Clear as a Bell: Part 2

So the last post was "Clear as Bell", but we were still waiting on the brain.  Dr. Naryana cancelled my brain MRI for this past Monday because I also had an experimental PET MRI the day of the PET scan. It actually takes images of the brain as well.  The images clear enough to make a general assessment of the brain.

On Tuesday Dr. Volm told me that he had spoken with Dr. Narayna and  everything looked stable. What did that mean?  Stable? Volm said I should wait to speak with Narayana directly for a better explanation. Hmm...I was a bit apprehensive about the word "stable." I was hoping for something along the lines of vaporized, decimated, no sign of, no evidence of, no nothing.  However, the news is still really good as far as a brain doctor is concerned.  There are no new lesions and the ones that are there are very small, not growing and showing no activity.  Essentially, they are just hanging out now. C'mon guys, I know a great little spot in East Village where nobody would bother you. Oh, well. The lesions may never disappear but as long as I have no symptoms and there aren't any negative changes with the MRIs, than there is no reason to be worried.  Ok, here is where I release control.  Deep breaths.

As I said earlier, I was nervous before I spoke face to face with Dr. Narayana.  Nathan reminded me that this is our life now.  We are way ahead of the curve.  Very few patients with my diagnosis has progressed so far so quickly.  It is extremely likely I will live a very long life with continued observation and treatment.  I just have to manage my expectations.  He said to have faith that the news IS really, really good.  So, I'm going to break open the champagne on New Year's Eve and have a sip from someone else's flute.  It's going to be a great 2013!

Whatever you celebrate this holiday season, may you be filled with joy, health, hope and prosperity!

"...And to all a good night."

                            Clement Clarke Moore