Andrea suffered seizures. She would first stutter the "g" sound (like a broken CD player) and then the right part of her mouth would twitch aggressively. A friend was here during the first seizure. An ambulance was called and I was called as well. She suffered at leat 5 seizures (Alicia counted 8, but I'm not sure about that). She was later taken an Emergency Room where she stayed overnight (I stayed with her as well). She was let go in time to go visit Dr. Barnett. We don't know what really caused the seizure, whether there was enough swelling generated after the biopsy or stress (she has been experiencing a lot of it lately) or the tumor itself (the CT scans only confirmed there was no internal bleeding). Regardless, Dr. Barnett prescribed some anti-convulsive medication for the seizures (Phenytoin EX 100 mg: 3 capsules by mouth every night) and Diazepam for the stress. In the short term, we are stopping her from taking any ADHD medication during this time.
If you have any questions, please call me or email. We wont know much more until after her appointment with Dr. Fink.
Mike
After this we wound up calling Charlie (MIkes Brother) and he very patiently answered my questions and told me it was more than likely a focal seizure and would not happen again on the meds. This calmed me down considerably.
just a plug for Charlie Garramone here google Dr Charlie Garramone.
This is where I lie to people
Connie,
It is not that bad, I can live for years with this, as long as I don't stress myself to death. On the flip side, I found out my worst fear: being a prisoner inside my own body unable to communicate but able to understand. Inside looking out. Good God it was frightening. I cannot drive for 6 months. I am SO scared to wind up mentally disabled. To be THAT girl who people ooh and what a shame at but secretly in the back of their minds thank god it was not me.
This is where my Dad jumps in
I really need to see my baby girl! I almost came this weekend but the sisters thought you needed rest and that my presence would be more helpful at your consultation with Dr. Fink Monday November 2. The appointment is at 8:15 but her office says you need to be there at least by 8:00. She has an hour and a half blocked out for you. I have spoken to Michael this morning and invited myself to stay with you. He was most gracious in response. I am planning to come in on Saturday and leave Monday afternoon. Fran is going to see her mother in Indiana who has been sick on Friday. We hope she will be able to come to Dallas on Sunday and leave with me on Monday.
I have contacted Dr. James M. Markert' office at UAB. He is the neurosurgeon who has been recommended for the second opinion. I spoke to Ms. Jean Robinson there who was most helpful. I gave her your demographics including both of your cell numbers. You need to contact her with your insurance information (i.e. company name, policy and group numbers). You can contact her directly at 5 or E-mail at Also you need to contact Dr. David Barnett's office and have them fax your records (i.e. history and physical, operative report, pathology report, both MRI reports - the initial one and the one done when you went in Wednesday with the seizures - also the chest MRI report) to , attn: Jean. He sees patients Monday AM and all day Wednesday. He is out of town until Wednesday of this week. She said that normally you will be seen within a week of receipt of all of this information. Potentially that could be Wednesday the fourth of November. You could fly into Birmingham where we would meet you and go with you to the appointment, of course Michael is welcome but doesn't have to come. Alicia said she had a ticket you could use on Southwestern. I think we are best served by getting all this done ASAP so the optimal treatment can be achieved. So - have at it as Fran would say.
I will E-mail our itinerary to Dallas when confirmed with cc to the sisters but I wanted this to be just to you and Michael. Suggest you print this letter and use it as a check list.
Hope you're feeling better after getting a good rest. Much love, Dad and Fran. These are my doctors
Dr, that referred me to Barnett: Made the best in TX list
http://www.neurologydallas...com/cv_gerhardt.shtml
My Dr that did the biopsy: Head of Neurosurgery
http://www.txneurosurgery.com/..doctors-barnett.html
My 2nd opinion: Director of Oncology
http://main.uab.edu/Sites/..neurosurgery/faculty/41125/
Dr. Karen Fink
http://www.neuro-..oncologyassociates.com/..Physician.aspx?33811
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