ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: Tod on May 01, 2012, 11:41:30 am
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Yesterday I had MRI 12 or 13 to establish the size baseline following FSR. Bottom line there is no discernible from October, as expected. Good visits with all appropriate nurses and doctors. All please/impressed with my continued progress.
One highlight was this. My neurosurgeon's nurse shared with me that whenever they see a CPA meningioma of significant size, it is now referred to as a "Tod Massa tumor." I guess they have not forgotten that 32 hour surgery yet.
I become famous for the strangest things.
Also, the radiation oncology folks really don't know how to deal with me. I am too upbeat. "How are you?" "Quite wonderful, actually." yadda yadda, all the repetitive questions to verify things, yadda yadda,
Nurse: "I've got no known allergies..."
Me: "Really, that's great! But I thought you were asking questions about ME?"
Life is good. It really is, with no MRI for another year....my insurance company will be quite happy about that, this two or three a year was not appreciated.
-tod
Another story, perhaps familiar to others with facial movement discorders (synkenesis).
Sunday lunch with my dear wife. Towards the end, "Do you know your eye opens and closes while you eat?"
"Why, yes, I do. Thank you so much for making self-conscious about it. Did you just now notice after over a year?"
"No, I just finally thought to say something...."
Then teased her more. I am not self-concious about it at all, especially since I don't eat in front of mirrors. But as I shared the story with a young colleague who has been battling Bell's palsy, there is a tremendous difference between being 30 and pretty and 50 don't care.
I am what I am, tumor and all.
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Yes, you are what you are and YOU ARE FANTASTIC! I always talk about you with my doctors and what a strong person you are. It's one of the hardest periods of our lives and you certainly are the MANTRA for a model patient, friend and family man. Our lives will never be the same after this surgery and you and your stories help us reach the new YOU.
Keep sending those stories! In good health!
Mei Mei
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Tod ~
Congratulations on the 'no change' MRI report!
Your upbeat attitude and sense of humor is apparently noticed by the folks you interact with, even the radiation staff. Well done.
The observation that you are what you are is not only accurate but also encouraging, and applies to any age. That the vast majority of humanity judge each other on physical appearance alone is unfortunate but unavoidable. For those dealing with facial issues, we need to remind each other that it's not what other people say or how they react to you but how you chose to deal with it that is important. No one should allow an often temporary condition or others response to it to determine our self-esteem. Easier said than done, I know, but still true.
Jim
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Tod,
Thanks for the laugh!
Great news on your report. I was beginning to wonder if we have a lifetime limit of MRIs on insurance plans.
Lisa