Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Perspective

I just learned that one of my friends has a malignant, aggressive brain tumor. Last week, he had several seizures and was taken to the ER. He was then transferred to a brain-tumor specialty center (one of the best, luckily) and had surgery yesterday. The biopsy confirmed the tumor's malignancy and aggressiveness (3 on a scale of 1 to 4), and they couldn't get everything out, so he'll likely do chemo and radiation - a long, tough road, obviously.

My mother's father died of a brain tumor when he was 48 - this was long ago, of course, and treatments were no good. But brain cancer is still so scary. I don't have any happy stories to tell - everyone I know who's had it has died from it. If you know of any good stories, please tell them to me.

So please think positive thoughts for my friend, even though the thoughts will be vague and disembodied. He is married to one of the most wonderful people I know, so he has a good support network, but what a frightening turn of events.

8 comments:

Hopeful Mother said...

I'm sorry to hear about your friend's diagnosis.

I have a positive story to tell.

When I was in high school, my best friends' (twins') Mom fainted while working in the lunch line. Turns out she had a seizure and brain tumor.

After many scary moments over those years, and quite a bit of chemotherapy and radiation, she is now in remission. (BTW - treated at the hospital where you did your IVF! Is this where your friend is?)

I saw their mom in January for one of the twins' weddings, and while she is certainly not 100%, she is very much alive and the cancer is gone. She has some limpness on one side of her body and is not allowed to drive, but is a functional member of the family and society. Her memory is pretty sharp too, considering. She's in her late 50s now.

I will be praying for your friend's healing and the support of his family and friends. It is not easy.

Anita said...

I don't have any positive stories to share but I do want to offer my prayers and positive thoughts for your friend.

TLB said...

That is terrible news. I hope your friend comes out of this all right.

My cousin had an aggressive brain tumor as a child. He lost an eye to chemo but is alive and well, cancer-free for more than ten years now. I'm sure your friend is in good hands and will do well.

Meg said...

I am sorry to hear about your friend.

xox

Anonymous said...

Good thoughts coming from Arkansas.

Michelle Falkoff said...

I hope he'll be okay!

Jane said...

very sorry -- sending positive thoughts....

Anonymous said...

My deepest sympathy for you and your friend.

A close friend of mine was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor two and a half years ago (he was a pilot and had a seizure on a flight somewhere over Kentucky). He just recently wrapped up another round of chemo and blogs about his experiences here: http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=WinglessTim

I wish you the best and hope that you find the strength and comfort you are seeking.