1/23/2003
Subject: Ann Simon - not so good
From: Brian Bulkowski
To: Dr Larson

Hello Dr Larson,

We had an exam yesterday with a neuro-muscular doctor (a Dr Nelson of Berkeley) of Ann's leg, which has been "cold and tingly" for about 3 weeks, and he believes that the problem with the leg is in the brain, based on the pattern of nerves he saw that were effected. Indeed, later that evening, Ann's right pinky started having the same cold and tingly feeling. Dr Nelson contacted Dr Prados immediately, and Dr Prados put Ann on 4mg , twice a day of decadron. This morning we've already seen a positive subjective effect - Ann is walking without a cane (but still with difficulty).

Currently we're scheduled for a scan tuesday at 1pm - our previous one was late November. I don't know if Dr Prados will try to move that up a few days.

We're very scared. I fear the time you gave us is running out. Ann's mental function is still GREAT, which I'm very thankful.

Any insights you have would be welcome. Dr Prados has the details. I'll keep you posted directly, as well.

I continue to wonder if radiosurgery might not be a good idea, just in the primary tumor body, but I know there's no data to say whether that would help. Assuming it's accurate enough to do little damage.

Phone: 415 609 6926.

-brian