Mama Marian went for her bi-weekly Avastin infusion and check-up this past Thursday and all very well. Dr. Drappatz wants to phase her off the Keppra because she will be at maximum dose of Lamictal for her seizures in a couple of weeks. Also, Keppra (especially the generic Keppra) is known for some horrible side effects like depression and confusion. In addition, Mom is now off the Decadron (her steroid) completely, which is a celebration in and of itself!
Every day has been a little better as far as I can tell, with regard to Mama Marian's memory, confusion, etc... and, according to Mom, she hasn't had a noticeable seizure for several days now. She informed me just yesterday that, of all things, she is having difficulty sleeping! I'm sure that this is somewhat of a relief, however, because she's been so frustrated with the exhaustion that has sort of taken her over since the surgery.
Fatigue and exhaustion are typically so integral to cancer anyway, but especially so with brain tumors.
"Fatigue is a common complaint among people who have been diagnosed and treated for different varieties
of brain tumors. Unlike the usual physical and emotional sensations of “being tired” that a healthy person
might experience, fatigue is a debilitating, persistent loss of energy that is not relieved or improved by sleep.
This unusual, whole body weariness can have a profound effect on a person’s quality of life. Fatigue can
vary in intensity from day to day, or at different times of the day. Its effects are unpredictable and may last
for years following brain tumor treatment. Patients affected by fatigue describe overwhelming feelings of
exhaustion that interfere with their ability to carry out daily activities."
-Brain Science Foundation
So, I think a break might be welcomed, especially since the sun finally decided to come back out!
Dad also informed me that Dr. Drappatz will likely have the results from Mom's MGMT test will be back in time for the next appointment. The main idea behind using this test, however, was to determine whether or not she might benefit from Temador, the chemo drug she was on during and shortly after radiation treatment. They are fairly certain that Mama Marian does not have the genetic makeup that is typically responsive to this drug and the test will most likely just be confirming a conclusion that has already been made.
In the meantime, I'd like to wish my mom a very happy, exhaustion-free Mother's Day! I miss you Mama Marian and can't wait to see you soon!
