The swelling in my brain due to the blockage of spinal fluid is not due to any one tumor mass in my brain. The neurology people think that the lymphoma is keeping the fluid from flowing regularly. They have decided that the best thing to do is to have a drain and valve (shunt) put into my brain to drain the fluid into my gut when the pressure rises.
I was hoping that the radiation would alleviate the problems associated with the swelling, but it is looking like surgery is most practical option for relieving the swelling problems that are life threatening.
So, tomorrow, surgery. Hopefully I will be able to go home on tuesday or wednesday. I can hopefully continue the radiation regimen in Reed City. The question remains as to weather there is lymphoma in the spinal fluid. I am conerned that there is a risk of it spreading into my stomach once the shunt is installed.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Brian,
It's been 30429810293812 years (it seems like at least) since you and I saw each other last at the MSTC, I apologize for not catching up with you any sooner than this. If it makes you feel any better...I'm even bad at keeping in touch with my own parents and siblings. :)
I'm sorry to hear about everything that you've been put through in the past years, I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through. As much as you probably don't hear the word "lucky" lately, I think you are very lucky for the support system that you have with your family and friends. I'm sure your feisty mother is taking good care of you...granted that she hasn't changed much since our days in school together.
Reading your past posts...I'm really glad that you are sharing your experiences with everybody. It's amazing to see that, even through everything you've had to endure, you have such a positive tone in your posts. You were always a very happy-go-lucky guy and I'm glad to see that hasn't changed.
I've also checked out your wedding photos and I have to say that you've caught yourself a HOTTIE for a wife!! :) Congrats on the marriage, it looks like you had an amazing wedding. I'm actually getting married in June of next year and am still finding it hard to believe that people my age are old enough to get married. We've been out of school for 5 years now but I still feel too young to be doing some of the things I am...sometimes I have to take a step back and remind myself that I'm 23 years old. :)
If you ever want to catch up, my email is kboltze@gmail.com
Love,
Katy Boltze
Hey Buddy. Dannie Sue sent me the link to your blog a few weeks back. I've been keeping up with your posts. Congratulations on getting married! Virtual high-five. Friends getting married and having kids... still hard to fathom.
I hear you're trying to get face time with Barack. I'll do what I can. Colin Weber and I live together near Eastown in Grand Rapids, and I volunteer at the Grand Rapids Obama HQ, just a walk away. I don't know where to start.. but I'll start. Because, in regards to your heartfelt statements regarding this upcoming election, I say Hear Hear. Let's get him to you, to hear what you've got to say. I think he's one politician who won't stop listening.
Godspeed, old friend.
Joe Zook
josefzook@gmail.com
PS: Katy still has to beat me to everything!
Post a Comment