Two weeks of whole brain radiation is the standard of care for my situation. The upside of this is it should kill off any micro-metastases in my entire brain. The downside is that it can cause a certain amount of short term memory problems.
The other option is two weeks of radiation to my posterior fossa (the back and lower portion of my brain). The upside of this is that it won't cause any short term memory problems. The downside is that if there are micro-metastases in the top/front of my brain they won't get cooked.
If I choose the latter, I'll be very closely monitored so if anything new "pops up" they can zap it with a targeted beam of radiation (cyberknife). I've relistened to my conversation with the radiation oncologist to try and figure out what she thinks is the best option and I can't quite tell. I hate it when doctors don't just tell me what to do! They're the ones that went to med school!?!? How the hell am I supposed to decide? I guess I should have just asked her straight up what she'd recommend (maybe I'll do that...). In the hopes of getting some guidance I've emailed my medical oncologist to see what she thinks. In the meantime I'm going to sleep on it and maybe I'll come up with more questions for the radiation oncologist.
In other news, Keith and I had a great day trip to Yosemite on Saturday. It had snowed there during the week, so up in the high country there was still a lot of the white stuff. The views were amazing and we even squeezed in a quick hike in the snow! Here's a shot of my scar with some of that gorgeous scenery.
I went back to work part time last Wednesday. I wasn't sure it was the right thing to do on Tuesday night (I had gotten used to laying around), but it felt good. It's nice to be just part-time while I recouperate and figure things out, but I think after this week I will go back to full time. It sounds like I can work through the radiation treatments pretty easily and they will work with me to create a schedule.
There is some big news on the in-law front! Keith's mom and dad made it home for the weekend!! This is only the second time they've been home since this whole nightmare started back in April. From the sound of it, things went smoothly, although it was a lot of work getting all moved out of the hotel. They've headed back to Duluth for a week of speech therapy and doctor's appointments, but hopefully they'll head home again next weekend.
Oh, golly, that's a difficult decision to be faced with. Would the short term memory problems be permanent? Good idea to record the session so you can review it and, in this case, get Keith's take on the conversation. Take care care to not over-stretch your energy resources by teaching full time and doing radiation at the same time. So glad that Keith's mom and dad made it home, even if for a short time this week. We're with you in our thoughts as you make this tough decision and hoping that after careful consideration one way "just seems right." Thanks for the terrific photo - your stitches and the scenery look great. love, S&L
ReplyDeleteWow, what a hard decision. I'm glad you are trying to get input from your oncologist and others on the trial team and am sure that you will make the best decision for youself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great photo; that's wonderful that you and Keith took a day off in the high country.
Hope Keith is feeling better soon and his folks continue to be able to go home on weekends.
Love,ann
Hi from Chaney Lake. I think of the two of you and Alice and Phil so often and remember you all in my prayers. I really appreciate the updates on Alice; what a long haul. Hope Alice gets home to stay soon. Dale
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. Wow, not an easy decision, to say the very least. No, not weird at all; it makes a heck of a lot of sense to record your appointments.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you are able to get some additional useful input. Is it easy to keep things closely monitored- not just you, yourself, and Eileen in constant communication assessing whether you have a head ache! Good luck sussing things out!
That’s great that you and Keith had a great day trip. You need many more fun outings, I am sure! And, I am happy to hear the good news on Keith’s mom. Wow, that’s huge being able to go home.
Take care.
Love, Jane
Hi Eileen,
ReplyDeleteI hope a few days of thinking about the decision has made it clear which way is the right way for you. It certainly does not sound like an easy call, but I'm glad you have a number of people to turn to for some advice.
I hope Keith is feeling better and ready for another adventure into that gorgeous high country. I've always wanted to go to Yosemite.
Glad to hear that you're enjoying going back to school; but take it easy. I'd guess that radiation therapy would sap your energy.
Great news that Keith's mom and dad could get home. I'm sure it is a real psychological boost for both of them.
Love from all of us, Ellen