After a night at UCSF of trying to get her headache under control, we found the right drug at the right dose. Before heading home, we managed to sqeeze in a meeting with her medical neuro-oncologist, Susan Chang MD, who was kind and informative. She relayed the consensus of the Tumor Board, which is that this tumor is a Grade 4 glioblastoma, and she needs to get her treatment started ASAP. So as soon as her staples are out, she will start radiation therapy (her skin needs to heal before the radiation starts); she will get an oral chemotherapy at the same time. She will be able to have the treatments at Alta Bates, which is an excellent medical center here in Berkeley. Dr. Chang at UCSF will continue to provide overall supervision and direction of her care. This regimen will take six weeks, with two weeks off therapy following. After that it's another MRI and assessment from there as to how to proceed.
This is a lot to take in - all the treatments to come, the magnitude of this diagnosis, how fast this has all happened. Alison has times of being overwhelmed; then she rallies and takes in the blessings of all the people who love her and is in awe that she has that kind of fortune. She had a good night tonight (with one rough patch). A non-hospital dinner with Kirk, Deborah and Lara improved things greatly, she lit the Menorrah, and reassured her cat that his person has come home. All in all, she is much more comfortable being in her own home, and that is helping all the other aspects - her headache is better, her mood is mostly good, she is talking more and her memory and other things that were sources of frustration seem to be improved.
This weekend is going to be a time for her to rest and gather her strength, so while written comments, emails and well-wishes are absolutely welcome, she's not ready for visitors just yet. She actually got to look over this blog for the first time tonight, and please be assured that she sees and appreciates all the love and support. Now it's time for a little Harry Potter and bed, so more updates tomorrow. -Deborah
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I am SO HAPPY to hear that you are home Alison and not surprised at all as to how well you are doing!!! There is NOTHING that can keep you down!! AMAZING!!!! Miss you so much and continuing to keep you in my every thought and prayer. Big, big hug to you and Happy Hanukkah!!! Stay stong!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove, "the other" Alison
Hi Alison, We sang to you last night! And we're going to sing to you again tonight! Love you!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Alison,
ReplyDeleteWe were thinking about you here at work and decided to try sending you a note on your blog. We are so happy to hear you are at home and snuggling up in a blanket with your cat Hightop. We miss you so much at work and think of you often. Our thoughts and good wishes go out to you as you prepare for your therapy.
Happy Hanukkah to you and your family.
please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
We love you,
Nancy C, Lori, Dawn, Kathy (float girl), Gracie, Nancy D, Marrisa, Vera, Mike, et al
Dear Alison,
ReplyDeleteI feel positively dumbfounded by all that you have been thru (not to mention the therapy that you have yet in store for you) since I saw you last at work. All I can say for myself, is that I am here for you in whatever capacity that would best help during this challenging time. I think about you every day, and know I am not alone in this. I pray for your strength and health. We Love you, Margo