6 June 2013 - Neurosciences OPD, QE Hospital

Sam and Chris in San Francisco

 





Deb had her MRI scan (24th since RT) on 24.5.13. At the 6 June appointment we saw Claire, the Clinical Nurse Specialist, not Dr Sanghera (which is another good sign that even the doctors are starting to relax a little). The results of the scan were again good. The tumour had remained stable and there were no signs of progression.

We also discussed Deb's continued use of the anti-convulsant medication Phenytoin. Deb had a blood test at the hospital and her phenytoin levels were satisfactory. As a result Deb will continue on the phenytoin. She has recently got her driving license back and is enjoying the freedom having a car brings.

Next scan: September 2013

Update since last post

16 - 23.3.13     Sam touring East Coast USA with Booka Shade
23.3.13            Deb and Chris' 30th wedding anniversary party
13 - 21.4.13     Sam touring West Coast USA with BS
22.4 - 9.5.13    Chris and Sam tour of California

5 March 2013 - Neurosciences OPD, New QE Hospital

Kate and Ed's leaving party (Kate, Chris, Chris - Ed's Dad, Deb, Jane - Ed's Mum, Ed)

Deb had her MRI scan ( 23 since RT) last Thursday (on 28/02/13) and today we saw Dr Sanghera at Neurosciences OPD. The results from the scan were again very good. Dr Sanghera showed the image from the latest MRI scan (a horizontal slice through Deb's head) alongside the same image from a scan in November 2011 (just after Deb had stopped taking PCV chemotherapy). The tumour in the latest scan was visibly smaller and not as clearly defined. Dr Sanghera said Deb was 'amazing'. Inter alia we discussed:

1 The time between scans  Although Deb's tumour has been stable for some time, Dr Sanghera still wants a scan every 3 months. This will allow any progression of the tumour to be picked up at an early stage. However it was agreed that Deb would only see Dr S every 6 months and for in betwen scan results Deb will attend a clinic run by the Clinical Nurse Specialists (Fred and Claire).

2 Phenytoin  This anti convulsant is the only medicine Deb is taking in relation to her brain tumour. Deb asked if she could come off it. This is not something you can do suddenly (it would take about a year of gradually reducing the dose) and while on the reduction (and for 6 months after stopping) Deb would not be able to drive. Deb has no side effects (that we know about) from taking the phenytoin and will make a decision at the next appointment. By then Deb may have got her license back - we should hear any day now - and maybe having tasted independence will want to continue driving.

The next scan will be in June 2013.

Update since last post

27/12/12 - 08/01/13  Sam touring Australia with Booka Shade
25/01/13                   Kate finished at Carluccio's
11/02/13                   Kate and Ed leave for travels in far east
20/02/13                   Chris has first bike ride since accident

Next posting in June 2013.