Thursday, September 17, 2009

Our visit with Dr Nick..........

September 17

Hello--Cathy here.

We learned a lot during our appointment with Dr. Nick this morning. First of all, he believes the radiation has had an effect on the tumors, but the MRI scans are difficult to read because of a large amount of blood in the same area. Apparently, in the week before she began radiation, she had a brain bleed. This was due to either a chemo reaction or the tumors themselves, but was most likely the reason she lost cognitive ability. It will take awhile for this blood to be reabsorbed by the body, but her cognitive ability should improve with time. It is similiar to the effects of a stroke. I can tell you she was very happy to hear there could be improvement!
She will continue with an oral chemo treatment for six weeks and then have another MRI. Hopefully, by that time, the blood will be reabsorbed and a more clear MRI scan will reveal how effective the radiation treatment has been.

We are both relieved and encouraged by this news. We thank all of you for your wonderful messages and powerful positive energy---I am absolutely positive it has made a difference for Ellen.

More soon
love,
cathy

6 comments:

Cathy Rose said...

I'm screaming hallelujah! : )
Donna

Unknown said...

Wow. What a freakin' rollercoaster. It's good news, though, so that's what counts. Think like a sponge, Ellen. Sop up that little spill, girl. Then move right along to better cognition. And here's hoping the oral chemo continues to diminish the tumors and their effects. Much love to you both, always,
Marie

Pam Felth said...

I am glad you got an explanation for the loss of cognitive ability, and that there is a good chance for improvement. Also glad to hear that the radiation beat up on the tumors. Hopefully the chemo will continue the fight and that next MRI will bring good news. I think of you two so often, and am so glad that you have each other. Are you still spending time at Ellen's lake? Or was it Ellen's bench? I forget, but it looked like a beautiful place to spend peaceful time together. Thank you for keeping us updated. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Pam

Anonymous said...

Love you both. YAHOO!!!!

It's wonderful how a miracle can come from an unanticipated direction and makes me think there are more out there.

Anonymous said...

(Betsy was anonymous)

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to say I'm thinking about you both with smile on my face and love in my heart.

Betsy