TAKE TWO ASPIRIN, AND ……

Today the Laird, Nurse and Butler saw the neurologist.  Mr. FOG has been pushing to see the neurologist to get a better idea of the prognosis and see what things we should be doing now to increases his chances of a full recovery.  We want to both win the cancer war and restore full function to Mario's leg/foot.  Is this too much to ask??

The neurologist got a medical history of the symptoms and their progression, and examined the Laird’s nerve sensitivity and muscle function in both legs.  Essentially the appointment confirmed what we had already been told.  The neurologist said that the tumor likely compressed the nerve/nerves as it grew, causing damage to the myelin sheath (Schwan cells) of the Tibial nerve. This is what usually happens with cancer tumors. Peripheral nerves, such as the Tibial, do repair themselves and even regenerate. If the tibial nerve is very badly damaged or severed, it can’t repair itself, but can re-grow back. However regeneration, or regrowth, is very slowprocess of about 1 inch per month. Hence recovering from severe nerve damage can take a long time. In Mario’s case we don’t know how severe the damage is

Except for physical therapy, the neurologist can’t help Mario right now.  The cancer fighting drugs he is taking, especially Vincristine, is especially bad on nerve function.  Even if the tumor is being reduced, the injured nerves can’t possible regenerate until the chemotherapy and radiation is finished.  It is a little like trying to rebuild Leg-ingrad while the armies are still shooting artillery at the buildings. The leg is still a cancer war zone, and the neurologist can’t evaluate or treat him until the chemo cancer fighting stops. Mr. FOG thought that Mario was walking better, but this is not due improved nerve function. His motor skills are about the same, but the reduction in pain has made it seem as if he is walking better, but not really. One would think that the occasional shooting pains he has, suggest the nerve is traumatized and damaged, but intact. If so, given that he is young, the body itself should heal itself after the chemo trauma is over. Let’s hope and pray this is so.

While the Laird, Nurse, and Butler may have heard different things.  The Butler's version is:  In many cases patients recover the lost nerve function, but it could be either complete or partial.  Any recovery probably will take time if the nerve has been severely injured.  It is also possible that there could be no recovery or very slow recovery if the nerves were too badly damaged.  It is difficult to assess Mario’s prospects now while he is undergoing chemotherapy.  Mario should probably have physical therapy while in chemo to help with the muscle atrophy in the right leg/foot.  The physical therapy may also help with nerve function.

Chemo #5's Report Card

Chemo #5 is about over, and Mr. FOG gave it and its related symptoms a grade of C-.  Chemo #5 may have gotten an A+ in its cancer killing, but we don’t know.

Mario has had pain through most of the Chemo #5 recovery, a fainting spell, and even during the “well” week, we still had to go get a blood transfusion.  This was his third blood transfusion and unlike the first, fortunately there were no ill effects.  He has about six days before he starts Chemo #6.  It seems we were just at the hospital and have to go back May 15, six days from now. 

Soups on

Nurse Sherry adds her finishing touches to a soup made by Kellie Bell.  Kellie’s cancer fighting soups of Italian Bean and Spicy Carrot Ginger were Vinings Mountain Castle favorites.  Thanks Kellie.

Happy Mother’s Day

A very happy Mother’s Day from the Laird, Nurse and Butler to all the Blog readers who are mothers.  We know it is a tough job and one not appreciated enough.  Here is a link to the history of the holiday. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother's_Day

If she is able, Maid of the Mist will do a Blog posting  while Mr. FOG is away.