Doctor's Visit

Dear Family and Friends,

The pathologists found no evidence of any malignancy or any tumor cells. They believe that the mass was chorid plexus, a part of the brain that had dropped into the cavity near the brain stem. Beyond that, they have few answers as to why this happened. The sample of material that was taken was very small and Dr. Fenstermaker will prepare it and send it to M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas for another examination. He does not believe a different diagnosis will result, however, we all agree that we have nothing to lose by asking for another analysis.
The bottom line is, the doctors don't know exactly what this was, if it will return, or if it's gone for good. A follow-up M.R.I. in two months will help determine the answers to these questions.

The M.R.I. from Saturday clearly shows where the mass was removed. Some scar tissue may be forming and a there is a reduced amount of swelling around the area. These results seem to be normal for the surgery I underwent.

I am very thankful that I am not dealing with a malignant tumor or a cyst and all the therapies that would be attached to that. There were no malignant cells anywhere in my body. My good news for the day is that I can now get OFF all the pills!

Unknowns are always difficult to deal with but in the business I am in, that is what we deal with daily. We take the facts we have each day, make decisions based on those facts, and adjust as more information becomes available. This will be my approach with my health as well. Although I am getting stronger each day, I still have to remember that I did have major surgery. One effect of brain surgery is that I may tire easily. That varies from person to person but my goal is to continue getting stronger as quickly as possible and have a complete recovery.

I want to thank all of you, my dear family and friends, for the love and support you have given me and my family. I know I couldn't have made it through this difficult time without all of you. Your concern, your prayers, your positive energy and your encouraging words have been instrumental in getting me through this.

With love and thanks,
Dave

copy this link to see a diagram of the choroid plexus and the velum interpositum:
http://chestofbooks.com/health/anatomy/Human-Body-Construction/images/Fig-36-Horizontal-section-of-brain-the-corpus-callosum.jpg

Sunday 7/19

Tonight we are preparing the list of questions we have for our meeting with Dr. Fenstermaker tomorrow. Even though Dave is feeling better, he wants to be back at 100%. He has never had surgery in his life prior to this, so everything is new to him. He thought he'd be back at spinach, squash, oil, and spring mix by now! The medicine, the naps, and recent brain surgery prohibit him from opening Cutter's Edge just yet.

We are expecting to hear the final pathology report along with the doctor's prognosis and recommendations. No matter what tomorrow brings, we are prepared...with patience, love, and strength.

First Field Trip!

This morning we traveled to Roswell Park to have an M.R.I. done. The roads in Buffalo desperately need to be repaved and Dave is convinced that every pot hole found my car as I was driving. The bouncing didn't hurt him, but it surely did annoy him. Dave was a trooper, having to lie flat on his back for an hour. The stitches are beginning to bother him a little but we think they will be removed on Monday when we return for follow-up visit with the surgeon.

... a good night's sleep
... a big breakfast
... a walk in the rain
... two phone calls
... lunch
... nap
... another walk
... get the mail
......... Just another day in paradise!

M.R.I. tomorrow (Honk as you you drive by on your way to Burgerfest in Hamburg!)

It's Thursday and the sun is shining!

The past two days have not given me much to tell, other than to say that there have been no set-backs. The nausea has gone away and Dave is eating real food. He is trying to focus on eating healthy, organic, clean food - no chemicals. I guess we should have been doing that all along! Sounds and smells still seem exaggerated for him but he did have the television on for a few minutes this morning.

A follow-up phone call from the doctor's office reassured us that everything seems to be going as expected. A more thorough visit with the surgeon on Monday will fill in some of the blanks.

We hope you all will be able to call or visit once Dave is feeling more comfortable with conversation.

Wednesday 7/15

While resting on the couch, Dave is reading some greeting cards that you, our amazing friends and family, have been sending our way. He laughs, he cries, and appreciates the sentiments. The message here is that he is reading - with no trouble. He has been taking walks 2 -3 times a day around our house and then rests. He has been enjoying chicken soup, fresh fruit and a chocolate soft-serve ice cream cone...EVERY DAY! Tomorrow he is hoping to eat something different. His cell phone remains off limits, but he has used it a couple of times each day since Monday.

Your prayers and your thoughts have been helping him (and me) this week. We are thankful for each beautiful day and we know we can face whatever tomorrow brings with your help and love.

It's been a week.....

It's hard to believe that only one week ago Dave was still under anesthetic. Today he made huge improvements. He felt strong, alert, and had a hard time stopping himself from thinking. He made two phone calls and had a requested visit from a friend. He ate "real food" for dinner and we enjoyed our last evening with Drew before his return to Boston.

I wish I had more to report, but since recovery is the destination and relaxation is the process, things are moving exactly as prescribed.