The Latest On My Little Tuber

The envelope, please...

My oncologist, Dr. G, declared that there has been absolutely no difference in my little tuber between my MRI taken April 29th and the one taken July 1st.  My neurologist, Dr. D, agreed that it looked good, even pausing to comment, "You look good - you look much better than I thought you would, actually."  Uh, thanks?  More progress toward my goal to become a medical wonder!

So while we're all breathing a collective sigh of relief, my neurologist warned me not to be fooled, it's only two months worth of data.  "Keep in mind you did have a seizure...you need treatment - NOW."  Here we go, I thought.  A western doctor pushing me toward drug or radiation therapy. 

Boyfriend and I had discussed how to approach the subject of alternative treatment with Dr. D, but I was hesitant to even bring it up, assuming I would have to filter heavy sighs and rolling eyes. But the very next thing he said was, "Are you still looking into alternative therapies?"

And this launched a conversation wherein he explained that he would be willing to help as far as the limitations of his knowledge and western medicine would allow.  He pointed out that he might not have peer review research data and FDA approval to advise me on alternative treatments, but was quick to add that "3000 years of Chinese medicine can't be all wrong."   Whew.

He finished with, "Well, if you're going to look into those things, I'd do it now.  Don't wait."  He said to feel free to call if I had questions.  He's opened the door to an integrated approach, whatever the right one for me becomes.  Double whew.

I guess I'm not in Kansas anymore, Toto.  I'm in Santa Barbara, CA, baby!

Additionally, I also talked to both doctors regarding another stumbling block - the medical financial aid application, denial, and appeal process (one more round!) that have consumed me since my diagnosis.  It has been a horrendous, ongoing process (and a full-time job, really!), considering the mind-numbing effects of my meds and the tangled web of my divorce still very much a factor on my apparent assets and income (or rather, proving a lack thereof!). 

Their collective advice - the squeaky wheel gets the grease.  

Right.  So I'm on the right track.  Because I can be a very squeaky wheel.