Here's what actually happened when I started my pilgrimage down the hall and in and out of rooms--
Not as bad as before treatment started, but definitely decreased vision in my left eye. The field vision test that I have aced every single time (even before treatment started and my eye was really, really bad) had marked changes. My pupils aren't reacting evenly. As I'm taking these tests and seeing the difference in lights shone in my eyes, I sunk. I could tell where this was going. I knew this wasn't going to go how I thought. Once again, surgery was made to sound urgent. I bit my lip looking at Steven, who locked eyes with me. I think we were both stunned. I tried to make my lip stop quivering. Sat myself up straight and made a point to look my doctor in the eye with a strong look of determination. As we walked out of his room to wait to see what the final decision would be, the wind in my sails fluttered away and I sat in the chair next to Steven, put my head on his shoulder and quietly cried. I'm not sure I've ever cried in a waiting room before...I guess there's a first time for everything. I just couldn't believe things weren't as good as I thought they were.
We waited for the first doc (Dr.L; the neuro-opthamologist) to talk to the second doc (Dr.S; the ocular plastic surgeon) to discuss the next steps......
I'm pretty sure I have the only surgeon that doesn't want to actually operate because once again, she has a plan to save my vision and keep me out of the OR. We are upping my last two steroid infusions back to the full 500mg. I am referred to Radiology Oncology for radiation treatments. She sent me for a CT of my orbits before we left Nashville & I have a return appointment in only 3 weeks.
There are a few caveats though..one being my liver function test results. I had them drawn Thursday as a follow up to labs ran 4 weeks ago that showed elevation. If the LFT is too high, no more steroids. Also, I can't have radiation while "diabetic" so we have to wait for the steroid infusions to end before we can begin. I have more questions than answers as far as the radiation goes so I don't have much to tell y'all except that it is 2 straight weeks of daily treatment. Please pray this can be done locally; this having to be done at Vanderbilt would create a HUGE issue on many fronts.
I asked how things can be so bad when they look so good? Inflammation is what compresses the optic nerve--the inflammation is clearly reduced. He said it is likely compressed in the back. The radiation is supposed to reduce this inflammation. Studies show that steroid treatment along with radiation typically has as good of an outcome as surgery. I am still not a great surgical candidate and I really really really don't want surgery. But, I also really really really want to see well again.
So....I reach for my mustard seed. I'll probably wear it more often than not. I'll fiddle with it and I'll remember.....
