Brens brain update, again
I just sent out an email to a few people that give my brain update. For inquiring minds, here is the rest.
Well, family and friends,
I had another MRI on Friday at Mayfield in Crestview, Ky, then drove to UC Barrett center to meet with the oncologist, who said it Definitely was not brain cancer.... He referred me to another neurosurgeon, whom I saw today. This doctor was very nice, took his time, asked a lot of questions, and had me do what seemed to me to be some kind of twisted sobriety test! i.e. "Touch your nose, touch my finger, how many fingers can you see. Can you hear this? Walk across the floor in a straight line." He tested my reflexes as well. I passed the test. (smile)
His prognosis: He is certain is it MS, but I have to have a spinal tap next Thursday to be sure. He thinks also that the numbness and tingling in my arms might not show up in the fluid, so if it does not, then they will do another MRI on my cervical area. I did manage to grow another spot or two in my brain, which pretty much solidifies the diagnosis. (I can remember Dad asking me if I had holes in my head, when I was being thick headed about doing something he told me to do, as only a child can! Today I could give him a resounding "Yes!") Guess I will have that done, then the FLMA paperwork in case I have an occurrence that would cause me to miss work. So far, no problems there. I have been very tired, but that apparently is part of this. So, that explains that!
It does appear to be mild. I was given information on MS, and didn't much like what I read. Also a video and some information on medicine that I will have to start injecting either daily, weekly, or 3 times a week. Depends on the medicine how I inject. Dr. said even though my symptoms were mild, I needed to slow down the rate of the disease. Right now my right leg is hurting, and has been for a couple of weeks. Feels like I pulled a muscle or something, except I haven't really done anything too physical lately. Well, we did walk around the mall for HOURS on Saturday. (I hate to shop)
When I was younger, I wanted to be a nurse. I can tell you guys that lately I have learned enough medical knowledge about my family and myself to last me a lifetime! On the other hand, I have been blessed to be with both my mom and my big brother. Someone had to ask the questions; and that would be me. I have learned so much through moms bladder cancer, so much information, so I knew what kind of questions to ask about my cancer, and my brothers. Now, I am not sure what kind of questions I should be asking. This is uncharted territory for me. Larry and I will learn about this disease, though, and come through the other side ok.
God is good, and while I am not doing high fives about the ms, I am really, truly grateful, as it could be something a lot worse. An internet friend (Bless you, Sharon) gave me the name of a woman who has both ms and breast cancer. That was so helpful. She has a website that I have looked at a few times. I really didn't want to spend a lot of time looking at information concerning something I might not have. I will talk the time now and look, and gather information to add to my arsenal of medical knowledge. Someday, maybe the knowledge that I have will be helpful to someone.
We are busy here with Rose's wedding this weekend. She will be wed Saturday at St. Dominic's, and I have been asked to give a mother of the bride little talk. Goodness knows what I will say, but I will keep it short and sweet. I am sure Rose will appreciate that. Ha
Hugs to all, continue the prayers, please. I appreciate them very much.
Bren with the holes in her head....(Smile)
All in all, I can't complain. Guess I will get on the net and see what the next step is. I don't have a clue, but have no doubt I will find out.
On the home front, we are just real busy with wedding stuff.
Well, family and friends,
I had another MRI on Friday at Mayfield in Crestview, Ky, then drove to UC Barrett center to meet with the oncologist, who said it Definitely was not brain cancer.... He referred me to another neurosurgeon, whom I saw today. This doctor was very nice, took his time, asked a lot of questions, and had me do what seemed to me to be some kind of twisted sobriety test! i.e. "Touch your nose, touch my finger, how many fingers can you see. Can you hear this? Walk across the floor in a straight line." He tested my reflexes as well. I passed the test. (smile)
His prognosis: He is certain is it MS, but I have to have a spinal tap next Thursday to be sure. He thinks also that the numbness and tingling in my arms might not show up in the fluid, so if it does not, then they will do another MRI on my cervical area. I did manage to grow another spot or two in my brain, which pretty much solidifies the diagnosis. (I can remember Dad asking me if I had holes in my head, when I was being thick headed about doing something he told me to do, as only a child can! Today I could give him a resounding "Yes!") Guess I will have that done, then the FLMA paperwork in case I have an occurrence that would cause me to miss work. So far, no problems there. I have been very tired, but that apparently is part of this. So, that explains that!
It does appear to be mild. I was given information on MS, and didn't much like what I read. Also a video and some information on medicine that I will have to start injecting either daily, weekly, or 3 times a week. Depends on the medicine how I inject. Dr. said even though my symptoms were mild, I needed to slow down the rate of the disease. Right now my right leg is hurting, and has been for a couple of weeks. Feels like I pulled a muscle or something, except I haven't really done anything too physical lately. Well, we did walk around the mall for HOURS on Saturday. (I hate to shop)
When I was younger, I wanted to be a nurse. I can tell you guys that lately I have learned enough medical knowledge about my family and myself to last me a lifetime! On the other hand, I have been blessed to be with both my mom and my big brother. Someone had to ask the questions; and that would be me. I have learned so much through moms bladder cancer, so much information, so I knew what kind of questions to ask about my cancer, and my brothers. Now, I am not sure what kind of questions I should be asking. This is uncharted territory for me. Larry and I will learn about this disease, though, and come through the other side ok.
God is good, and while I am not doing high fives about the ms, I am really, truly grateful, as it could be something a lot worse. An internet friend (Bless you, Sharon) gave me the name of a woman who has both ms and breast cancer. That was so helpful. She has a website that I have looked at a few times. I really didn't want to spend a lot of time looking at information concerning something I might not have. I will talk the time now and look, and gather information to add to my arsenal of medical knowledge. Someday, maybe the knowledge that I have will be helpful to someone.
We are busy here with Rose's wedding this weekend. She will be wed Saturday at St. Dominic's, and I have been asked to give a mother of the bride little talk. Goodness knows what I will say, but I will keep it short and sweet. I am sure Rose will appreciate that. Ha
Hugs to all, continue the prayers, please. I appreciate them very much.
Bren with the holes in her head....(Smile)
All in all, I can't complain. Guess I will get on the net and see what the next step is. I don't have a clue, but have no doubt I will find out.
On the home front, we are just real busy with wedding stuff.