Wednesday, November 14, 2012

going with doors number 2 AND 3

I've been persuaded to have surgery, followed by targeted radiation. This will be my best shot at getting it all.

I really liked the surgeon we met yesterday. He was patient, clear, forthcoming and took lots of time to answer our questions. I've decided to trust him.

I was feeling pretty devastated yesterday. I was hoping hard that the route I wanted to go would also be the best route. Who wouldn't want the treatment that purports to have few side effects and doesn't involve having your head cut open?

But I went for a lovely walk with a friend and then slept for 11 hours last night. Today, I feel much more at peace with my decision.

Although I'm still a little freaked out.

One cool thing: The surgeon says that if you rate the difficulty level of what the kinds of surgery he does from 1-10, mine will be a 3.

Makes it sound pretty simple, for brain surgery.

11 comments:

Average Jane said...

I'm so sorry you have to go through this at all, but it sounds like you have a cool, confident surgeon. I'm sending positive thoughts.

northerngurl said...

Sending positive thoughts to you always.

Edie B said...

Really, really glad that you've come to a decision that you can be at peace with. Also so glad that you found that surgeon - there's no substitute for clear, thoughtful advice.

@stales said...

I'm sending you my best wishes. I'm very sorry to hear you have to go through this. I'm glad you're at peace with your decision. Your surgeon sounds awesome. Sending you big hugs. xoxo @stales

From Room 202 said...

My thoughts and best wishes are with you through this, Laurie. You have come to a well thought out decision and I am happy you are getting good clear advice. Big telepathic hug heading your way!

Sassymonkey said...

Being a bit freaked out is only natural. If you must have brain surgery, simple brain surgery seems like the best kind to have!

Zoom said...

The scalpel doesn't sound as cutting edge as the cyberknife, but you have to pick the right tool for the job at hand. I'm glad you're feeling confident about your decision and the process you used to reach it.

Has the surgery been scheduled yet? Do you know how long the recovery will be?

Adam... family Adam :) said...

It does sound unnerving, however the 3 out of 10 thing sounds reassuring.
You've been trooping all this crap thus far, you're gonna keep kickin' butt...
Love,
a.

laurie said...

No date yet. It will be the week of the 26th. Next week will be pre-op appointments. I jump every time the phone rings.

Lene said...

Your surgeon sounds pretty cool and I really like the idea of overkill for this thing.

We can form a Freak Out Club. You'll have company and we all promise to make you laugh during the freaking out.

The Maven said...

I just want to let you know that I'm thinking of you. This is not easy stuff - any of it - but you have courage and wisdom in spades. You have yet to steer yourself wrong, and I know you're going to rock this procedure and recovery, babe. You got this.

PS: I think you should have asked the surgeon to play a game of Operation with you as part of the interview process. There's a good indication of steady hands if I've ever seen one. People who suck at that game should not touch other people's brains.

Along that line: Do not let me perform surgery on your head - ever.