Progress Continues

I visited the neurosurgeon this morning and received some GREAT news :). The neurosurgeon explained that my last MRI (which was done at the beginning of January) shows an area of increased uptake along the medial and inferior areas of the right side of my brain. Dr. Baronia explained that he is not concerned with this just yet as this has been present in my last 3-4 MRIs and has been considered stable. He stated that it is impossible to tell whether it is tumor or the treatment that is causing this, but the good news is, it's not changing. He continued to emphasize that I will need monthly MRIs to follow this and see how things continue. He explained that if it was tumor, we likely would not be doing surgery because it is in the fiber tracks of the brain and I would be left with permanent disability if they attempted to remove it. So for now, we are watching and waiting for the chemotherapy to do its thing and see how future MRIs present. Since there has been no change in the imaging since we started this process, we are assuming the slight increased uptake is likely residual from surgery and treatment (this is not the great news, it is just good news on stable results and no progression).

The GREAT news is that I have been cleared to begin a light exercise regimen and I can have 1-2 glasses of wine a week (as long as it is in moderation). Dr. Baronia explained that we would assess returning to running after my 1 year anniversary of surgery, but in the mean time I can start working into an exercise routine over the next month. He advised me to be cautious and go slow and so I will likely start light weights at home with the husband and maybe get on my bike trainer a couple of times a week to get my heart rate elevated. He told me to stop taking elevators as well and use the stairs.

I started my first round of 6 chemotherapy sessions last month and after about day 3 the nausea was significant. It got to the point where the zofran wouldn't do any good during the day, even with continued doses. I go back to see my oncologist tomorrow and will discuss additional nausea medication options during the day to help get me through. I manage at night pretty well with my attivan, as it controls my nausea better than the zofran does after day 3. I'm learning my attivan serves  multiple purposes for me other than anti-anxiety, and sleep. I've received several suggestions for the nausea medication marino, which is supposed to be very effective at treating nausea related to chemotherapy.

Next Tuesday I will also visit the neurologist to determine the course of medication change with the dilantin over the next few months. They really want me off this medication and I will be ok with the change because the dilantin makes me sleepy and I'd like to be able to go through the day without being tired after taking my medication.

Overall Dr. Baronia was very pleased with my progress and happy with the results thus far. I will go back to see him in 3 months for continued follow up and will likely require another MRI before that time. I'll be due for another MRI in April and I think we will have a more honest picture of progress at that time with the area of increased signal intensity. In the mean time, I am happy to have continued improvement in my quality of life and I look forward to a short vacation here at the end of February.