Surprisingly, no pre-scan jitters this time
My next MRI is sneaking up on me… I am having an intense work-up on Tuesday (April 17). I will be seeing the *new* neuro-oncologist here in Sacramento for the second time… and this is the first time with an accompanying MRI. I was seeing the neuro-oncology team in south San Francisco since 2008, but...
To have a slow-growing brain tumor
Three and a half years after my diagnosis my health care system finally hired a neuro-oncologist for the Sacramento area. You’d think the California state Capitol would have a fancy oncologist a bit sooner than that, but apparently neuro-oncology isn’t a popular field (what with brain cancers representing only 1% of all cancers). Kaiser would...
October 2011 letter to friends
Friends of the Liz Army, Wow, it has been a LONG time since we have sent out an update. Once again, it’s been a “no news is good news” situation. After watching an exciting game 6 of the World Series at Bob’s house in Novato, we drove out to Redwood City on Friday for Liz’s...
A little tumble down the stairs can’t keep me from fighting cancer
Seriously. When have I ever let anything get in my way when it comes to cancer? There is the battle itself. Seizures. Surgery. Rehabilitation. Chemotherapy. I can handle it. And now that I live with cancer I’ve transitioned into a passionate cancer advocate. A few weeks ago a cancer-friend of mine, Kim, recommended I join the...
What else ails you?
I’ve had a rash all over both my legs for four days. I think it has to do with a new lotion I tried but the rash is still here and I figured I might as well call the 24 Hour Advice Nurse service provided by Kaiser. The friendly nurse who answered my call asked...
Causes of dizziness
Early this morning, from about 2 a.m. on, I slept fitfully, dizzy even in my dreams. With my eyes closed my world was spinning and I could only compare the sensation to three other situations I’ve experienced. When I was on Temodar, near the end of a treatment week, I felt dizzy in my sleep....
Dreaming of her surgery
My friend Erin is having her second brain surgery on Wednesday and last night I had this dream: I found out that my tumor had grown and I was on my way to Kaiser for a surgery consult. All I could think about was that Erin was having surgery too. (In real life our surgeons...
I’m normal (by Liz and Brett)
Last month I posted my mantra: It might suck right now, but once it is over you will never have to do it again. I really need to start listening to myself. Over the past few weeks (and maybe last two months) I’ve been subtly freaking out about the end of cancer treatment. I know I...
Hours later…
I’ve been up since 4 a.m. I have the EEG in an hour. I learned a trick for not falling asleep: listening to the iPhone/iPod. I can’t sleep with noise in my ears. Reading doesn’t help (even though “The Emperor of All Maladies” is interesting). Time to shower and present Kaiser with a “clean scalp...
DNA in the house
In a previous post I mentioned that I am participating in the Gliogene study. This is a study where medical institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center and UCSF are teaming up to find out if there are any genetic links to people with brain tumors. And since my grandfather (now deceased) and I both have brain...
Where do brain tumors come from? I want an answer
My posts have been few and far between over the past months because, well, I was preparing for my wedding. And I was working. And on chemo. So those are all good excuses. If you are still following along I appreciate your support and the time you spend reading about my world. It is weird...
Possible last round of Temodar?
Liz: emblazoned with anti-brain tumor flair. Status update: The MRI went well on August 11. The plan for me is to take one more cycle of Temodar (cycle 18!) and then take a break. The break is for a few reasons: My body needs a break from chemotherapy. I am tired of chemotherapy. I am getting...
