David woke me up at 3:00 am Saturday (2-20) morning with a grand mal seizure. I called 911, they arrived very quickly, and we were on our way to the hospital. After a CT scan and an MRI the neurosurgeon, Dr. Lupu, saw a tumor with a small cyst and quite a bit of mass around it. He determined that what they thought had been a stroke in 2000, that caused David to have 3 seizures then, was actually the beginning of this tumor growth. The mass around it was swelling that put pressure on the brain that caused the seizure. They put him on anti-inflammatory in the form of Prednisone and anti-seizure med Dilantin. He said there was no need for him to have to wait in the hospital so we were home that afternoon.
The neurologist said because of the slow growth (10 years) that he was pretty certain it is benign but a biopsy is needed to determine that and what course of action to take. It is on the frontal lobe and on the surface of the brain so he doesn't think it is invasive. We had a post hospital follow-up appointment on Thursday (2-25) with the neurosurgeon. They needed to take blood and make sure he is on the correct dose of meds, check mobility, etc. They called this morning and the meds are correct if not on the low side. He finishes the Prednisone today. He will see the neuro-oncologist up at OHSU next Thursday (3-4) at 1:00. They will set a date for the biopsy as a neurosurgeon needs to work with the oncologist to do that procedure which Dr. Lupu says is a major surgery in itself. David is not real fond of the thought of them drilling into his head. Resting on the outcome of the quick biopsy they may remove the tumor at that time. If not then he will be scheduled for whatever treatment is deemed necessary.
David is in good spirits trying to keep me in line. The meds make him dizzy, a bit slow, and very tired so he will stay home from work until at least after he sees the oncologist. What really bums him out is that he cannot drive, because of the seizure, for 6 months. :~( We are fortunate to have a co-worker of his that brings her daughter to me for childcare that will be able to give him rides to work when he does go back. His short-term disability will kick in on Monday so we are covered well in that area.
We are blessed to have our wonderful kids live close by and they are on top of our every need. Becca met the ambulance at the hospital with both of us in it ( I had a severe anxiety attack so they wouldn't let me drive) . . . Jason shortly after and Sarah came that afternoon. Aaron was on a fishing trip but his girlfriend Tara was there in his absence. They all came home with us and then Becca made dinner and she and the kids spent the night. Michael arrived from work the next morning and made a "healthy" breakfast. We then went to their house to watch him excavate their yard and enjoy the beautiful weather we were having. Aaron came home that evening and has been here every night after work. They are all rallying to help with the childcare kids and doctors appointments. God is so good in our every being and he knew what he was doing when he declared family!
We cherish all your love and prayers.
We will keep you informed as we proceed on this unexpected journey in our life!
Love,
Dave and Daryl
1 comment:
I'll be thinking of you guys tomorrow!
Post a Comment