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'm local to the Duke area also, and have a few contacts within Duke, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
And by all means be sure you and your family sample some Eastern NC BBQ while they are here. (It is reputed to have curative properties.)
You'd better pray that the Terps don't beat Duke tonight or else everyone at Duke will be looking to get revenge from anyone from Maryland.
Just kidding. God bless, and best of luck.
Prayers and best wishes!
Well, Joe, all one had to do is look at the respondents to this thread to know how long you've been around. I don't remember seeing this many old timers gathered on one thread.
You know we're all pulling for you.
You will be in my prayers.
brother, I know your situation well...
I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in Aug 1998... I was an active duty Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune, so I was fortunate (blessed) to be sent to DUMC... after a stero-tactic biopsy, I underwent a craniotomy to resect an 8 cu. cm. well-differentiated, mixed oligo-astrocytoma... the surgeon (Dr. Gorecki) was especially aggressive due to my age and superb physical condition. post operative MRIs indicated no tumor remaining... I didn't have to go thru radiation of chemo as a result... MRIs have remained stable these past 6 1/2 years...
I remained on active duty until I retired in 2003... I have some physical issues, but I am more active than anyone I know... maybe that's due to the fact that I have a wonderful, loving wife and three young children.
I have seen Dr. Quinn many times, and will again this summer. Henry Friedman was my oncologist, but he and Alan have both been involved with my care... you are in the best of hands Joe... but you probably know that...
you will be in my prayers, rest assured of that... God bless yuh...
All the best to you!
God bless you. Please keep us posted.
MCM, I am sending up my prayers to the Lord that he will continue watching over you. Don't be too nervous about the awake part. He will comfort you.
On the prayer list, Mister. Appreciate the thread ... freepers are prayer warriors! (Now I'll read along to see if Pegita has checked in ... a direct line to Heavens that one has.)
A ping for your calling.
You got one of those NC PING things?
Best of luck! Hope for a speedy recovery!
That said. . .my prayers for you, Joe as you go through this; and for as well - your astoundingly fast recovery ;^)
fervent prayers for you and your family, joe. your attitude is amazing and will no doubt do wonders for you.
Mr.CM.... please know that you, and your family, will be in our prayers. You have your Freeper Framily here for you and we'll walk the entire way with you.
Love & Hugs from Texas.......
*TT*, Beth & Logan
Agreeing in prayer for your healing, Confetti Man.
I do wish you good luck, Joe. Everything will be fine.
Prayers and best wishes for a fully successful surgery, that they will get all the tumor and it turns out to be fully benign.
Keep the faith and positive attitude.
Man, what some people will do to get a few days off from work!!
Joe, I've prayed for a successful surgery and look forward to your report afterwards. The "awake" part is very intriguing.
And congratulations on your growing family!
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