Stephen Family Updates: June 2010

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

MRI Update

Our brain oncologist is hesitant to title Friday night's episode as a seizure, because with that title comes a lot more testing and drugs. For now, he says everything looks really well, and I may anticipate an episode like I had once a month to once every six months, but so long as there's no twitching, it shouldn't be of very much concern.

They do not see any new tumor growth, and in fact commented that my results are some of the best he's ever encountered, especially given the number and size of tumors I had. Half he can't see any trace of, and the 3-4 he can see he says are decreasing rapidly in size. He attributes most of the success to the Gamma Knife Radiation, yet also is sure the chemo is breaking through the blood-brain barrier and attributing to the quickly diminishing tumors, as well.

How fortunate we are to be where we are in a time we are in, as firsthand witnesses to the miracles in which God's allowed us to partake. We're so blessed to have the strong faith and support of innumerable family and friends that continue to pray for us and who show up to help at a moment's notice. I pray constantly that the Lord will bless you all abundantly for your sacrifices and service. Love you!

Small Seizure & 23rd Chemo Session

On Friday night, my eyes started wigging out on me. Eric sent me to the couch to lie down and relax. About 9:30 pm, the fingers in my right hand were all tingly and number. I figured my hand just fell asleep and started shaking the tingles out. Before long, the tingly numbness worked its way into my palm, my thumb, and forearm. I started testing senstivity by putting my hand in the freezer. When I couldn't feel cold from heat, I hurried up to Eric to explain what was happening. Within minutes the numbness started forming in my right eye, right nostril, right cheeck, right side of my teeth and right side of my tongue.

Eric registered the look of fear on my face immediately started calling for someone to come watch the kids so he could rush me to the ER. Fortunately, the sensations were gone within five minutes and we decided to call the nurse hotline instead. She diagnosed it as probably a TIA (or mini-stroke) but when I called the on-call neurosurgeon, he said that though it presented itself as a stroke, he was pretty sure it was a seizure. That it was some manifestation of electrical impulses from (1) tumor growth, (2) tumor development, or (3) residue left over from existing and dying tumors. We're praying for the latter. The doctor put me on 8 mg of dexamethasone (decadron) Friday night, 8 mg Saturday, and 6 mg Sunday. I really don't want to be on them any longer than I have to.

In any case, after chemo yesterday morning, I went over for a MRI. My oncologist said he's almost certain it was caused by electrical malfunctions of some sort and therefore seizure symptoms, but we'll find out more this morning after meeting with my neurologist at 10:30. We're praying also for no swelling on the brain -- the last thing I want is to have to stay on these yucky steroids that cause more harm than good to my body.

Other than that, chemo is never any fun, but I'm doing well with it this time around, too. Praying, praying I have only one more round in a couple weeks before giving my body another break.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

"Baby" by Leyna

I just love this. Leyna sings her heart out -- even if she doesn't know the lyrics..LOL!

Baby lyrics

Now that's a Zucchini!

Check out the zucchini that grew in Kristi's friend's garden. Any guesses on how many loaves of zucchini bread I can bake with it?

Friday, June 18, 2010

Arizona 06.15.10

our last day in AZ was spent at Jeepers, an indoor amusement park. Always a good time with cousins!

Arizona 06.14.10

I didn't take my camera, but we all had a blast spending the day at the Mesquite Grove Waterpark in Chandler. Definitely a place we'll be visiting on our trips out there from now on!