Say, Say, Say (repeating... earlier entry)

Today, Hubby and I talked to the kids about the growth that was found via MRI and CT scan and some of the options upcoming. 

To that end, I have decided to reprint most of my earlier entry.

I made a snafu by not crediting a quote, so I fixed that also...

Here it follows:

<<<<<<<So, I had the ct scan.  And, I have results... The tumor/mass is this (copied from the ABTA ):

"Epidermoid cyst/tumor:

These cysts are more common than dermoid cysts. They are usually benign, but they will slowly recur if not removed completely. Unlike the dermoid variety, they occur more frequently in the brain than in the spine.

Epidermoid cysts are most common in middle-aged adults. The most common sites in the brain for these cysts are the cerebellopontine angle (see figure 3) and the pituitary area.

The treatment of choice is surgical removal. "  

However, mine is in the base of the skull to the right at reaching up toward the right ear, but not near it yet.  It is NOT in the gray matter at all, it is between the dura (the protective lining around the brain) and the skull.  Called the 'intracranial epidermoid cyst/tumor', which is good.

I will be going to an ENT about treatment/removal since it is not infiltrating brain matter, at the recommendation of the radiologist.  I was lucky enough to have one of the top 10 radiologists in NYC.  She was wonderful and very, very helpful.  They most commonly handle these.  Next week, I start that process.  Finding an ENT that takes my ins..yada yada.  I already have the ones that my internist says are good.

This is the BEST possible brain tumor to have.  They are slow moving, benign and since it is not in the gray matter that is great.

However, it does not address ANY of the symptoms I was having.  The wonderful radiologist, who spoke to me personally, (because I insisted and made friends at the ct dept) and another physician have told me the same thing - see an MS specialist.  And, that is something I will also be addressing soon.  Believe me, that is wayyyy better than having the tumor/cyst causing it!  (( In other words, the weakness and numbness, that has caused falls,  is looking more and more like relapsing/remitting MS. ))  More on that later...

Thank you... obviously your prayers have worked.  Believe me, I read everything there was to read on the possibilities.... and this was the BEST possible outcome!  I CAN and WILL handle this fine.  :-D >>>>>

I wanted to put this in because I know many J-Land friends are busy on the weekend and may have missed it. 

A special shout out to Guido, for also having printed the entry in his blog for me on Friday, before we spoke with the kids!

The kids all took a vote and decided 3-0 they want it removed asap... especially because as I was reminded 'I am not getting any younger!'  LOL 

Tomorrow, I will begin to make phone calls anew and begin to work on setting up appointments for the process to basically start on the next phase! 

Thank you for being there with me!  I am sure I may still need you all some more yet in the future too!

be well,
Dawn

 

Tags: intracranial epidermoid cyst, ENT, kids, thank you's, brain tumor