Visual Defect Test

I have an OK from the ophthalmologist to drive, from point of view of my visual issues.

I got a visual field test today (including the eyedrops, pupil dilation, etc.) and they were able to measure my visual field defect from the occipital lobe surgery. Based on measuring its size and location, I have an OK to drive (my main reason for going in for the evaluation). They want me to wait for an OK from my oncologist. He's already indicated his main concern was the visual field defect.

Paracentral scotoma: The name for my type of field defect.
Ocular migraines: The name for what he believes I was having before the surgery, and what I've had twice since then (geometric, slowly expanding rings of light). Non-ophthalmologists described these as possible focal seizures. Nope, ocular migraines! (probably)

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2nd talk with Surgeon

Found out more about the VATS procedure today. They'll remove a nodule, and then keep me on the table while it's biopsied. If it is positive, they'll get more material, then wrap up. If the biopsy comes back negative, they'll do another nodule... and biopsy again and wait... not sure how many times they'll repeat. I guess I'm hoping for a long procedure. The surgeon said he'll ask the lab to freeze some of the material so that I could have it retrieved at a later time... mentioned I was getting a second opinion from UCSF cancer center, and that UCSF may therefore be interested in getting some of the sample as well.

Cyberknife 11/9-10

Underwent 2 cyberknife sessions, the first to treat the tumor bed of the first brain tumor, the second to treat the second one that showed up recently. The procedure is pretty straightforward, it's outpatient. The picture shows the mask they made for me which holds my head in place so the laser is accurate. Each session was an hour or so. I should know by the end of the weekend if there are any short-term complications (none I hope). Then it's a matter of letting the radiation do its job over the next couple of months. Then re-scanning to see both how the two treated areas are doing, and also to see if anything new shows up in the brain.

Cycle 4/Course 2 Finished

(8/6-8/9/2010) Finished cycle 4/course 2. Stopped this time due to some combination of high white T cell count, neurotoxicity and maybe something else. Tolerated 4 bags out of a total of 14, felt as bad as the other times where I tolerated more doses. Will get more scans in about 5 weeks time, and see what they look like compared to the last sets.

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