Journal entry by Kendall Dougherty —
Hi all, thank you for your prayers leading up to my mom’s MRI yesterday. We’ve been looking forward to these results and I know many of you have been, as well.
Yesterday’s MRI showed that the original seven brain lesions are swollen, which is typical following a CyberKnife radiation treatment. Unfortunately this means that we will need to wait three months for another scan to hopefully show that the swelling has gone down so the doctors can view their progress.
At that next MRI, the doctors will also be monitoring two new brain lesions that they discovered on yesterday’s scans. Right now the new lesions are small enough to not require treatment or cause any symptoms, which we are thankful for.
Finally, the doctors were able to confirm that while my mom’s dizziness and balance issues are a result of the location of the seven original lesions and their swelling, her muscle weakness is unrelated. This means that as she continues tapering off the steroids and doing physical therapy, her muscle strength should return.
Today’s results made me feel a strong mix of disappointment and relief. My mom is exhausted so I haven’t gotten to ask her how she’s feeling, but I imagine she feels similarly. Please be praying for strength and encouragement for our family as we navigate this time between scans. Thank you as always for your prayers and support!
— Kendall
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