Hello all,
The visit with Dr. Breneman Tuesday was reassuring if not entirely clarifying. Basically, he stressed the main point: no tumor is recurring, "the scans are clear." That's always good to hear. He also said that the Trental did seem to do its job, at least in the cerebellum. Swelling was better there but not in the frontal lobe. The swelling in the frontal lobe was probably caused by her 2010 radiation, he thinks. He also said there is gliosis, or scarring, there as well. For this, he recommended trying Memantine, a drug that has been typically used to treat Alzheimer's patients but has also recently proved effective for people with brain injuries due to radiation such as Mom's. So she agreed to try that.
As for the nausea, it has subsided somewhat since going off the Trental. Dr. Breneman referred Mom to an endocrinologist to determine whether the thyroid and her hormone levels might be contributing to some of her struggles (extreme fatigue, for example). He said they might need some "tweaking." So that will be on the horizon.
He also suggested using a cane until her balance improves. She was comfortable with that, and it does seem like a good idea, at least for now. As part of the exam, Dr. Breneman had her walk across the room, and it was difficult for her. She needs props, as they say in yoga. And in yoga, the guiding principal is to honor your body. It is different every day. So she is honoring her body by modifying according to the needs of the day.
Dad has been working from home most of the week, so that was nice. And Mom got to visit with her sister Jane yesterday. I am looking forward to sneaking in a visit sometime today or tomorrow. I always love to see her.
Thanks for all your kind thoughts and words. March is almost here! That's something to celebrate.
Cheers,
jk
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