Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Cancer Chronicles: Continuing Challenges

December was not a good month for Bow and me when we went for a follow up MRI at UC Davis. Those who have been following her story may recall that after being diagnosed with a brain tumor in March (which she has probably had more than a year), we went to UC Davis for stereotactic radiosurgery, and her tumor went into remission over the summer and fall.

The news was not good when we returned in early December. The original tumor is still mostly in remission, but there is a new tumor in another area. The muscle wasting that came last spring returned, but she has felt fine up until last Thursday when she had a first seizure. I had held off having her take prednisone because of the side effects. However, this was serious enough that I agreed to start her on it and an anti-seizure med. We go back to the vet January 21 to check her blood levels. So far, she has responded positively to both meds and actually has more of her old energy.

Each day seems to bring both hope and concern. She has already beat the odds several times, and I am doing my best to take it one day at a time and focused on ensuring the best quality of life for her every step of the way.

5 comments:

  1. love you Bow may God look after you and your human family...you are so very special....

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  2. i am so sorry for what the two of you are going thru, i can not imagine.

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  3. Lots of hope and healing wishes for Greg and Bow. We live in Davis and walk the area all around the VMTH with our 2 BRATS. Will be sending positive results for you on the 21st.
    Renvelyn and boys

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  4. So sorry, Gregg, that Bow has had setbacks. You are doing all that you can do,nd I send best wishes and the fervent hope that her condition will improve.

    (Every minute with her is precious. I know from experience this is easier said than done, but try not to spend too many of them in worry...)

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  5. Thanks everyone, for the warm wishes and support. We've gone a week without a seizure and she's feeling fine right now. The fact that she has likely had the tumor for over a year and life expectancy is usually two to three months, shows that she has already beat many odds. Besides the one seizure, she has had a great quality of life, and I will do everything to make sure that continues.

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