A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

[Proud2baLaker]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

Continued prayers your way. If your Dad has a shunt in place already that might prevent some of the build up like last time. It still sounds pretty scary!

He did have a shunt after the last one. Ended up having numerous surgeries to fix blockages and kinks. It ended up causing stomach pains and an infection in his back. However, they eventually removed the shunt after several years and were somehow able to stop the build up (I honestly cant remember if it was through drugs or if it stopped on its own or what)

[Priceless]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

Dad's surgery is scheduled for the 29th at the university hospital in Indianapolis. He has a low grade astrocytoma which is the same thing he had several years ago. From what I understand, typically they aren't extremely serious although higher grades are (Teddy Kennedy had a grade 4). I don't know which grade level he actually has though.

Doc says the surgery itself will be tricky. This one is deeper than the last one and the blood vessels around it also make it difficult. Some of which may have already been weakened by the first one. Radiation may also be neccessary this time since the doc may not be able to remove the whole thing. My dad is confident that the doc will do a good job and that they can get this thing out. My concern is the after effects. After the last one he had so many problems (build up of fluids basically crushing his brain, permanent loss of taste and smell). Just want this one to go smoothly and not have more complications.

I know I was in the ICU for 9 days because of fluid buildup, so that's nothing to ignore. If they can't get all the tumor, they can probably get enough so that radiation can deal with it. My limited understanding of radiation is that it is nowhere as bad as it used to be. If my tumor starts growing again, they'll zap it with radiation rather than another surgery...I'd rather they do it before it starts to grow again, but this doctor knows what he's doing.

The most important thing is that he have a good relationship with the doctor. It sounds like he does. If you have questions or need something explained, don't be afraid to ask the doctor or his staff. He probably isn't afraid to ask, but make sure. Continued well wishes headed your way!

[Proud2baLaker]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

I know I was in the ICU for 9 days because of fluid buildup, so that's nothing to ignore. If they can't get all the tumor, they can probably get enough so that radiation can deal with it. My limited understanding of radiation is that it is nowhere as bad as it used to be. If my tumor starts growing again, they'll zap it with radiation rather than another surgery...I'd rather they do it before it starts to grow again, but this doctor knows what he's doing.

The most important thing is that he have a good relationship with the doctor. It sounds like he does. If you have questions or need something explained, don't be afraid to ask the doctor or his staff. He probably isn't afraid to ask, but make sure. Continued well wishes headed your way!

From what I understand the low grade ones respond well to radiation. I won't be around during the surgery but I stated earlier this is the 2nd tumor my dad has had so its nothing new....still scary though. My dad just met this doctor for the first time yesterday. But he was recommended by my dads neurologist as being better equipped to handle the situation. Apparently he is a young guy but "knows his stuff". My dad was a paramedic for 20 years. Which is a good thing. He knows all the right questions to ask.

Ever since the first one brain tumor and after a few other people we know had them my family has been involved with the American Brain Tumor Association. Its a solid foundation that has been working to raise awareness and funds. I usually make a donation at least once a year in my dads name and have one of their wristbands that I haven't taken off for like 4 years. My parents have participated in some of the walk-a-thons as well. I recommend folks check them out.

[brookyone]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

A good friend of mine and his famly could use some prayers.

In December, my friend was diagnosed with Large B Cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphona. Diagnosed as a stage 4 cancer, the main culprit came from the left hip area where he was experiencing severe pain. He began chemo treatments. After completing 5 treatments 3 weeks apart he was doing very well. He was however still experiencing pain in his left hip. Treament required radiation, 25 treaments every day but weekends. Radiation was much harder on him. He experienced many side affects, but through it all remained very positive and determined to overcome any obstacle in his way. Following the last treatments of radiation, he seemed to be responding well. He is facing another set back as yesterday doctors discovered the cancer had spread into his spinal fluid and the lining his brain.

Keeping your friend in my prayers.

[Proud2baLaker]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

Dad's surgery is tomorrow morning at 10:30 am EDT. I will post updates as I get them. They are putting him under and giving him an MRI right before the surgery to have the most recent images they can to work off of.

[Proud2baLaker]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

Dad is out of surgery and in recovery. Things apparently went well and he is doing good. Thank you to everyone for the good vibes and prayers. Keep them coming, still got some recovering/healing to do. THANK YOU!!!!

[Priceless]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

Dad is out of surgery and in recovery. Things apparently went well and he is doing good. Thank you to everyone for the good vibes and prayers. Keep them coming, still got some recovering/healing to do. THANK YOU!!!!

Good to hear things are going well!

[leswp1]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

Dad is out of surgery and in recovery. Things apparently went well and he is doing good. Thank you to everyone for the good vibes and prayers. Keep them coming, still got some recovering/healing to do. THANK YOU!!!!

THoughts and prayers still heading your way (your meaning all of you). Good to hear things went well!

[legal_hit]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

Dad is out of surgery and in recovery. Things apparently went well and he is doing good. Thank you to everyone for the good vibes and prayers. Keep them coming, still got some recovering/healing to do. THANK YOU!!!!

Good to hear! I hope he continues to do well!

[Proud2baLaker]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

Dad is a ton of pain this morning. Had a CT at 4 am that found an air pocket near the surgery site that is causing it. Docs say it will go away with time. Pain was so bad he called my mom to come back in at 5 am and stay with him (she had gone to the hotel to get some sleep herself). Keep the good vibes/prayers coming. He needs them.

I did find out yesterday that my sister and her kids are down at the hospital staying with my mom as well. I was happy to hear that my mom didn't have to sit in the waiting room alone.

[Priceless]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

Dad is a ton of pain this morning. Had a CT at 4 am that found an air pocket near the surgery site that is causing it. Docs say it will go away with time. Pain was so bad he called my mom to come back in at 5 am and stay with him (she had gone to the hotel to get some sleep herself). Keep the good vibes/prayers coming. He needs them.

I did find out yesterday that my sister and her kids are down at the hospital staying with my mom as well. I was happy to hear that my mom didn't have to sit in the waiting room alone.

Ouch! At least the doctors don't think another surgery will be required. Hope this clears up OK!

It's good to know your mom has some company. The surgery's pretty easy (I just went to sleep, woke up and it was over ) but it can be grueling waiting for the results.

[Proud2baLaker]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

Ouch! At least the doctors don't think another surgery will be required. Hope this clears up OK!

It's good to know your mom has some company. The surgery's pretty easy (I just went to sleep, woke up and it was over ) but it can be grueling waiting for the results.

Yeah I felt bad about not being able to make it there (can't afford the trip and the last thing I want to do is ask my parents for money...and I have a ton of work to do in the lab). So I am trying to stay in touch as much as possible with texts, phone calls, and the facebooks.

[Proud2baLaker]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

YAY!!! Dad may get to go home today. Air pocket must have gone down or is gone completely. Today the pain is at a 5 (10 yesterday). The 5 can probably be associated with the fact that he just had his head cut open and a doctor poking around in his brain. Will hopefully know for certain later this afternoon. Looks like Dad might be able to go to the baseball game Sunday (talked to him last night and he said he wanted to get out of there so he could go to the game...haha. What a trooper). That would be nice.

It looks like this saga may be wrapping up. I hope that this thread doesn't get to much traffic now...unless its for good things.

[Priceless]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

YAY!!! Dad may get to go home today. Air pocket must have gone down or is gone completely. Today the pain is at a 5 (10 yesterday). The 5 can probably be associated with the fact that he just had his head cut open and a doctor poking around in his brain. Will hopefully know for certain later this afternoon. Looks like Dad might be able to go to the baseball game Sunday (talked to him last night and he said he wanted to get out of there so he could go to the game...haha. What a trooper). That would be nice.

It looks like this saga may be wrapping up. I hope that this thread doesn't get to much traffic now...unless its for good things.

That's awesome news!

[Proud2baLaker]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

And its official dad went home yesterday !!! Thank you again to everyone for the vibes, thoughts, and prayers. I really do appreciate it. And I know he does too.