EEG Explanation

I spoke to Dr. Angelopolous yesterday to get more explanation on the report of the sharp waves that appeared on my EEG during the awake stage.  She said they were infrequent, but they are not normal and are something that could lead to a seizure.  She is not worried about this, but does not want to reduce my medication when we have this result since it does indicate a higher than normal risk of having a seizure.  It is "barely abnormal," but abnormal none the less.

Latest EEG results are in

I had the EEG done on the brain last Friday, May 11 and got the results from the neurologist's office today.  The EEG is normal, but there was a "rare spike" in a brain wave reading during the awake phase of the EEG.  I don't know what this means exactly and plan to set up a phone call directly with Dr. Angelopolous to get more information.  But the fact they still say the EEG is normal tells me there is no cause to worry.

The more disappointing news is Dr. A wants me to remain at my current dosage of the anti-seizure drug.  Arrgghh!!

Neurologist Appointment and Next Steps

I just got back from my appointment with Dr. Angelopolous, my neurologist.  She was pleased with the MRI and blood work reports from my last visit with Dr. Bonomi - everything looks great. 

She wants me to have another EEG to see if there has been improvement in some of the brain activities that had been compromised by the cancer and its treatment.  If the results improve over last May's EEG, I may be able to further reduce the levels of anti-seizure medications I have to take each day.

So I will make an appointment for an EEG in the next week or two and hope for good results.  I'll post again when I have those results.

Over 1 Year NED and All is Well

I just got back from my latest check up at Rush.  The MRI was clear (other than some radiation scars, to be expected) and my blood work showed everything comfortably in the normal range.  It has now been over a year since my April 7, 2011 appointment when they first discovered I had No Evidence of Disease (NED).  I'm feeling great and living a normal life with a little more than normal appreciation.

Next event is a check up with neurologist on May 2 and then run the 5K Lung Run in Deerfield on May 6.  If anyone would like to join Team DL for the run, be there for support, or make a donation to the cause, information is available at http://events.lungevity.org/site/TR?fr_id=3260&pg=entry. 

Thanks for checking up on me!

Finished the Shamrock Shuffle

Although far from my best time (I think it is my worst!), I am happy to have finished the 8k (4.8 mile) run through downtown Chicago yesterday with Doug.  We have done this race for many years, but it has taken on greater significance since it was the weekend after my "all clear" report from the oncologist last year, so now it represents defeating cancer. 

I was worried I wouldn't even finish this year because I haven't been working out as hard and training as well as I had in the past and I have been exhausted by running four or fewer miles since I resumed running in the nice weather we've had.  Doug was a great coach who sacrificed his own speed and time to stay with me and keep me on pace and focused. For the second year in a row, we crossed the finish line together holding hands up high.

Another Good Report!

I had my six-week check-up today (actually it was seven weeks since we were on vacation in Arizona last week).  Results were all good - CAT scan looked the same as before and blood work was all in the normal ranges.  Dr. Bonomi seemed pleased that I've maintained this status and that the Tarceva continues to work for me.  I even convinced him to space my appointments out to every 8 weeks!  :)
So the next check up will be April 23.  Until then, no news is good news!

PBS Broadcast Explaining My Tarceva Treatment

Doug’s mom informed me of this broadcast on PBS this past Friday.  There isn’t anything really new in it, but it clearly explains the status of my Tarceva treatment and the ways they are looking for the next line of defense against lung cancer that responds to this type of treatment.  (By the way, contrary to the information in this broadcast, Dr. Bonomi believes he does have other treatments to try if the Tarceva ever gives out on me.)

You can either watch the video or read the transcript below it.  Here is the link:  http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june12/cancer_01-13.html  

Please keep those prayers, intentions, chants or whatever positive force you subscribe to coming so that they find further advancements and maybe even a cure sometime soon.  And please help build public awareness of the serious need for continued research for a cure for lung cancer, as funding for these research advancements is critical.

Thanks for all of your support.