I guess…

It is what it is...to say I was bummed I had another seizure would be an understatement. I guess in the back of my head I just assumed I wouldn't have another one since the tumor was fully resected. But looking back that wasn't a realistic or logical view. Aside from the aggressive taper off the steroids (which I firmly believe was the root cause of the seizure), I still have a LOT of scar tissue on my brain...let's face it...I have to accept that I'm at a higher risk for repeat seizures than most people.

OK...thanks for letting me vent...

If there is a 'silver lining' ( )to having another seizure, it's that I now know what to expect when it happens. I guess it's pretty common for people on Keppra (anti-seizure medication) to remember their seizures (lack of a better term). I remember everything, even Karla's conversation with the 911 operator. I was sitting on the edge of our bed, watching a show on dvr. A strange sensation suddenly darted across my brain from left to right. It kinda of made me feel light headed, like I did when I received pain killer via the IV in my arm. It went away as fast as it came on...but then a few seconds later it was back, only this time the sensation was also in my finger tips. My forearms, wrists, hands, and fingers locked up. That's about the time I started running for Karla.

I got to the top of the stairs before I collapsed. I was able to shift my torso so my forearms hit first and kinda braced myself, but I still took a pretty good knot on my forehead. Karla was already half way up the stairs when I fell. I started seizing immediately when I went down. I was coherent and very aware of what was going on around on me; but I couldn't communicate or control my body. I finally allowed myself to just ride it out. The whole episode lasted around 45-60 seconds. I was completely conscious and aware (and sitting at the kitchen table) when the EMT/Paramedics got there. I was exhausted and felt like I had just run a marathon. I let them check me over but wouldn't take the ride to the hospital. As Karla mentioned in the previous post, that was the first night I didn't take a p.m. dose of steroid...the day after I finished radiation! Needless to say I am still on the steroid. I will continue through tomorrow and Monday I will stop. Hopefully this will be enough tapering

I'm excited so many people have RSVP'd for May 15th...we may have to get the back room after all (if we do we'll get a keg or two )! It will certainly be a memorable night

I hope you are able to enjoy your day; take care and be well...TB

A bump in the road….

With all this good news we are sad to say Travis experienced another seizure last night

He is tapering off of the Decadron (steroids) and last night was the first night he did not take a p.m. dose...and his body and brain did not like that very much!

We are advised to try again a little slower now and also up his Keppra (anti-seizure medication) to try to prevent this from happening again.  This is just a MINOR set back but Travis (understandably) is devastated (not only about the seizure but the not driving for 3 months

I did call 911 (and it took like 6-7 rings for them to answer WTF) again but did not let them take him to the hospital as I figured (beings how I am so medically minded) that is was the steroid taper that caused it and he would be fine   The boys were sound asleep in bed and did not see or hear anything

Thanks again for all of your support!  We will try this taper thing again with better results to be reported

Have a great weekend!!!

Done.

I'm officially done with radiation In all honesty it seems so surreal; like the more things change, the more they stay the same (moe. anyone?). Don't get me wrong, I'm stoked that I'm done...but the reality is I still have a long road ahead of me and this is just a stop along the way, albeit an important one...

Celebrated the milestone at IHOP (I know...FANCY)  and met most of the family there. I have a confession...I thought this would be a nightmare!! You see....first time restaurant-goers for the twins. But they were so good...and they ate VERY well (very picky!)! Timmers had at least 4 good sized pancakes with syrup; B had 3 and a half pancakes and 3 pieces of bacon! It was comforting for me to be with those I care about most; your support through this has given me strength and I hope you know how much it means to me.

Funny story about Tim...the kids were off running around outside on the sidewalk when Tim stops, and points to a sweeeeet Dodge Viper and said, "I want to ride in that!" Hilarious

On the afternoon of May 12th, I will have my first three month check-up with Dr. Aizenberg and The Team; but first in the morning (gotta get my Zio's for lunch ) I will have a moment of truth, the first MRI since they wheeled me into the tube the evening after my surgery. It will serve as a baseline for how my brain looks now. Keep your fingers crossed... I will continue to go to Omaha every three months for an MRI and a check-up for the next 2-3 yrs.

My brother-in-law asked me tonight "what's next?"...appears that is the million dollar question as I have no solid answer. So I guess that's the next step...figuring out my next step. I have been so focused on the here and now I haven't allowed much thought for the future. Fatigue caused by the radiation will continue, probably through sometime next week before I notice any change; that + the steroids = still no sleep. They are aggressively tapering me off the steroids and I am SO thankful for that. I can't tell a difference so far with how I feel, but I'm hoping that as I get down to 1mg a day and then I'm done with steroids on Monday that my health will quickly return.

Oh yeah....to top it off...I have walking pneumonia (just means it was caught early). Got a real nice 'hack' that fits right in well with all the other side effects I've encountered.

Oh well....it is what it is, right? Another obstacle down, and time to rest and get healthy before I tackle the next one.

I hope you all are well....TB

Thirty down, three to go…

Hi All

I hope you are or will get to enjoy this Friday afternoon...it's beautiful!

It's hard to believe I started radiation six weeks ago...it's all kind of a blur. I will officially be done this coming Wednesday. They have already started tapering me off the decadron (steroid that's the root of my misery and which you can't quit cold turkey). They are being aggressive with the taper, which I truly appreciate, and it looks like if all goes well I should be off the decadron in 10 days.

I finally got the green light to start driving...it's amazing what we take for granted. I didn't realize the independence lost until I was relying on someone everyday for a ride.  Nonetheless, I have my keys back and I couldn't be happier

I'm looking forward to the party on MAY 15th at Barry's Bar & Grill! Should be a GREAT time! And if you have a Team Travis shirt, wear it or a shade of gray to promote brain cancer.

Guess that's all for now...be well and happy...TB