.... Well, that inevitable day is almost here ..... this Tuesday I have my 1st follow-up MRI since my Oct. '08 surgery. I then go for another Neuro. visit in April. I am so nervous about it - this is my 3rd MRI throughout this process and they don't get any easier ..... this one they tell me can last up to 2 hours! Why, I wonder?
I am just hoping that there is nothing of the tumour left - - they were very confident after my surgery and the CT scan that followed - I know I am in sure a FAR better place than some and I am so very thankful for that ...... I have a very close friend going thru cancer right now - so I really need to 'kick' myself sometimes and tell myself how lucky I really am!
I seem though to be at a stand still with recovery - - still, tip and side of tongue and facial numbness, headaches (albiet not as bad as they were), balance issues, and still no tears on the left nor saliva .... my face looks 'normal' other than a slight crooked smile and one eye slightly bigger than the other but to most - - no one notices - my residual effects all seem to be internal which is interesting in itself - one gal I have become quite close with does have very noticiable facial weakness but no internal facial, tongue or throat numbness - - - It relly is interesting how all our experiences are all so similar yet different .... BUT after all is said and done - - I am doing ok (Ok ... I mean excellent) and my hair is now about 1.5 inches long ......
......AND thus far I have raised $1,025. in sponsorships for the '5K Spring Spring' for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada .... so I am very proud of that
![Smiley :)](https://www.anausa.org/smf/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
I would encourage you all to participate in your local runs - - or sponsor someone you know!
I am working 5 days a week now - - 3 days from 8:30-2:30 and 2 from 8:30 - 5:00 - - fatigue is not as bad ....... I am walking approx. 3 miles on my lunch break - - I do find that if I do not keep up the walking for the vestibular rehab - that my balance issues get worse. I am also starting 'body boot camp' this Wednesday, so we'll see how that goes :O
I am also looking into either a BAHA or CROS for my deaf ear - I find this really exasperating now that I am back in the 'real world' with work and driving - I know it will take time to get used to - but it really knocks my equalibrium off kilter.
Anyway .... please keep your fingers crossed this Tuesday - - I know it's only an MRI - but YIKS! it is so confining! :O