Well, today's update is an interesting one. First of all, those who I had sent the other blogspot link have now been directed to this site. www.randysummers.com should be easier to remember how to get to. Thank you to Joel Wilson and Pat Beard for getting this set up. Unfortunately, the comments posted on the other blog site did not move to this new site. If you had posted a comment on the other blog site, please go to that site and to your comment--then copy it--then come back to www.randysummers.com --click on post comment--paste your comment.
Second, I was able to visit the local neurosurgeon today. Since the diagnosis of the pituitary tumor (PT) by the radiologist, I have not been able to sit down personally and talk to a neurosurgeon while viewing the many photos from my mri. My information has come from reading as much as I could on PT's, looking at numerous pictures of PT's and talking to different people. I am very thankful that I had the chance to do this as I learned a tremendous amount.
My tumor is considered a macroadenoma which means it is considered a large tumor. The neurologist said by looking at the mri, he is almost positive that it is benign. Praise God.
However, due to its size, it is wrapped around the pituitary stem which sends alot of important information back and forth to the brain, and it is protruding upwards through the small opening of the pituitary gland and lying very close to the optic nerve. Only a small membrane separates the tumor from the optic nerve.
The tumor also is pressing against a carotid vessel. The doctor said this would be a difficult surgery but was not afraid to do it.
Prior to it being done, I will need to visit with the endocronologist to establish "base lines". In other words, the pituitary, in men my age, sometimes still produces hormones. If so, it needs to be established which hormones, if any, are being produced so that after the surgery, it can be determined if they are still being produced after messing around so close to the pituitary gland. The same with thyroids.
A vision test also needs to performed to determine if my vision field is still 100% and to make sure it is the same after the surgery. Your vision field is your periphial vision limits to the left and right as well as up and down.
I know the neurosurgeon I saw today is very capable. However, after learning of the increased risks I am grateful that I have an appointment at M.D. Anderson for a second review. With the increased risks, being in a medical center that performs these kind of surgeries on a daily basis adds a greater degree of comfort in the decision to go to MDA.
II Samuel 22:2-4
And he said: "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
The God of my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation,
My Stronghold and my refuge;
My Savior, You save me from violence.
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
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2 comments:
Randy: My family and I(Hector and Gloria Mejia) are in shock with the news. Since we move to Weslaco about four years ago and we have the oportunity to meet you at the Weslaco Lyons Club and the Mid Valley Leadership program we have the greatest respect and admiration for you. We know you are a man of great courage,one of the best and wisest bussines person and a true leader in this comunity and we are sure you will prevail in this fight because we need you to guide us for many years to come. All our prayers are with you and your family and God may bless you all.
Hi Randy, Way to go with the blog! Caleb and I will certainly be praying for you in this time and will pray for a quick healing and touch of the Great Physician's hand! Caleb and Tyne White (Weslaco Lion'Club)
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