August 26, 2009

Since my last update I have been passing the time by allowing myself to just do what I can do. It has certainly been a challenge to pace myself since I generally don’t know what my limits are until I’ve surpassed them, followed by a day or three to recover. However, things have been ever so slowly getting better, and although I still do not have back even half of my regular energy/speed of functioning, I do find my spirits lifting. I’ve had a very quiet summer, not getting out much, and if you know me you will understand how much it grates on me to once again wave goodbye to another season of good outdoor weather.

Today I attended a follow up appointment for a balance test (ENG caloric) that was done to address the ‘dizzy’ experiences I have been having. So now to add another diagnostic term to my list: I have a moderate peripheral vestibular disorder - most likely a result of radiation to the head (the entry routes of the stereotactic radiation beam were in 5 circles around my head, and were not the same on the left and right side, so I am guessing that my left peripheral balance organ in my ear was in the unfortunate line of fire) . As such, my left ear does not function the same as my right ear anymore, and this is permanent damage done. But my doctor assures me that my brain will slowly adapt because I’m young. Feeling pretty old, actually.

I have to say that Dr. Vescan is an excellent doctor. He allowed me to take a little video of today’s sinus reconnaissance mission. I am posting it to my website and you should be able to access it at http://www.zhardesigns.com/outthere/inthere/ where you can see right into my sphenoid sinus to the soft tissue healing area that has covered over my petrous bone where the tumour originated (just millimetres away from my pons on the other side). Don’t mind my nose hairs! I really should have combed them first for a nicer presentation.

Additionally, I will be getting an MRI done in mid-September with follow up at the end of the month to see if my little pet chondrosarcoma beasty is growing again despite the full whammy of radiation permissible. (Whammy is a highly technical medical term meaning “a lot, and with aggression”.)

So there you have it. Feel free to contact me directly if you wish. I actually do answer my phone sometimes these days.

Take care, God bless, and don’t forget to live while you are alive!!