'Headspin': I'm sure we have all had a 'Spinning... - CLL Support

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'Headspin'

Vindicatrix profile image
11 Replies

I'm sure we have all had a 'Spinning Head' at some time or other, especially since being diagnosed with CLL.

Many of us soon realise that CLL is soon joined by a host of other Diagnosis and Prognosis, which can overwhelm us at times,, thus the perpetual 'Headspin'.

After five years of W&W, I was told in July that it would soon be time for treatment. A few days after I was told this, I woke up with 'Bell's Palsy', and put on Steroids for ten days, which didn't work. The left side of my face has collapsed, and I have a permanent open eye, and lips almost vertical. I am dribbling for Britain, and have gone from 'Brad Pitt' (I jest) to 'Quasi Modo'😀

After being told originally that it was Bells, then, told it was as a result of the tumour, it is now definitely Bells , (They think) and likely permanent. I am going in for an eye operation next week, where they will insert a small 'Gold' weight into my eyelid, which supposedly will help me to blink, thereby allowing me to ditch the 'Eye Parch' and the eye ointments and gels, thankfully.

An MRI was also obtained, and they found a tumour in my neck, which had materialised from a scan in 2019, to a small growing mass now.

The prognosis was bad, but they could not say how bad, until it was identified by Biopsy. Two Biopsys at my local hospital failed. Due to my age, medical history, and previous 'Radium' treatment, for a previous fifty years benign tumour, I was told that an operation was out of the question

I asked for, and got a second opinion, and was given a third biopsy at a city hospital, where they specialised in challenging biopsies. A partial result indicated some cancerous cells, but they could not identify what exactly what type of cancer it was.

The thinking of the Multi Discipline Team (MDT) was that the tumour may be a residue from the earlier operation on my Parotid gland, and which was a 'Pleomorphic Adenoma' which is usually a Benign. However, if they come back after a long time, a small percentage of them can be Cancerous, thus the concern.

From July till now I had been told that the CLL treatment would be on hold until I had resolved the tumour problem. Two weeks ago, I was told by my MDT that I would be monitored for three months, with another MRI scan then to see the state of growth of this tumour. I was also told that my Haematologist could start treatment, in the interim.

This morning I saw may Haematologist, who had my very recent scan and bloods result, in front of her. In an earlier scan she found that my Kidneys were malfunctioning, and took me of a recent new Blood Pressure Pill called 'Candesartan'.

She said today, that my kidneys were now functioning normally and that Candesartan was probably the cause. I am seeing my GP next week regarding reverting back to my original BP pill Ramipril.

She has told me I will need a Bone Marrow biopsy, and depending on the results of that, she will determine my CLL treatments. She seems to be leaning towards, 'Venetoclax Pill's and an 'Obinutuzumab' drip.

She is keen to have this done in January, in case the tumour issue flares up, as it will be better if the CLL treatment is completed by them.

If anyone has any views or advice regarding this rather lengthy, and complex little 'Post' I would be most grateful.

All the very best to you all, and an early very 'Merry Xmas' and 'Hogmany'. Ron

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Vindicatrix profile image
Vindicatrix
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11 Replies
Thursday45 profile image
Thursday45

Just wishing you well with your treatment. No wonder your head is in a spin but it does sound as if your medical team has everything covered.

Vindicatrix profile image
Vindicatrix in reply to Thursday45

Thanks so much for the 'Well Wishes' where would we be without them, on this wonderful forum.😀

ladyscream profile image
ladyscream

I can sympathise with your headpin, am not surprised.

Wishing you well with' your future health challenges, please keep us updated when you can.

All the best.

Vindicatrix profile image
Vindicatrix in reply to ladyscream

Thanks for the thoughtful words, and have a 'Symptom' free Xmas and Hogmany😃

DoriZett profile image
DoriZett

kudos to you for keeping your sense of humor. I am so sorry you have this complex case and have nothing to offer other than Blessings and wishes for an expedient way out of this maze of health issues.

Vindicatrix profile image
Vindicatrix in reply to DoriZett

Much appreciated, and I hope you have angst free Xmas and New year, too much of that 'Angst' going about at the moment.😀

Ptown profile image
Ptown

Ron, while I cannot add to the discussion concerning medication, I can send you support while you are “spinning”! Goodness, you certainly have been through a lot. I hope that things settle down for you soon. Take care, Carolyn

Vindicatrix profile image
Vindicatrix in reply to Ptown

Thanks so much, very kind of you, and please, have a warm and happy😀 Xmas

PoisonDwarf profile image
PoisonDwarf

It’s no wonder your head is spinning having to deal with all of that😵‍💫 I sincerely hope that you will get some positive answers and a treatment plan very soon. Take care of yourself. Best wishes for the holiday season and a Christmas miracle to boot!

Lynn

Vindicatrix profile image
Vindicatrix in reply to PoisonDwarf

Thanks so much, and you have a great Xmas and Hogmany too.

Ron.

Vindicatrix profile image
Vindicatrix

Thank's Jammin-Me I have a good team round me, and I frequently have peaceful chill outs, which helps a lot. Have a good and problem free Xmas.👍

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