Relief

I woke on Saturday and continued to unpack, and as the minutes, then hours passed I became more and more anxious. It hit me like a ton of bricks that the MRI was a week ago. That's a long time to not have results. In the past, UW had emailed me test results from their secure system, so I decided to log in and email the doctor's office to see if they could send the report. I knew it was a Saturday, so I didn't expect to get any response (other than an automated one) until the work week began, but bam within 10-15 minutes the report was in my account. It really improved my opinion of UW. I have had some bad experiences with the oncology department, but it's nice to have positive experiences with other departments to wash away any negative feelings.

So anyway, after Dan and I read the report, I posted it to the blog so that you can see for yourself. We feel incredibly relieved with the news. I feel like this MRI report is the best one yet. I'd love to see less flair/T2 signal, but for now I'm just thrilled to not have any nodular area/no tumor and no uptake of contrast dye. 

It took several hours for the report to kick in, and I guess it still hasn't. I'm kind of riding a wave of relief, and it feels fantastic. I even dreamt last night that I was sailing. :)

To celebrate the wonderful news, Dan wasn't satisfied for me to just watch girlie movies cuddled in a blanket on the couch, so he stepped up his game and we grabbed some friends. Removing his bias against dancing, we went out and boogied! I am a ridiculous dancer, but a happy one. I'm always game for dancing, but when it's to literally celebrate life, it feels even better. :)

MRI Report (6/20/13)

Examination: MRI BRAIN WO/W CONT Indication: WHO grade 2 astrocytoma in the left parietal region, status post gross total  resection.  Comparison: Most recent MRI from April 20, 2013  Technique: Non-contrast Head: Axial T1, axial T2, axial diffusion.  Post-contrast Head: 3D FLAIR (Sag, Ax, & Cor), axial diffusion. Axial, coronal & sagittal T1. Contrast: Contrast Agent Prohance 15 ml 07/20/2013 INTRAVENOUS Findings: Again identified stable changes related to left-sided craniotomy. The left  parietal lobe resection cavity is unchanged in appearance since the prior  exam. The prior described nonenlarged T2/FLAIR hyperintensities surrounding  the medial and anterior aspect of the inferior part of the resection cavity  (604/38 and 39) unchanged in appearance since the prior exam.  Hypointense signal involving the medulla on T2 appear to be artifacts. Postcontrast imaging demonstrates linear enhancement in the surgical cavity  underlying the craniotomy this is unchanged from the prior exam.  No nodular enhancement in the surgical bed. Small DVA in right frontal lobe. There is no acute infarction. No mass effect no hydrocephalus.  The major intracranial flow voids show expected appearance.  Bilateral paranasal sinuses and mastoid air cells are clear. Bilateral orbits  are normal. Impression: Compared to prior MRI from April 20, 2013, Stable appearance of resection  cavity in the left parietal lobe with nodular T2/FLAIR hyperintensities along  the anterior and medial aspect of the inferior part of the resection cavity.  Continued followup is recommended. No acute intracranial process.