ANA Discussion Forum

Watch and Wait => For those in the 'watch and wait' status => Topic started by: Ellen K on October 18, 2011, 02:12:58 pm

Title: 2nd MRI Scheduled for Oct 26
Post by: Ellen K on October 18, 2011, 02:12:58 pm

Hi All:  To recap: I have the tiny princess and the pea tumor - just the littlest tumor was really affecting my quality of life through vertigo, dizziness (that constant car sick feeling) and more lately, a few facial issues.  My doctor said I should wait one year for my second MRI, given how small the tumor was last December at diagnosis.  Grrr!

So the good news is that I managed to have my second MRI moved up from December 2011 to next week!  And the really good news is that I feel FANTASTIC.  The physical therapy and exercise for dizziness/balance have helped dramatically.  Yes folks - no dizziness!  No car sick feeling!  Minimal balance issues! Minimal ear fullness!  The facial issues have receded.  I am dearly hoping that the result next week will be no change.

If there has been no growth, I'll be a Watch and Wait Poster (Middle-Aged) Child.  It's been a good two years of slogging through symptoms and exercises and diet changes (sometimes followed, sometimes um, not), but time and healthy nerve compensation really have worked wonders for me.  Of course, I know that could change at any time, but hopefully I can maintain this quality of life with the bugger in there, stupid and dormant.  I'm keeping up a diet of steady chocolate, rock and roll, and positive thinking til then.
I will of course let you know the results.  Please keep fingers and toes crossed.
- Ellen

Title: Re: 2nd MRI Scheduled for Oct 26
Post by: Jim Scott on October 18, 2011, 03:48:17 pm

Ellen ~

Congratulations on your splendid improvement!  You have my thoughts and prayers for a 'stable' MRI report.  :)

Jim

Title: Re: Update - 2nd MRI Scheduled for Oct 26
Post by: Ellen K on October 27, 2011, 12:20:52 pm

 :D  GREAT NEWS!  MRI shows NO GROWTH!!!!  Thanks to all who have provided support over the past year - your advice and kind words have been incredibly helpful. 
So I am entering Year 2 Watch and Wait and hoping to make it to Year 50.
Just a note that I had a pretty awful MRI experience - it took them six tries and three nurses to get the IV in me.  Blech.  I will no longer heed their directions not to drink much water before the MRI; I think I was dehydrated.
Doing the happy dance inside (in my office cubicle)
Ellen

Title: Re: 2nd MRI Scheduled for Oct 26
Post by: New girl on October 27, 2011, 12:24:46 pm

Congrats!!!!!  I was actually told at my MRI to drink lots of water next time since they also had a lot of trouble getting the IV in.