October 13, 2009

Well friends, my intention was to attempt to give a brief "play by play" chronologically so you could follow our journey over the last month or so. The deeper I get into this task the deeper I get into this task! I feel as though I'm making no forward progress on our little excursion through the unknown. Hence I have decided to put it all into this posting and every one will be up to date - or "Johnny on the spot!"

After many tests, an ER visit, and hospitalization, it was determined that I (John) had a "mass" in my brain the size of a ping-pong ball. It was surgically removed on Friday, 9/25/09. This seems to be the culprit of not only all of my "left side" occurrences but my heart condition also. There is nothing wrong with my heart but my brain had so much pressure being applied it was sending either false or no signals. The car wreck was a direct effect of this pressure and swelling. The left side of my brain saw the car parked but it could not communicate with the right side to "do something about it, Stupid!" The tests also revealed I have a growth about the size of a marble on my lung. Boy, I'm full of great news, huh?

I was released from the hospital Sunday, 9/27 around 3:00 PM. This is 2 days earlier than expected. The doctors and nurses were absolutely amazed with my rapid recovery and you could hear them talking up and down the halls about how remarkable I was doing! Made me want to get up, beat my chest and do the Tarzan scream!

I had to be kept under 24 hour surveillance at home as I was considered a "Fall Risk" for 1 week. Many friends and family members made huge sacrifices and helped watch me sit in the recliner and do nothing. Thanks to all!

Anyway, I am fine. I am finally off the steroids which help reduce swelling in the brain, keep one from sleeping, drive your appetite wild, and henceforth makes ones ass get huge! I never eat sweets, and boys and girls let me tell you, if it ain't nailed down - it's gettin' et.

Rita and I have met with an oncologist and are in the midst of determining a regimen to deal with the future.

I get the 33 staples out of the top of my head today and I'm thrilled! No, honestly! Baby shampoo is OK but it's like trying to paint a house with one of those paint brushes you get in a paint-by-numbers set.

Tomorrow is Wednesday, 10/14 and I am set to meet with a radiologist to plan treatment to my brain (or what's left of it) to ensure any "floating" cells are destroyed. This process should begin next week.

Work is treating me great! My oncologist wants me back on the job ASAP. I probably will start working from the house in a telecommute position to begin with. Then we will take it day by day.

I am very concerned about my lovely Rita. She is taking all of this well ,but I know it's getting to her. She's working a lot of hours and taking care of me while getting little to no sleep and we all know she eats like a bird. What a trooper! When this is all said and done, I need to do something really special for her...maybe like sending her out of town to Victoria!

I think this should bring everybody up to date. Again, please allow me to stress that this blog is not intended to replace good ole communication and conversation. Feel free to call or stop by anytime. The intention of this blog is to make sure everyone has access to the same info at the same time. I appreciate your calls, well wishes, and prayers. Please keep them ALL coming! I also ask that you remember that I have a great support system in place. God bless Rita for her constant love and care. Thank all of you for your support during these times! I could go through the vast list of people and their contribution to the Burger Abode over the last couple of weeks, but I would miss someone and they would get pissed and I don't need anyone pissed at me right now.

Lord willing, there will be nothing but great news coming from the next Burger Abode blog posting. I'm getting real tired of all this bummer stuff!

I almost forgot a few things...#1 - If you think of someone that might want to recieve notice of the Burger Abode, please e-mail their address to burgerabodeupdate@sbcglobal.net and we will get them on the distribution list. #2 - If you want off the distribution list, let us know that also at the same address. We do own a "delete" key and will not be offended. #3 - Questions, comments, and subjects of interest are welcome for future postings on the Burger Abode.