Is it possible to retain a Class 1 after a brain tumour?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: england
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Teresa,
Thanks for the optimistic and supportive post.
I have to say, each day seems a little more bearable than the previous one. The analogy with a roller coaster ride seems to be very accurate as I must admit I'm apprehensive about next week with my appointment with the radiologist/oncologist due.
That's the first point where we may have a decision about the treatment. I've been having some mild headaches in the mornings and evenings in the vacinity of the lesion and whilst they may be stress related I also feel desperation in seeking treatment.
My wife used the description of a ticking time bomb which I consider most unhelpful when trying to be positive, but none the less rears it's head as an unwanted emotional response when waiting for some treatment. Indeed the treatment may well make me feel awfully ill, but the emotional trauma waiting for the next step is absolute agony.
I am wondering at what point it's worth updating the CAA. I figure it's early days and they will be keen to hear from the medical professionals after treatment, but thus far they haven't said no yet, just a suspension of medical and advice about needing to submit reports to them through my AME. All we have thus far is a diagnosis, and whilst an important piece of information it's of little value until we know how effective the treatment is....
Regards,
VFR
Thanks for the optimistic and supportive post.
I have to say, each day seems a little more bearable than the previous one. The analogy with a roller coaster ride seems to be very accurate as I must admit I'm apprehensive about next week with my appointment with the radiologist/oncologist due.
That's the first point where we may have a decision about the treatment. I've been having some mild headaches in the mornings and evenings in the vacinity of the lesion and whilst they may be stress related I also feel desperation in seeking treatment.
My wife used the description of a ticking time bomb which I consider most unhelpful when trying to be positive, but none the less rears it's head as an unwanted emotional response when waiting for some treatment. Indeed the treatment may well make me feel awfully ill, but the emotional trauma waiting for the next step is absolute agony.
I am wondering at what point it's worth updating the CAA. I figure it's early days and they will be keen to hear from the medical professionals after treatment, but thus far they haven't said no yet, just a suspension of medical and advice about needing to submit reports to them through my AME. All we have thus far is a diagnosis, and whilst an important piece of information it's of little value until we know how effective the treatment is....
Regards,
VFR
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: 10 west
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi VFR,
Every now and again, comes a story worth reading. I stopped in the middle of a busy day to read yours. ....
Apart from the trauma and uncertainty that you have faced, the disappointment of not flying I can sense...though your family and health come first.
I wish you the very best and pray for a positive outcome.
I shall follow your fortunes...
Every now and again, comes a story worth reading. I stopped in the middle of a busy day to read yours. ....
Apart from the trauma and uncertainty that you have faced, the disappointment of not flying I can sense...though your family and health come first.
I wish you the very best and pray for a positive outcome.
I shall follow your fortunes...
Join Date: May 2008
Location: With the Care Bears.......
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
VFR,
I hope next week comes around soon for you and that it proves to be a positive step forwards. I know you said that you're waiting for info regarding chemotherapy as well so I guess that's still pending?
I can't imagine how stressful it must be for all of you at home. I hope that you are managing to take some time to relax as much as possible and spend some quality time together with your girls.
I am a very strong believer that attitude and state of mind play a huge part in illness and I know it it an easy thing to say but try to stay positive.
I suppose you should just update the CAA when there is something to update them with. The more firm information you can give them, the better opinion they would be able to give you in return. Keep your AME in the loop, I'm sure they would appreciate that and it's another avenue of support for you too.
I hope all goes well for you next week.
Best wishes
B
I hope next week comes around soon for you and that it proves to be a positive step forwards. I know you said that you're waiting for info regarding chemotherapy as well so I guess that's still pending?
I can't imagine how stressful it must be for all of you at home. I hope that you are managing to take some time to relax as much as possible and spend some quality time together with your girls.
I am a very strong believer that attitude and state of mind play a huge part in illness and I know it it an easy thing to say but try to stay positive.
I suppose you should just update the CAA when there is something to update them with. The more firm information you can give them, the better opinion they would be able to give you in return. Keep your AME in the loop, I'm sure they would appreciate that and it's another avenue of support for you too.
I hope all goes well for you next week.
Best wishes
B
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: england
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Dean, Beany,
A quick thank you as quite simply I had no idea whether anyone had been down the road I am travelling, nor whether anybody would be interested in following such a journey.
As with many things in pprune land there are a great many who read out of interest and I'm honoured that you feel my ramblings are worth reading. Everyone will face their own challenges in life be they medical, training or just life itself. In a way the mere existence of this thread is a sign of my positivity to achieve my ambitions. 6 weeks ago I was feverishly applying for first officer positions with the hope of attaining my first paid flying job and was 20% of the way through a flight instructors course. The goalposts have moved greatly in a fashion which I suspect few can comprehend.
You are of course right that health and family are the priority, a fact not lost on me when I get the opportunity to read with my daughters or receive hugs from them. The flip side is that ambitions can provide a strong source of motivation in their own right. The fact that the CAA haven't completely ruled out a return to flying gives me one more aspiration. Whilst one must always be mindful of the difficulties in travelling any given path, one must not become fixated on the negatives. Whilst there is hope you must pursue it with vigour, but not in blind panic. Decisions still need to be made with clarity and due consideration.
One of the most significant challenges is not to allow emotions to become dominant. The internet is an amazing resource, but one must always temper that access to information with the care to ensure misleading information is filtered out. Even then that accurate information may still be depressing and demotivating. It is the msot dangerous of loaded guns if approached with uncontained emotion as you run considerable risks of confirmation bias.
It has been a deeply humbling experience to see distress and upset in colleagues eyes. I can talk candidly about my illness now, but at first it was impossible to do so without crying. I can fight drunks, deal with fatal road crashes, distress and huge trauma, but explaining incurable illnesses to people you care about is deeply distressing to the extreme. Or at least it was for me. I'm currently employed as a police officer and it was amazing for a colleague of my wife's (whom I have never met) who is a police officer in a different force to approach her and mention he was thinking of me and offering his support, such has the news spread!
It reminds me on a daily basis just how little we understand of the footprints we leave behind us in our lives and it goes some way to indicating to me the stress and upset that those close to me must be going through. My wife is a truely amazing person and whilst I have a personal battle, I admire her strength and courage because if I were in her position I would be terrified.
I have much to be grateful for with an early diagnosis, minimal symptoms and an excellent medical team, so all things considered I have a positive and optimistic outlook. The end result may be one that I can't ultimately avoid, but I can certainly delay it for some considerable time, years if not decades.
The biggest indecision is whether to get a new motorcycle or a caterham after treatment and once I get my driving licence back. Then we can look at aircraft again
VFR
A quick thank you as quite simply I had no idea whether anyone had been down the road I am travelling, nor whether anybody would be interested in following such a journey.
As with many things in pprune land there are a great many who read out of interest and I'm honoured that you feel my ramblings are worth reading. Everyone will face their own challenges in life be they medical, training or just life itself. In a way the mere existence of this thread is a sign of my positivity to achieve my ambitions. 6 weeks ago I was feverishly applying for first officer positions with the hope of attaining my first paid flying job and was 20% of the way through a flight instructors course. The goalposts have moved greatly in a fashion which I suspect few can comprehend.
You are of course right that health and family are the priority, a fact not lost on me when I get the opportunity to read with my daughters or receive hugs from them. The flip side is that ambitions can provide a strong source of motivation in their own right. The fact that the CAA haven't completely ruled out a return to flying gives me one more aspiration. Whilst one must always be mindful of the difficulties in travelling any given path, one must not become fixated on the negatives. Whilst there is hope you must pursue it with vigour, but not in blind panic. Decisions still need to be made with clarity and due consideration.
One of the most significant challenges is not to allow emotions to become dominant. The internet is an amazing resource, but one must always temper that access to information with the care to ensure misleading information is filtered out. Even then that accurate information may still be depressing and demotivating. It is the msot dangerous of loaded guns if approached with uncontained emotion as you run considerable risks of confirmation bias.
It has been a deeply humbling experience to see distress and upset in colleagues eyes. I can talk candidly about my illness now, but at first it was impossible to do so without crying. I can fight drunks, deal with fatal road crashes, distress and huge trauma, but explaining incurable illnesses to people you care about is deeply distressing to the extreme. Or at least it was for me. I'm currently employed as a police officer and it was amazing for a colleague of my wife's (whom I have never met) who is a police officer in a different force to approach her and mention he was thinking of me and offering his support, such has the news spread!
It reminds me on a daily basis just how little we understand of the footprints we leave behind us in our lives and it goes some way to indicating to me the stress and upset that those close to me must be going through. My wife is a truely amazing person and whilst I have a personal battle, I admire her strength and courage because if I were in her position I would be terrified.
I have much to be grateful for with an early diagnosis, minimal symptoms and an excellent medical team, so all things considered I have a positive and optimistic outlook. The end result may be one that I can't ultimately avoid, but I can certainly delay it for some considerable time, years if not decades.
The biggest indecision is whether to get a new motorcycle or a caterham after treatment and once I get my driving licence back. Then we can look at aircraft again
VFR
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: gold coast QLD australia
Age: 86
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hang in there young fella, you have mates everywhere. From the brotherhood of the sky. We are gunning for you. Like I said we have a Wallaby return to the squad, with the same thing, only he has to stick his head in a scrum. You only have to put a headset on.
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: with smeagel
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I had the Gamma Knife treatment at Thornbury Hospial in Sheffield for a type of benign brain tumour just yesterday (10th Feb). Still in alot of pain due to the frame but the CAA have told me that i will be off work for 2 months then i will be able to return to work with an OML (operational multi crew limitation). It was discovered in October and after they had all the info they returned my medical with an OML.
I had no symptoms whatsoever and was lucky as it was found incidentally following an MRI on my Cervical Spine. I would like to say the CAA were
excellent in my case and very very helpful.
Keep your chin up and give the CAA all the information relating to your case.
I was very surprised to also hear that even with surgical intervention (which is next for me of the Gamma Knife doesn't work) will also have a 2 month grounding period.
It is not a nice thing to experience and if you want to chat in private please feel free to PM me.
Best wishes and stay positive
I had no symptoms whatsoever and was lucky as it was found incidentally following an MRI on my Cervical Spine. I would like to say the CAA were
excellent in my case and very very helpful.
Keep your chin up and give the CAA all the information relating to your case.
I was very surprised to also hear that even with surgical intervention (which is next for me of the Gamma Knife doesn't work) will also have a 2 month grounding period.
It is not a nice thing to experience and if you want to chat in private please feel free to PM me.
Best wishes and stay positive
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: england
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SB,
Excellent news and good luck with the recovery. I'll certainly get in touch if I need a more confidential chat. Likewise it's hgeartening to hear about the CAA being supportive. The only bit which concerns me is I have yet to get my first airline job and thus I am only qualified in single pilot aircraft at the moment. Becomes a bit of a pain if they declare me with a multi crew limitation as I'm not sure how I would renew a single pilot multi instrument rating.
I also have a few concerns about how prospective employers might view me with a grade 2 glioma as part of my medical history.
As an aside it's getting a bit nervy at the moment as I'm off to see the radiologist on Thursday.
It has to be said that just when you think you can't be kicked any lower, my morning walk to get the bus to work has been hampered by an onset of sciatica!!!! Oh well roll on Thursday when we can finally look at how we go abvout treatment. I'm also getting used to a healthier diet, no alcohol and more fruit.........
Self inflicted that bit, but every little bit helps.
Regards,
VFR
Excellent news and good luck with the recovery. I'll certainly get in touch if I need a more confidential chat. Likewise it's hgeartening to hear about the CAA being supportive. The only bit which concerns me is I have yet to get my first airline job and thus I am only qualified in single pilot aircraft at the moment. Becomes a bit of a pain if they declare me with a multi crew limitation as I'm not sure how I would renew a single pilot multi instrument rating.
I also have a few concerns about how prospective employers might view me with a grade 2 glioma as part of my medical history.
As an aside it's getting a bit nervy at the moment as I'm off to see the radiologist on Thursday.
It has to be said that just when you think you can't be kicked any lower, my morning walk to get the bus to work has been hampered by an onset of sciatica!!!! Oh well roll on Thursday when we can finally look at how we go abvout treatment. I'm also getting used to a healthier diet, no alcohol and more fruit.........
Self inflicted that bit, but every little bit helps.
Regards,
VFR
Psychophysiological entity
If the IR is anything like it was, you'll be with the examiner, so that will take care of multi-crew I would have thought.
Sciatica? Take care of the old back, and don't sit upright for hours. That's the time for the highest disc pressures. Keep it warm.
If it gets tedious, post on that as well.
All the best for Thursday. LR
Sciatica? Take care of the old back, and don't sit upright for hours. That's the time for the highest disc pressures. Keep it warm.
If it gets tedious, post on that as well.
All the best for Thursday. LR
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Sydney
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
VFR, you speak much truth in your post above regarding maintaining a positive outlook and rational decision-making, it will stand you in good stead as you follow the treatment path. Fingers crossed for the meeting tomorrow, if you can I would suggest you take someone with you to make notes if necessary as you may have to absorb a fair bit of information in a short space of time. If you're being looked after by a major teaching hospital it may also be worth enquiring about relevant clinical trials too, as there are a few out there (although not necessarily appropriate for your particular diagnosis/staging) and they represent the most up-to-date approaches to treatment.
SB, I'm off to have a stickybeak at the first Australian Gammaknife unit in a couple of weeks - it's a very expensive and impressive piece of equipment with a good track record over many years (and Sheffield was the first one in the UK).
Best wishes
mphysflier
SB, I'm off to have a stickybeak at the first Australian Gammaknife unit in a couple of weeks - it's a very expensive and impressive piece of equipment with a good track record over many years (and Sheffield was the first one in the UK).
Best wishes
mphysflier
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: england
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Folks,
I am really grateful for the advice and more importantly the support. I am researching clinical trial extensively but thus far the bulk of the work appears to relate to the more aggressive relations of my illness.
I am equally optimistic and in trepidation of tomorrow. The biggest pain thus far has been waiting around and hopefully tomorrow will provide a little relief of being the first stage in the long route to treatment.
I have no idea what to expect, and indeed in many ways that will be beneficial as I will have no preconceptions. As my meeting is with a neuro-oncologist I will raise the prospect of clinical trials with them. One hopes they will be a little more aware of medical developments than my aimless flailing on the internet!
Once we have a better picture of what is going on, then I will be better armed to update the CAA. It has to be said I still live in hope that one day I may be able to get into the right hand seat of a passenger carrying aircraft and be paid for the joy of it. My view point on life has been skewed massively from that I had some 6 weeks ago, and not all of that process is negative. Understanding the value of life itself is a reward that few will truely ever realise until it's too late. It's easy to say "life is for living" but how many of us actually understand that and live our lives accordingly?
Kind regards all,
VFR
I am really grateful for the advice and more importantly the support. I am researching clinical trial extensively but thus far the bulk of the work appears to relate to the more aggressive relations of my illness.
I am equally optimistic and in trepidation of tomorrow. The biggest pain thus far has been waiting around and hopefully tomorrow will provide a little relief of being the first stage in the long route to treatment.
I have no idea what to expect, and indeed in many ways that will be beneficial as I will have no preconceptions. As my meeting is with a neuro-oncologist I will raise the prospect of clinical trials with them. One hopes they will be a little more aware of medical developments than my aimless flailing on the internet!
Once we have a better picture of what is going on, then I will be better armed to update the CAA. It has to be said I still live in hope that one day I may be able to get into the right hand seat of a passenger carrying aircraft and be paid for the joy of it. My view point on life has been skewed massively from that I had some 6 weeks ago, and not all of that process is negative. Understanding the value of life itself is a reward that few will truely ever realise until it's too late. It's easy to say "life is for living" but how many of us actually understand that and live our lives accordingly?
Kind regards all,
VFR
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: england
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What a mixed day.......
We saw the neuro-oncology registrar and had a long chat about radiotherapy, side effects and so on. Just about to sign the consent form when the consultant neuro-oncologist comes in and..............a complete U turn!
Having worked myself up for yesterday my head's all over the place. In summary though......
We only have one snap shot MRI of the tumour, very limited symptoms for the location of the tumour and a biopsy confirming the cell structure as a grade 2 astrocytoma. The radiology is a one shot treatment which will stun the growth of the tumour, but quite rightly the consultant points out, "what's the point of stunning something if it's not actually growing?". He has a point and a good one at that, but the thought of doing nothing whilst waiting for the next MRI is really quite scary as a prospect.
As a positive, I'm quite sure he wouldn't risk a life threatening situation through inaction and I can at least take solace from the fact that he obviously thinks it's either static or very slow growing. This is supported in my experience by the lack of further development of the symptoms. they are there, but they don't seem to be getting worse either in frequency or strength.
As part of the watching brief, I'm now booked in for an MRI, EEG, opthalmic assessment and neurological assessment. I assume this is so we can form our baseline from which we can watch for developments.
I don't know whether to be happy or not. Subconciously I desperately want treatment, but I'm aware that not needing treatment yet can only be a good thing. In the mean time work won't let me do anythiong through fear, and the delays in treatment will surely delay my attempts to seek a resolution from the CAA.
Oh well, I have bought a really swish computer for my flight simulator games now and I've got lots of time for my Open University course.
Regards,
VFR
We saw the neuro-oncology registrar and had a long chat about radiotherapy, side effects and so on. Just about to sign the consent form when the consultant neuro-oncologist comes in and..............a complete U turn!
Having worked myself up for yesterday my head's all over the place. In summary though......
We only have one snap shot MRI of the tumour, very limited symptoms for the location of the tumour and a biopsy confirming the cell structure as a grade 2 astrocytoma. The radiology is a one shot treatment which will stun the growth of the tumour, but quite rightly the consultant points out, "what's the point of stunning something if it's not actually growing?". He has a point and a good one at that, but the thought of doing nothing whilst waiting for the next MRI is really quite scary as a prospect.
As a positive, I'm quite sure he wouldn't risk a life threatening situation through inaction and I can at least take solace from the fact that he obviously thinks it's either static or very slow growing. This is supported in my experience by the lack of further development of the symptoms. they are there, but they don't seem to be getting worse either in frequency or strength.
As part of the watching brief, I'm now booked in for an MRI, EEG, opthalmic assessment and neurological assessment. I assume this is so we can form our baseline from which we can watch for developments.
I don't know whether to be happy or not. Subconciously I desperately want treatment, but I'm aware that not needing treatment yet can only be a good thing. In the mean time work won't let me do anythiong through fear, and the delays in treatment will surely delay my attempts to seek a resolution from the CAA.
Oh well, I have bought a really swish computer for my flight simulator games now and I've got lots of time for my Open University course.
Regards,
VFR
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi VFR
I've been actively following your very interesting, elegant and personal thread since the beginning, and have been very much hoping for a positive outcome for you.
I think what you've just heard IS a positive outcome, watching and waiting is a 'treatment' of sorts in various types of cancer diagnosis. As you state, the team treating you would not go down this road if they perceived a threat either to your life, or to your long term prognosis.
Your reaction of wanting active treatment is one that I can understand - and have seen before. In your own mind, you are then hitting the disease straight in the face, as opposed to taking a more inactive/passive stand against it.
Sometimes in situations like yours, an active watch is all that is required, the disease doesn't always progress, but stays static. If this is the case, (and I hope it is), the active watch will actually BE your treatment, not a delay in it.
With view to the CAA, I believe that they accept certain forms of tumour watching as passive treatment, and allow the person to keep / regain their medical, on the condition that they are informed should a further treatment situation arise, on which the medical may be suspended. (I think prostate cancer is a case of issue for watch and wait accepted by the CAA).
So, please don't give up on the CAA with regards to the medical. Don't let the situation grind you down, (easy for me to say, I know).
All the very best of luck
I've been actively following your very interesting, elegant and personal thread since the beginning, and have been very much hoping for a positive outcome for you.
I think what you've just heard IS a positive outcome, watching and waiting is a 'treatment' of sorts in various types of cancer diagnosis. As you state, the team treating you would not go down this road if they perceived a threat either to your life, or to your long term prognosis.
Your reaction of wanting active treatment is one that I can understand - and have seen before. In your own mind, you are then hitting the disease straight in the face, as opposed to taking a more inactive/passive stand against it.
Sometimes in situations like yours, an active watch is all that is required, the disease doesn't always progress, but stays static. If this is the case, (and I hope it is), the active watch will actually BE your treatment, not a delay in it.
With view to the CAA, I believe that they accept certain forms of tumour watching as passive treatment, and allow the person to keep / regain their medical, on the condition that they are informed should a further treatment situation arise, on which the medical may be suspended. (I think prostate cancer is a case of issue for watch and wait accepted by the CAA).
So, please don't give up on the CAA with regards to the medical. Don't let the situation grind you down, (easy for me to say, I know).
All the very best of luck
Join Date: May 2008
Location: With the Care Bears.......
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
VFR,
Thanks for letting us know how you're getting on.
It sounds as though you're awaiting a thorough assessment wrt the investigations you're waiting for. Is the aim to review your treatment plan with the results of these tests?
I hope there's not too much of a wait for you.
B
Thanks for letting us know how you're getting on.
It sounds as though you're awaiting a thorough assessment wrt the investigations you're waiting for. Is the aim to review your treatment plan with the results of these tests?
I hope there's not too much of a wait for you.
B
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: gold coast QLD australia
Age: 86
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Keep posting mate, we are all thinking of you. Down under here, we have just about had anything you could throw at us arrive in the last couple of months, from floods, to cyclones and to finish it off a earthquake of dreadful proportions. As much as Aussies and Kiwis blue over Rugby, we are mates when the chips are down, and that's what it is all about is it not, mates and support. We have lost a lot of people in the last eight weeks, and it makes you realise just how fragile we all are. But none of us are alone, only if you want to be, remember that, and good luck for your recovery.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: england
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks all,
The next few weeks are unlikely to yield many developments as much of it will be taken up with poking and prodding. In the mean time, I am amazed at the human mind's resolve and it's ability to rationalise and deal with difficult situations.
Since my story started a work associate of my wife's has been told her husband has a brain tumour. Whilst my wife doesn't know the exact type or severity, it appears he has been having fits for some time and the medics were treating him for epilepsy. Obviously at some point either an MRI was done as part of the investigations into epilepsy or the medication was not working. Either way the situation has resulted in a later diagnosis than for myself. It's not automatically a poor prognosis as it really does depend on the type, size and location of the tumour. From all of this though I have huge sympathies for the families of those involved but also for the medics who often have to link apparently inoccuous pieces of a jigsaw together in a world where money is an object. I genuinely believe that given the financial means any migraine/epilepsy/visual disturbance patient would be given a routine MRI or CT scan but the decisions are clinically based within a budgeted framework. A challenge I do not envy, particularly given the potential guilt one could saddle ones self with in a late diagnosis.
I have discovered 2 things over the last couple of weeks. In the UK we are truely blessed with the NHS. It's not perfect by any means and poor decisions both clinically and managerial still exist. But don't kid ourselves that those problems disappear completely in the private sector. The care and treatment I have thus far received I could not afford elsewhere and has been provided by professionals for whom I hold the utmost respect.
The second thing is that for the vast majority of us, there is often someone who is worse off. It can be seen in this country without looking to developing nations, and one must be thankful for the good things we have. Money, sexual prowess and promotions are not important other than to massage one's own ego. Friends (true friends that is), family and health are important, undervalued and often taken for granted.
It's important to look forwards because we can't change the past but we can enjoy new challenges.
I'll update soon when I have more news,
VFR
The next few weeks are unlikely to yield many developments as much of it will be taken up with poking and prodding. In the mean time, I am amazed at the human mind's resolve and it's ability to rationalise and deal with difficult situations.
Since my story started a work associate of my wife's has been told her husband has a brain tumour. Whilst my wife doesn't know the exact type or severity, it appears he has been having fits for some time and the medics were treating him for epilepsy. Obviously at some point either an MRI was done as part of the investigations into epilepsy or the medication was not working. Either way the situation has resulted in a later diagnosis than for myself. It's not automatically a poor prognosis as it really does depend on the type, size and location of the tumour. From all of this though I have huge sympathies for the families of those involved but also for the medics who often have to link apparently inoccuous pieces of a jigsaw together in a world where money is an object. I genuinely believe that given the financial means any migraine/epilepsy/visual disturbance patient would be given a routine MRI or CT scan but the decisions are clinically based within a budgeted framework. A challenge I do not envy, particularly given the potential guilt one could saddle ones self with in a late diagnosis.
I have discovered 2 things over the last couple of weeks. In the UK we are truely blessed with the NHS. It's not perfect by any means and poor decisions both clinically and managerial still exist. But don't kid ourselves that those problems disappear completely in the private sector. The care and treatment I have thus far received I could not afford elsewhere and has been provided by professionals for whom I hold the utmost respect.
The second thing is that for the vast majority of us, there is often someone who is worse off. It can be seen in this country without looking to developing nations, and one must be thankful for the good things we have. Money, sexual prowess and promotions are not important other than to massage one's own ego. Friends (true friends that is), family and health are important, undervalued and often taken for granted.
It's important to look forwards because we can't change the past but we can enjoy new challenges.
I'll update soon when I have more news,
VFR
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: england
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Folks,
After some advice before I see the docs on Monday. In essence there is great optimism about the idea that my tumour could be slow growing and sufficiently slow at that, that we hold a watching brief and medicate to reduce the risk of seizures.
Can anyone advize if the have experience of the CAA's acceptance or otherwise of anti seizure medication.
I haven't had a seizure since late November, but I am unnerved about the fact that my relatively optimistic news could be undone simply by the prescription of medication. I suspect they may not be keen because the administration of the medicine implies that my specialists have concerns over seizures ergo there is an underlying risk of immediate incapacitation ergo what happens if I miss a tablet or the medication simply doesn't work.
I wonder if there is a distinction between epilepsy and the suceptibilities to mild seizures due to brain tumours.
Any suggestions welcomed,
VFR
After some advice before I see the docs on Monday. In essence there is great optimism about the idea that my tumour could be slow growing and sufficiently slow at that, that we hold a watching brief and medicate to reduce the risk of seizures.
Can anyone advize if the have experience of the CAA's acceptance or otherwise of anti seizure medication.
I haven't had a seizure since late November, but I am unnerved about the fact that my relatively optimistic news could be undone simply by the prescription of medication. I suspect they may not be keen because the administration of the medicine implies that my specialists have concerns over seizures ergo there is an underlying risk of immediate incapacitation ergo what happens if I miss a tablet or the medication simply doesn't work.
I wonder if there is a distinction between epilepsy and the suceptibilities to mild seizures due to brain tumours.
Any suggestions welcomed,
VFR
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: england
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Folks,
Just a quick update and an associated question with it.
Due to my episode last year I saw the epilepsy doctor yesterday. My EEG has come back with no problems and they have assured me the area where my lesion is is not normally associated with a significantly increased risk of seizures.
They have asked for a further sleep deprived EEG to establish a baseline for my susceptibility to seizures which in all honest makes me quite nervous. It seems a bit like poking a snake with a stick to see if it bites! In essence if that comes back negative we have some compelling evidence that the risk of further seizures is low dependant on the growth of the tumour.
The problem however is that the doctor wants to put me on anticonvulsant medication which I suspect knocks the class 1 into touch regardless of the ailment issues. Are there any friendly AME's out there who can confirm or allay my fear? The medication in question is Lamotrigine. The personal dilema is that as much as I want to fly, the medical stuff is far more important.
Yet again, one wonders why did such an awful disease choose me, and why now? Indeed I am quite sure there are others with equally difficult predicaments, but the timing couldn't have been more cruel. The optimism of life is countered by the dashing of dreams on the rocks in many cases and one wonders why it has to be.
Just a quick update and an associated question with it.
Due to my episode last year I saw the epilepsy doctor yesterday. My EEG has come back with no problems and they have assured me the area where my lesion is is not normally associated with a significantly increased risk of seizures.
They have asked for a further sleep deprived EEG to establish a baseline for my susceptibility to seizures which in all honest makes me quite nervous. It seems a bit like poking a snake with a stick to see if it bites! In essence if that comes back negative we have some compelling evidence that the risk of further seizures is low dependant on the growth of the tumour.
The problem however is that the doctor wants to put me on anticonvulsant medication which I suspect knocks the class 1 into touch regardless of the ailment issues. Are there any friendly AME's out there who can confirm or allay my fear? The medication in question is Lamotrigine. The personal dilema is that as much as I want to fly, the medical stuff is far more important.
Yet again, one wonders why did such an awful disease choose me, and why now? Indeed I am quite sure there are others with equally difficult predicaments, but the timing couldn't have been more cruel. The optimism of life is countered by the dashing of dreams on the rocks in many cases and one wonders why it has to be.