Posted on 02/12/2005 11:42:12 AM PST by MrConfettiMan
For those who don't know me or aren't familiar with my screen name (I don't post much these days preferring to lurk in the dark), I'm one of the original members of the DC Chapter. I was one of the first people in front of the White House alongside Kristinn, Angelwood and Doctor Raoul giving grief to Bill and Hill. However, I'm not here to talk about that today...
Back in August, 2001, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor and a few days later had surgery. It was subsequently found to be a low grade tumor and since my surgery I've only been monitored with serial MRIs. I'm not going to revisit the past but if you're really interested, you can visit the source URL listed above. (For my previous threads on the subject visit this link: Free Republic Threads.) The site hasn't been updated since late August due to laziness and being too busy chasing a young child around the house. Our next child is due in late May, by the way. ;)
Well, after almost three and a half years of stable MRIs my latest scan showed no "significant change in size or extent" but did exhibit "one site of increasing enhancement". Change is not good. (By the way, since my last MRI three months ago I've not exhibited any clinical changes whatsoever.) My local (Annapolis) doctors told me they did not feel surgery was warranted as they did not feel they'd be able to resect a significant portion of the tumor. They offered me a protocol of stereotactic radiosurgery (Novalis - a one shot, highly focused zap) followed by Temodar but did not see a need for an immediate decision on my part. They did suggest a biospy in the near term to determine if the tumor has mutated to higher grade. They told me I could simply wait three months to get another MRI if I wanted. Overall, a somewhat passive approach.
My local doctors are fully aware of the fact that I've been going to Duke for the past three years. I was scheduled for an appointment at Duke but the weather caused a change in plans resulting in my having to Fed-Ex my films down there. I spoke with Dr. Jennifer Quinn from Duke on Thursday morning who said, "We need to get a biospy anyway so why don't I take these scans over to Allan Friedman and see if he thinks he can get a resection." I asked her to quantify resection. "Resection to Allan means 95% or more." A couple of hours later she called back and told me Allan said he can get it and you're in luck, he's got an opening on Thursday. Overall, a more aggressive approach. Those who know me, know I'm anything but a passive person.
Guess what? I'm having an awake craniotomy at Duke this Thursday. (I'm very psyched about the awake part.) Ideally, they told me to expect to be in the hospital between 3-5 days and including the hospital stay to be in the Durham area 7-10 days since I'm from out-of-town. If the pathology report shows the tumor has remained low-grade, I go back to what I've been doing for the past three and a half years. If not, further treatment decisions will have to be made (ie. radiation and/or chemotherapy).
My family (they're more like a small army) has been mobilizing ever since they heard the news. We don't have anybody local but they are coming from NJ, CT and CA to watch our daughter in MD and be with us in NC. I know I can count on it anyway, but prayers and positive thoughts are greatly appreciated.
I remember when you first posted about this and have often wondered how you were doing. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. May the Lord give wisdom and guidence to your physicians and all who will be caring for you. God bless.
Mega prayers and lighted candles for you and your family, especially for the doctors also, may God's hand guide theirs.
Prayers, prayers and more prayers for a 100% successful outcome.
Best wishes to you! You are fortunate to have such a supportive family. BTW, your attitude about it makes me laugh. I'll bet you ask for the tape if they record the surgery, huh? :o)
I could use some of the courage you have shown. My prayers and best wishes to you and your family. Good luck, God Bless.
Good luck, chief! Will be praying for you!
Good luck buddy.
DEAR PRECIOUS JOE,
Not sure why this is bringing me to tears but it is.
My best guess is just the delicate drama etc. of it all and trying to put myself in your shoes.
IN a rush so . . .
LORD GOD, YOU KNOW MY BROTHER JOE AND ALL HE MEANS TO SO MANY OF US. He has to mean much more to you than to all of us combined.
Lord, you said that by your stripes we WERE HEALED. Please manifest that healing in Joe's cranium ASAP. At least guide the surgeions and effect a total healing solution to the condition. I'd prefer that they discover there's nothing needed even once inside. Or, better, some scan beforehand. But Lord, you do all things well and I ask that you manage them exceedingly well in this situation with our beloved Joe.
ABOVE ALL, MAKE YOURSELF ABUNDANTLY REAL TO HIM IN WAYS THAT JUST KNOCK HIS SOCKS OFF FOR JOY AND WITH INIMACY WITH YOU BEYOND ALL HIS PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE COMBINED. Give him a sense of your purposes for him in this era beyond what he has been aware of, to date.
May all the relationships around him, including the medical ones--be energized, directed, deepened, intensified by Your Holy Spirit, Your Love, Your Peace, Your comfort, Your health and wholeness, in Jesus' Name.
So be it!
LUB,
Awake? Wow, I don't think I could handle that........... ;o)
You probably don't remember me, but you are one of the earliest people that I remember on FR. I will keep you in my prayers; please let us know how you are as soon as possible.
God's Speed MCCM
Jo, Sorry to hear of your setback. But elated to know that you are taking care of it early. May Our Lord hold you in his arms and return you to your family soon. My prayers will continue to be with all of you.
You are in my thoughts and prayers for a full and speedy recovery. I wish you and your family a miraculous journey, filled with peace and joy. Regards, SVITW
Our prayers are with you and your family Mr.C. We pray that all will go well, and you will be returned safely (long, long, long term safely) to your family.
(and BTW, when that has happened, and it will, -- get your behind back here and start posting again, like the good old days. It will be good to see one of the old timers posting regularly again on FR.)
Prayers for a successful operation and a swift recovery.
L
We have spent mostly good days together, except that day at the Capitol listening to the count on the radio. It has always been a pleasure.
Great that you are taking the pro-active approach.
Italians are always fighters, especially you.
With you all the way Joe.
I had been wondering how you were doing. Wishing you luck on this latest procedure. Prayers are being sent to you. I am sure all will turn out fine.
God bless you! You and your family are in my prayers.
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