News

NEWS 8/7/10


I will post some information in the section (I hope it works). Then I were to this blog.
I am Georgiann, Jim’s wife and I am writing this letter per Jim’s instructions due to the fact that Jim is unable at this time to communicate all this information intelligently. Thank you!

(There are four shapes leaves)




On April 23 ,2009 we unfortunately discovered that Jim had a brain tumor. It was determined that he had a massive left convexity meningioma with infiltration into the Sylvian fissure and severe cerebral edema. He underwent a 16 hour surgery preformed by neurosurgeon, Dr. Tina Rodrigue for total gross resection of the tumor.

Pathology demonstrated this to be a Grade III meningioma and there was obvious parasitization of the surface blood vessels by the tumor.

He was left with Aphasia and approximately 2 weeks after the surgery he was found to have an infection of the bone flap.

Surgery took place at this time to remove the bone (left half of skull) and to undergo several weeks of antibiotics.

September 2009 Jim had additional surgery for reconstructive cranioplasty with ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. He now bears an artificial skull with little facial complications.

Due to brain evaluations every six months the June 2010 MRI determined a brain tumor was visible behind the left eye.

This required somewhat immediate action. An appointment with a highly qualified radiation oncologist, Dr. Scott Williams decided to use the Cyberknife, one of the newest methods of eradicating or shrinking of malignant tumors.

(Today is the first CyberKnife Treatment at Senara.)

Jim has undergone three sessions of this radiation treatment all within one weeks time. At this time he is on a steroid called Decadron which has played havoc with his mind and body. Currently the drug prohibits clear thinking. He feels he is getting better now that he is being weaned off this drug. He will probably experience fatigue for the next 4-6 weeks as we await the next MRI this Fall to determine the Cyberknife’s success.

As Jim has recovered and continues to gain back his life, he is in the process of writing a Blog which has been posted and still is an ongoing project for Jim.




http://tumorandbrain.blogspot.com