Next Step

I only have four days left of radiation! Everything is going smoothly with that. I did have to get three more tattoos with this round, so maybe I'll turn them into flowers or something cute later.

I met with my doctor last week and found out that my next chemotherapy is actually three different drugs that I'll take over six week cycles. He expects me to get really sick since I typically tend to get the bad side effects, like vomiting and low platelet counts. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.

He is going to talk to the neurosurgeon about putting a shunt in my brain that would deliver another chemo to the spinal fluid. It's either put in a shunt or get two lumbar punctures a week, which would not be fun. This would be happening at the same time as the other three drug chemo. Let's just say this was a very discouraging appointment! Especially since he said I looked like the picture of health. Really?

Something really funny happened to me the other day. I went to Starbucks to get my favorite iced latte and as I was walking toward the store, there were two older men walking towards it too. When that happens, you kinda wonder who will make it first and get into line first, but typically that's all. Well, one of the men started running towards the door. No joke-running! He beat both of us, put in his order, and sat down to start writing. When they actually called his order, he didn't even go get it. I have never seen anything like this! I guess people in Washington are very serious about their Starbucks!

I'm Tired!

I think I am just tired. I am physically tired from treatment and mentally drained from everything else. I'm trying to think of something entertaining to write about, but I just can't do it!

I started radiation to my spinal cord this week. Three days down, seven more to go! The actual treatment is only 15 minutes each day, but it takes a little over two hours of driving to get to the hospital and back. I think that actually tires me out the most. I meet with my doctor tomorrow to start talking about what chemotherapy to try next.  I just ask for prayers of wisdom that we make the right choice, so I can get a break from treatment!

This post sounds a little depressing. I'm really not...its just that none of the funny stuff has been happening to me lately. Although, I might be rocking my new pixie haircut! Who would have thought? :)

Gamma Knife

So today I had my gamma knife. It was so much better than last time since I knew what I was getting myself into. I think I was more mentally prepared for it. They put the halo on in the morning, which is the worst part since they screw it into my head. It's definitely not a pleasant experience, but seemed a little better than last time! They tried to get to three areas of new growth, which took about an hour. I start radiation to my spine next week.

Just for fun, I took some photos of me with my halo on.

 This is my pretty halo face!

Bad News

I was just at the hospital for treatment last week and got the results of my latest MRI. Unfortunately, I have two new lesions on my brain and one new lesion on my lower spinal cord. I was so shocked since I feel so good and haven't had any symptoms. I meet with the radiologist on Friday and will have gamma knife surgery next Thursday. I'll have radiation for my spine again.

At least this time I know what I'm getting into with the gamma knife and radiation, so that's good. The doctors don't know it yet, but I'm getting more Novocaine and pain-killers than before! And I won't be too surprised when I wake up the next day looking like Chunk from The Goonies. I wasn't expecting that the last time!


Overall, this isn't the best news, but I still feel good and trust the doctors with my treatment options. Thank you for all of your prayers and support. It means the world to me!