Post Radiation

Hello Everybody! If you haven't already heard, radiation is working! YAY! Here are the details. Yesterday, I had a CT scan and a MRI. The MRI was of the brain which showed that there is no new growth of the tumors. It did, however, show a little brain swelling of the tissue around the tumors. That is okay and should resolve itself over time. Radiation was not supposed to make the tumors go away, it was just supposed to kill them. The CT was of my lung. Remember that I have about 20 tumors on my lung. 2 of the tumors that were not radiated did grow a little bit (not enough to be alarmed and they are in a safe spot so it isn't a big deal) the one tumor that was radiated did not change in size. Upon comparing the growth of the non-radiated tumors and the non growth of the radiated tumors, the conclusion is that radiation has killed the tumors.
So, I will have MRI and CT scans every 2 months just to keep an eye on them. Does this mean remission? No. I still have other tumors to worry about. I did have clearance to begin a new study. I don't know anything about it yet. I think I am still eligible for one more study at U of M. I haven't talked with my regular doc at U of M yet. I don't think I am ready quite yet to start anything else. I am planning my next trip to the U on Feb 1, I suppose we will see what is in store then.
Today was day 3 without steroids. Patrick told me that I am a little deflated (I don't feel it yet). I did have a small, normal seizure today. I have been having one about every 2 weeks. We shall see what tomorrow brings.
So, I am still on two different seizure meds and I am convinced that they make me tired although one of my doctors disagrees. But, what does he know, he doesn't have my body. I am going to start exercising more (hahaha, maybe walk a little farther than the garage) and see if that helps my energy level.
Anyway, your prayers worked! I will pray for extra blessings for all of you! I couldn't ask for a better support network than what I already have.
Oh, one more thing. Cancer is so common now that 1 in every 5 people have it. The Berrien County Caner Service has a support group twice a month for patients and caregivers and beginning in December they will be adding one for children of cancer patients. If you or a friend needs some kind of support help, please feel free to contact me!
I love you all :)

Heather Shannon