Well, the good news is that I won’t ever need to wonder if we treated this cancer aggressively enough. I had a long meeting with Dr. Pelzer the other day, and we have come to the conclusion that a radical resection is going to be necessary in order to increase my survivability long term. This means I will have to have my eye and all other soft tissue in my eye socket removed. The surgery will be January 31st.
1. Dr. Pelzer feels that the size of the tumor that was unable to be removed via the “front door” is a very serious threat to my life. If I try to treat it with radiation or gamma knife alone, the chances of recurrence are between 70% to 80%. With this surgery, the chance of recurrence is below 20%.
2. If cancer does recur, it will start growing where it stopped last time. This means that it will begin from a position very close to my brain. A brain tumor would be Ghostbusters “bad”.
3. Lacrimal AdenoCarcinoma is locally aggressive but does not often metastisize. This means that while it doesnt grow very fast, it is resistant to radiation as well. It is slow moving and tenacious. Surgery is the only option to remove my remaining tumor.
4. The surgeons will take out a section of my skull and go in “through the roof” to remove all soft tissue in my eye socket, including all the remaining tumor and my eye.
5. Because my eye socket will be empty, there will be no tissue to support a fake eye. My eye socket will be sewn shut for the rest of my life. I’m not too thrilled about this, but we’ll have to make some lemonade somehow.
6. I talked to Captain Komnick immediately after my meeting with Dr. Pelzer. He has reiterated the ROTC command’s support of my situation, and had even begun the inquiry into my ability to get my commission. So far, it seems probable that if I do my part to get healthy after my surgery, I can still realize my dream of being commissioned and continue my career.
I spent my first two or three years in the Fleet Marine Forces serving under the idea that I owed the Marine Corps a great debt. I worked hard and served at my highest ability in order to attempt to repay the Corps for all of the intangible things it had given me. When I had achieved a level of performance I felt was to the highest standard, I declared my personal debt to the Corps paid in full. We were even. It seems now that I will start my career as a Marine Officer in the hole once again. I pay my debts. I’ll never forget the Corps standing by me when I need it. I will earn every day I am privileged to bear the title “Marine”.
Eddy,
Your strength is truly inspiring…..
Chris and I are here for anything you need, just let us know.
Love,
S
Comment by Stacy — January 23, 2007 @ 01:26
Eddy,
I think Chris and Stacy said it all. Can't wait to see you on Sat and see the logo!
Bob and Joy
Comment by Anonymous — January 23, 2007 @ 05:24
Ditto for the above. We'll all be thinking of you down here & you'll be in our thoughts & prayers, particularly on the 31st. Jill & Dan
Comment by Anonymous — January 23, 2007 @ 16:08
Ed,
Stay strong man, I'm in your corner with that water bottle. It sounds like your making the right moves in the chess game. You gotta hook me up with my favorite foo foo drink on Saturday fo sho! Hazel is surprisingly off!
-Vin Dizzle
Comment by Anonymous — January 24, 2007 @ 07:50