More Fun with NF2

I had a check in with the nurse practitioner who works with my neurologist, Doc Plotkin, specifically with regards to the chemo med I’m on. The pill is supposed to be inhibiting the growth of my myriad fucking tumors.

I’ve been having some new, increased stupid symptoms over the past couple of weeks which may be nothing (just a “blip” as Christina termed it) OR it may be something to be concerned about and acted on.

Joy. Just motherfucking joy.

New series of paintings up in the 
neuro/cancer doctor department 
that I frequent at MGH. I’m not 
thrilled about the new amateurish 
farmland themed work. The previous 
paintings were Rothko-esque (if Mark
 was, perhaps, microdosing a bit 
whilst at the easel). I liked those better.

I’ve got swelling and numbness in my left foot and ankle, going up into my calf which may be related to one of the tumors hanging out around the motor cortex section of my bean. The last time a meningioma got too cozy in that area, the connection between my brain and left leg was lost. I had to train my brain to communicate with my leg again. Yeah, that was no goddamn fun at all. I spent WAY too much time inpatient at Spaulding Rehab (during COVID no less) and in a wheelchair at home. 

What happens now? Over the next week I keep working out – doing my recumbent elliptical time and PT exercises and monitoring how my left foot, ankle, and calf are dealing with it. If the swelling and quasi-numb feeling continues or worsens, my September MRI gets moved up to now or real soon-ish.

What happens if, despite the chemo meds, the tumor has had a growth spurt? MORE brain surgery isn’t optimal for a bunch ‘o’ reasons but proton radiation might be on the table. I had that a few years back for the monster on my thoracic spine. The worst part about radiation was the daily trip from Valhalla to MGH and back. I only mention it but 93 sucks hordes of giant bantha wang.

I’m really not happy about all this. Why can’t I have regular, normal old people problems like:

• My ankle’s swollen because I tripped walking up the stairs. (I haven't but it's a good excuse, right?)
• My foot is a little numb because I’m breaking in a new pair of sneaks.
• My calf’s a bit sore because I did too much time on the elliptical yesterday.

I mean, these are nice, reasonable old people issues. I want some of this instead of having to always play Which-Tumor-is-Triggering-My-Body’s-Dysfunction-Today?

NOT my favorite game! 

Irregular Galaxy Doods