Since the onset of my symptoms on December 18th we have received an overwhelming amount of love and support from
- our extended families
- our church family
- our friends
- our neighbors and coworkers
In my first post I gave a brief description of events since December 18th, but now I will go back and fill in some details for those who are a little more curious. Those of you who already know me should know that I am a disciple of Jesus Christ and strive to live a worthy Christian life. As I relate the details of the events of December 18th I believe those of you who share my belief in Christ will see more than just a remarkable set of coincidences.
On December 18th my day began normally and I had been working from my home office. Just before I was going to leave my house for an appointment around 11:00 I felt an electrical sensation up and down the right side of my body. I went into my office and dialed 911 from my work cell phone. By the time the operator answered I was unable to respond. First responders were dispatched by Seminole County and they were able to narrow the call down to my street. I am told from there they went to two other houses before arriving at mine. They were able to gain access into the house and began administering first aide. One of the first responders then took the phone that I had placed the call from and called the last number dialed in order to try and locate my next of kin. When the receptionist from my work answered she was asked if anyone at that location knew who I was and how they could locate my next of kin. My mother-in-law was standing at the receptionist desk when that call was received and she was able to give them my wife's contact information. My wife was notified as she was out on an errand with a coworker. The coworker was able to drive her back to our house.
From the house I was transported to South Seminole Hospital, and then quickly transferred to ORMC in Orlando where I began receiving treatment from a team of neurologists. After a weekend in which I don't really remember much detail the doctors determined that I needed to have a left stereotactic brain biopsy which was performed on December 21st. This lead to the diagnosis of Oligodendroglioma - grade 2. At that point in time the doctors began consulting with a neuro-oncologist from MD Anderson. He along with the rest of my treating team was able to place me on medication that has limited the number and severity of my seizures allowing me to be released from the hospital on December 26th.
I have not experienced more than five seizures in one day, and typically only have one or two. These are now limited to one to two minutes of either slurred speech, tingling or numbness on my right side, or a few seconds of uncontrollable drooling. I am able to lead a fairly normal life at this point with a few restrictions such as not driving (of which I am sure my friends and family in Central Florida are thankful;) I can also not be alone in case I experience a more severe seizure, and because of this I am not currently able to perform my job. So when my wife starts back to work next week I will be staying with her grandparents during the day.
In closing my family once again is so very thankful for all the love and concern that has been shown to us during this time. Thanks to all who took time to visit me in the hospital, and most of all thanks for all the prayers that you have offered for me and my family. Please continue to pray for the doctors as they plan out my long-term treatment plan, and as a part of that be in prayer for further testing being conducted on the biopsy sample that was taken. The specific test is known as a 1p/19q test. If neither of these elements are present in my tumor I should respond better to the available treatments and even have more treatment options. My first follow up is on January 4th with the neurosurgeon who performed the biopsy. He will be checking the incision site and possibly be removing the staples. I will send out an update after that appointment.
