A Really Good Day

Friday April 19, 2013
 

The day started with a trip to the hospital for labs then a  followup meeting with Harold's oncologist's. It’s always encouraging to talk with this good man. He is able to hear our concerns and put them in perspective. For example, Harold is experiencing increased fatigue and dizziness.  What does that signal? We learned that fatigue is a natural side effect of his ongoing chemotherapy treatments, and that dizziness and fatigue are also side effects of another necessary medication. Knowing the source doesn’t make the problem go away, but it’s easier to be patient when you understand.  

After performing a physical exam and reviewing the day's lab reports (which were absolutely normal) our doctor reconfirmed what he had stated at the beginning. “Harold, you are doing great!

We left the appointment feeling a sense of relief. It wasn’t the blind joy of early visits – we know there’s still a long way to go – but a reassurance that these latest physical challenges don’t signal we’re losing ground. They are expected temporary challenges.

The next big step is a brain surgery scheduled for May 2^nd. The removal of the enlarged tissue seen in the last MRI should relieve persistent balance issues and potentially alleviate the need for the medication causing problems. There are lots of reasons for hope.

We always go to doctor visits anticipating test results, knowing the news could change our lives. However this visit was upstaged by a whole different kind of anticipation. We were hungry for news of our daughter Megan who was at that moment in labor with her first child.  We left the hospital and immediately checked our cell phones.

Later that evening we were blessed by the arrival of Aubrey Kay Andersen, our beautiful new granddaughter. She is simply perfect in every way . . . and the perfect ending to a really good day. 

                                                                                                                  

Update - Gamma Knife #5

Today Harold underwent gamma knife treatment #5. Prior to the surgery he had a high resolution MRI which served as the basis for the battle plan. Here’s what happened:

1. The small new tumor seen in the March MRI was treated. 
2. Two sites previously treated by gamma knife were treated again.
3. The surgical sites of the three February craniotomies have not increased in size indicating the last MRI was showing post surgical inflammation not new tumor growth. No action needed.

We are glad Harold felt good enough to have these procedures today. He was extra tired earlier this week. We attributed it to his continuing chemo treatments or maybe a virus. About the time he started feeling better he had another setback: Vertigo. He was just home from his morning walk yesterday when the world started spinning and he lost his breakfast. Today’s MRI revealed the cause.

The scan showed a enlarged spot in Harold brain just behind his left ear. Again it is a site previously treated by gamma knife. This area is close enough to the ear to affect the vestibular nerve and trigger vertigo. This swelling may just be irritation from necrotic tissue; but even if it is not, another gamma knife treatment would cause more swelling. The only choice is to go in surgically and remove the tissue. Harold will be scheduled for this craniotomy in the next couple of weeks.

As I write this I conclude it sounds like a vicious circle, but cancer is a relentless enemy. Our doctors are not giving up, we are not giving up, and we are grateful so many of you haven't given up as you continue to remember Harold in your prayers. We feel the power of your faith. Guess we’re not done counting inches. The current total is 26.