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Then I had Brain Surgery

 "He . . . binds up their wounds." (Ps147:3) This is me coming home from the following adventure... Remember when I told you I was going to be able to delay the need to have brain surgery? Just kidding!  On Monday March 7th, I had a seizure at home which resulted in a fall.  That night, Kendra and I decided that it wasn't a good idea for her to have to manage this situation at home, wondering if I might have another seizure and / or fall, So she took me to the ER at UCLA, where I got a fresh MRI of my brain.   The MRI showed that two tumors which had received radiation a few weeks prior had grown in size (#notallowed).  This growth led the brain experts (is it just me or do others agree that “Brain Expert” would be a cool thing to have on a business card?) to conclude that the seizure had probably been caused by these enlarged tumors (also #notallowed).  Prior plans to put off surgery?  Cancelled.  These free loaders have been given enough ...
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Just some dates

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart." (Prov 3:5)

Dear Family and Friends,

I have two dates coming up for you to keep in mind.

Thursday 5/31 I need to go in for a biopsy because the drug company needs a larger tissue sample than we have on hand.  They're going to take out a lymph node in my armpit that looks enlarged on the PET scan.  I'm told it will be local anesthesia and that the surgery will be guided by ultrasound.  This lymph node is either deep in there or it doesn't feel enlarged to the touch.  I know this because a lot of people have been touching my armpits lately and saying things like, "They feel great," or "...fine," or "...okay."  Veins and armpits.  That's mostly what I get complimented on.  Fun fact: when Betty, now 14, was a toddler, she called them "armpeeps," so that's usually what we call them around here.  If I see that phlebotomist again and she tries to touch my armpits, I'm going to say, "If you don't mind, I prefer that you refer to them as my armpeeps," and see if I can get her to crack a smile.  I'll keep you posted on that.

Tuesday 6/5 is the 22nd anniversary of my commissioning as a Marine officer.  We're going to celebrate with my first 7-hour treatment infusion.  I'm thinking of bringing a bluetooth speaker and playing Sousa marches the entire time we're in the infusion center, just to motivate everyone in their work.  Good call?

This Memorial Day weekend, I am remembering my brother Marines Kevin Nave, Ray Mendoza, Tom Budrejko, Jason Meiners, and Rick Gannon.  They are American heroes who died in the service of our country and with whom I had the honor to serve.  You can look them up and read their stories online.  Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may the Perpetual Light shine upon them.

With fortitude and prayers for you,

Jim

Comments

  1. Ashley CastoMay 25, 2018 at 9:24 PM

    Hi Jim! I'm a big fan of Kendra's (aren't we all?) - and we actually met briefly when you were in Yellowstone last summer. Your amazing campsite hospitality in West Yellowstone is still remembered fondly in our family. Anyway, I just wanted to say your attitude is truly inspiring, you are in our prayers, and I'm looking forward to updates on your standup routine with the phlebotomist. Also - (as if you have nothing else going on right now) we had discussed your connections with Thomas Aquinas College. Our small independent classical Catholic school (similar to how St Monica's started but still in its early years) is still looking for an additional teacher for next year. If anybody comes to mind that would love an adventure in Montana teaching at Divine Mercy Academy, send them my way!

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    1. FortitudineMay 25, 2018 at 9:47 PM

      Thanks, Ashley. We remember that evening well, and it was just great to have you come to visit with us. Can you email me at jtierney@alumni.stanford.edu so that I can make an introduction to you with the person you need to talk to at the college?

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  2. Katie HeathMay 26, 2018 at 7:35 PM

    I think Sousa March music is an excellent call! So glad you will all head to Ireland; what a wonderful family adventure. Hope to see a “line up” pic of the Tierney family in Ireland...those are the best!

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  3. UnknownMay 27, 2018 at 7:27 PM

    Our entire family (9 kids, same ages as yours) is praying for your quick and full recovery. I am so very sorry that you are facing this illness again. I am so impressed and inspired by your faith in God. May He bless and keep you.

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  4. Jamie MillerMay 28, 2018 at 3:50 PM

    Lifting you and your family in prayer. Let us know when you get the phlebotomist to crack a smile....only a matter of time!

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  5. UnknownJune 2, 2018 at 8:24 AM

    Hey Jim,
    Eric Warme here - it's been a while so I'm sad that it takes news like this to reach out to you. I'll be following your updates and I might start using "armpeeps" in my everyday life too. :)
    Fortitudine,
    Eric

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    Replies
    1. FortitudineJune 4, 2018 at 9:33 PM

      Thanks, Eric. Nice to hear from you and to have you in our corner!

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