More Clanging and Banging

The next MRI date is set for Monday, January 31.  It’s all about size - larger, smaller (unlikely) or staying the same - who knows.  The technician who did my first MRI will be the one putting me through my paces this time as well.  He was so good at scoping out the tumor, taking appropriate pictures, consulting with the radiologist, and injecting the dye, that I wanted him to do the follow up MRI.  Since most Acoustic Neuromas are slow growing, the difference will probably be no more than 1-2 millimeters, the smallest detectible amount that can be read by the radiologist.  Controlling as many variables as possible seems important.  The MRI can be done and read here in Ithaca then sent to the doctors at Johns Hopkins for consultation.   

I am continuing to feel better most days.  Thanks to acupuncture, Chinese herbs, walking, PT, chiropractor, Essiac Tea, green powder, blueberries, my brain’s resilience, and everyone’s caring, I would be glad to continue to Wait and Watch for as long as possible.  I like getting used to feeling better.  Let’s not bring it on.

With love, 

Karen

Of Hands and Hearts

Dear Friends and Family,

Last night my quilt guild presented me with a beautiful hands and heart quilt they had secretly made for me over the last couple of months.  My friend Aafke, who can manage more in a week than most of us can in a month, seems to have coordinated the project.  Apparently some of the blocks were being made right under my nose at Casowasco but I of course, had no idea.  I was still in survival mode at the beginning of November.  The note below is what I wrote to thank them and explains what is happening around here.  I have great appreciation for the support all of you have offered. 

With love,

Karen

                                                                                     Photo by Kristin Thompson

Dear Friends,

Many thanks for the beautiful hearts and hands healing quilt that I received last night.  I could not have been more surprised or deeply touched.  Ever since this “health challenge” began it has been a voyage into new territory.  The symptoms were so present for the first two months I could not forget their intrusion for a minute.  Now, for the past two months, I often go about without remembering anything is amiss, my symptoms have so largely abated.  Life has become more normal with only intermittent reminders from “tumor central” that all is not well. 

In two weeks, I will have another MRI to see how things have changed, or remained the same.  At that time we (Ed, the doctors and I) will make another decision about where we go from here.  Because the tumor surrounds some important nerves, to which some damage is inevitable, postponing treatment if there is no growth is the option of choice.  On the other hand, if there is growth, postponing treatment is not advisable.  Since the tumor is probably slow growing, four months may be too short a time for the MRI to detect either.

I thank all of you for this beautiful and comforting quilt of support as I move forward on this journey.  I feel very lucky to have such warmth and caring to surround me.  It is a wonderful gift.

With love,

Karen