11 August 2010 - Update

8 August 2010 - Deb showing off her scar (2 weeks after the operation)

Sorry I have not posted a blog for a while. I changed my broadband provider (a big mistake) and have not been able to access the Internet for 2 weeks.

On 2 August, Deb had her scalp clips removed (about 30 of them) by a nurse at the GP practice. This process looked very painful to a mere onlooker (the nurse used a tool just like a staple remover) but Deb said it wasn't too bad. The wound looked good; no redness or swelling and healing well.

Deb has rung the Clinical Nurse Specialists (Fred and Claire) on the last two Wednesdays. It has been agreed that she will now see both Mr Kay (surgeon) and Dr Sanghera (oncologist) on the same day; 31st August (Mr Kay first). Before then Deb will have an MRI scan (date to be confirmed).

Deb has continued the reduction in her steroid dose. She is now on 8mg per day. She will reduce to 6mg and then 4mg in the next two weeks. She will then stay on 4mg until we see Dr Sanghera. The steroids have caused their usual side effects. In particular Deb's face has swollen up, she is more jittery and anxious and is not sleeping so well.

As far as we can tell, Deb has not had any side effects from the gliadel wafers. I think, apart from the steroid side effects, her health has improved. Since the operation she has not had any dizzy spells, no nausea and less headaches. We are anxious to see the post op MRI scan and hope it confirms that the chemotherapy from the gliadel wafers has had a significant effect on the tumour.