Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

In sight of today's encouraging news (I'll get to it!), I have started to look more seriously into meeting a goal I've had for a while. I've always wanted to have a dog of my own, but there was always a reason not to get one; I think I was approaching things from the wrong direction, in that I should've gotten a dog and made decisions to accommodate it. (I am choosing to not consider the fun I've missed all of these years when my days could've been sprinkled with ear-rubs and endless games of fetch. I even invented a dog-friendly game with my sister's dogs called "Cover Wars"...the rules are a bit amorphous, but a good time is had by all participants, two- and four-legged.) In my efforts to start living the life I want, I may've found my little recovery smushface-- warning: I haven't met him yet, or gotten pertinent details, so don't get too attached, but seriously, one look at those fat little paws and you'll be right on board.

http://www.michigananimalrescueleague.org/component/option,com_hotproperty/task,view/id,649/Itemid,26/

Now, the good news about today. The first of today's appointments was with Dr. T's nurse practitioner... she checked my incision (totally on point), checked my reflexes and strength (word), explained a bit about what to expect over the next few weeks (increased flexibility, decreased pain and stiffness, tapering from meds, etc.), and basically told me that I am kicking massive recovery ass. The neck noises I mentioned were encouraged (she likened them to cracking knuckles on a stiff hand)...the numbness I'm still experiencing is normal, and I was reminded yet again that I may have to wait months and months for a full recovery of what I've lost...I can increase my weight-bearing to 10 or even 20 pounds, and can increase my physical activity-- letting comfort and energy-level be my guide. I was NOT given the go-ahead for running the half-marathon that Katie proposed, but I can train for the 10k walk. (Of course now, all I can think about is when I will be able to start running because if there's anything I enjoy without exception, it's proving someone wrong.) This is another major reason I want to get a dog-- what better way to stay motivated to recover than one who features a warm belly and a penchant for mischief?! Come on, a little recovery puppy?!

The second of the two appointments was with the neuro-oncologist, Dr. A. Exhale first: I don't need chemotherapy or radiation. Wooooo-saaaahhhhhh. However, the type of tumor that was extracted is linked to a genetic disorder called VHL-- in about a month, I'll undergo a few CT scans and maybe some testing on my chromosomes to determine if I do in fact have VHL. Dr. A. seemed encouraged that this was a remote (and ultimately very treatable) possibility. The main thrust of my treatment with Dr. A. will be basic surveillance...he'll do follow-up MRIs in my central nervous system to ensure that it remains devoid of hemangioblastoma bullshit. Also, the syrinx (the build-up of cerebral spinal fluid) that developed from the tumor will need to be monitored by these MRIs to ensure that it's not putting pressure on my cerebellum. This is all very encouraging news, especially considering the insane level of risk my tumor posed.

So, the next few weeks are all about recovery...tapering off the drugs (very exciting, as much as I've come to enjoy the slight Valium coma), exercising more, maybe doing some physical therapy...with a sight to reclaiming my life in Cincinnati in early April. Alright, well, this is one tired lady...today was massive and there may be some joyful facial leaking later. Never can tell. Big thanks to everyone who got in touch today to get the update-- I am never going to be able to repay all of the support! Thank you so much. My dad and sister should get some credit too...today was a lot easier to face with them in the rooms with me. Never underestimate the power of an extra Monforton or two.

3 comments:

  1. Dana~Your Mom's email was just what we all wanted and expected to hear. With that, I hope you hear the collectvie "Whew" that has been heard around your world.

    So. Now.

    Get your puppy. It's a good thing.

    Kids. Don't have them. There would be so many less messed up kids, and so many more happy ones if adults thought things out as logically and deeply as you have. If someday you change your mind, fine. It you don't, fine. You are an intelligent woman. I am just sorry you feel like you have to defend your beliefs. Stick to 'em Lady!!

    Go forth and rehab!! Yeah, a 1/2 marathon might be a little out of the realm, but only for this year. Next year is another story... Do the walk. I'll be more than happy to construct a WTF?! banner for you to carry.

    Atta Girl, Dana. You have new wings. Now, fly.

    Gentle hugs,
    j~

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  2. Dana, you'll have to put a "snatch-alarm" on that Lyl' bugger! He's so adorable, I might have to buy a big purse and turn to a life puppy-napping. I am so relieved for you as are the rest of the fam and friends, I'm sure. God bless!

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  3. Jesus Saves! I saw that on a billboard the other day......interesting......As far as the baby issue.......I'm not even going to comment because you already know how I feel about people having children they:
    1) Can't afford
    2) Can't parent
    3) Can't control
    4) Can't mother/father
    5) Can't feed
    6) Can't love
    Janey Schulte should run for President.

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Please leave me a comment-- I appreciate the support and feedback, and I encourage a dialogue between the different people who've been following this from the beginning.