Neuro-Oncologist

Today I visited the Neuro-Oncologist at the Hospital (a planned visit). I explained that I was feeling very tired and somewhat numb. Before the ‘incident’ I was normally very energetic, often working 16 hours a day and still able to motivate my colleagues and staff. The last few weeks I feel that I’m at 60-70% of my old energy level.  I also told her that my sense of balance has become less. Only a few days ago did I fall from my bicycle while returning from shopping.

She told me that a lack of energy is not uncommon as it is one of the side effects of stress is fatigue. Her answer prompted me to check the Internet for more information about this anticonvulsant. And indeed, Keppra can have a tiring effect on people using it as well as sudden loss of balance.

The ‘incident’ caused a 10% reduction in the function of my right leg which in turn has resulted in a loss of balance. How much is related to the ‘incident’, how much to the side effects of Keppra. My wife and I have the feeling that the loss of balance has become worse indicating that the side effect of the Keppra could be larger than anticipated.

Energy

Today I woke up pretty late (10:30am) and haven’t left the house. I’m concerned about my lack of energy and the resulting couch potato behaviour. It is like I’m recovering from a cold or a flue. Why is this? Is it because of the tumor, a side effect of the medication or is there something else wrong with me? The combination of symptoms and the lack of experience with situations like these is really frustrating me. What is related to the tumor and rheumatism, what is psychosomatic and what is there that is not but should be taken seriously.

Photoshoot

This month my parents will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. My ‘issue’ has caused some problems because nobody knew if I would be fit and available. As it seems that this will be the case did my sister and I together with our partners decide to have our picture taken by a professional photographer and present our parents with the result.

We all live in the area of Amsterdam but we had selected a photographer in Zutphen. A very pleasant man full of energy and ideas so that we’re looking forward to the result. I was a wonderful experience, very emotional at times, and the photos to look great. By the time we were back at home though did I have a horrible headache so that after shopping for dinner and dinner itself I went to bed early with a pain killer.