I mentioned earlier that a friend of mine was recently discovered to have a brain tumor. The tumor was discovered Tuesday. He was operated on yesterday. The news could not have been worse.
The cancer was a particularly malignant, fast growing one. The doctors removed approximately 80% of it, but the remainder is too intertwined with the brain to get at. It's in the portion of the brain that controls motor skills, so his ability to function normally post-op is uncertain.
But here's the kicker.
His prognosis - 14 days to 14 weeks to live.
Can you imagine? You go to the doctor because you're having a little trouble keeping your balance. You get an MRI. You find out you have a tumor, and immediate surgery is scheduled. When you come out of it, you're informed you have 2 to 14 weeks to live.
His wife, understandably, is devastated. They moved here recently after living all their lives in Houston. They were making plans for retirement at the end of this year. And now all their dreams are shattered.
It's not clear at this point what shape my buddy will be in for the short remainder of his life. The docs are talking chemo, but that seems like a long shot at best. Hopefully he will have a reasonable quality of life for however long he has left.
I'm still kind of numb from the news. At this point all I can say is hug your loved ones and tell them how much they mean to you - before it's too late.
And make sure your will, medical power of attorney, and other documents are up to date.
6 comments:
My dad was having problems with his vision and the doctors discovered brain tumors. With chemo and radiation (zapping tumors) he stretched his days to almost four years. Cancer sucks!
I'm truly sorry about your friend.
One of my cousin's went to a doctor about lump on his scalp, the doc stayed nothing to worry about, a few weeks later started getting headaches went back, discovered the lump had moved into the brain, he died a week later.
that really stinks to say the least. prayers for he and his family
I'm sorry to hear about your friend CTT. My prayers are with him and his family.
BB - You're 100% right - Cancer Sucks!!!
Anon - It's amazing how fast something like this can spread.
Randy and Toejam - Thank you very much for the prayers. Here's hoping they help.
NFO - Ditto and thanks...
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