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We're Goin' Back In!
Me, myself and I ^ | February 12, 2005 | self

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.


TOPICS: Free Republic; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: brain; cancer; dcchapter; mrconfettiman; turass
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To: MrConfettiMan
Prayers for a safe and successful operation and a relaxing recovery.

341 posted on 03/11/2005 12:49:34 PM PST by AnnaZ
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To: MrConfettiMan
The Good News: I still plan to be here for a very long time.

That's not Good News; that's GREAT News!

(...prayers for your speedy recovery...)

342 posted on 03/11/2005 12:58:23 PM PST by Gritty ("What could now sustain them but the spirit of God and his grace?-Wm Bradford,Of Plymouth Plantation)
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To: MrConfettiMan; 1 Olgoat; 103198; 10Ring; 11Bush; 1stbn27; 2SterlingConservatives; 2yearlurker; ...
You must have been sending a mental message, MCM. I had checked for update posts before, and just now checked - and there it is! It's good news to hear that they got it all and would have been even better if it hadn't upgraded itself; but you've still got lots of people here praying for your recovery to be steady and complete. And with another little one coming along soon, you have a growing cheering section at home, too.

More prayers coming your way, Joe!

343 posted on 03/11/2005 5:38:32 PM PST by tgslTakoma
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To: tgslTakoma

Definate prayers.


344 posted on 03/11/2005 5:42:44 PM PST by patton (Matthew 6:6)
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To: tgslTakoma; MrConfettiMan

Hi MrConfiettiMan, good to meet you. I've added you to my prayer list.

thanks for the ping tgsl


345 posted on 03/11/2005 5:48:09 PM PST by appalachian_dweller (Psalms 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee)
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To: MrConfettiMan

Great news! Thanks for the update.


346 posted on 03/11/2005 5:52:29 PM PST by Jackknife (No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.-MacArthur)
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To: MrConfettiMan
Glad to hear from you!!!! A friend of ours is going through the same thing you are, so I've been thinking about you alot. Now I find out both of you are doing well!

My prayers will continue but I hope you don't need them.
347 posted on 03/11/2005 5:52:32 PM PST by lizma
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To: MrConfettiMan
Prayers for a speedy recovery and congrats on that new little one. Time flies so fast when you have children. My 2 daughters are in their teens now but it seems like yesterday that we awaited our first bundle of joy. Every time I hear Charlie Daniels song "Little Folks", I get choked up thinking how time has slipped away.
Keep us informed on your surgery.
348 posted on 03/11/2005 6:02:36 PM PST by Mustng959 (In loving memory of those that gave their all to preserve our Freedoms!)
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To: MrConfettiMan
I am really glad to hear that ... now get better quick. We must stop Hillary! ;-)
349 posted on 03/11/2005 6:03:58 PM PST by Gumption
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To: tgslTakoma; MrConfettiMan

We're praying for, Joe. Godspeed.


350 posted on 03/11/2005 6:09:22 PM PST by Right_in_Virginia
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To: MrConfettiMan

I will be praying for you! I just love seeing your name on the boards....FIRE THE LIAR....and all that! What good memories, and so many more to come!


351 posted on 03/11/2005 6:10:10 PM PST by Republic (Will michael shiavo and his concubine and children now preside over the murder of Terri?)
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To: MrConfettiMan

Continued prayers for you


352 posted on 03/11/2005 6:10:51 PM PST by deadhead (God Bless Our Troops and Veterans)
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To: MrConfettiMan
Exhalations of relief, handshakes, hugs and kisses from all your buddies and budettes here in Florida.

Egrets up!

Leni

353 posted on 03/11/2005 6:16:11 PM PST by MinuteGal
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To: MrConfettiMan; trussell
Heavenly Father, we return to thank You that You have seen Joe through to the recovery stage of his surgery. We thank You, Merciful Father, that the tumor has been completely excised. May the rounds of therapy that he undergoes eliminate all traces of this disease ... strengthen him even in the midst of this rigorous therapy. Watch over his wife and his little ones as they share Joe's recovery ... encourage them with his progress and refresh their hearts, for their Faith is in You and in Your healing hand upon their beloved husband and father. In the Name of the Lord Jesus, may it be thus, O God, may it be thus, Amen ...
354 posted on 03/11/2005 6:22:58 PM PST by Pegita ('Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His Word ...)
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To: MrConfettiMan

My prayers are going out.


355 posted on 03/11/2005 6:32:19 PM PST by since1868
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To: MrConfettiMan
It's so wonderful to know of the great success with your surgery! Thanks be to God!

Take care of yourself real well till you get your strength back, know that you will continue to be in our prayers.


356 posted on 03/11/2005 6:33:23 PM PST by basil (Exercise your Second Amendment--buy another gun today!)
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To: MrConfettiMan
You Know that your "FR Confederates" will ALL be Praying for You.

There IS NO OTHER PLACE where you could ask for Support, & get MORE SUPPORT than HERE!

Especially Since You are "One of the Originals,"--I Believe you have MANY FR Supporters!

God Bless You, Sir---& know that there are TENS of THOUSANDS of Us who Wish You Well!

FR has Gotten BIG!!

BUT we STILL remember the "Great Ones" who shaped our Beginnings!!

Get Well!

Doc

357 posted on 03/11/2005 6:36:34 PM PST by Doc On The Bay
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To: MrConfettiMan

I feel simpatico with any Freepers dating back to the last decade. Congrats, m'man.


358 posted on 03/11/2005 6:38:11 PM PST by skeeter ("What's to talk about? It's illegal." S Bono)
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To: MrConfettiMan
We're Goin' Back In!

With that attitude, I've got great hope for you! Prayers and best wishes!

359 posted on 03/11/2005 6:43:07 PM PST by Lonesome in Massachussets (Deadcheck the embeds first.)
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To: MrConfettiMan

I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I'm so glad to hear they got all of it. Your ordeal makes the daily complaints of aches and pains really trivial. God bless you.


360 posted on 03/11/2005 6:45:32 PM PST by SwatTeam
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