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.
Prayers for you and your family. You have freep mail.
"I was one of the first people in front of the White House"
My Good Man, You were not just "one of the first", you WERE the first. My prayers are with you and the family. And, congrats on the new baby as well.
.
A Prayer of Healing for Mr.ConfettiMan =
"Almighty GOD,
...if it be Your will,
...please heal him with Your LOVE.
If it not be Your will then...
...please heal is Fear."
AMEN
.
prayer bump
It is sooo nice to see you post again. You will have all of us praying for you. Be sure to take notes, we want to hear about that "awake" thingy. :o)
As a fellow brain patient, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I have not had to undergo surgery, and I hope I don't, but it's always out there...and I'm a bit less psyched about it than you. I pray for a full recovery and a benign tumor! Bless you.
You keep fightin' MrC, and we'll keep prayin'!
Many thanks for the ping, BG.
MCM, be aware that Freepers from everywhere are praying to God to keep you healthy and strong. May God guide your surgeon to made clean incisions and clear decisions in this amazing process and may He send his angels to surround you in a circle of heavenly love today and evermore.
We pray in Jesus' mighty name that the tumor in your brain diminish into harmlessness and depart once and for all. Amen
Thanks for the flag, Mr ConfettiMan. Been wondering how you've been. You've come so far fighting this thing and I know you can beat it. Best wishes to you and yours and keep us posted.
Thanks for the update. You and your family are in my prayers.
You are a strong man, Joe. I am praying for you.
Hope all goes well. You get well soon! Prayers are up.
We ask again, Merciful Father, that You would work through the hands of the surgeon as he ministers to Joe ... may the surgery be successful beyond expectation and may the report be that all is well. You know every cell ... You are the Creator ... You know every need ... You are the Provider ... guard all that is beneficial and eliminate all that is harmful. May Joe be so completely blanketed in the Comfort of Your Presence that others will be comforted, too. May his trust in his Creator help others to trust You, too. How profoundly You work in ways we don't know, yet we know Your hand is upon us in Love and Mercy.
Grant journey mercies to those traveling to be with Joe and his wife ... thank You for providing tender care for their beloved daughter ... calm her every fear in the absence of Mom and Dad. May all who are enjoined in Joe's well being come to the place of absolute assurance that in Your hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:10. You are God, and it is to You we come seeking strength and healing. In the Name of Jesus, may it be thus, O Lord, may it be thus. Amen ...
My friend, you are in the prayers of myself and my family...you and your loved ones. God bless you and may He guide the hands of those physicians and give you and your family His Peace..
Prayers up for you and your family MCM!
Hang tough buddy, just like you have been all these years. We are all rooting for your full and complete recovery.
Go for it ConfettiMan! I love a man of action. My instincts tell me all will be well with you. Good luck.
After everything yunz folks id hte DC chapter did, a little medical setback shouldn't pose a big problem! I'll be doing an on air newscast early Thusday morning but I'll keep a watch out for any news for Duke that might get posted.
Again prayers to you and THANK YOU for all your hard work in making FR, and the country, a better place!
prisoner6
Conscious brain surgery would freak me out, to be honest.
Good luck MCM, and let us know how things went as soon as you can.
Be aggressive, b-e aggressive, b-e a-g-g-r-e-s-s-i-v-e AGGRESSIVE!
(That last part needs to be sung by cheerleaders)
GEC
Thanks for all the prayers, my friends.
My family and I appreciate them very much.
More prayers going up, Mr. Confetti Man!
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.