On November 13, 2008, I had another brain MRI, approximately 2 months after my last brain MRI in September. I met with the doctor the following week, on November 19, to obtain the results. The doctor was pleased, as the scan showed no new brain mets/tumors had shown up, just the same ones as in prior scans. One of the tumors, the one causing my double vision, had grown a small amount, but this could be good (just irritation over old radiation treatments) or bad (tumor growing) news. The doctor seems most worried about any growths in the brain, so he seemed pleased with the results.
As for my double vision, I saw some improvement in early November for about a week, but then it quickly became worse again. And now I see double almost all the time, worse than before!
Then, of course, we went East for Thanksgiving. Flew back on December 2. We passed head colds around to each other, which was fun.
On December 8, 2008, I went to see my dermatologist. I see him about once every six months, and he closely inspects all of my moles to see if there are any unusual ones. I passed the visual inspection no problem. He did find a slightly enlarged lymphnode underneath my left arm, but it did not turn up in the next scan, so it was considered nothing of note.
On the evening of December 9, 2008, I spent about 90 minutes on the phone with Dr. Mark Renneker. He is a doctor with his own practice, but also provides guidance to those in need. I had hoped that he would immediately narrow down my choices, as I was hoping to get some guidance or clarity on all of the choices available to me. Unfortunately, he did not immediately make recommendations, probably a good thing. Instead, he provided me with a list of doctors that he thought could help, as well as a few other recommendations.
On December 10, 2008, I went in for a ‘once every three month’ PET/CT scan. I met with the doctor on December 15, 2008 to obtain the results. And how were those results, you say? Mixed. Mixed, you say? Is that the best you have for me?
I wish it were more clear, but this is what I was told. Basically, the neck and nasopharynx tumors appear smaller than before, which is good news. However, the tumors in the lungs had grown in size and number, although none had grown too large as of yet.
So, the brain and neck looked like the MDX010 may be taking hold, while the lungs appeared worse. Later, I was able to review the reports myself and I am now awaiting some additional answers from the doctor.
But, the doctor interpreted the results positively enough that he thought the best next step would be keeping me on the MDX010. I was due to have my next dosage 14 weeks after my last dosage, which was back on September 8, 2008. So, I had my most recent MDX010 treatment on December 17, 2008.
And, of course, while I am waiting, I am exploring options. First, I started with a chiropractor on December 19, 2008. I am hoping that his work will ultimately help get my immune system working at 100%, with the idea that my current skeletal/spinal structure is impeding its work.
I will also be looking at my nutrition to see if that should be improved, although I have been told that this is not a huge area of concern. With Michelle’s help, I have been eating more organic foods, more whole foods, and more locally grown foods. I’m far from perfect, however, so perhaps a radical dietary change, as long as it doesn’t reduce my caloric intake or my weight, could be helpful.
Finally, I am talking to a few of the doctors that Dr.Renneker mentioned to see what kinds of options are out there. I am hoping to be able to do this over the phone and not travel to each location, but we will see. I have an appointment with my only local option, Dr. Robert Weber and Dr. Lynn Spitler of the Northern California Melanoma Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center, on January 7, 2009.
I think that I have bored you all to tears, so let me wish everyone a Happy Holiday season!
No comments:
Post a Comment