Justin (Jay)’s Story

Site created on February 12, 2021

Justin (Jay) McCracken had a fall on January 22nd in the middle of the night, while walking to the kitchen to get a glass of water.  He hit his head on a cabinet and it knocked him out and he got a concussion.  When his symptoms did not clear by the following Monday, he went to the doctor.  The doctor ordered a CT scan which showed an abnormality.  He then had an MRI which showed a 2.5 cm tumor in his 3rd ventricle, which is in the middle of his brain.  This tumor is made from glia cells.  On February 5th, he had his first appointment with Dr Shah, a neurosurgeon at IU Health Neuroscience Center.  Dr Shah discussed the complications of the location of the tumor.  He met with his team of doctors on February 11th to discuss Justin's case.  The immediate plan is for Justin to have  a cardic work-up to check his heart & lungs to make sure he is able to undergo surgery.  This will be done in Greenwood.  If all goes well, they will either monitor the tumor for a bit to see if and how it changes or they will schedule a biopsy and insert a shunt.  A full removal cannot be done because of the location , which is close to memory and areas that monitor blood pressure, core temperature and other vital areas.  Justin will have an appointment in the near future with Dr Dropcho, a neuro-oncologist to discuss the next steps.  Justin has had headaches for the last year and bouts of random vomiting.  I will keep this site updated with new information.  Please pray for Jay and his family as we move through this journey.

Newest Update

June 15, 2022

Journal entry by Vikki Plessinger —

Justin has been very busy with yardwork, OT appointments, drum classes, line dancing, wedding, family fun and lots of errand-running with Jenn. ;)  He had an appt today with a urologist in Indy for elevated PSA levels.  He has a prostate biopsy scheduled for July 6th with Dr Boris (IU Med).  He also has a follow-up appt with his seizure doctor in Indy on July 18th and labs with an appt with Dr Wagner on August 15th at CRH.  
Read More of the journal titled "June 15, 2022"
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