Some of the swelling around the tumor had been reduced by the steroids, but other than that it appeared the same - indicating that the tumor is slow growing.
In addition to reviewing the MRIs we discussed my current course of therapy which is using drugs (Keppra and Depakote) to try and control the seizures. The doctor was pleased that the addition of the Depakote at the last visit had produced favorable results. He was concerned that blood test showed that my platelet count had dropped from 200,000 in December to 100,000 (normal is between 400,000 and 150,000) when I was tested last week since we are only doing drug therapy at this time. Although the medicines I'm on can cause my platelet count to decrease it is much more common for platelet counts to decrease when a patient is on chemo or radiation therapy.
After going over the pros and cons of continued drug therapy versus more traditional chemo or radiation therapy we decided to continue with the drug therapy for a while longer. He added Dilantin to the drugs I am already taking. In addition to continuing the drug therapy the doctor is sending me to a speech therapist to try to help determine how the tumor is affecting my speech when I am not having a seizure (yes, this is the tumor and not just my lovely Louisiana dialect shining through - so don't hassle me with a lot of email about the way I talk).
Prayer Request
- Pray for my wife. She has not been feeling well, but has continued to drive both me and our son around, and only missed one day of work.
- Pray that our son will continue to do well in school and not be frustrated by all the changes to his routine.
- Pray that the doctor will quickly find the correct mixture and doses of drugs that will eliminate the seizures with minimal or no negative side effects and allow me to get back to a normal routine.
- Pray that the doctor will learn the reason for the drop in my platelet count and be able to correct this.
- Pray that I would learn the lessons that God desires to teach me through this situation.
- Pray that those who hear about my journey and do not yet have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ would be drawn to Him through this testimony.
- Thanks to my coworkers who have helped purchased the restaurant gift cards. My son and I enjoy using them, but my wife has really enjoyed getting out of the kitchen one night a week. This has been a huge blessing to our entire family. THANK YOU!
- We are thankful that the frequency and severity of the seizures has decreased with the addition of the last medication.
- We are thankful that the tumor is growing slowly.
- Thanks Wayne for bringing the soup by last week when my wife was not feeling well.
