Okey dokey, we know a lot more today than we knew yesterday...
As you may recall, when the tumor was discovered, one of the concerns was that the swelling was threatening to cut off the ventricle from which the cerebral spinal fluid drains back to the circulatory system. That's not really opened up as it should have, so spinal fluid has been backing up, kind of like a blocked stream -- it looks around for someplace else to go. It's filled the tumor cavity, the area between the brain and the skull, and through the dura at the incision site. That last is really a good thing -- it's given dp a built-in pressure valve.
When Dr. R showed us the post-surgery and recent MRIs of the incision side by side, it was like looking at aerial photos of New Orleans. Here's a dam, and then here's a broken dam with water collecting everywhere. I have no idea what Dr. S was looking at, but it apparently fluid is not his thing.
Anyway, the good news is they're not terribly concerned about it, and it's not all that uncommon with brain surgery. There are a couple levels of surgical fix, but first, we're going to try Diamox, a drug that's generally used to prevent altitude sickness by reducing the amount of spinal fluid the body produces. It's also a diuretic, and that part seems to be working already.
...our scenario surrounding the big C.
Welcome!
This weblog began as a way to keep loved ones informed as we learned about our diagnosis in March 2007.
"the sCenario" has evolved into a journal, a photo display, an historic record, a scrapbook, an inspiration, a place for loved ones to gather.
We hope you enjoy your visit!
--Kevin and Diana
6 comments:
Well, happy pee-ing then, dp! I'm just glad we're talking about fluid. It has to be majorly disconcerting to have continued symptoms which were previously associated with a tumor.
I suggest you read aloud from Roald Dahl, E. B. White, and other sources of "dry" humor, Kevin, to speed the process.
Pee-ing is generally a good thing. In response to C-man's comment on the previous post, the steroids dp has been taking can cause fluid retention in other parts of the body and probably are responsible for much of dp's weight gain. I think she and I talked about it during the first round of steroids last summer. Steroids are also used to reduce cerebral edema which is what Kevin found with his Google search. Excess spinal fluid is a different thing, and the Diamox should help with both issues.
Kevin, if I understand you correctly, the incision in the dura is allowing some of the fluid to drain. Where is it going?
Be careful with the dry humor-laughing can make one pee at the wrong time and place.....
So how are things going with the Diamox??????
I have the same question. And, did you get hit with the same crap we did yesterday? Enough, but I hope Sam brings enough Scotch for you, him and Seth to get through another ice chopping session.
well...I haven't seen dp since Friday, but the swelling at her temples seemed diminished some to me then, and Diana said she felt a little better. A little too soon to tell, cause the Dr. said it might take up to 3 wks to experience the benefit. (I think that's what dp said).
Yeah. On the ice, we all are...I just had Ron pick up some more salt for the red house. I'll see if he'll salt the green way too. Helps with the chipping and shoveling.
love to you all.
dd
Thanks for the update dd. Tell those guys to share their scotch with you too! katie
Post a Comment