As I have stated before, when it comes to glioblastomas, I
have been pretty lucky. The original
craniotomy was successful. The doctors
were pretty certain that they removed the entire tumor. However, due to the aggressiveness of this
type of cancer there is always a concern of it coming back. What this means is that anyone dealing with a
glio has to be tested for tumor regrowth on a regular basis.
My current treatments/schedule put me in an MRI capsule
every 8 weeks. Seven weeks ago I had my
last test. Things looked good from what
the doctors at MD Anderson could see through the scar tissue and radiation
damage.
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| Typical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Machine |
I am scheduled for another MRI next week. The nerve-racking anticipation as each new
test date approaches can be overwhelming.
I feel that I do a good job of keeping these thoughts from consuming me,
but I am sure they weigh more on me than I realize. I am also aware of how heavy this is for
Rhonda and the rest of my family.
If that is not all bad enough, the time between can also be
worrisome. A glioblastoma mass can
double in size every 7 to 10 days. So a
new or undetected small mass can quickly become a rather troublesome size in
the two months between MRIs. Instead of
focusing on what I cannot control, I choose to concentrate on the love and
support that I get from friends and family. This and a mindset of taking thing day by day
helps me get through this in a way I never thought possible. I know “taking things day by day” sounds so
cliché, but that is exactly what it takes to stay sane through times like
this. Who am I kidding; I currently take
things hour by hour.
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| Rhonda and I enjoying ourselves at the grand opening of 127 SOBO Art Association in Winter Garden FL |
