Ear/Nose/Throat (ENT) follow/up appt today...

Today I saw my ENT doctor. We discussed the ringing in my ear and the metal taste in my mouth. He believes the ringing in my ear is from the swelling/inflammation/increased blood flow to my ear post radiation treatments. He doesn't think it will be permanent (yea) and that it will eventually go away. With CK (Cyberknife), symptoms can stick around for 1 - 1 1/2 years. So, I might have to wait awhile for this nuisance to go away but that's o.k.

As for that icky/metal taste in my mouth...I thought it was coming from my salivary glands. I think I posted a few back that my friend had radiation treatments in her neck area and she had that awful taste and her ENT doctor told her to express her salivary glands and that worked for her. Well, I have been doing that in hopes that it would help but it won't for 'my' situation. My neck wasn't radiated - my outer brain/ear area was. He told me that your 'taste' nerve runs in the branches of nerves around your ear (which include your hearing/balance nerves). Who would've thought that your 'taste' nerve would go up around your ear??!! Anyway, that's why I have that funky taste and there is nothing I can do for it. He also believes that this won't be permanent (yea again) and that it will eventually go away.

So, I am going to see my primary doctor , my neuro doc in 3 months and I finished my letter to Sharp today. It's awesome if I do say so myself! :) Remember that lady I got in contact w/from Cyberknife who was like 'gold' for my appeal? Well, she suggested some things and I cannot believe, still, that I came in contact with that special lady. Catherine - you rock!! :) I am hoping Sharp will receive their letter in a couple days and I am REALLY hoping to get a call from the executive director (whom I sent it to). We'll see what happens but if I don't hear from him in a few weeks, you should all know me by now..............."I" will be calling him (smile).

Today's Daily Affirmation:

"Here is the test to find whether your mission on earth is finished. If you're alive, it isn't." ~Richard Bach

I certainly don't think 'my' mission is finished. I still have things to do in this life. I am still trying to figure out my purpose and what God's plans are for me but I think that with time, I will figure it out. This past year screams 'advocate' to me - to be a voice for others who don't have the will to fight but I am not sure that is quite it. Time will tell and for now I must be patient.

Have a great night!! :)

Hugs -

Rachelle

3 Months post radiation MRI results in!

Hi everyone -

I FEEL horrible that I haven't blogged in awhile. I actually got my MRI results about a week ago but have been so busy with trying to pursue Sharp and getting this covered for others AND I didn't know what to think after my appointment with my oncologist.

I met w/Dr. Smith (my oncology/radiologist doc) last week and he told me that the tumor is still the same size as it was prior to treatment. They were actually expecting to see it a 'little bigger' because radiation will initially cause the tumor to swell and then necrosis (tissue death) will take place and the tumor will begin to shrink. This happens over a period of 6-9 months so my NEXT MRI (in 6 months) will then confirm if the radiation worked and we killed the tumor.

He said all looked as it should. I know this is TOTALLY dumb but all I could think was, 'Why isn't it bigger? Did they not 'zap' the right area?' I kept anticipating it being a little bigger but it wasn't - AND now I know that THAT's OK! (smile). The Cyberknife office I went to has so many quality assurance measures in place it's ridiculous. So, I KNOW they did the right spot/area but I guess I won't really feel like things are 'o.k.' until I get that confirmation that the darn thing is dead.

So, I went into a little hole of self-doubt for just a short time and then got out! (sound like me from past posts??!!) :) All is well in my world today - really.........!!

Now come all the follow-up appointments. I see my ENT (Ear/Nose/Throat) doctor today. Going to see what is up with the darn ringing in my ear. My oncology doc said it's probably 'increased blood flow' to the area - post treatment. I am hoping that's it. But, if ringing is what I have for the rest of my life then I'll deal w/it! He did tell me that 6-12 months post radiation starts a 'whole new set of symptoms'..............egads. So, just good thoughts and praying that everything stays as is. I actually could still get a palsey episode (facial paralysis) and my face does do some weird, funky twitching at times but now it's just entertainment for me (smile).

God is good, life is good, hug those closest to you because you never know what tomorrow brings and smile more often - it's contagious!!! :)

Today's Daily Affirmation:

"We all possess the thunder of pure fury and the calm breeze of tranquility. If it wasn't for tomorrow, how much would we get done today? Whatever your purpose... embrace it completely. Get lost in the clouds every now and then so you never lose sight of God's wonder." ~Paul Vitale

Mother's Day was this past weekend and I couldn't be more grateful to my little babies who helped me get through last year. One day when you read this babies, I hope you know that I will forever be indebted to you for your unconditional love, smiles, hugs and kisses!!! It made everything difficult much easier to endure.

Have a great week everyone and I'll update a little more the next few weeks post appointments! :)

Rachelle