VISIT WITH DR MCCUTCHEON

More steps of my journey have been completed as today I met with the Neurosurgeon, Dr. Ian McCutcheon, as well as had lab work done, met with many depts. of MDA and visited with the Endocronologist. God's hand was definitly there today as everything ran so smoothly. Appointments ran on time, EVERYONE was so helpful and friendly. The second person I met with this morning was a lady who took my vitals. When I finished, she said, "give me a hug Mr. Summers, I want you to know everythings going to be ok and we will take care of you." I almost cried.



Anyway, the tumor is causing problems with thyroids, hormones, and testosterone. All levels are very low and they are going to put me on medication to replace those prior to surgery. We are also waiting lab reports for levels of prolactin. If those levels are real high, then additional medicine will be prescribed to bring those levels down. Sometimes, if the tumor is producing prolactin, then medication can reduce that and often times shrink the tumor. However, due to the size of the tumor, the symptoms, and how close it is to the optical nerves, Dr. McCutcheon recommends that regardless of the level of prolactin being produced, that it be removed. I am in agreement.



Intially we had been given a "soft" date for surgery of November 11th. Once we were with the Dr., the choices given were this Friday November 7th or Monday November 17th. As much as I want this removed, I felt it best to wait till November 17th in order to get some preparations made and take care of some deals hanging at work. That is the week prior to Thanksgiving so things will begin to slow down at work and perhaps make things a little easier on everyone.



The doctor says to prepare for a 3-4 day hospital stay. Typical is 3 days but if there is a spinal fluid leak, an extra day will be required. Time out of work will be 3 - 4 weeks. He said after 2 weeks I will get really bored and want to go back to work but to hold off another week at least. Guess I can get some online Christmas shopping done.



I have more peace about my situation after visiting with Dr. McCutcheon. God delivered me to the right neurosurgeon.



The Rotary House is the place to stay if you ever have to come to MDA. It is right across the street from MDA and is connected by a skybridge. You never have to step outside and plenty of places to eat. The hotel is owned by MDA but managed my Marriott. Make your reservations early. When we tried to make reservations for the week of surgery, there were none to be had. When I was mentioning this to the driver on our way back to the airport, he told me to write down the dates I needed and he would see what he could do as he used to work there. While waiting on the plane, he called and gave me my confirmation numbers. God is definitly in control.



As I sit waiting, for the plane to head home, I thank everyone for their prayers and continued prayers. And thank you Pat B. for your comments and scripture. I will close with that. May God Bless.

In Joshua Chapter 1 vs. 9 God said to Joshua, "Remember that I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't be afraid because the Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go".