Probably a Migraine

From James:

As I saw it, there were two-worst case possible causes of So Young’s extreme headache on Thursday that resulted in a trip to the ER: intracranial pressure (ICP) or bleeding in the brain. Today’s MRI and the subsequent consultation confirmed that it was neither. Dr. Redmond, our radiation oncologist at Johns Hopkins, said that So Young’s tumor looks “terrific” (as tumors go) and essentially unchanged since our last visit six weeks ago. This is a relief, because a year ago, So Young had two similar headaches, and at that time our neurosurgeon was considering installing a shunt to relieve the pressure in her brain. Dr. Redmond suggested that we talk to our family practice doctor about the possibility that it is a migraine and approaches for preventing a recurrence.

My main concern is to have a plan for differentiating between harmless and harmful headaches in So Young in the future. Dr. Redmond said that she immediately became concerned about bleeding in the brain when she heard about So Young’s headache and nausea on Thursday. She said that a trip to the ER was the right thing to do. However, she agreed that the trip doesn’t need to be repeated every time such a headache occurs. I simply need to be able to tell the difference between it and something more serious.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers and support over the past few days. Mom and Dad really stepped in today. Mom cared for the girls after school and fed us all a feast for dinner. Dad took over when she had to go to her Bible study, while So Young and I were still driving home, doing the Tour of DC Traffic from Baltimore to Woodbridge.

Mom and Dad, we’re so grateful for you. We aspire daily to be the kind of great parents you are, and we hope to be the same kind of grandparents as well someday.