Well I have been a little silent on the treatment front as of late, and those connected to me through Facebook have seen the posts about my recent stay in hospital, so thought it’s time to break the silence.
I have mentioned in the past few updates that the team has been watching some “scar tissue”. The team has always reinforced that “they are not worried” but they have been transparent that it might be more than just scar tissue. I had my last MRI on June 28 and on July 7th, my oncologist said that the spot had grown again, and told us my neuro-surgeon was willing to operate and the team thought it was the right time for more treatment. As you know, I am blessed with the expertise of a world class team in brain cancer, and we literally trust them with my life. So when they told us they felt surgery and more chemo was my best option, we of course took them up on the offer.
We met with my neuro-surgeon on July 11th and then was scheduled for surgery this past Monday July 18th. The expediency is not related to urgency of the recurrence, but rather my neuro-surgeon Dr Hamilton, same doctor who did my first, is off for August and wanted to ensure I got in. I went in Monday morning at 5:30 am for admissions, went into the OR at about 12:30 pm and then was out of recovery around 6 pm to the neuro – ward. On Tuesday they transferred me off the neuro-ward because I was doing so well, and then Wednesday July 20th around noon I was discharged. I am now at home trying to recuperate.
The recurrence is extremely small, only 5 mm compared to the 7 cm the first time. The team feels that because I did so well on treatment and because I am young and fit it’s the right time to hit it again. I have been describing it as in 2009 this cancer decided to get aggressive with me, and now my team feels it’s time to get aggressive with it. We whole-heartedly agree. Surgery was step one, now I have 4 – 6 weeks to recover and in the next couple of weeks we will meet for follow up on the pathology report to hear what chemo options will be the next best course of action. We don’t know much about what that will look like, only that it will be more intensify than my first time (because I did so well the first time) and we may have the opportunity to participate in some clinical trials. The team was hesitant to give out too much information, as without seeing how I recover from surgery as well as seeing the pathology report it’s tough to make predictions. Which is fine by me, as taking this one day at a time is always the best approach.
Recovery is going well. Although the tumour is much smaller than last time, on my last surgery I went into the OR on a very high dose of a steroid called Decadron which helped me through many of the post surgery symptoms like fatigue, headaches, dizziness and nausea. I am grateful to not be on the steroid, but I will admit I have missed the added bump of energy. I am not nearly as swollen as my first surgery, and the 26 staples are coming out next Friday.
Work has been suspended, for obvious reasons. This week would have been my return to full time employment and I am very disappointed to have had to leave again after only 11 weeks. Not sure what work looks like in the future, but in the present moment I can honestly say I am not concerned about that. Am focused on healing from surgery and then figuring out what the next rounds of treatment will look like. My parents have flown out and it’s been great to have them here waiting on me. Jared’s family is out next week and we have no shortage of friends on standby we can call for assistance. It’s a crappy situation but there is still much to be grateful for.
Hoping my mental energy will return quickly and I will be back blogging shortly. I’ve enclosed a couple of photos to prove I am healing well. Aside from a little scaring you can see I am look about the same. When I have more updates will be sure to share them. In the meantime, your well wishes and prayers are always welcome.
Thanks for you love and will be in touch soon
Morning After Surgery
My Uniform
Two Days After Surgery - at home
Wow Alyson! I wish you the best in your recovery and treatment. My thoughts and prayers are with you and if there is any way I can help, Jared works close to where I live we can connect that way
Wolosh – Thanks for sharing all your information. You are looking and sounding great! Keep the blogs coming, because I love reading them. Take care of yourself. Love to hear all this positive strength and recovery news.
Love and hugs.
Alyson you are simply amazing! In and out of brain surgery for a second time and home on the road to recovery before the week is done!
You are in my thoughts Alyson. You are such a strong woman and I love to read about your outlook on life. Truly inspirational.
Lookin’ good, Alyson! Your health strategy has paid off with what looks like a quick recovery. I hope those post-surgery symptoms will pass quickly and you will feel your energy return soon. Thinking of you and sending all sorts of good thoughts and wishes your way. Hope to see you in September!
By all means – don’t worry about work, and focus on yourself and your recovery. It is a crappy situation, and I wish it weren’t the case for you. But I’m glad that you’ve got a great medical team standing with you – and the rest of us are shoulder to shoulder with you, too.
Thanks Alyson, it can’t be easy, and we are all here for you too, every step in every direction.
Ps. I still want to buy a T Shirt!
how is it possible that you look so damn good after brain surgery?! Seriously, while I know it is not a primary goal, you are hot stuff!! I love you and remain utterly impressed as always. Keep it up tough chick!
You are such an inspiration. Thanks for sharing, we are sending well wishes. All the best girl. Hope to see you soon.
Keep on fighting. You are such an inspiration to so many people. We’ll be thinking about you. Keep the blogs coming, it makes it feel like you are just around the corner. Miss you. Love you.
Through Davis I have been following your journey through this illness and have been inspired again and again by your courage and strength. I have held and will continue to hold you in my thoughts and prayers as you recover from this second surgrery and begin your next round of fighting this demon.
Hey Al – you were so supportive and honest with me and it helped me in my recovery SO much! I am sending huge amounts of positive mojo your way…hang in there. xo pat
Woloshyn – Charlotte is sending you good thoughts. She is proud of you and so am I!
Alyson, you are a truly amazing person. I look forward to the day you convocate as a cancer graduate because if anyone can do it, it will be you.
You will win the battle. Your positive attitude and team of experts are the best defence. You’re an inspiration to me.
Way to go Alyson, your positive attitude and we’ll get ‘em attitude is a lift for us all. We are thinking of you, sending you positive energy, lots of white light and prayers!!! Good luck with your recovery!
Hi Alyson, I am a long time friend of your Mom and Dad . Your Mom sent the article and the blog. You are an inpiration to all! Your SHAKE the BLUES should be on eveybodys fridge. I have been a cheerlesder of your family since your first episode and send prayers daily. Hope and best wishes to you and your family hope. Sue
Only you could rock post-op pictures like that! I wore my Warriors t-shirt the day of your surgery and think of you every day. I hope recovery is going well and will speak to you soon.
Alyson, we are thinking and praying for you. You will fight this as your strength will let you. Hope your recivery from surgery is doing well.
It is your perseverance and optimism that have made you the person you are today. No longer your coach, but now a friend — I am proud of you!
Aly, you are one amazing woman. Sending you love and positive, healing thoughts from Waterloo. xo
Alyson, sending you good thoughts and well wishes! Stay strong and determined. You are winning! With a big hug from me, Elaine
Hey Alyson- u are amazing…I’m so inspired and touched by your outlook:-). I am praying for you for sure;-)
Dear Alyson,
I just read your story in the Cash & Cars order form that was sent to my home. Please know my friends and I will pray for you everyday. We are sending you our warmest hugs and love. We know you are making progress. You are truly an inspiration.
With much love and hugs, Naomi.
Hi Alyson. What a fantatstic blog! You are such a bright spark and your words and thoughts are so inspiring. I will keep you in my prayers always. A big hello from all the folks in the Awards Office!
Thank you, Alyson for all the inspiration . Wishing you speedy recovery .It was great to see your face in the paper, you look fantastic. Keeping you in my prayers , with lots of love. Liz
Hi Alyson, I am a high school friend of Jared’s and I just wanted to say I loved your book! You inspired me to get the Anti-Cancer book and start my own anti-cancer lifestyle after my diagnosis earlier this year. Your positivity and strength is inspiring and I just want to say our thoughts and good vibes for healing are with you!!
Hey Alyson,
You ARE Wonderwoman! You don’t take no crap from no tumor. Thinking of you and sending you hugs and +++ vibes from the east coast. Hope you are feeling and recovering well. luv Amy
Alyson, you’re in my thoughts and prayers! Stay stong.
Your friend, Alex
You are powerful….very powerful women. You are in my thoughts and me and my family send you positive energy…get well soon. Your friend, Mandy