KATYSMOM needs our prayers

[Rooscrew]

Katysmom~
{{{{{HUGS}}}}}
I will stand with you just like I'm standing with Peaches and Natalee.
My Mother-in-Law had a tumor removed in her brain area about 8 years ago and she is doing really well.
I will be holding you up in prayer during this unknown time in your life. God is Good! He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. You are in the palm of His hand, just draw your strength from Him. We will be here to help you and hold your hand. You are not alone in this battle.

Roos~

[Bearlyhere]

Thinking about you today and praying for you and your family.  Waiting with you to hear about the MRI results.

                     

                   

[crazybabyborg]

I'm just checking in on you, Katysmom and letting you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers this morning! Sending you a Big Monkey Hug!

[MumInOhio]

Katysmom...I'm just checking in as well. Great to see you were here. Please keep us updated...(((((Hugs)))))

[Kermit]

I'm still praying for your miracle.
I think everything is going to be okay.

[snoopy]

You're in my prayers Katysmom.

[Katysmom]

My doctor finally got the written report and he called me and also faxed me a copy of the report.  I don't know if I should be relieved or not.  I am still confused.  I do not understand why he did not address the 2nd and 3rd finding with me.  Are they unimportant and will not affect me health?  Is the first one the worst of the three and they want to address one at a time?  I just don't know.

The report states it is a Nasopharyngeal mass.  My dr. says this is NOT in the brain.  It is in the nasal and sinus cavaties and goes back to the front of the brain.  He said that in some cases it can be treated by radiation...get this...every single day for 6-7 weeks.  If they have to remove it surgically, they go in through the roof of the mouth.  I'm not so sure I like either one of those options.

The report also went on to mention two other things which my doctor did not mention during the phone call. 

The first one read: "Non-specific areas of white matter signal hyperintensity.  There are most likely seen in the setting of chronic small vessel disease, although in a patient of this age other atiologies such as infection, inflammation, or demyelination (such as multiple sclerosois) should be excluded clinically."

The second one read: "Non-visualization of the dens on the sagittal images.  This may be as a result of slice-selection.  Correlation with plain radiographs is recommended.  If this is not diagnostic and the dens remains poorly visualized, further evaluation with either CT or MRI is recommended."

[BTgirl]

My doctor finally got the written report and he called me and also faxed me a copy of the report.  I don't know if I should be relieved or not.  I am still confused.  I do not understand why he did not address the 2nd and 3rd finding with me.  Are they unimportant and will not affect me health?  Is the first one the worst of the three and they want to address one at a time?  I just don't know.

The report states it is a Nasopharyngeal mass.  My dr. says this is NOT in the brain.  It is in the nasal and sinus cavaties and goes back to the front of the brain.  He said that in some cases it can be treated by radiation...get this...every single day for 6-7 weeks.  If they have to remove it surgically, they go in through the roof of the mouth.  I'm not so sure I like either one of those options.

The report also went on to mention two other things which my doctor did not mention during the phone call. 

The first one read: "Non-specific areas of white matter signal hyperintensity.  There are most likely seen in the setting of chronic small vessel disease, although in a patient of this age other atiologies such as infection, inflammation, or demyelination (such as multiple sclerosois) should be excluded clinically."

The second one read: "Non-visualization of the dens on the sagittal images.  This may be as a result of slice-selection.  Correlation with plain radiographs is recommended.  If this is not diagnostic and the dens remains poorly visualized, further evaluation with either CT or MRI is recommended."

Hi Katysmom,

I'm not a doctor, but I do have a background in health, so maybe I can help a little.

Your doctor probably isn't too concerned about either of the last two items. It sounds like Item #2 is probably talking about something like chronic sinus inflammation, which is pretty common. Item #3 is just saying that when they did the sagittal view on the scan, they didn't see your teeth. It goes on to say, though, that not seeing the teeth  might simply be a result of the "slice selection," or the view they chose. In case you aren't familiar with what the sagittal view is, there is an illustration at this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagittal

It's good to know that your problem isn't really associated with the brain, so treating it should be much easier. Treating the sinus area doesn't sound nearly as scary as treating the brain.

I'm soooooo glad that you've heard from your doctor and know more about what the problem is. And you know what? The monkeys are gonna cheer you on all the way, and you're gonna do great!!! 

Big hugs to you.

[Lala'sMom]

Hey girl!

Doctors never say anything in plain English...he is saying you have a tumor or a mass in or behind your sinuses.  He is correct it is NOT in your brain...but it must be taken care of.  Now, that isn't going to be easy, but I can tell you that there is one monkey here that went through something similar and that is TerryD...He did it and so can you. 

It sounds like he may order an MRI again just to make sure there is nothing else involved.  My advice to you is this...be proactive!!  Keep a notebook of all questions and all answers.  First thing to ask him is about this report...ask him to explain it in plain English so you can get a handle on the situation and know just exactly what to expect.  Then when he starts talking about radiation therapy...ask about everything...we are here we will help you to remember what to ask him.  If you are not comfortable with his diagnosis...get a second opinion.  Any doctor worth his salt will not stand in your way about this.

You need to start thinking in terms of each week learning new things about your condition so you can get this treated and get on with your life.   We are here...you have my email...I am listening.

{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}

[Tamikosmom]

Thank you for sharing Katysmom.

I realize that this must all be very overwhelming but ... try to take it one day at a time.  We are so fortunate ... the medical technology and ... the skilled surgeons ...

Janet

+++++++++++

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

[Tamikosmom]

My doctor finally got the written report and he called me and also faxed me a copy of the report.  I don't know if I should be relieved or not.  I am still confused.  I do not understand why he did not address the 2nd and 3rd finding with me.  Are they unimportant and will not affect me health?  Is the first one the worst of the three and they want to address one at a time?  I just don't know.

The report states it is a Nasopharyngeal mass.  My dr. says this is NOT in the brain.  It is in the nasal and sinus cavaties and goes back to the front of the brain.  He said that in some cases it can be treated by radiation...get this...every single day for 6-7 weeks.  If they have to remove it surgically, they go in through the roof of the mouth.  I'm not so sure I like either one of those options.

The report also went on to mention two other things which my doctor did not mention during the phone call. 

The first one read: "Non-specific areas of white matter signal hyperintensity.  There are most likely seen in the setting of chronic small vessel disease, although in a patient of this age other atiologies such as infection, inflammation, or demyelination (such as multiple sclerosois) should be excluded clinically."

The second one read: "Non-visualization of the dens on the sagittal images.  This may be as a result of slice-selection.  Correlation with plain radiographs is recommended.  If this is not diagnostic and the dens remains poorly visualized, further evaluation with either CT or MRI is recommended."

Katysmom ... be proactive.

The portions of the report that you do not understand and ... any additional questions you may have .... create a list of question to present to the specialist at your next appointment.

Educate yourself regarding your condition.  The internet is an excellent place to begin.  Also ... there are support groups on the internet and in your community ... support groups which consist of those who have taken the journey you are about to embark on.

Do not be intimidated by terminology that you cannot comprehend.  Just stop the specialist and ... request that he explain his words in terms that you can comprehend.  Believe me ... in time you will learn all the correct terminology but ... to begin with ...

Make sure you comrehend all the options of treatment which are available and ... the expected outcomes.

There is so much that you will have no control over ... this is where you have to learn to let go and ... have faith and ... put your trust the technology ... the surgeons ... the technician and ... most importantly ... our Heavenly Father.

Katysmom ... as I said ... it is all so overwhelming right now but ... if you are able to take charge and ... focus on each step of the journey ... one at a time ...

Sincerely, Janet

[Tibrogargan]

Katysmom - although I read here regularly I do not often log in, but today I wanted to come and offer you some hope if you had to have a craniotomy.  My DH has survived two major brain operations and now 3 years later is working full time and in full health once again.  Also one of our most beloved monkeys is doing just fine after major brain surgery just over 12 months ago.  There have been many other instances, some of which have been posted here, of monkeys or their loved ones overcoming greater obstacles than these.
But I read your latest post and see that you should not require anything so drastic which is a blessing for you.  I do hope that you get even better news when you see the doctor and are over the initial shock of the first diagnosis.
We are all here to help and support you and you are in my prayers along with your family and loved ones who will also be shocked and frightened, almost as much as you (I know from personal experience).
Please update this thread as often as possible because we really are a bunch of worriers if we do not hear any news for a while.

I am sharing one of my favourite songs with you - it has helped me in times of need.

YOU RAISE ME UP
When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up...
To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up...
To more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up...
To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up...
To more than I can be.

You raise me up...
To more than I can be.

Westlife version :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9hduY3_mUs&feature=related

Celtic Woman version :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofYrt9ymTRo

 

[Tamikosmom]

One Day At A Time

I'm only human--I'm just a woman.
Help me believe in what I believe and all that I am.
Show me the stairway that I have to climb,
Lord, for my sake, teach me to take, one day at a time.

Good Night Katysmom.

Janet
7:45 PM

[Peaches]

I'm still praying for your miracle.
I think everything is going to be okay.

I second that! I am already thanking God for taking such good care of you!

[Peaches]

Thank you for sharing Katysmom.

I realize that this must all be very overwhelming but ... try to take it one day at a time.  We are so fortunate ... the medical technology and ... the skilled surgeons ...

Janet

+++++++++++

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Amen!  Janet knows these things!  My mother in law had to have some very serious sinus surgery for a fungal infection that really got out of hand.  Don't worry about how the doctor fixes the problem!  You won't be awake to complain anyway.  People like you and me are the reason these people go to medical school!  They have a desire to help others.  It is their ministry in a way. 

[MuffyBee]

My thoughts and prayers are with you Katysmom.  {{{{{hugs}}}}}

[Lala'sMom]

ATTENTION!   Katysmom is having surgery tomorrow morning.  We need to be in prayer that all goes well.  This is not a biopsy but to remove the mass in her sinuses.  She has promised me that her husband will email me with  updates when he can.   If all goes well, she will be home within the day. This is the first step in her long recovery process but I assured her we would all be here waiting on her and praying for her.

[2NJSons_Mom]

ATTENTION!   Katysmom is having surgery tomorrow morning.  We need to be in prayer that all goes well.  This is not a biopsy but to remove the mass in her sinuses.  She has promised me that her husband will email me with  updates when he can.   If all goes well, she will be home within the day. This is the first step in her long recovery process but I assured her we would all be here waiting on her and praying for her.

Thanks for the update.  Have been thinking of her since she posted the news.  Will continue to pray for her recovery.

[MumInOhio]

Thanks Lala's for the update. My prayers and thoughts will be with Katysmom and her family.

[Peaches]

Thanks Lala's for the update. My prayers and thoughts will be with Katysmom and her family.

I am proud to be a member of a powerful team of prayer warrier monkeys!  You have all been such a blessing to me, I know we can stand together and pray for a wonderful outcome for Katysmom.  I will be watching and praying here in my little corner of the world.  God bless you, Katysmom, we're here for you.