Heather is almost ready to begin her treatment. As I mentioned before, she will have an MRI and CT Scan Monday, September 8. That is the last appointment we have until her radiation / chemo treatment begins.
We met with Dr. Popa, the oncologist, yesterday. Heather has two naseua medications and two anti-acid medications that she will need to take along with her chemo and radiation treatments. She has to take them at specific times in conjunction with the chemo and radiation. I asked Dr. Popa if Heather would get sick, and the doctor said yes. She also said at the very least Heather will have thinning hair, but probably she would lose most of it. Heather has been very organized and has taken ownership to managing her insurance and her medication. Of course, she IS 29, so she SHOULD be able to do this. But when I look at her, she is MY LITTLE girl. I want to hold her in my arms and rock her as I used to. So watching her handle this situation makes me very proud of her for being so level-headed. And, she has not lost her sense of humor either. In fact, yesterday when she had to pay another $40 copay, she said to the receptionist, "Brain cancer is an expensive little disease." The response, "Yes, it is."
After her pneumonia shot and blood work, we were off to go wig shopping. Heather has been told by many people to go now before she starts to lose her hair. It isn't as dramatic that way. She tried on many different styles and colors and finally narrowed it to two. I couldn't say, "Pick one"; I bought both! They come in next week. Michele and I had to try on a few as well. Michele looked great in one; I looked like a freak show in the two I tried on!
I received an email last night from a man in Omaha who was diagnosed last February with Stage IV brain cancer. He lifted my heart as he is doing well with no signs of his tumor returning. He and Heather share the same surgeon, same radiation oncologist, and Estabrook Cancer Center. Their treatments seem to be alike - at least in name and procedures. Instead of a support group, he may be the person Heather can talk to. He is about 6 months ahead in the treatment plan. In addition, he is planning to become involved with Leap-for-a-Cure, so I am thrilled!
Until next update, remember that "All growth is a leap in the dark." We are certainly in the dark, but we are learning more each day about ourselves and about brain cancer. We will fight and win this war against Brain Cancer!
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3 comments:
Now, this is the start of a funny... good to read it! We can just imagine all of you girls with wigs on your heads! These are great posts, thanks for keeping everyone involved; we are all praying each and everyday - keep the faith! - A.B.R. et al
Sue - your posts are wonderful. We are laughing with you when we can (loved the wig tale), and crying for you because we care. We are praying for you to stay strong during this difficult journey. Meanwhile, we'll try to be a blessing - and look for blessings - along the way.
Sue,
I'm Bill Nervig's wife. I did a search and found this blog. I remember reading these such thoughts from my dad years ago about his treatment.
If you don't mind, I just wanted to give you some information, hopefully encouraging and helpful.
Dr. Popa was my father's doctor. She is a wonderful doctor and caring individual. We were blessed to have her for my dad's treatment. She worked hard to do everything she could to cure my dad.
Also, I work in the Neurology dept at UNMC. We are working on getting a neuro-oncologist but not fast enough. Our Chairman did state that Dr. Michelle Aizenberg in our neursurgery department does have experience with Neuro-oncology from her fellowship is apart of her specialty here at UNMC.
We will be praying for your family. For strength, understanding and guidance in the care for Heather. I will also pray for the doctors that they will be blessed with the knowledge to beat this cancer.
Keep trusting in God.
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