So I didn’t climb those 94 steps to my studio yesterday. The night before I awakened feeling both nauseous and lightheaded. I stood up to go downstairs to grab a bowl and immediately knew I needed to lie back down.
The cold floor felt good and I stayed there for several minutes. But I wanted that bowl. I made it to the bottom of the stairs and the next thing I knew I was flat on my back. More concerning, I had peed myself. For a moment I also thought I’d vomited but I realized I was actually foaming at the mouth.
A bit disoriented, I changed out of my wet clothes and went back to bed. In the morning I googled peeing while fainting. There were lots of articles per the reverse–fainting while peeing. And that was when I realized this was likely a seizure.
I emailed Dr. Lin and before very long I had a call from one of my nurses–I was to come in. I grabbed my laptop and a book (just in case) as well as my charging cords. Kumo got dropped off at Susan’s and I drove directly into Boston. And yes, this might not have been the best choice–driving myself–but options are limited when you live alone. Also, note to self, I need to get better about asking for assistance.
Anyway, here I still am. A battery of tests, consults with both onco cardiology and neurology, and thus far, no clue as to cause (it is not thought to be related to the trial drugs). What does seem clear is that I might have had a grand mal seizure.
My guess is that I shall go home with some anti-seizure medication as well as the admonition to remain lying down should I feel lightheaded again. Evidently one of the greatest risks of seizures is injury secondary to falling.
So there you have it. Never a dull moment.
life and breath: outliving lung cancer 