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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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Mr. Stable/No Change - That's Me

"Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." (Ps 124:8)

Dear Family and Friends,

Just a quick update on my status.  Summary of the past week, cancer-wise: Berry-yum smoothie, CT scan, stable/no-change results, easy treatment.  I've tolerated the iodine contrast pretty well the last two CT scans and believe this week I shuddered like Mr. Burns fewer times while...enjoying...my smoothie than any other time I've...gotten to have them. 
Makes me feel like less of a baby.  I'll gearing up for first-ever shudder-free smoothie experience this Lent.  Should be delightfully penitential. 

For a little more detail on the scan results, the tumors they are measuring shrank slightly.  There was one which was not previously being measured that appeared to increase in size from 3mm to 5mm.  There are a lot of potential causes (imaging technique, the fact that I had a respiratory infection at the time, the super blood wolf moon, etc.) that don't necessarily mean that I've got a tumor that's growing while others are shrinking.  But I guess they kind of take an average and say, "It's basically like there's no change, which is good news."  They'll check it all out again in two months and see how it looks. 

Other than that, all is well, I still feel great, I do not really worry about my health one bit.  In fact, I tend to forget about the whole cancer thing for days at a time.  Thanks be to God.

With fortitude and prayers for you,

Jim

Comments

  1. Anne January 21, 2019 at 4:07 PM

    Great news and magnificent photoshopping!

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    Replies
    1. FortitudineJanuary 28, 2019 at 10:49 PM

      Basically I just dreamed that I could do it - the photoshopping, that is. If Disney movies have taught me anything, it's that I can do anything I dream of, if I just believe in myself. Mission accomplished!

      Delete
  2. carolFebruary 27, 2019 at 7:44 AM

    every time I see you at daily Mass it reminds me to kick up my prayers for you.
    We also pray for at rosary group quite a bit.

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    Replies
    1. FortitudineMarch 3, 2019 at 10:35 PM

      Thanks, Carol! It's great to have you in my corner!

      Delete
  3. Marilyn HellerMarch 24, 2019 at 5:59 AM

    My dad is being treated for metastatic lung cancer. He's a strong man, but there have been a few emotional moments when he feels like he can't care for my mom who is also ill. They've been married for 63 years and are an example of fidelity to their children and grandchildren. One of the grandchildren is in the seminary, which, of course, is a blessing for all of us. I'll ask him and my dad to pray for you. He's also a "go to Joseph" man and I'll be sure to show him the picture of your socks! God bless you and your family. You are in my prayers

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    Replies
    1. FortitudineMarch 24, 2019 at 8:42 PM

      Ite ad Ioseph! Thank you for your prayers and be assured of ours, too!

      Delete

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