Okay. First off, thanks so much for all your calls and emails. I feel pretty damn popular and know I have so many great friends, colleagues and family. So, here's the story. We ended up getting the call to come into Manhattan today (Mon., 9/9) at around 1PM so we trekked down to the City. My uncle had arranged an appointment with Dr. Philip Stieg, the Chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at Weill Medical College and Neurosurgeon-in-Chief at New York-Presbyterian Hospital (http://www.cornellphysicians.com/pstieg/index.html). He took a look at the MRI that was done in Serbia and pointed out some things. The tumor is located on both the anterior lobe and the frontal lobe and there may be a chance that it extends into the ventricular system. Surgery is absolutely necessary. He could not tell what it is, but it seems to be 'low grade' but is 'sizeable'.
Here is the tentative schedule of events:
Thursday (9/11): I return to NYC for another full-blown MRI
Monday (9/15): Consultation with Dr. Stieg
Tuesday evening (9/16): We will spend the night in Manhattan
Wednesday (9/17) [a.k.a. The Big Day]: 5:30AM arrival at the hospital; 7:30AM surgery begins. Procedure should be about 4 to 5 hours. I will spend the remainder of the day and night in the ICU. 3 to 5 days in the hospital. Pathology work will take 3 to 5 days. Then we can decide if anything remains to be done. Estimated recovery time up to 6 weeks.
During surgery, he will make an incision above the right eye, along the sideburn and behind the hairline, which will let him open a 'window' to access the brain. Basically, Dr. Stieg has said I will come through this and that its a 'bump in the road'.
I am in great spirits and I know many of you are concerned, and believe me, that means a lot. I've been laughing and being super sarcastic, but until I know exactly what this is, I will enjoy my time in Connecticut, eat a lot, watch some college football, and just relax.
Again, thanks for everything. Please let anyone else know about this site as its the best way to relay information.
Wish me well.
Mike
7 comments:
Michael,
We are happy to hear that you are home safe and appear to be in very good hands. Please know you are our thoughts and prayers daily.
Love to all...
Mary and Joe Mitchell
Hey you!
Glad to hear that you have begun the process of getting healthy. Please post on this site when people can come visit or how we can help before, during and after your hospital stay. I was recently in the hospital for 14 days (this is cringeworthy - FOR A TEMPORARY COLOSTOMY)so I have some good tricks for getting through those BORING times at the hospital ;).
With Much Love - Randy (and Eddie - remember her from my 30th b'day party ;) )
Mikey,
I am glad to hear you are back in the states with the family and have lined up a great medical team. I would normally want to say keep your spirits up but I am for some reason not worried about that one bit. Get well quickly so we can plan dinner in Brompton Road or HK - whichever comes first. My prayers are with you Whyteness.
Ameesh
Hey Mikey-
Positive thoughts and prayers are coming your way.
Lots of love,
Amy "L"
Dear Mike,
I am happy to know that you're in good spirits. I know you are in good hands and you'll be ok. Please know that my husband and I are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.
We miss you here at MPCP.
Be well my friend!
Hi Mike,
It's good to see that you are so brave and optimistic. I am sure you will win this match together with your family and our support and prayers.
Next time we see each other we'll be drinking beer and checking out some chicks in Belgrade; I know how much you like them. You should bring your brother here...
All the best my friend!
Ladi
Hi Mike,
Tammy here... I am sorry to hear of the news. I (we) will definitely be thinking of you and keeping up with your blog. You take care and keep your spirits up!
Tammy & Ed
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