher energy level.

As far as the seizures and the EGG......there were no signs of recent seizures. Dr. Fink believes the symptoms were actually brought on by Vertigo, something I've never had before, but is treatable.

All in all I am quite pleased with the outcome and even though I know it's nowhere near over, this was one huge hurdle that I've made it through. For me, this was the "best case scenario" for this situation. Now its on to the next one!