More Tests for Ken

We are unsure of the reasoning, but Ken's neurologist ordered another EEG for him. This time, she wanted an extended study which required Ken to stay up for more than 24 hours without a nap, and I was asked to attend to "participate."  

Once again, I say Thank God for good friends!!!  I had fun poking at Ken because Michael had planned to stay the night with Ken and keep him awake all night so I could (attempt) to sleep.  Since I knew we would go out to eat, I made a little note on our menu which Ken found funny but had to respond:

Ken and I spend most of our life and lives not focusing on his cancer.  Every once in a while, we have a reminder that he is, in fact, sick and dying.  This was one of those days.  An EEG is "Electroencephalography" which is the recording of electrical activity along the scalp. EEG measures voltage fluctuations resulting from ionic current flows within the neurons of the brain. Typically, an EEG is a short test, usually lasting 20-40 minutes. There is a longer study which is 2-3 hours and then the extended study which is up to 8 hours.

Again, we do not know what the Neuro is worried about. Ken hasn't had seizures since after his surgery - the last one was in 2002??  He takes his naps every day - well, almost everyday, and he does fine. But again, we are worried because his doctor is worried.  What is it that she thinks she'll find? What is she concerned about??  Is there now something other than brain cancer that we have to worry about?

We arrived at 7 am as requested. Ingrid is the Tech, and she spent the hour getting Ken set up and ready for his test. Not only did the wires and gauze make him look sick, but he was so very tired by this point. Sleep deprived was an understatement! To make matters worse, he was reclined in the chair, the lights were turned down, and then I was told to keep him awake for the entire morning.  Yeah right! He did pretty well for an hour and a half, and then nothing was going to keep him awake.

I will say that my special man is a pervert right down to the core. Because the EEG is completely recorded - scans, video and audio - Ken suggested that we make a sex tape.  Good God! I'm sure his doctor will be so happy to hear that portion of his tape. You have to love that despite being past exhausted, he could still joke around.

Ken spent the day being monitored and poked and tested.  We were able to have lunch together simply because he wasn't allowed to move, so I had to get his food and take it to him.  

My day was spent in the waiting room.  Luckily, there was one chair that had a little table next to it, and I could put all of my stuff on there.  I worked from my phone which was difficult since there was crappy reception in this section of the VA. I was able to stay on top of things during the day, and I spent the rest of the time stitching. Keeping calm was another problem all together. 

I hate feeling powerless, and I hate that he has to go through this. Just like with the kids, I want Ken to be happy and healthy and just enjoy life.  Not having him like that all of the time makes it difficult, and I'm a control freak.  I should be able to fix things or make it better somehow.  Simply, I can't.  It sucks sitting out in a room by myself waiting and waiting wondering if he's OK. The sense of relief when he walked out when he was done was overwhelming.

We crashed when we finally arrived home and SLEPT!! What a great feeling it was!