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 add my prayers to those of others. I have had a number of patients in common with Dr. Allan Friedman at Duke, and rest assured, you are in the best of hands. As I mentioned to you several years ago, I have extensive experience with gamma knife radiosurgery and the Novalis system, while different from the gamma knife is quite as capable in focusing the radiation where it needs to be. Hopefully if your tumor has not changed in grade, and the resection is complete, you won't even need any further treatment with radiation. Interestingly, another member of the brain tumor team at Duke is Dr. Henry Friedman who is a medical oncologist that I have worked together with on many occasions, but as far as I know he is not related to Allan. My prayers are with you for a succesful operation.
www.life-hope.com
Joe, best of luck. I'll certainly be praying for you and for your family.
Amelia
Pender United Methodist Church Fairfax, VA will be lifting you in prayers at 11:10 AM tomorrow.
Nowhere did you mention prayer or desire for prayer; and I hope you know this is from a sincere heart;
I know God can do anything: nothing is impossible for God:
He does want you to believe in Him: accept Him into your heart and life: and ask him for strength, courage, and thanks for His everlasting mercy and forgiveness for sins:
Ask Him for healing, and to bless you with seeing your children grow up and seeing their childrens children. I pray for God to touch you and bring you healing and peace.
Agree with me for God's word says "... if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 18:19
This we ask in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to the glory of God. Amen!
Prayers for you, MrConfettiMan!
This thread has been a blessing for you, and some of the replys look very encouraging. So come back and tell us how the "awake" test went and of course, for the big birth announcement.
From one survivor to another, you've been a great inspiration to me, Joe. And you will continue to be, for a long, long time!
sw
MrConfettiMan, you have my prayers...along with the prayers of some mighty fine prayer warriors who I've pinged to this thread.
Thank you HC, for that ping!!!
May God bless you and your family as you take this journey..... Good luck.
Prayers offered for a complete healing.
Prayers for victory in your battle.
You are in my prayers starting NOW. God is with you - you know Him, He knows You - and there is no better Wingman than God.
I lift you up to the One who made You: God, keep this God man safe, and let Him feel Your Arms around him...
In Jesus name I pray it.
Thank you for all you have done. God be with you in this latest journey.
I'm very psyched about the awake part.
Pray tell why, Joe? Is there some benefit doing it this way?
BTW your daughter is positively stunning!
You have my prayers and best wishes, Mr[AnythingButPassive]ConfettiMan!
I read about this in a book.....make sure the Doctor's last name isn't Lecter. :o)
Best of luck, Joe.
You know me and a few thousand of your FRiends are praying and pulling for you.
MCM, Prayers are out for all involved. Especially you. Peace and love, George.
Prayers going up!
May God smile on you during this...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.