Where the Spots Show

What the Imaging Shows After Rads

Okay, here is the final roundup of imaging results after bone scanning, MRIs, and CTs:

BRAIN/INTERNAL AUDITORY CANAL

• Improved leptomeningeal disease along the

1. L cisternal 5th cranial nerve (affects facial nerves)
2. bilateral inferior cerebellar hemispheres (base of the brain)
   

• NO NEW DISEASE

SPINAL NERVES

• Decrease in lesion L upper cervical cord at level of the dens
• NO NEW OR ENLARGING LESIONS

LIVER

• Stable enhancing masses (probably hemangiomas)

LUNGS

• Stable micronodules scattered in both lungs

BONES

• Worsening L hip lesion (qualifies me for clinical trial in SEA)
• Stable/possible reduction in lesions in:

1. ~8th rib R lateral
2. lower thoracic spine
3. upper lumbar spine

• Stable small area of low-level activity in L upper sacrum/S1.
• Stable sclerotic bone lesions
  

The doctors believe the overall picture is good; it looks very much like I have survived metastasis to the meninges for the SECOND time. We are concerned that I am still suffering from side effects from the radiation, possibly including malabsorption of the nutrition I put into my body religiously every single day, as I am struggling to regain weight. But they have several plans to deal with that if I can't get it turned around very soon!

I am still suffering from a nearly constant vertigo that makes functioning very difficult, and exacerbates the nausea/vomiting issues. I also get a terrible, creepy feeling on the most-treated part of my head/brain that can probably best be described as feeling like I have shingles on the brain under the skull---YUCK!

Mr. Puffy injections clearly affect whatever is happening in my brain for the better, and usually I feel best in the days right afterward. By the time I'm due again, I've usually been stuck on the sofa for several days, feeling my head spin in circles. I am always so grateful for that life-saving treatment, and the loving care with which it is given!