Stable MRI

[redsun]

Sorry in advance for the length of this pose ---In June I had a MRI done due to cognitive issues that arose during chemotherapy for recurrent cancer.  I had severe memory issues, couldn't think of the right words and a couple of times found myself not knowing where I was - even though I was in familiar places/roads - for very brief times.  Drs. were looking for cancer - fortunately for me no cancer was found.  Instead 12 spots where found on the MRI that were consistent with MS.  Decided to wait a few months (since I had just completed chemo) and rescan.  The Drs did not believe that the spots were caused by the chemo.

Had second MRI in September.  Good news is that while the spots were still there that they had not changed and there were no new spots. The MRI stated that the spots were "consistent with previous MS diagnosis" (I don't think that I was ever formally diagnosed - probably a radiology error) I still suffer from cognitive issues-memory and word loss. But no more incidents of "losing" myself.  I was, and still am, very fatigued. Other than the fatigue have no physical problems/weakness.

Dr. decided not to diagnosis with MS at this time (also good news) but that we would do another MRI in 6 months.  While I am very happy that I do not need to start any medication or treatment at this time I am still a little concerned.  What if this is really MS - does waiting 6 months hurt anything?  To add a twist - my mother suffers from primary progressive MS.  She can't walk, has trouble swallowing and is cognitively like a child - very sad - and something I would like to avoid IF I have MS.

Any thoughts....

[grannyhotwheels]

Please see a specialist.  With that many lesions and your mothers diagnosis I would be terrified not to.

It is unfair to have MS and Cancer.  I will certainly be praying for you.   You sound like a very strong person.  The Lord promises that he wont put more on us than we can handle but I know this must be the limit.  Please give it to him and let Jesus carry your load.

I will be praying for you and add you to my Church prayer list with all my other friends here.

Carol  (OK)

[Siddy1]

Firstly, welcome,  and I am really sorry to hear about your recurring cancer and your  mum and her PPMS.

It is a fact that if a doctor suspects MS he does ask you if any member of your family has been diagnosed with it.  I don't know if the question would make it easier for him in his diagnosis but he has a reason for asking.  A slight predisposition to MS is probably why.

If one parent has MS, the risk is quite small for an offspring to eventually develop the disease and is approximately 3-5% depending on parent and offspring gender.


You might want to look at the following website:

http://www.msif.org/en/publications/ms_in_focus/issue_8_genetics_and_hereditary_aspects_of_ms/genes_ms_and_fam.html


Marcie

[redsun]

Thank you for your comments.  In the back of my mind was the idea that a second opinion may be needed.  I am just so tired of dealing with the medical world - something I am sure you can relate to. It is also hard for me to imagine that I could have the same disease that stole from my mother her freedom, dignity and self.  In addition, I feel that it is a little unfair that I could have MS along with Stage IV cancer. (Sorry for the whine!) But I DO intend to be around for a while so it would be worthwhile to check it out with a specialist and take whatever action is needed.
Again, thanks!

[Roxie0818]

Just wanted to say WELCOME.... sorry to hear you are going thru this and see your Mom going thru what she is... It's never easy....  I agree with T-lynn re: MS specialist...
in case you havent figured out on by reading other posts... there's a wieenne roast to roast all neurologist who deserves it>.  .. just keep that in mind :)  
take care
Roxanne

[T-lynn]

Welcome,

With the family history have you considered seeing an MS specialist.
I can understand not wanting more meds or a DX of MS after battling cancer twice,but the sooner the Dx and with the modifying meds today it can slow the progression.With 12 lesions ---white spots it should raise a red flag and needs further investigating.

Sorry to hear of your mothers ppms,keep in mind this disease effects every one differentley.
Seeing a specialist can releive your mind