ANA Discussion Forum

Treatment Options => Radiation / Radiosurgery => Topic started by: sgerrard on March 12, 2008, 10:44:41 pm

Title: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: sgerrard on March 12, 2008, 10:44:41 pm
I have nothing interesting to report regarding my 6 month MRI taken this morning. Same size and stable. Still enhancing with contrast, no obvious necrosis, the doc said I may never see that since it is fairly small. Nothing else noteworthy.

I also had a hearing test, mostly unchanged, with a small drop at low frequencies, which is still the least affected range. Also the word recognition score was two words lower. On one of the words I couldn't make out, I just said "Aflac", which got a laugh from the audiologist. I am going to try out a hearing aid.

Ho, hum. Yawn.

Naturally, I am thrilled!  8)

Steve
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: Mark on March 12, 2008, 11:45:41 pm
Congrats Steve! "uneventful" MRI's are a beautiful thing  ;D

Mark
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: leapyrtwins on March 13, 2008, 06:05:03 am
Steve -

we are all thrilled for you!

"Aflac", you crack me up  ;D

Congratulations,

Jan
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: nancyann on March 13, 2008, 07:13:27 am
Dull ?   Boring ?    The tumor yes,  you?  not a chance ! ! !    CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FORUM WITTY-LAUREATE ! ! !
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: leapyrtwins on March 13, 2008, 08:47:02 am

"Aflac", you crack me up  ;D


You know, I should have said you "quack" me up LOL

Nancy, you are SO right.  I always look for Steve's witty responses, they make me smile  ;D

Jan

Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: BDB on March 13, 2008, 01:13:01 pm
Awesome Steve!But could ya be a little excited????!!! ;)
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: ppearl214 on March 13, 2008, 01:22:59 pm
Steve, me likes dull, boring, uneventful... when it comes to moderating this website  ;D AND.... your MRI's and health!!!!!! Congrats!

Phyl
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: sgerrard on March 14, 2008, 08:08:32 pm
Thanks, everybody. I called Stanford to let them know the scan and reports are on the way, I may hear back by the end of next week.

Meanwhile I will try to think of something else funny to say.

Steve
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: nancyann on March 14, 2008, 08:40:46 pm
Steve:  good thoughts for the 'end of the week'

Oh, BTW, you don't have to ever think of anything funny to say, it's you being you who we love, the serious, the laid back, the witty.
Always enjoy your posts (except the long ones - you or anyone else's,  my brain just looks at all the words & says 'can't take it all in', & I move on,
this is an AN thing for me, no offense my friends....)

Always good thoughts,  Nancy
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: OMG16 on March 14, 2008, 09:25:51 pm
Dull, boring and uneventful are great words to live by.  Congradulations and may the next MRI give you the same dull, boring and uneventful news.  I'm very happy for you!  ;D 16
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: lori67 on March 14, 2008, 09:42:34 pm
This is definitely one case when dull, boring and uneventful are GOOD things! 

Glad to hear good, dull news every so often!

And you quack me up too! (good one, Jan).

Lori
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: leapyrtwins on March 14, 2008, 11:16:09 pm
Oh, BTW, you don't have to ever think of anything funny to say, it's you being you who we love, the serious, the laid back, the witty.


Absolutely, Nancy.  Couldn't have said it better myself.

Jan
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: Lorenzo on March 15, 2008, 03:40:22 am
yawn.... ho hum... ya, great. how boring. such dull news, it's not even worth calling them news. A day like any other. It's just the same ould AN that's dieing and isn't even bothering shrinking of anything. How dull.
I think I go for a nap.
Cheers Steve,
Lorenzo
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: jb on March 17, 2008, 11:09:01 pm
Steve,
Belated congrats on your 6 month check-up.  Uneventful sounds great to me!  :)
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: Sue on March 21, 2008, 02:37:20 pm
Congrats Steve on another boring day - MRI wise.  Yeah, it's not as interesting now that we are on the downhill side of the AN mountain.  And as Martha says, "That's a Good Thing!"  As long as our AN's are stopped in their march forward in trying to do us in, then we can shout "Hallelujah!" and be thrilled with our uneventful MRI's.  No news is Good News, Baby.  My doctor said, "I am very happy with they way things look."  And I thought, "Well, if your happy then I'm happy!".  :D

*Sue and Steve do the Happy Dance on the Forum dance floor.  Carrie Ann says we look light on our feet, Nigel is glad we didn't fall, and Bruno raises his fist and shouts, "You guys may have AN's, but that's a TEN!"


Sue, over here in vANcouver to Steve in portlANd.
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: pearchica on April 02, 2008, 12:35:48 pm
Hey gang: you think the 6 month is boring, try one year out.. VERY boring.  God Bless Chang but I made him talk to me for a few minutes... Heck at this point I deserve more than the 2 minute "No change, all is well, see you in 6 months"!

Oh and get this, Stanford goofed up and forgot to schedule the one year hearing test.. they told me to get it done in Sacramento, but that it wasn't that big of a deal... I think I will schedule with Stanford, I have a better chance of getting in with them versus the ENT Clinic in Sac.  I haven't noticed any change in hearing, just more conscience of what I can and cannot hear now.

Steve I am really happy for you.  Nice to be on the other side of the darn thing... ;D  congrats- Annie

Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: ppearl214 on April 02, 2008, 12:40:25 pm
annie (and all), just wait until the 2 yrs.... NOW we're talking all the bells and whistles and balloons and confetti for good news! :)  Hoping all will have the same type of celebration I had.... sending massive wishes to you all for the same.

Phyl
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: goinbatty on April 02, 2008, 08:35:02 pm
Congrats Steve!!!  Glad to hear you had a good report. 

Sandra
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: sgerrard on April 02, 2008, 10:51:56 pm
Thanks, Sandra and Annie.

I will also add that I have been wearing a hearing aid for almost a week now. My hearing in the left ear was almost the same as at original diagnosis, with a little more drop in the low end. But I have noticed all along that I really couldn't hear much with it. The good thing is that I can hear quite well with the hearing aid, which is what they mean by "serviceable" hearing I guess.

The big surprise to me is that I have been missing out on quite a few noises for the last year and a half or so. I had forgotten that keys make noise turning in locks, or that the door down the hall from my office squeaks. I can now hear my shoelaces hitting the floor if they happen to be untied, and my arm makes a sound when it slides through the sleeve of my coat. Woo hoo! It takes some getting used to, but I already feel less fuzzy-headed and more with it. It is a feeling I like.

Steve
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 02, 2008, 11:25:43 pm
Steve -

sometimes the smallest things in life can make you happy  :)

It must be great to rediscover noises again.

Jan
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: beancounter on April 07, 2008, 08:03:46 pm
Steve's infectious smile is a mirror of his great attitude, positive thinking and witty ability to turn a phrase.   Is it any wonder we all love him?? 
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 07, 2008, 08:18:15 pm
Beancounter -

couldn't have said it better myself! 

So glad to see you have returned to the forum  ;D  I missed you.

I had my BAHA surgery on 3/4 and am doing GREAT!!!  Did you see my BAHA "hat" pictures?  Not something to be missed!

Hope you are doing well,

Jan
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: sgerrard on April 07, 2008, 11:59:04 pm
Golly, beancounter, I'm blushing!  :-[  Thank you, you are too kind.

And Hi, how are you doing? Waiting and watching, I guess..

Steve
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: lori67 on April 08, 2008, 09:52:57 am
Beancounter -

I was just thinking about you the other day and wondering how you're doing.  So, how are you doing?

Lori
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 08, 2008, 12:06:14 pm
Beancounter -

where are you  ???

Jan
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: beancounter on April 08, 2008, 12:11:10 pm
Thanks Steve, Jan and Lori for asking about me (Jan, I may call you about your BAHA).  I'm in watch and wait only because I have not seen (or found) a doc yet.  For anyone who loves "TMI", let me give you the short version of a long and sordid story.  After I shattered my wrist (Dec 16) and wore an external fixator for 7 weeks (think decorative brass towel bar), I developed something called reflex sympathetic dystrophy.  I  never heard of it, wish I never had, and if I was Catholic I would call it purgatory.   After a few months of aggressive hand therapy (35 minutes every hour while at home and thrice-weekly trips to my therapist) I lost my personality and pieces of my soul.  I eventually had what the surgeon called a mal-union, meaning my wrist didn't properly heal, so 3 weeks ago I had to start over with surgery to chisel part of my bone off and insert a plate in my wrist held together with screws.  I have never been interested in tools!  I am using a bone stimulator daily and am hoping there is a good outcome (please send up smoke signals for me).  I hope it is okay to post something not brain related; I often say I'm an open book that no one wants to read!  I love you all and pray daily for mental/physical peace and healing for this great group.
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: Sue on April 08, 2008, 02:15:14 pm
YIKES!  So sorry to hear of your troubles with your wrist.  I do hope all goes well now and that this phase of your life will be over and done with soon.

Sending smoke signals as high as I can.

Sue in Vancouver   
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: beancounter on April 08, 2008, 04:07:12 pm
Thank you, Sue.  I can't move on until I get resolution with this wrist mess.  The anxiety creeps in daily about the pesky little critter lodged intracanalicullarly at my 8th cranial nerve (my kids always called me Mrs. Webster and Wordwoman but that last one is a bit much).  Why use a big word when a diminutive one will suffice?? (lol)  I'm learning cool things after having one arm immobilized for four months....eg: my picture on here was from last fall prior to seeing a Kenny Loggins concert and I had spent a little time "fixing" my hair.  The last time I fixed my hair was the evening of December 15 in preparation for a Christmas party.  Truth is, it looks exactly the same these days with just a wash and a quick blow dry, so I doubt I'll ever even bother again (even when I'm able). 
This reminds me of my favorite menopause joke:  "one of the good things about getting older is that we don't have to shave our legs nearly as often, which gives us more time to attend to our newly acquired moustache".       
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: yardtick on April 08, 2008, 04:16:13 pm
oh Beancounter,

Take care of yourself.  I'm Catholic, even though I hate to admit it and purgatory is just the church doling out unnecessary pain and punishment.  You poor soul, you.  I broke my ankle and had an open reduction with a plate and seven screws.  I can sympathize, I thought I was loosing my mind........had a reaction to the hardware and had to everything removed six months later.  Than a facial neuroma came along and took what was left of my mind. ;)

It's amazing what the body can endure, without purgatory!

Anne Marie
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 08, 2008, 08:34:52 pm
Beancounter -

if it wasn't for bad luck, I'm afraid you'd have no luck at all.  Sorry to mention that - I just can't believe all you've been through  :o

I cannot imagine having one arm immobilized for four months!

You can certainly post things "not brain related" - we're here for you no matter what the topic is.

Hope to "see" you here more often; don't be a stranger,

Jan




Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: sgerrard on April 08, 2008, 09:33:53 pm
Bean,

Can I call you Bean? If you have an AN at all, you are fully qualified to post all medical issues on this forum, since we even have a few non-ANers posting. I'm glad that your AN is a tiny one, hopefully it can take a back seat for a good while.

I am impressed by the sound of "reflex sympathetic dystrophy", although I still don't get what it actually is. I do get that it is no fun. I remember that bit about the brass towel bar effect, and now I picture you sitting around pumping your fist all the time. Isn't it interesting how screws keep entering the picture - ankle plates, leg plates, wrist plates, everyone is getting armored now. Pretty soon I'm going to want a plate installed, along with a fake BAHA.

I really like the line "Why use a big word when a diminutive one will suffice?" I like that sense of humor, and it is some how very suitable for ANs and reflex sympathetic dystrophies, and the like. I am assuming that despite the setbacks, your wrist will be healing up shortly. Stay cheerful and keep that good sense of humor going strong.

Steve
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: lori67 on April 08, 2008, 10:32:49 pm
Beancounter -

Well, sounds like you're doing okay - in spite of it all!  I'm sorry you've had so many problems with the wrist.  Hope that gets better soon.  I've seen patients with RSD and it doesn't look like fun at all.

I think you need to move further south - where there is no ice to slip and fall on.  Dangerous stuff. 

Don't be a stranger!  We've missed you.
Lori
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: sgerrard on April 30, 2008, 12:48:03 am
I have nothing interesting to report regarding my 6 month MRI taken this morning. Same size and stable. Still enhancing with contrast, no obvious necrosis, the doc said I may never see that since it is fairly small. Nothing else noteworthy.

Purely in the interest of maintaining accurate archives, I feel obligated to revise my original statement, in light of  the radiologist's report on the MRI, of which I finally got a copy. According to the report, it is "slightly smaller than on the previous exam," with measurements of 6 x 6 x 6 mm.

Shrinkage. What a lovely word.  :)

Steve
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: Kaybo on April 30, 2008, 06:04:39 am
Steve~
That"s even better news!!  ;D

K
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: lori67 on April 30, 2008, 02:28:24 pm
Steve,

Yes, in this case, shrinkage is a lovely word.  Just don't tell George Costanza that!  (another Seinfeld reference..).

You just get more dull and boring as the days go on, don't you?

Lori   :D
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: leapyrtwins on April 30, 2008, 02:31:52 pm
Lori -

shrinkage was one of my favorite Seinfeld episodes!  Right up there with the one about "Master of My Own Domain" LOL

Jan
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: Kaybo on April 30, 2008, 03:06:08 pm
Lori~
Glad you thought of that episode -- I was definitely thinking along those same lines, but couldn't think of a good way to state it!!   :D

K
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: lori67 on April 30, 2008, 03:36:32 pm
Yes, we wouldn't want to be censored!   :o  This is a family forum afterall!! 

Lori
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: Kate B on April 30, 2008, 04:37:12 pm

Purely in the interest of maintaining accurate archives, I feel obligated to revise my original statement, in light of  the radiologist's report on the MRI, of which I finally got a copy. According to the report, it is "slightly smaller than on the previous exam," with measurements of 6 x 6 x 6 mm.

Shrinkage. What a lovely word.  :)

Steve

Shrinkage is an awesome word...So is "report".  It is a reminder to us all to get an actual copy of the report.

Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: ppearl214 on April 30, 2008, 08:39:55 pm
Yes, we wouldn't want to be censored!   :o  This is a family forum afterall!! 

Lori
geesh, we don't censor much around here... good lordy.....  ::)   :-*

Steve, me likes what me read.... sounds good to me! :)
Phyl
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: lori67 on May 01, 2008, 01:16:17 pm
Ha ha!  I know, Phyl, I was just trying to get you going!   :D  Gotta poke the bears with a stick every now and then!

Lori
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: ppearl214 on May 01, 2008, 01:20:22 pm
Ha ha!  I know, Phyl, I was just trying to get you going!   :D  Gotta poke the bears with a stick every now and then!

Lori
HEY!  :o Who you calling a bear? You've seen my weight gain? You've seen me gnarling my teeth? (remind me to floss, I just ate lunch!).  Hey!  Duly noted, toots! ;)  :-*  :-*  :-*
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: leapyrtwins on May 01, 2008, 04:07:09 pm
Gotta poke the bears with a stick every now and then!

Lori -

I can only imagine what you were like as a child!  Sorry I missed that  ;D

Jan
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: lori67 on May 01, 2008, 04:17:55 pm
I am the youngest of 4.  I've had lots of practice antagonizing my big sisters!!

And Phyl, I meant you were a little, cute, fuzzy, cuddly bear cub....who looks great in a bikini...  maybe you should shave your legs.....   :o

Lori
p.s.  I'm pushing my luck here, aren't I?   :D
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: ppearl214 on May 01, 2008, 05:13:07 pm

And Phyl, I meant you were a little, cute, fuzzy, cuddly bear cub....who looks great in a bikini...  maybe you should shave your legs.....   :o

Lori
p.s.  I'm pushing my luck here, aren't I?   :D

ah-yup!  :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: leapyrtwins on May 01, 2008, 07:58:00 pm
Lori -

I am sitting here picturing Phyl with bear legs in a bikini - and I'm laughing my head off!

Sorry, Phyl.

Jan

Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: ppearl214 on May 01, 2008, 08:02:44 pm
Lori -

I am sitting here picturing Phyl with bear legs in a bikini - and I'm laughing my head off!

Sorry, Phyl.

Jan


...and to think I use'ta like ya... ;)
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: leapyrtwins on May 01, 2008, 10:25:33 pm
You've got to admit, Phyl, it IS an interestly visual if you can imagine it.

If it helps, just pretend it's Lori in a bikini with bear legs  ;D
Title: Re: 6 Month MRI: Dull, Boring, Uneventful
Post by: lori67 on May 02, 2008, 08:44:25 am
Hey, just because I occasionally forget to shave my legs is no reason to include me in this!  I'll try to remember when we go to Chicago next year.  I'd hate to get thrown in the zoo when they think I've escaped.

And can we make my "bikini" one of those old time bathing suits that covered everything?  I'm still waiting for those to come back in style.

Lori