The biopsy date is set for 30SEP. As planned, there will be three doctors: Dr. Chandra is the endoscope surgeon, Dr. Pelzer is the otolaryngology surgeon, and Dr. Chandler is the neurosurgeon. When they do the biopsy, they will take a tissue sample from a few places and run it to the lab to see if it is tumor or not. If not, they will sew me back up and that will be that. If it is positive, they will keep me open and remove the entire trigeminal nerve and any other infected tissue. Either way, I will end up losing all sensation on the left half of my face. I won’t lose any muscular function, but there will be no nerve to transmit feeling.
The nature of surgery is a bit peculiar to me. I mean, with all this technology at our disposal, we are still carving up my head to get eyes-on whats going on in there. I have had dozens of MRI’s, CT scans, PET scans, ultrasound, and even a full body bone scan. I have received every type of diagnostic imaging that exists. My entire NMH “frequently irradiated” membership card is full. I think I qualify for some sort of prize. Its like skeeball, but with unstable isotopes and high energy laser beams pointed at your head. I told Dr. Chandra about my concerns over the amount of radiation I was receiving from all of these scans, and he told me “compared to your radiation treatment, its like jumping in the pool and worrying about a few drops of rain”. Outstanding.
To date, the results from all of this modern marvel imaging technology is the universally recognized shoulder shrug of ignorance.
So here we are: Under the Knife Again.
No offense to all of my wonderful surgeons who are also reading this, but its a bit barbaric. At the end of the day, when all of these images are read and interpreted by incredibly competent people who have dedicated their life to this field of medicing, the only recourse is to open my head up and take a look inside. Then, use another instrument (probably a really clean spoon) to scoop out some tissue and sew me back up. It is humbling to know that at the end of the day, it is the immeasurable dexterity of the surgeon that my health will depend on.
Before I get too carried away with my everything-old-is-new-again ranting, its appropriate at this point to admit that this will be an advanced technology surgical procedure. Dr. Pelzer is bringing in Dr. Chandra, who is an endoscopic surgery specialist. Endoscopic surgery is when they shove a fiber optic camera with some tools on it into your nose and then patrol around the inside of your body. Its a lot more versatile than it seems. Endscopes can travel into the heart, brain, and other organs with minimal invasiveness.
This procedure will be (relatively) minor when compared to my other surgeries. I should be out of the hospital the next day at the latest, and dusting off the PS3 shortly thereafter. It will be motivating to at least have some solid answers as to what is going on. We are now waist deep in “the long war”. There is a range of possible outcomes from this diagnostic procedure, but in any case I have determined it is critical that I shift my mindset for a battle of endurance. We have won the initial push, we have made the initial tough decisions, and now it is crucial to solidify that victory with a resolute commitment to vigilance and critical decision making. Go Team.
Let the battle begin.
Again.
We're still behind you all the way,
Joy
Comment by Anonymous — September 25, 2008 @ 11:44
You know I got your back E!
-Vince
Comment by Vince — September 25, 2008 @ 12:46
Fight on Eddy. Little did these cells know that they chose to do battle with one of the best of the best of the Marine Corps. This is your Surbachi and you will win this fight, just as your fellow Marines before you fought and won. While you fight, we pray.
Semper Family,
Nancy DiDuca
Comment by Anonymous — September 28, 2008 @ 22:05
Hope all went well yesterday. Powerful postitve healing thoughts are being sent west.
Comment by Brita — October 1, 2008 @ 11:18
Hi its your long lost cousin Vicki. I am actually working with a neurosurgeon and assisting with surgery with my current job. It is amazing what they are able to do. I will try to keep myself updated with what is going on. Keep up your strength and attitude it appears to be amazing! Prayers are with you. Tell everyone I said hello if you feel like it.
Vicki
Comment by Vicki — October 1, 2008 @ 13:21