The glioblastoma wife-3

Last evening I noticed that Bruce’s right pupil was larger than the left.

With a history of A-Fib and two recent brain surgeries, I went on high alert.

With a recent history of chemo, radiation, dexamethasone, Keppra, Mepron, and his regular heart medicine, who knows what is causing what. Just when I have the routine down, the medicine or dose changes.

For the next two hours, my hands shook and my heart rate rose, a lot.

I called both the neurosurgeon (NS) and the neuro oncologist (NO). After the requisite two hours of phone tag, we were told that as long as Bruce had no other symptoms, this was probably not a concern.

I asked both offices, “Do you typically see enlarged pupils with radiation?” Both said no. While necessary to treat cancer of the brain, a host of side effects can arise, long after the treatment stops. It is different for each person.

Bruce did not have a headache, and there is no history of seizures. There was no blurred vision or pain.  He had no other symptoms, and I was told that if there was a new assault or trauma to the brain, there would be a sign.

Conclusion: This was likely radiation induced edema resulting in pressure on the optic nerve. (Isn’t this what I asked?! Never mind; I’ll take it.)

WHEEEEEEEW!!!!!

Late last night, both pupils were the same. I made him promise to wake me during the night if he felt any unusual symptoms.

I took Trazodone before bed.

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Early today (at 4:30 a.m.), Bruce got up to head to the pool; both eyes were the same.

When he returned from the pool, they were still the same.

YES, you read that correctly: Bruce went for a swim!

I’d be a rich woman if I had a dollar for every time Bruce asked the nurses or doctors–he probably asked everyone who walked by his room in the hospital–when he could get back to the pool.

Each time I checked his eyes today–he’ll tell you I was “gazing”–the pupils were normal.

He’s been swimming several days a week for the past 35 years; being out of the pool during these past four months has been difficult for him. Today was his first day back.

He has been running errands all day, working, and he seems full of energy.

The pool was a good thing, and reconnecting with the early bird, pool gang.

Today was the first day since September that Bruce was up and able and working most of the day. It’s 3:47, and he just came in. To nap.

I’ll take it.

Blessings, and thank you for reading. ❤