On June 1, we participated in a fundraising walk for The Gathering Place. I began using my cane again that day because of challenges with weakness and numbness in the right hip, leg and foot. These symptoms seemed to have been made worse by the Dilantin (anti-seizure drug) the doctor had put me on May 30th. Friends had to support me on the last of the mile to get me through it. And, my nephew and then a neighbor teen cut my lawn the last two times. I’ve improved quite a bit since that day, but I’m still using my cane on uneven surfaces and for longer walking for some extra support.
I saw the chiropractor on June 3rd to have my atlas bone placement adjusted. It was out of place, and was the last time I had the seizure/spasming as well. Twisting of the dura layer of the brain, which likely occurs when this bone is twisted, may be a contributing factor. So, I’ll plan to see him more regularly. Thankfully, as the brief dose of Dilantin wore off, I did not have any resumption of spasms.
I completed the 4th round of chemotherapy on June 6 without incident and was able to work every day that week, unlike previous rounds where by Thursday or Friday I was too tired to function much at all. I was able to participate in the Thursday Toastmasters meeting where Susanne was a speaker and the Friday meditation session that Susanne led. Previously I would not have been able to do so. Both were wonderful and on the topic of happiness, based on all the reading and working she has been doing on the subject, which is the focus of the new book we just published, Happy at Home, Happy at Work. On Saturday and part of the day Sunday I was very tired from the chemo, but again, it was not as severe.
On the 11th, Susanne and I attended a session at the Cleveland Institute of Music consisting of music and research presented by Dr. Kamal Chemali , a Cleveland Clinic neurologist, on how different types of music improve brain functioning. The acoustics in the new Mixon Hall there were outstanding, and it was helpful to understand how I can use music to assist me in my healing. The Gathering Place spirituality group session this month was on music, too, and we identified a couple of artists to add to our collection.
In spite of the fatigue, I’m happy to report that I hit a new record of working more than 30 hours the week of June 16! Due to the ongoing right leg problems, I have now added 2 supplements to my daily routine after checking on their positive match with my body with one of our alternative practitioners:
1. Melatonin: My son had good results from using this during his brain cancer treatment to lessen chemo side effects, and my sister and another alternative practitioner recommended it as an effective anti-oxidant that can penetrate the blood brain barrier.
2. Boswellia: After a friend suggested I consider taking this supplement, I found some research data indicating a potential for reduction in swelling associated with Glioblastoma. I also found a Phase II Clinical Trial at the Cleveland Clinic designed to confirm this earlier research. My hope is that the Boswellia will reduce the brain swelling which shows on my MRI’s, and that the reduction will lead to improvement in my leg symptoms. Boswellia has been used for centuries to treat joint swelling.
My Spirit-Guided interpretation of the facts of the last month is that the brain rearranging, discussed in the post of May 23 to 30, is settling down, perhaps with the aid of the new supplements. My strength seems to be improving, and the neurological symptoms in my right leg seem to be decreasing. My fatigue level is still relatively high, but I attribute that to the chemotherapy and the high level of anti-seizure medication that the neurologist has me on.
A major triumph during this time period was that I was well enough to travel to North Carolina to present our first marriage enrichment workshop in 14 months! YEAH! We used a wheelchair in the airport to conserve my energy and help with the distances. I wasn’t able to participate for all of the weekend (the hosts had made arrangements for me to have private space to nap when I needed), but I was there for most sessions and led a couple of my favorite ones. It sure felt good to get back into this work with my dear wife, Susanne.
Oh, and the dentist says I have no cavities!
