Friday, Melinda had a follow-up appointment with her neuro-oncologist. When he first saw her he could tell something was not right by the way she looked at him. He asked how have things been and I begin to tell him how she has been acting the past few weeks. I explained that the only thing I could relate it to is dementia/alzheimer’s. He said based on the results of the MRI there is something going on in the frontal lobe of Melinda’s brain. He said the MRI resembles someone that has had a stroke or dementia/alzheimer’s, so my observations had some merit. He stated that the area affected could cause issues, with short term memory, motor functions, decision making, emotions, etc.
He then began to ask me some questions.
Does Melinda have a hard time walking? I responded, Yes.
Does Melinda have a hard time making decisions? I responded, Yes.
Has Melinda had any emotional out bust? I responded, No, but added she has gotten very blunt lately. People that know Melinda know that she is always smiling and sweet.
He then proceeded to tell us that he thinks the MRI could possibly be showing one of three things.
- It could be a delayed result of the radiation treatment that damaged brain cells and it is just now showing up.
- It could be a result of the Avastin (Chemo) treatments.
- It could be the cancer is growing in other parts of her brain as the original area still looks good.
He told us he was thinking about adding another drug to Melinda’s regimen that they use with Alzheimer’s patients that might help. He did tell me that he was a little worried about giving it to her as one of the side effects can be severe stomach issues; which he is well aware Melinda has already had a rough road in that area. We ended the visit with him putting off Melinda’s chemo treatment for this week and waiting until he could consult with some other doctors this week before making any final decisions about how to proceed. Hopefully, we will hear back soon.
Please pray that of the three it is number 2, the chemo. If I understood the oncologist her symptoms should improve if we stop the chemo. If it is 1, the radiation, the damage may be permanent. If it is 3, the cancer, well let’s just pray it is the chemo causing the dementia/alzheimer’s symptoms.
Heavenly FATHER,
We lift Melinda up to you. Only you know what is truly going on with any of us, including Melinda. In some ways, I thank you, FATHER, for Melinda’s current state as she is unmindful to the chaos going on in our world today. She just knows we love her and that YOU love her. We pray that your will be done. Thank you for your word as Melinda takes great comfort in Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” and 1 Corinthians 2:9 “But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” We both Thank You, LORD for the comfort you give us in knowing this is not the end. It is just the beginning. We will join you when you return or if our earthly body should fail before then we will join you in Heaven until you bring us all back to the New Earth.
In Jesus Name,
AMEN!!!
