BLOG 34b
05 February 2011
NEW Medical Blog Update & Side Note
(26th February/2011) I will make this super quick - as I am sure some of you are interested in what was our final outcome in terms of the best opinion & with whom I believe is the best Neurologist. I have now sought the opinion of 3 city Neurologists. First one (through hospital B), second one (through hospital C) and the third one as a private patient - Neurologist number 03 was my former Neurologist I had been to from hospital A, at least 2+ years ago. She is (I believe) the best, in terms of her through examination, her consideration & her compassion & kindness. She is also now a professor of Neurology & although she could not recall my consultations with her 2+ years ago, she offered a more logical and understandable explanation as to what is occuring in my R leg & with my mobility. Also I had some weakness in my hands & arms.
Both the 1st & 2nd Neurologist's both (I feel) treated my situation poorly. The first one came to the conslusion that it was Anxiety related (with my current med's) - that is impossible. The second one also came to the same conclusion & stood up for the first one....a bit of 'boys club' - I think.
Finally, when I got to Neurologist number 3 - some sense prevailed. Her opinion, based on examination & history is most likely to be PROGRESSIVE SCARRING POST RADIOTHERAPY & POST LESION DAMAGE. She could not feel my loss of strength in my hands and arms, but did not discount that I could not feel it and we will monitor this, as time goes on.
Although last relapse, we were assured that the initial radiotherapy I had was not strong enough to leave any scarring, the fact that I had a large lesion next to the S1 & the sacrum, would probably be enough to explain my present difficulties. It can take 4years+ for scarring to develop post radiotherapy & cancer lesion/tumour.I am searching for more information or a name of this, to research & read. If this is the cause of my loss of mobility, weakness & pain - it is usually progressive, permanent and will have to be continuously managed. This is a mixed bag, of course - no disease is great - but - I would rather have full mobility. However, regardless - my situation will now be managed through my former Neurologist and I am being referred back to my former Hematologist (back at hospital A). We will also do all new MRI's (Cranial, Spinal & Pelvis). She has assured me, if we find disease that I will get treatment ASAP.
In terms of my quality of life, my bloods have remained steady - but are still middle ground (they have never completely recovered from my last chemo) and in light of the new opinion, I will do what I can to try to protect myself infection wise and fatigue wise (regardless of a transplant or not). As long as I have good doctors, meds, prayers & the correct restful living situation - I think I will do OK - I remain hopeful that I will not loose the R leg altogether. Please hope and pray with me. I will blog again as I get substantial news on the medical front. On life front, I have started painting again and have added my first serious painting below....I am looking for more projects.
Blessings 2 U all, Jodie Guerrero.
