Billings trip 1/31
Today M had her appointment with the neurologist in Billings.
The doc we met with was a Gentleman named Dr. Louis Ross. He looked at the MRIs from earlier this week. These are the things he told us.
-He didn't think the the tumor was cancerous. Based upon the size, characteristics and such he made that assessment. So that is definitely a glimmer of light. The tumor is pretty big according to M. She also described it as "Big and ugly"
-The doc reviewed treatment options which were to cut a square out of her skull and go in pull it out. At that time they will do a biopsy on the tissue to determine if it is cancerous. If it isn't, he will proceed with removing the tumor.
-Day of the surgery, it is about a 6 hours long under the knife. Then a day in ICU followed by 2 -3 days in the hospital.
-The area of the brain that the tumor is located in is relatively good spot. It is on the top right side of the skull and that is a spot that is unlikely to affect anything like personality or emotions, which were a big concern to M. It is pressing on the "motor strip" with the doc assured us he would be able to handle with appropriately. Interestingly he siad he would not have to remove any of her hair, which M commented as "good, because I just had the most expensive hair cut of my life!"
-He talked about recovery time and what that will entail. It looks like it will be as long as 8 weeks. Considering what they are doing, it sounds like post-hospital recovery time will be pretty easy so long as she isn't doing anything too strenuous.
-He can operate as soon as Wednesday(2/6).
Overall we were very happy with Dr. Ross. He was very nice, knowledgeable and really seemed to be experienced, the most important part.
Right now M is weighing her options. She is going to get another consult from a doc in Philly. She is considering going back East to have the surgery done in her hometown of Philly. Seems like a good idea to get another opinion even though the first consultation seemed very optimistic.
So tomorrow she is going to get a consult with the docs in Philly and then make a decision. Billings or Philly? Tomorrow we will know.
Things are starting to come together and M has options. Considering the circumsances those are good things!
Tomorrow I will have another update!
Thanks again for everything guys!!
The doc we met with was a Gentleman named Dr. Louis Ross. He looked at the MRIs from earlier this week. These are the things he told us.
-He didn't think the the tumor was cancerous. Based upon the size, characteristics and such he made that assessment. So that is definitely a glimmer of light. The tumor is pretty big according to M. She also described it as "Big and ugly"
-The doc reviewed treatment options which were to cut a square out of her skull and go in pull it out. At that time they will do a biopsy on the tissue to determine if it is cancerous. If it isn't, he will proceed with removing the tumor.
-Day of the surgery, it is about a 6 hours long under the knife. Then a day in ICU followed by 2 -3 days in the hospital.
-The area of the brain that the tumor is located in is relatively good spot. It is on the top right side of the skull and that is a spot that is unlikely to affect anything like personality or emotions, which were a big concern to M. It is pressing on the "motor strip" with the doc assured us he would be able to handle with appropriately. Interestingly he siad he would not have to remove any of her hair, which M commented as "good, because I just had the most expensive hair cut of my life!"
-He talked about recovery time and what that will entail. It looks like it will be as long as 8 weeks. Considering what they are doing, it sounds like post-hospital recovery time will be pretty easy so long as she isn't doing anything too strenuous.
-He can operate as soon as Wednesday(2/6).
Overall we were very happy with Dr. Ross. He was very nice, knowledgeable and really seemed to be experienced, the most important part.
Right now M is weighing her options. She is going to get another consult from a doc in Philly. She is considering going back East to have the surgery done in her hometown of Philly. Seems like a good idea to get another opinion even though the first consultation seemed very optimistic.
So tomorrow she is going to get a consult with the docs in Philly and then make a decision. Billings or Philly? Tomorrow we will know.
Things are starting to come together and M has options. Considering the circumsances those are good things!
Tomorrow I will have another update!
Thanks again for everything guys!!
Woohoo!! Such good news!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for setting this up, Matt. We love you Rex!!
ReplyDeleteBig prayers and best vibes your way, M and Matt. (Thanks for starting this blog, Matt! And M—so happy your hair will still be gorgeous! 😉) Love you guys; looking forward to reading more tomorrow. Xxo
ReplyDeleteThanks for all this info, Matt! This is good news! Love you M, sending all my energy to you! Side note...2/6 is my birthday, and if you remember, M, my mom and you share a June 6th birthday. The 6th day of the month is always a good one for something important. ~xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteSteph
Sounds promising! Michael and I are sending all of our positive energy and love your way!
ReplyDeleteWow.....lots going on!! Hang in there.....we are thinking of you and M! Thanks for the update...
ReplyDeleteThank you for keeping us posted on everything Matt. We are with you both in spirit, and are so happy to hear this promising news! Love you to pieces and we'll look forward to your updates. ❤
ReplyDelete❤️🙏 Hope today brings you more clarity and peace. Thank you for letting us share this journey with you. Sending out energy and love to you both.
ReplyDeleteThanks Matt for being the functioning one (who has had put up with alternative me for quite a while at this point :/) I'm so grateful for everyone's support & couldn't feel more loved. The positivity is appreciated more than you will ever know. Other highlights from today & Dr. Ross-- what I call "big & ugly," he opted for the more positive-sounding "not-small." He also says that based on looking at the size of the thing & the fact that I was a functioning human standing in front of him & talking, I am definitely left-brained. So, that's cool. Right side's just been-free loading this whole time, so no big whoop to see it all smooshed.
ReplyDelete