Saturday, July 6, 2013

Heady Stuff

"You should get your head examined!"

That's what Dr. van Loveren tells me about every six months. It might be because I drive him crazy with questions about my puny brain ... or it might be because he's really interested in the results. My last MRI was not the picture I expected.

The schwannoma (I Was Born Very Young: Cyber Memories / Oct 28, 2011) that I wrote about in 2010 ... had grown back.

It is still benign and still in the same place it was when it was zapped with the cyberknife. I was prepared for this because I knew this would happen some day ... but from what Harry had told me, it would be at least 20 years or so.

"So what should I do?"

Harry studied the films. "Well, you could wait a few more years. It's still growing slowly."

"20?"

"No ... more like 4-5." He looked at me and leaned across his desk. "I'd say the sooner we get this out the better."

That was a few months ago. When I picked my chin off the ground, scheduled the surgery and reviewed my options ... I felt much better. This tumor that I have is not malignant. It's not going to kill me ... it sits on the brain amid a facial nerve or two and is not the easiest thing to remove (from what I gathered) but Harry is one of the best.

I know he's one of the best because I went for a second opinion. Deb and I travelled to Johns Hopkins to speak to the Chief of Neurosurgery ... waited for about 5 hours. He studied my films,

"So ... you're Harry van Loveren patient in Tampa."

I nodded my head.

"He told me all about you."

"He did?"

"Yep ... saw him a few weeks ago."

"You know him?"

"Sure do ... he trained me in Cincinnati. Best there is. If I had to get this done, I'd go to Harry." He smiled.

That's all I needed to know. I told Harry about my trip and he said the same thing. "Told you I was pretty good." I'm scheduled for July 15 ... feeling very confident.

You know, there are some benefits to awaiting brain surgery. Sympathy ... for one thing. I've won a lot of arguments and can easily get my way lately ... all I have to do is say:

"Excuse me ... I'm gonna have brain surgery!" (It shortened our wait at the movie theater.)

5 comments:

A Daft Scots Lass said...

All the best for your brain surgery....

joel said...

Thanks Gillian ... Who knows? They might find something that works up there!

joel said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
KEN BANKS said...

Joel: gives new meaning to the saying: "Well, this isn't brain surgery." Just make sure they don't mess up that creative lobe. Will be praying for a complete success.
Ken

joel said...

Thanks Kenny. Ill be doing some creative loafing for a month or so.

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