Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement.
On Wednesday August 16th, after a month of headaches, memory issues, and sever fatigue, Mike was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Things progressed rather quickly, and on Thursday August 17th, he had surgery to remove the tumor. The tumor was approximately 6 cm in size and was deep, almost touching his brain stem. He will remain at St Luke's in Cedar Rapids until approximately August 21st. The tumor has been confirmed to be a Grade 4 Glioblastoma. This is a primary cancer, and was caused by nothing but a cell going rouge. For more information about this cancer, please see the following site:
http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-information/types-of-tumors/glioblastoma.htmlAs I'm sure you all can tell, this diagnosis and the restrictions that have come with it, have been challenging for us to grasp. Due to this surgery, Mike will be unable to drive for 10 weeks. We are awaiting final pathology for prognosis info. Continued care options have been given to us. Mike plans to decide which option he would like to take in the near future.
Friendship is very important to Mike and his family! We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received. Mike would love to have visitors. It may be best to plan your visit a day or two after he is home to allow us to transition care. Please keep them short so he doesn't tire as easily. Please do not bring candy or sugary items, as Mike's diabetes is being challenged due to steroids and his self control is lacking. :) Currently he isn't taking many phone calls (please take no offense to this). Prayers will always be accepted!
