Health News

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   TIMETRAVELER2posted 5 years ago

   
   A few weeks ago I posted information about my health.  Now I'm sorry to say I need to add to that post.  I'll try to be brief.
   
   I have seen doctors almost every day this week in an attempt to sort through the things they are telling me.  Unfortunately, the information they have shared has differed, so I've had to come to my own conclusions.
   
   What has not differed is the fact that I have a cranial pharyngioma  which was surgically removed from my brain last June and has now returned.  It is small, but it is there.
   
   In case you don't know what this is, it's an extremely rare, non malignant tumor that is normally found in children ages 0 - 14.  .5 to 2 people per million get it.  Although it is not malignant, it often positions itself in places within the brain that can cause major damage.  In my case, it was pressing on my optic nerve, which meant I would have lost my vision without the surgery.
   
   There are a number of ways to deal with this type of tumor, which is part cyst and part nodule.  Today I decided that radiation therapy would be my best option.
   
   One problem is that it can, and probably will, cause my vision to blur for at least 6 to 8 weeks.  This means I won't be able to write articles for HP or do anything else requiring good vision during that time. 
   
   I am telling you this now because treatment likely will begin in the next two to three weeks.  Once it does, I won't be able to share this information with you.
   
   There is no way to know for sure how long my vision will be impaired, but I want to assure you that once it returns, I'll be back writing again.
   
   You guys have become my second family, and I will miss you.  I will keep hoping that my vision will return to normal so that I can join you again.  Until then, be well, be happy, be thankful for what life has given you and take good care of yourselves.

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   1. 86

      ChitrangadaSharanposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Wish you all the best TT2. Prayers for your quick recovery.

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   2. 72

      Eurofileposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      I am so sorry to hear of your ongoing medical issues. I will be praying that the radiotherapy is effective, your eyesight recovers quickly and that you can return to writing here soon.

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   3. 67

      OldRosesposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Hope your treatment goes well and that you will be back soon.

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2. 75

   Rupert Taylorposted 5 years ago

   TT2, we don't know each other except through crossing paths here, but I wish you the best of luck. I don't understand how a tumor that might take away one's vision can be termed non-malignant.

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   1. 75

      TIMETRAVELER2posted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, it is confusing.  I do not have cancer.  However, this tumor is in a very bad place and can press on sections of my brain that can be dangerous.  My biggest worry is my optic nerve.  If that gets damaged, I lose my vision.  I've already lost my thyroid and cortisone hormones due to the surgery, but there are many other hormones that can "go" due to this tumor. It's a very tricky and dangerous thing and there's no way to know for sure how things will turn out.  I got lucky on the first go round and am hoping for the same with the radiation.  Also, someone here mentioned I'd be gone a few weeks...no...the radiation is six weeks, 5 days each week and the side effects can last up to a year.  It will be about two to three weeks until treatment starts, so I'll be around for awhile yet.

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3. 75

   wildernessposted 5 years ago

   Thanks for the update, TT2.  It would have been bad had you just disappeared - at least we know now you WILL be back, though it may take a few weeks.
   
   Hoping for the best for you, and wishing a speedy recovery.

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4. 83

   Kenna McHughposted 5 years ago

   Thank you for the update. I will miss your postings but know you will be back. Good luck, take care of yourself, hugs.

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   PaulGoodman67posted 5 years ago

   Best wishes! Look forward to you writing again!

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   AliciaCposted 5 years ago

   Best wishes from me, too, Sondra. I'm looking forward to your return.

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7. 61

   CYong74posted 5 years ago

   Keep your chin up TT2. Know that you have friends all around the world, and all of us wish for your speedy recovery.

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8. 82

   theraggededgeposted 5 years ago

   Adding my best wishes to everyone else's, Sondra. Take care and good luck. xxx

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9. 81

   Titiaposted 5 years ago

   Wishing you the best and hoping for a complete recovery.

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10. 87

    john000posted 5 years ago

    Speedy recovery to you and wishes best.

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11. 82

    vidsagsterposted 5 years ago

    Wish you a speedy and safe recovery TT2, we look forward to your return and your posts on HP. Take care, Good luck.

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12. 66

    lobobrandonposted 5 years ago

    Good luck with the radiation. Take care and see you soon.

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