Timmy the tumor is being bad :-( again..

Hello Friends

I sent a mass amount of emails soliciting support for this years "Race for Hope" and for those of you that reviewed the "Gunny's Team" page and personal page I mentioned that my last scan indicated the tumor is displaying a small hot spot which is leading me back into surgery.

Kristine and I have been thorough in gathering information and the resounding message from every doctor we've discussed my case with is to proceed with surgery.  Dr. Cooper who conducted my first procedure will be present which provides a great deal of comfort to both Kristine and I.  After discussions with him and Dr. Park who will be the lead surgeon this time indicated he is only going to go after the tissue where the dye leaked from my last MRI.  Surgery on the brain is of concern but given I've been through this in the past I'm confident I will bounce back just as I did the first time.

Now the question many may be asking is when will this procedure occur.  That is dependent upon the results of an MRI I'm having on 1Apr13 which I will get the results on the 3rd and post the findings that evening.  My desire which I've shared with the medical staff is I want to wait until at least the week of May 20-24.  Some are asking why do I want to wait for so long.  There are a couple of key reasons..

1. I must admit I became complacent since my retirement and comfortable with getting the MRI's on a quarterly basis and for 15 months it was just something I was going through without much thought.  After getting the news on Valentines day, it took getting that news for me realize no one ever defeats death.  However, I also realized I'm not doing anything to help keep it at bay with regards to my diet and weight control.  So I updated my yearly recreation center membership and have been getting myself in shape so when surgery is conducted I will be bounce back as quickly as I did in 2010. 
2. The request to wait until May allows Maddie and Jake to finish their spring semesters uninterrupted.  If I have to have surgery in April, Maddie is adamant that she will be here.  Jake is easier since he's only 3 hours away and can take a train but with Maddie at Tx A&M it will require a flight which is not difficult but want to get cheapest rates possible.

So as long as the results of the MRI doesn't indicate significant growth I'll be able to hold off; however, I've also agreed that if it's indicating it's agressive the procedure will occur in April dependent upon the surgeons and any additional testing they may require.

The irony behind all this is for those of you who know me and see me on an regular basis wouldn't know that I have a brain tumor and even when the results were shared in February it's not like I have any visible signs.

As always I keep a very positive attitude and confident this is just another step along the path of what lies ahead.  Please keep Kristine, Maddie, Jake and I in your thoughts and prayers.

Stay tuned to this blog as I will update with what we find out this week.

SF
JD