Surprises

One of my greatest fears while Nic was out of town for a month was that, when he got home, Eleanor wouldn't "recognize" him. That she would be unsure who he was. I guess, in retrospect, that was pretty silly. Never did I really think the complete opposite would happen. When he walked in the door she walked to him (first surprise!). She was unsure at first, I think because she didn't know if he was just another computer image (from SKYPE) or if he was really home. But then he put her to bed...He gave her a bottle and put her in her crib, just like we always do. She started crying. He picked her up, she stopped. I believe Eleanor was afraid that Nic would leave and not come back. So Nic sat and rocked with her until she fell asleep and assured her that he would be there when she woke up. For the last two days, Eleanor hasn't taken her eyes off Nic. It's precious!

Wait, you are thinking. Nic is at home? Why is Nic home already? Why? I thought he was supposed to get home in February. (Surprise #2). But I have to be honest. It's not under the greatest circumstances that Nic is at home. This past Tuesday, Nic had a seizure in Canada. His oncologist wanted him home and into an appointment. We can't see the oncologist until Tuesday because an MRI too soon after a seizure could give us a "false positive". Nic's doctor is very confident that everything will look "OK" on his MRI. He said Nic's November MRI was "rock solid" and that it wouldn't change that quickly. His oncologist believes, just by listening to what Nic said, it's a combination of working too hard, sleeping too little, drinking too much caffeine and taking his medication a little later than normal.

Thursday we met with his neurologist/epileptolgist. This doctor is more concerned with the "how to prevent this" whereas the oncologist looks at "what caused this". His Neurologist believes it is his medication. His current medication is controlling his seizures, but is not preventing them. So we have added another medication (one he has been one before) in hopes of preventing any future seizures. Nic has what is called "symptomatic epilepsy". As much as Nic doesn't want to admit he is an epileptic, he is and will be. You can't have 3 brain surgeries and not expect any lasting side effects. Epilepsy we can handle. We can learn to work with it and live with it. Anything beyond that....I just can't think about right now.

We'll keep you posted on his appointment from Tuesday. For now, keep your fingers crossed, thoughts positive and prayers a comin'. And NO MORE SURPRISES!