Medical Update

  After my accident in March I have been dealing with the after effects of my skull fracture and concussion.  The fracture is healing very slowly but it is healing.  The effects of the concussion are still with me but I am making some improvements.  I can paint again and my memory has greatly improved. Driving is still a no go.  I tend to be a couple steps behind on conversations or such. Janine is very patient with me, even when I ask the same question three times in a day.  I still get confused and fuzzy and dizzy in large groups of people and loud noises hurt.  Oh!  I have had a number of CT and MRI.

  One "benefit" of having CT scans and MRI's are you get what the doctors call "incidental findings."  I unfortunately got one of those in June.  They discovered a  tumor in my skull in the clival area.  This impacts my vision and  hearing.  Headaches are one of its trade marks and a daily reminder of my "incidental finding."   The tumor itself is wrapped three quarters around the main artery that  brings blood to the brain. So it has effected my energy levels and stamina.  It looks like it has been there for a very long time based on bone decay and its been growing slowly over the years.  How long they are not sure.

   I am told these are very rare, a million to one odds of getting them.  So the  doctors are most interested in me right now; possibly as a future journal of medicine article. I have jokingly told them if they do a article I would like a copy.  Until we get into my head they are not sure if its a Chondrosarcomas or a Chordomas.  The last is usually on the spine but this one is off center.  The first is the more likely.  Booth as I have been told are rare.   I wish I had the sane luck when buying lottery tickets.

 Surgery is going to be very tricky.  They need both a Ear, Nose and Throat specialist and a Neurosurgeon so its difficult scheduling wise. There is a boat load of risks involved because of its location and possible damage to important areas.  In addition they are honest in saying there is no way they can get all of it out because of its impact on my systems and location.  And there will be risks and possible damage as a result.    After surgery I will be getting radiation for five days a week for seven weeks.    Then we wait an see.  The possibility of it returning is great.  The possibility of some damage during  the operation is also not in my favor.  One good thing is we can measure it from March through October and it has not grown during that period.  Hence why the doctors agreed, but were not happy with it to reschedule for April 2023.

  I was scheduled for surgery in mid November but have asked the doctors to please put it off  till in 2023.  Because of covid and then work and finally my accident I have not been out much.  I really want to get out and do things with Janine.  Create some positive memories and have a few small but fun adventures.  And play a few more games!  In April we will revisit it and schedule the operation.  

  One of the few bright spots during this time has been my hobby of miniature wargames, the Fife and Drum miniature forum and the blog world.  John from the club had constantly set up Monday gamesand encouraged me to attend.   These have been great fun.  Warren has been outstanding in driving me them.  Playing in Adam's naval game I reported on here is one of my highlights of the year.   Table top battles, or just enjoying the sight of a well set up table never fails to put a smile on my face and whisks away the blues.  The blogging world, or at least may small part of it has always been encouraging and positive.  Its strange that I enjoy so much hearing from and corresponding with individuals who I fear I might never meet.  But please know that all of you have helped me through this difficult time and truly brightened my days.  Thank you all very much.