Post-Biopsy
This post was originally published on Corrina’s Caringbridge site:
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/corrina
We did not get the news we wanted to hear this morning.
Unfortunately, the initial results from the biopsy reveal a tumor within the glioma family, possibly glioblastoma, the most aggressive form.
Corrina recovering following the biopsy which revealed our worst fears.
The full tumor is inoperable because it crosses lobes. Portions of it may be able to be removed, but that could delay the progress in reducing it overall. That decision will be made over the next week. Corrina will immediately receive a high dose of steroids to attempt to shrink it to a point which alleviates her immediate discomfort and then will most probably begin a medicinal treatment (chemotherapy) in the next 10 days.
Corrina had a very hard day post-op. She was nauseous and threw up several times from the anesthesia. It took the team all day to get the nausea under control after trying multiple medications to no avail. Corrina is acutely sensitive to going without food for an extended period of time and it took some time for the hospital to approve our giving her a protein powder blend just to provide her some sustenance.
And now, as Corrina finally rests peacefully (12 hours after going in for surgery), the strength in her right leg is waining significantly. This is a result of the vascular nature of the tumor and it's grip on her. The biopsy irritated it - made it bleed and increased it's swelling. It is like a demon clutching onto her, freaking out if anybody gets too close to its unwelcome nest.
Ok, gloves off...
I am trying to relay information to you, Corrina's supporters, with neutral objectivity, but that's just impossible. I am so fucking mad.
We've had two major shocks over the last week - the first came during the initial diagnosis and now another blow with the results of the biopsy. This shock is so physical - you get light headed when listening to the doctor's words as your sense of reality slips away abruptly. You then feel discomfort in your gut as you try to grasp what is being said. Next come the tears as you try to verbalize back what you've just heard and then, for me at least, comes the anger.
I want to run. I want to kick. I want to hurl my body against walls. All of this rage comes from a simple question - why?
Why is this happening to Corrina? I have no doubt that every visitor to this site has asked themselves the same question. She is the healthiest, kindest, most balanced woman I know. Corrina's lifestyle is exactly as how you imagine a yogi would choose to design their life - filled with love, laughter, caring, creating delicious plant-based food from scratch, sleep, exercise, meditation, fresh air, minimal caffeine, no smoking, and an intolerance for excessive stress. I look at people on the street differently now. I'm mad that they're walking freely - I don't understand why so many others who are so less intact and complete as Corrina get to go about their every day lives. I know that's wrong, but still...WHY?
There is no answer. Even the pros don't know. IT JUST FUCKING SUCKS.
