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June 10, 2013
May 14 Email: More Questions than Answers
Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 09:51:38 -0400
From: Jon Nathan
Subject: Neuro Update: 05/14
Hi everybody. It's been a while since I've sent an update, so here
we go. Once again, thank you for your continued support.
Last Monday, I received my copy of the neuropathology report. It
was sparse and not very decisive or clear to me. I had an appointment
with my neurologist, who is contacting the pathologist to try to
understand more details. The short version was that there were no
tumor cells found, but there were markers of antitumor proteins and
general cell growth proteins. I am trying to get a better understanding
of if these proteins are common, or if they only appear when there
are tumor cells to battle. If that is the case, and they have
combatted a low-grade tumor, then that would presumably be a good
thing. But that is just speculation right now. They also found
chronic acute inflammation, which may be the most likely underlying
cause. I'm still trying to get a better understanding of the entire
situation.
I have a follow-up appointment with my neurosurgeon on May 21 as
well. I hope to be able to remove my neckbrace at that time. It
continues to be uncomfortable for me, but I am working hard to
control the posture and tension in my shoulders and neck to relieve
the pressure.
I'm continuing to do at home physical therapy. I am increasing the
repetitions and duration of my physical therapy sets as I get better
at them. I am also incorporating more rest and drinking more water
between the sets, which helps as well.
I have an outpatient physical therapy appointment on May 21 as well.
We will see how this goes, especially in light of what I am currently
doing on my own.
Occupational therapy continues to focus on manual dexterity. It is
difficult to quantify, but it seems like I am getting a little more
dexterous with my fingers. Sensitivity is still definitely not
there though.
I'm sorry if this message isn't very informational or interesting,
but the recent process has not been all that interesting or
informational for me either. I'm continuing with my rehabilitation
while slowly healing and waiting for medical advice. In general,
I feel good, and am in good spirits while I work through this
process.
-Jon
Posted by jon at June 10, 2013 4:07 PM