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.
May God Bless and keep you in his loving arms. Prayers for you Joe and your family. Will be watching for a good news ping!
Sorry AG if you already been pinged.
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
I'll keep you in my prayers....good luck!
God bless MrConfettiMan. My fervent prayers are with you.
My prayers are with you, sir.
As a "veteran" of many surgeries, I don't know about that "awake" part.......you're more of an adventurer than I am!
Go with God......
Good luck to you and may you have a speedy and uneventful surgery & recovery.
Good luck Joe and God Bless.
You've always been proactive in your treatment, Joe, and this is no exception. Prayers sent for you and your family, and your doctors, as you meet this new challenge.
Good luck to you. I'll say a prayer for your recovery.
Prayers for you and your family. In His hands is the very best place to be.God bless.
Prayers on the way!
Joe, at least you have a brain. My wife and kids repeatedly accuse me of not having one at all! :-)
Best of luck to a true champion of freedom.
Sham
I think they need to mount a little window on a hinge for you.
May God bless you and your surgeons.
Prayers to you, MCM.
Merciful Father,
We place before you the one known to us as MrConfettiMan. Please surround him and the team of medical professionals working on his case. Enfold his family and his friends holding vigil for him with abundant strength and faith. We call upon your mercy to grant MCM perfect healing and the ability to continue serving you and this nation in his physical body.
Father, we ask that you will send into his brain tissues a thoughtform of healing endowed with your healing, protection, and purifying energies. Let each cell experience a rejuvenation. Let the surgical instruments of the doctor be as a sword of truth in the cleaving asunder of that which is truly endowed by your hand and creation and that which is false and not truly according to your Will. Let all tissues which are out of control and/or harmful be excised with all healthy tissues left intact.
Guide the hands of this doctor and his team. Let the surgery, and the medicines, and any other treatments be 100% effective. Protect our friend from any and all possible harmful side effects from any of his treatments.
Father, we are grateful for MrConfettiMan in our midst, and we do sincerely hope that according to your Will and Divine Plan for him, he will have many more fruitful years among us. We invoke your Will and we know that your Will, mercy, infinite justice, and your willingness to hear our petitions in his behalf can bring about miracles.
Amen
God Bless you, MCM. My prayers and wishes for the very best for you...And congratulations on the new arrival due in May.
Good luck! Prayers for you, your family, and medical team for a successful operation!
Texas, Presbyterian Prayers (the old fashion ones) going up from here.
Prayers going up tonight, Joe.
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