Tuesday, April 01, 2008

More Info.

Ok- Why didn't I just say that the MRI results were inconclusive like my mom explained to a friend of hers earlier? That would of been easier. Don't you think?

After todays visit with Dr. Needles and the unsettled word on the scan I contacted Dr Forget for his opinion and he was able to explain the inconclusive report.

Dr. Forget said not to worry as with any brain surgery like mine there is raw surface of brain that is exposed after the tumor area was taken out. Ok - the whole frontal anterior portion of my brain is gone! That is alot of exposure. He explained that the raw surface of brain is lined with a material called surgicel, a hemostatic agent (like an interior band-aid for my brain - my wording not his). The unexplained "cyst" is most likely a blood vessel, scar tissue or the surgicel material. While he was reviewing my scan Dr. Backer, a colleague asked him what he was looking at. Dr. Backer said that he thought it looked great. There's no tumor there. Dr. Forget said, "I couldn't be happier with the MRI. Now you have two neurosurgeon opinions."

All is well. To think I actually forgot I had an appointment earlier today. Yes, I actually forgot my follow up was for today. I even called my sister, Jean to confirm she was coming over to watch Stu. She said she didn't forget. Whew!

I will wait to hear from Dr. Needles as to what he wants to do from here. I will continue with my chemo regimen this Friday of 5 days on, 23 off. I have bloodwork on the 21st day of the cycle. Another MRI most likely will occur in about two months.

Looking forward to a womens retreat this weekend,
k-

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kate - just checking in on you - and glad that I missed the first report before you posted the update... the update makes me smile... glad to hear things look good!!! Praise God!! Have a great time with the womans retreat... Danielle

Anonymous said...

kate: I'm glad to be home. sounds like a rough two weeks... can't wait to catch up.

emily

OKGardners said...

Glad the 2 neurosurgeons conclude that there is nothing to worry about. That is great news!

Betty in Oklahoma

Karen said...

Praise the Lord! I don't post often, but I check in a whole lot. I'm glad to hear the good results!

Anonymous said...

Kate-
Terrific news! God is good.
Love,
Elizabeth Ward

Anonymous said...

Kate,

To think that you are functioning with a part of your brain MISSING; I have every inch of the brain God gave me and it is still hit or miss sometimes! :)
Thrilled with the good news, and looking forward to "retreating" with you!

Erika

Anonymous said...

Oh, yippie skippie! Glad to log on to your site and see the concurring doctors' reports. And to think, YOU didn't have to pay a second co-pay for the other doctor's opinion! How often does THAT happen? Hel-LO. I jest, yes, but my heart is in ABSOLUTE GLEE that the MD's think your brain "looks great." We who love you have ALWAYS thought that your brain looks great...in fact, that ALL of you looks great, even sans some hair and post-surgery and radiation, you've always shone! Hey....AND....your brain looks great even w/ some it "in absentia!" That's pretty talented, hon! Must go bathe Jr. Sr. now that Jr. Jr. is in bed. Always bolting way when I want to keep typing, but, hey...face it: blogs can only hold so much verbage. Hugs. Laura Joback for the Joback clan. L

Anonymous said...

Kate,
I just caught up on the last few posts, and I'm thrilled about your MRI results. How cool that Dr Backer was there at just the right time to give his professional opinion too! A Godcidence if there ever was one!
Okay, Girlie, I just wanted you to know I'm still here, despite the gaps in my messages to you.
Love to you and yours!
Tiffani G

Kim & Dave said...

Great news!

Continuing to pray!

Anonymous said...

Today is Friday, and I know you are back on your chemo regime. Praying for no abdominal cramping, less fatigue than normal, no headaches...just smooth sailing--and sailing on CALM waters! You need some calm waters after the alimentary tract uproar that's been plaguing your abode this past week or so. Yuck-ee. Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you this AM (not that THAT is too unusual)...Laura Joback