The Colon Club

This morning, I met with the neuorsurgeon to discuss my on-going dizziness / imbalance issues. During the office visit / exam, he did not seem overly-concerned, explaining (which I already knew) that it could be the result of swelling caused by the brain radiation.
He tends to err on the side of caution (a good thing, I've come to understand and appreciate), so he ordered a CT scan of my brain.
Naturally, the CT scan showed some hydrocephaly (to be expected), and I was told an MRI would be 'more conclusive (duh - why didn't he just order that instead?!), BUT that it wasn't something that needed to be done ASAP, or before next week.
I reiterated that I'd be getting the PET scan results Monday afternoon from the oncologist, and from what I've gathered, those are more informative this close post-rad than either CT OR MRI, so . . .more wait and see. The fact that he didn't want me to go to the ER, or do something NOW, I'll take as a positive sign.

Also, MD Anderson wants to see me next Friday morning. This will be my 1st appointment / consult, so I am nervous. Yet I'm also relieved / thankful to actually have an appointment with them. They're a 5-hour drive away, AND, more importantly, I've heard great things about them, their approach, and treatment options. Fingers crossed & here's hoping (always!)

AnnClare wrote:. . . The fact that he didn't want me to go to the ER, or do something NOW, I'll take as a positive sign.

I take it as a good sign too. Enjoy the weekend.

Your fellow "ass kicker"

Lee

Wow, a five hour drive for you for your MD consult, make sure you pack some tasty snacks for the journey Major kudos to you, not sure I could do such a trip. will you spend the night in a hotel and drive home the following day?

Glad things are going well!

My two experiences at MDA have been really good. They are on it.

It's big and crowded but worth it.

In April, they were relocating their pharmacy and it seems always crowded and is a pretty long wait. It's packed! The lab is as well. It's an ocean of people, so be ready to wait

It's worth it. Good luck and I hope the best for you.

If you stay in a hotel, there are tons around the medical center and a lot of them have a shuttle that leave every half hour. The traffic in that area is massive due to the hospitals in the area...the first time I went with my son and neither of us wanted to find our way around, so we used our hotel shuttle. The driver was very nice.

Some hotels offer "medical" rates and are mostly cancer patients going to MDA. It's comforting to not feel like the afflicted patient and be amongst others who are facing similar challenges.

They have a big cafeteria with lots of food options too.

Fingers crossed and hoping right along with you.
Ugg waiting, waiting for a game plan is always one of the hardest parts. Sounds like your going to have a pretty action packed week next week. Good luck Monday on your PET scan results, I will make sure to check the board for your post saying radiation did the trick.
I so wish there was a magic pill or we could kiss you and make it all better.

Thanks, guys.

My sister-in-law has a friend who lives near MDA and has graciously offered to let me stay with her. Still not sure if I'm going to fly or go by car (with someone else driving, of course!)

My husband drove me to work this morning, as the dizzies are still there today. Argh.
Butt I'm still here! "Not like this, and not today!"

I'm glad the neurosurgeon wasn't concerned and hope everything goes well at MD Anderson!

AnnClare wrote:Also, MD Anderson wants to see me next Friday morning. This will be my 1st appointment / consult, so I am nervous. Yet I'm also relieved / thankful to actually have an appointment with them. They're a 5-hour drive away, AND, more importantly, I've heard great things about them, their approach, and treatment options. Fingers crossed & here's hoping (always!)

Yes good luck with MD Anderson, that's great that you have a place to stay. Let us know how it goes.

I believe you get the result back tomorrow regarding your PET scan. ALL THE BEST that it is good news.

Your fellow "ass kicker"

Lee