Radiation Consultation

Well, Kevin and I went for my radiation consultation today. It will be in Ann Arbor. The radiation doctor seems pretty cool, and I guess he is famous for what he does too. That makes me feel pretty confident.
He proposed that we do two different kinds of radiation. Well, it is all the same radiation, but different ways of doing it. I will have radioactive surgery done to one tumor. This is the process of surgically putting a halo on my head (like I need another one anyway right?) but it really isn't surgery. It goes on the head and gets screwed in four places through the skin but it stops before the skull. Then, the halo will be attached to the table (bed that I will be on), I will be strapped down and given the radiation. This is because they will give me a high dose and I cannot move at all. This will be a one time deal.
The other tumors will be done by molding a mesh mask to my face then using that to strap me down. Then they will administer the radiation 5 days in a row. So, if anybody wants to drive me to Ann Arbor and stay for 5 days that would be great! This is the proposed plan from the radiologist, but he has to clear it through my doctor, the surgeon and the radiation board. I will know the results by Monday.
Also, there is a rather large tumor (1.5 in) in my lung near where my air pipe is. It is rather deep. I guess your wind pipe goes down and splits in a y then splits again and that is where the tumor is. The radiation doc is a little worried because if it grows a lot more then it will cut off the air flow. So, we may potentially be doing radiation on that.
So, the good news, it is a great doctor and he is very optimistic that this will work! The bad news, I will lose more hair (may have to re-shave my head) and it might not grow back. Radiation will make me very tired and might make me nauseous. Also, I am very claustrophobic so having a halo, mask and being strapped down has my anxiety worked up. But, I guess if that is the price, it is worth it.

Anyway, make this a great day! Remember, It isn't how you survive the storm, it is learning to dance in the puddles!

Thank you for everything! Keep praying
Heather

First Post Op Visit

So, everybody wants to know how my doc appointment went today. He basically explained what happened during surgery. Yup, he removed a tumor. Yup, it was the same cancer that I originally had. No surprise there. He says that I am healing well and quickly, although I should stop getting annoyed with my energy level. I know, all of you are saying the same thing. It will take time. He says basically to listen to my body, you know, do what I can, but be sure to rest a lot as needed. I suppose I am just pushing it. He also said that I am healing so quickly that I will most likely begin radiation sooner than planned. I will have radiation at the surgery site as well as the other small tumors that I have in my head.
I found out that I have five small titanium plates holding my skull together (I thought I only had one). I wonder if they are in the shape of a tiarra hahahahha
Before the surgery, I was having issues with my hands clenching and then I would get a horrible cramp in them. Back then, we thought it had something to do with the steroids that I was on. I haven't had that happen again after surgery until yesterday and now the doc seems to think it might be little seizers. We don't know for sure yet though. I will remain on seizer meds for at least another three weeks. These meds make me really loopy, but I suppose that is better than the alternative. One more thing, my vision. He thinks that my vision is better than it was in the hospital. I am not so sure though. I have been concentrating a lot on trying to compensate for my vision loss, so we aren't sure yet if it is because I am trying to train myself or if it is really getting better. Time will tell on that.
So, in short, things are going well, I will be going back in about a week and I need to learn to be patient and let my body heal at its own pace. I need to try to remember that this is only temporary and before I know it things will be hectically back to normal.
I know this was a lot of info, so if you have question, feel free to ask! Again thank you for all of your love and support!

Heather Shannon

Quick little update

I thought I would just do a quick recovery update. First of all, just before my surgery, my facebook and heaven were exploding with prayers and I couldn't believe it! You are all so awesome! Before I could leave the hospital the other day (my days aren't strait yet) I had to have an MRI done to make sure that I had no infection in my head and it not only came back clear, but there was not swelling in my brain, the surgeon said that he had never seen that happen so quickly, so that is good! I am supposed to be going back on Wednesday for a post op visit. This will be a week earlier than scheduled because I am healing so quickly. I did lose a lot of vision. I don't see black like you would think, I just have "blind spots" and when I compensate, I see double. It is kinda fun to figure out how to focus! I am not in a lot of pain at all, although I am really weak. At times I feel stronger, but it doesn't last long. I guess time will heal that. I need to learn not to rush! I am at seize risk now and I am on meds for them and I am pretty sure I had a seizure last night. I will be calling my doc this morning, but that was expected. Please pray that these side effects will only be temporary because I don't want to change my lifestyle too much. I guess I can't complain though, WE made it (couldn't have done it without your prayers and support). I will keep you posted as things change. Love you all!

Heather