Tuesday, September 27, 2011

could it be another good doctors appointment?

This morning Bryson and I met with Dr. Randy Jensen at The Huntsman Cancer Institute. We have been awaiting this appointment for some time. When we got there we were escorted by some nice gentleman just trying to help us out. That place is quite beautiful and spectacular SERIOUSLY. When we arrived at the drs office we were immediately escorted into a room, I then did all the standards weight height allergies... When Dr. Jensen came in he quickly scrolled through my paper work then said "You are the one I have been getting all the phone calls about!" Dr. Jensen is great. I am so pleased with our appointment. He was thorough, he worked through the MRI's with us and pointed out areas of speech activity in relation to my tumor. Everything he said is the same as what we have heard, probably a low grade benign tumor located close to the outside of my brain and should be removed. He did say that I am his worst case scenario patient. I'm healthy and have everything going for me, so the goal is not to screw anything up. Which we all ready knew. Dr. Jensen sat with us and talked out the whole process. He described the entire surgery process and how exactly they get to the tumor. He also helped adjust my medications, he thinks I have some swelling on the brain due to the tumor, which may have caused the seizure. And that I am continuing to have small seizures, I think so too. He also thinks that reducing the swelling will reduce my headaches? He sat with us for over an hour (when was the last time you had a dr do that?) He answered every question openly. And I really felt at peace as soon as he opened his mouth. Here is the short story. I have a surgery date October 7th at 7:30 am, he could have done it earlier but he will be out of town this week. He estimates the surgery will take around 5 1/2 hours. I should be in the hospital for 2-3 days just until I feel like myself and recover from anesthesia. Then I will be quite fatigued when I return home but will be able to fix a sandwich and walk to the mailbox. All of this is good news to me! My case will go to tumor Board tomorrow as Dr. Jensen is the head of Tumor Board and that is just how he does things. I will have an MRI Thursday night before surgery. I feel like I am in good hands. So now we have to just pray for the greatest outcome possible and leave it in the Lords hands. Again I am sure I sound like a broken record but thank you so much for the love, support, prayers, food, calls, texts, messages..... I am so grateful for it all. I wish everyone knew how truly loved they are!

5 comments:

  1. Hi Summer,

    You probably don't remember me, but I am in the Santa Margarita Ward. When I heard about your brain issue a few weeks ago, I started following your blog. You have been in my thoughts and prayers! I had brain surgery in July and Dr. Randy Jensen was my surgeon. He is absolutely wonderful! It sounds like you are being helped by many great doctors! You will continue to be in my prayers!

    Love,
    Brooke Eliason

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  2. You amaze me! Thinking and praying for you, as always.

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  3. I am seldom at a loss for words Summer. Your positive, resilient spirit is awe inspiring to your father. Our words truly create our worlds. Thanks for modeling how to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances. With all my love. Papa

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  4. Summer - my friends, my church, and I are all praying for you constantly. The patience and positivity you are demonstrating through this difficult season of your life is a testament to us all. Stay strong and know that there are complete strangers across the country keeping you in their thoughts and prayers. You're an inspiration to us all.

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  5. When I read the word Benign I breathed a sigh of relief and still hope that is the case! Thank you for your positive outlook.....

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