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