All of us were taken into a room and shown a video about radiation therapy. Dean was jittery today. Some days he is, others he isn't. A nurse asked a bunch of questions about his health history and that of his family. Dr. Hennig then did a quick manual exam, feeling various places. She showed us the MRI's. One tumor is near the left side, near his ear and probably explains his hearing loss as well as the tremors and numbness in his right hand. The largest though is about dead center. I didn't like the look I saw on her face when I asked about where that one was located. Each is almost 1/2" across. There is also apparent swelling where the wrinkles of the brain aren't there. The steroid prescribed by Dr. Pierce is addressing the swelling. And the chiropractic visits have really helped. The tremors have pretty much stopped, but his three fingers and right side of his right hand are still numb. He doesn't have any trouble using his hand or arm, just can't feel.
Dean told her to give it to him straight and not sugar-coat it. She explained the process for radiation, saying they would treat the whole brain as there are probably 'lesions' that don't show up. Long-term, she said a brain that has undergone radiation will age quicker and look older. I thought of skin that has been sunburned badly that heals tougher, less pliable.
Radiation treatment will start next week. She thought for 15 days. It's a treatment each weekday with the weekends off to recuperate.
I know who holds the future, and I know he cares for us.
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