pathology? treatment?

[mayalin]

So, as it turns out, I had a grade three oligoastrocytoma. *Not* what I was hoping for (was hoping for grade two oligodendroglioma. The "astrocyte" part of my stuff is much harder to do battle with, and of course we always want lower grade growth.) They think that Mr Fancypants surgeon did a good job and may have gotten rid of all of it. So

Comments

[jkpolk]

What does "cognitive decline" entail? Would you still be you? Would it affect your overall intelligence or your ability to process and think on a day to day basis? Like would you still know all you KNOW, but have a hard time remembering to put on a shirt, or vice versa? I'm curious, and I imagine the answers have a varied impact on your fears and preferences.

I wish I had helpful advice. *HUG*

[bestekeni]

That's my question. Also, how possible is possible?

[mayalin]

I don't think anyone can say how possible is possible. In many ways, I'm in the "nobody knows" territory. I'm also in the arguing with my insurance over where I can get treatment territory now, too. Arg.

[mayalin]

I think they said that cognitive decline would mean that I would have difficulty multitasking. He said that I might have a flat affect and difficulty perceiving other people's emotions. I think that these things are things that I am good at now, and would be horrified to have impaired.
Physiologically, the way that radiation affects cognition is that it changes the blood vessels. The neurons don't normally divide, and so wouldn't be affected by the radiation, but the vasculature would be. The doctors say that it causes a kind of premature aging of the brain.
Thanks for the hug. *hug*

[mocksie]

It's really just not fair. I don't understand the disease and how it progresses, so I really don't have any wisdom or advice as far as treatment goes. My ignorance is all, "But the surgeon got it all, you're cured!" But I know that's not the case. Go with your gut.

Thinking of you.

[mayalin]

Thanks Shannon, it means a lot.

[marginalia]

i cannot even imagine making that decision. motherfucking disease inDEED.

[mayalin]

:) Thanks.

[asavas]

I have no wisdom. I don't even understand the problem. Fuck, lady. I'm sorry :(

[mayalin]

LOL. Your message brought levity to my day, which is invaluable. Thank you Anna.

[crookedheart]

i just made it back to this post :(

holy fuck, i wouldn't know where start making these decisions.

*hugs*

[mayalin]

oh, thank you Renita.

*hugs* back....