PC Updates / OR Reports

I went to a little shop in Scarborough on Sunday called TSI Computers where it was determined my problem was caused by a toasted power supply. I was treated with respect and NOT ripped off. Tell me the chain stores would have been as fast, or as courteous, or as honest, and I might even be inclined to argue but whose kidding whom? I’m a Libra.

If you have any PC problems and you’re in the area, it’s worth the drive to Scarborough to see Inthiran at TSI Computers and Repair!

Web - http://www.tsicomputer.com/
Email - info@tsicomputer.com

Went for a lovely walk with the beauties afterwards, each day gets a little better. I’m going to maybe post my OR Report later today, after I mail in my STD forms.

Happy Monday!

Computer Crash!

32 MGs of RAM and a grotty dial up connection is what it’s come down to, and I’m damn lucky to have it. My PC crashed with a power surge yesterday, and now I can’t wake the monitor up. I’m looking for ‘Nerds on Site’, but there is no local constabulary – I’m gonna have to use someone else, and maybe even buy a new PC! MDG Direct here we come?

"You Are Still Connected To The Host. Would You Like To Disconnect?”

Yes, albeit temporarily please.

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind

Yesterday was my first solo mission. Tess went to work for a couple of hours and I saw an opportunity to shoot the gap. My first 5K walk alone, just me and the other cadgers alone on an early Friday morning soft-pedaling our way through a frozen and white expanse, Mr. Canada Post crunching along as our only company.

I walked south to Danforth and west to the other side of Coxwell and back, taking side streets, and taking my time. Stop signs have become very important, as has looking both ways, and recognizing where those hulking SUV’s are. One of the downsides of only having one ear is that you lose sense of what direction the sound is coming from. Danforth was full of distraction and moving targets as usual, and made me feel dizzier, excellent exercise though it was. Good my gait is completely normal, although I felt and am feeling the world isn’t spinning, but is a little off center. I returned to the house feeling triumphant – I made it!

I took it easy for a while - it’s amazing how I’m used to start times for JAG so soon, and waited for Tess to come home. My number one beauty walked through the door and our next mission was to drive to Sunnybrook to pick up signed letters for disability ($35.00) and what appeared to be a synopsis of what occurred in the OR during surgery. Nice one, I’ll scan this in for your reading enjoyment, I’m sure you’ll be happy as I was to learn that I’m not a ‘bleeder’. (Editor’s Note - It says on the page that I’m 38, but of course I’m only 30, typos be damned.)

We took Luna to Sunnybrook Park for another 3.5K walk through the woods after this, and headed home to wait for Jason who was coming from Eclipse Fitness for a visit. Good times and a great visit, and I think he is feeling better. As I’ve said, the level of support that is coming from Eclipse is truly remarkable, and I’m so grateful to be working with the talent there, and to be part of Jason’s business family. He brought over a beautiful card and some amazing DVD’s to watch, and a snappy book about the History of Rock N’ Roll, lots to keep me busy.

Next on the task list was to head to the grocery for some fruit and organic milk, and over for some quick Vietnamese food before coming home to watch “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” tired, but not sleepy, not so “Moon Faced” as slightly “Chipmunk Cheeked”. I stopped taking my pain medication when I started the steroids, last Tuesday.

‘Clear’ is good.

Best News I've Heard All Day.

The best news I heard today was Dr. Chen saying: "So you've gone from an A+ to an A. Big deal. Go watch a movie."

Ahem.

Staples are out and it didn't feel the least bit uncomfortable. We went to a Portuguese place for lunch after the appointment and 'Emmanuel Sandhu' if that wasn't darned tasty. We then took the dog down to the Creek in what was the biggest excursion to date.

Today has been a piece of cake, a slice of pie.
Gotta go, Dr. Phil is coming on and I need to change the channel.

Baci, Baci, Baci.

Learning to Love Reality Television

I love the Idol.

The American Idol that is. Simon is nicer to people this year even they when they really suck, some of them are really asking for it. Gene Simmons said no to everyone who crossed his path, what a tough guy… I love the overweight, conventionally unattractive ones who can really sing, like that kid from New Orleans – they’re the ones who bring tears to my eye (s).

I say eye(s) because no matter how many conventionally unattractive singers I see, or onions I may slice, my right eye still isn’t tearing up the way it should. Over the counter eye drops are $18.00 a pop, and I’m already on my second bottle of Tears Naturale. Maybe I’ll ask Doctor Chen for a script for something cheaper, and a referral to the Ophthalmologist. By the way, I get my staples out today, all 17 in the head, and 11 in the abdomen. I created a list for the good doctor; right at the top is “when can I start shoveling the driveway?” The snow is really coming down this year, poor Tess. Hopefully, I’ll soon have a before/after CAT scan to post as well, and that’s also a request.

So far, no side effects from the steroids, none. No weight gain, and no moon face, fingers are crossed for the next eight days, whatever happens, no big deal. We went for a 5 kilometre walk yesterday - (3.1 miles for you Imperialists), which was great. I had some lunch followed by a quick nap. There is nothing like a visit to the Sandbox for some fresh perspective!

“For the things we have to learn before we do them, we learn by doing them.”
Aristotle

"Truer words were never spoken Lloyd, truer words were never spoken."
Jack Torrance to Lloyd the Bartender in The Shining

60 MG Per Day - Prednisone

4 Tablets 3 X Per Day / 5MG Per Pill
Daily Dose = 60 Milligrams

What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from prednisone are not common, they can occur.

moon face
weight gain
upset stomach
stomach irritation
vomiting
headache
dizziness
insomnia
restlessness
depression
anxiety
acne
increased hair growth
easy bruising
refined sense of humour
refined sense of coolness
unusual development of useless trivia answers
development of dog training skills - discipline without punishment

Bring the challenge ON!

In Search of...Sasquatch!

We took a good walk with Luna yesterday with a few of the ‘Creekers’ through the mighty Taylor, in search of Sasquatch and the meaning of life. I had noticed some time ago that “Tom” had at some point suffered a facial paralysis, which affected his speech and after letting him know all about my story, took yesterday as an opportunity to ask him about his experience.

“Cancer in the brain stem, thank God it hasn’t been recurrent.”

Well. I’m a lucky boy indeed. They say that if you’re going to get a tumour, an acoustic neuroma is like winning the lottery.

James and Terry came over for a Loblaw’s sponsored dinner - (they made me pay after all) - of lasagna, documentaries, and laughter. “Crazy Old-Bird Dog” was the operative phrase, which was used often with great success.

I talked to Dr. Chen today on the phone to give him some details about the facial paralysis – he concurs that it is a slight problem, and he’ll call in a script for prednisone tomorrow. I may or may not go on, and because it is a steroid, may suffer some weight gain and “moon-face” as a result. We’ll see how it gets overnight. There hasn’t really been any change since Sunday night. He says a HB III is pretty bad, which leads me to believe that I have a II. Learn as you go!

Baci Ice Cream

Sssshhh!
Don't tell Marci, my personal trainer...
But have you tried Baci Ice Cream?

Damn!

Mondays Are For Sleeping.

OK, OK - stop yelling, but I do love to take naps after lunch on a Monday.
So I'm pretty sure I'm hovering between a III and a II.

Insert blessing count here:
All this is temporary!
I'm not a IV!

II Normal symmetrical function in all areas.

II Slight weakness noticeable only on close inspection. Complete eye closure with minimal effort. Slight asymmetry of smile with maximal effort. Synkinesis barely noticeable, contracture, or spasm absent.

III Obvious weakness, but not disfiguring. May not be able to lift eyebrow. Complete eye closure and strong but asymmetrical mouth movement with maximal effort. Obvious, but not disfiguring synkinesis, mass movement or spasm.

House Brackmann Scale - For Facial Paralysis II

I think HB II describes me. A perfect score is noted first:

I Normal symmetrical function in all areas

II Slight weakness noticeable only on close inspection. Complete eye closure with minimal effort. Slight asymmetry of smile with maximal effort. Synkinesis barely noticeable, contracture, or spasm absent.

R.I.P. Johnny Carson

http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2005/01/23/carson-dead050123.html

Enjoy the train ride brother.

Sundays Are Good Days To..

I hope when I said earlier that I "had no facial paralysis whatsoever" I wasn't speaking too soon. I guess I have some - but too little to be of any consequence. I hope it does'nt get any worse.

Good day today - A good walk round, a visit from Brian and Bianca, another walk with Tess and Luna (at the park) and a visit from Irene and Jack who brought some comfort food.

As I write, the pain turns nasty and heads south, and I need to take another painkiller. The best way I can describe this pain is by saying that it seizes my back and shoulders up and I can't think of anything else.

Good Things about The Last Week

*Being Alive.

*My left ear works very well, thank you very much.

*Clint Eastwood movies.

*Angela's Ashes by Frank MCourt - (Courtesy KC)

*Eric's Soup - (Courtesy CET)

*My New Fleece - Columbia Titanium - (Courtesy TT)

*Coronation Street

*Ontario Telehealth - Speak with a nurse-24/7 @ 1-866-797-0000

*No facial paralysis whatsoever! (Touch Particle Board.)

*Walking, Standing, Turning, Smiling, Kissing, Dancing - The list goes on and on.

*See above two, and countest thy blessings!

Bad Things About The Last Week

*Nights have been definitely worse for pain, and my sense of humour wanes from about 8PM - 12PM.

*Two words: television sucks.

*Tired but not sleepy. (Sleeping an average of about 4 hours - not counting "napper-du, husker-du.")

* I'm dizzy.

* I'm feeling mentally strong, but physically weak.

Gratitude Is Beside Buddha and the Praying Hands Coffee Cup

Thanks, blessings and praise to the Creator.

Thank you and a big hug to all who have written and called to see how I'm doing. I am so lucky and blessed to know people like you. I want to help you I dunno - all move or something. I really don't like moving - so strike while the iron is hot, and be sure to realize that for tumour boy the light stuff is the right stuff.

A special hello to all Eclipse folks who have been in touch: I love you babies.

As I've written before, why anyone blessed to have family and friends would choose to go through tough times alone is beyond me.

Tess

My love for you for knows no bounds and you are truly my best friend.
Thank you for all that you've done, and will do. Although so much more to me, you are my muse and inspiration.

You Should See The Other Guy

Fresh From The Recovery Room - Jan 12/05

I Can't See A Damn Thing Wrong With You. 

Sunnybrook and Women's College - Post Op / Jan 05

Pre-Op Waiting Area 

The Last Several Days

Wednesday January 12, I checked into the hotel, and sat in a very nerved out waiting area. I was then asked to cross the hall, where I removed all clothes and had an injection for the IV on the top of my right hand.

They wheeled me down to the first floor where I had a CAT scan with an injection of iodine based contrast material. The tech explained that it would feel cool as it cascaded up my arm, and would make me feel I was peeing as it settled in my pelvic area. No fooling there! He put ‘Cheerios’ on my head to assist with the 3D image. The scan complete, I soon headed back to the Pre-Surgery center.

I got some very knee-high and very sexy embolism socks to wear, and Theresa and I waited it out, and had a few laughs. We took a photo at this time, called Pre Op Sock Boy, and waited. Before long, they wheeled my skinny ass over to the on-deck waiting area. At this point I met my Primary Care OR nurse, who by some fluke and stroke of luck, happened to be Daryl S. from my alma mater high school, Trenton High. THS. Small world.

Time to go. Tess, who is a pillar of strength, broke down a little as they wheeled me in. As expected, the OR was equipped with a host of bells and whistles, but as an unexpected turn, the anesthetist was a German, or East European of some kind.

“Now ve put you for some nice shlleeps. Are you ready? Haff a gut flight.” Yowser.

Later that night, I slowly came to consciousness in the recovery room.

"What’s your name?
What day is it?
Do you know where you are? "

I spent the next 48 hours in the neuro-intensive care unit, and immediately started the deep breathing arm and leg exercises. The poor old man beside me was fighting, and trying to pull his IV out.

"What’s your name?
Don’t pull that out.
What’s your name?
What’s your name?"

His name was Antonio, by the way.

Day one, I pulled up out of bed with effort, and stood up, using the IV for support. By day two I was walking to the end of the wall and back again with the IV for support. Things as far as dizziness have been getting better slowly from there. By the time I met the young and talented Dr. Rotenburg at the front desk on Sunday, he was asking with a smile if a Monday morning departure was a good thing. I said that it was.

Three things made me physically flinch and say “Ow” during this entire process: One was getting my catheter out (those in the know call them a “Foley”.) Two, was getting a shot of Tylenol in my bum and three, getting the drainage tube for my abdominal incision removed. None lasted a long time, thank you Jesus and God as well.

Thanks to all the wonderful, talented, courageous, capable, and brilliant people who took such excellent care of my family and I during what for us was a difficult time and for them was Business As Usual. I’m so glad they all stayed in school and did the required reading: Dr. Chen, Dr, Pirozmand, Dr. Rotenberg and related support staff, (more gushing later), Daryl, Crystal, Priscilla, Bindin and Anita, my primary care nurses, and Yuki who is just starting out but doesn’t have very far to go.

As Dr. Chen said to me just prior to leaving on Monday, “You can come right up to the head of the class.”

Surgery Date: 1/12/05
Days ICU: 2
Total Days Hospitalized: 5
Stitches in Head: 17
Stitches in Abdomen: 11
Total Stitches: 28

The Fat of The Land

Friends, I am back - and with better looking sideburns than ever.
Typing is difficult, but so far all is well, and everything is amazing and beautiful.

I'll try to post some details about my state of recovery and days spent at the hospital tomorrow.

May the cat eat you, and may the devil eat the cat.
Go n-ithe an cat thú is go n-ithe an diabhal an cat.

Thanks to GL - Please Don't Sue Me. 

Síochán leat

On Monday, Tess, her Mom and I went to the Omnimax at the Ontario Science Centre to see ‘Volcanoes of the Deep Sea’, some prime mega screen distraction followed by lunch at our favourite Chinese place downtown. I got a little misty eyed at the theatre just listening…Listening in stereo, speakers everywhere, top and bottom, left and right, the music, the sound, the sound, the sound! I guess it will be the last time I get to hear a high quality PA system in stereo. I mourn my loss but so it goes. Almost 150,000 people have died from the tsunami in Southeast Asia and Africa. Some children never get enough to eat. Some children get cancer. Some die. Keeping this tumour in proper perspective is key, and as mentioned earlier, I was lucky enough to hear the magic word B*E*N*I*G*N*

The MRI last night went as expected. Before the scan they put a loaded needle in my arm and taped it down as they explained that they wouldn’t actually inject the gadolinium until the end of the scan. So I walked around for a few minutes with a needle sticking out of my arm, which was kind of bizarre, and made me chuckle. As I was leaving, the tech saw me pocket the “disposable” foam earplugs and asked me what I used them for. I explained that I use them in the subway, fitness classes, at rockshows, and the like. He grabbed a big fistful, handed them over, and said - “You’re a taxpayer right?” Right enough. This morning was easy – they just took some blood, asked a few questions, and away I went. There was no psych evaluation, as I guess they determined that I am just ‘one together cat’. Speaking of cats, I have a CAT scan tomorrow before surgery, and I’ll be going in for 7AM.

I’m not sure when I’ll be able to update next, guess it’s down to how I’m feeling post op. I believe that you’ll see me back here a week from tomorrow, although I may be writing in stilted English - post-op my brain will tire easily, and I’ll need to rest often.

Amigos, make the most of each day – everyday.
Tess and I are going to walk the dog now, later skaters.


“Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in one's own sunshine.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Next Three Days

Monday - 9.45PM: I'm going to have another MRI, this time with an injection of the contrast material gadolinium. When I was a little kid needles scared the briefs offa me, but I'm no longer scared of needles and I no longer wear briefs. When you're all grown up and headed for brain surgery, a needle is not cause for great concern. Bring on the gadolinium baby, and let's get some clean film. For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of MRI, it's loud and in a confined space - and that's about all. (They give you foam earplugs which are yours to keep, by the way.) Note to those with body piercings: make sure you take your jewelry out before you arrive, they may not have the right tool for removal, and you can't wear any metal in your body during the procedure - I think it would get a bit too warm.

Tuesday - 7.30AM: Pre-Surgical Assessment which consists of blood and urine analysis, a consult with the anesthesiologist, info session prep, and I think a psychiatric assessment. Catherine says they’ll likely ask me "Do you know why you're having surgery?" Apparently, it's not a good idea to crack any jokes at this point like "I'm here for a personality implant", otherwise they might decide to cancel my little party and send me off to Penetanguishene.

Wednesday - Early Morning / Time TBA: Showtime.

My Last Hospital Stay - Tonsils, 1970 

Brother / James - Wheelie Time, Circa 1988

Father / James - Manchester, Circa 1956

Mother / Margaret - Paris, 1963

Kauai, HI - April 19, 1999 

Short Term Disassembly

Yesterday at noon I decamped the office and entered into ‘Short Term Disassembly’. I had a quick lunch at the venerable Patrician with Malcolm and Phil, which included the diner staples of both coleslaw and a vanilla milkshake before I jumped on the Yonge line heading north. It felt strange to tidy my desk and compose an “out of the office indefinitely due to illness” email, but I’m sure it won’t be too long before I jump back into the fray. I left with very little notice to my team because I hate long goodbyes, and didn’t want to put anyone through any uncomfortable moments. Apologies to all I didn’t get a chance to see before ducking out for that 'easy on the mayo clubhouse on brown.' The CC Crew are a remarkable bunch and I feel a tremendous amount of support from my colleagues within the Business. See you all very soon.

To the PL Rangers: “The first person who can answer this question will win an incredible all expense paid trip for two to the Front St. Tim Horton's: Who did Pierre Trudeau defeat at the 1968 Liberal party leadership convention?”

I went up to Eclipse next for a meeting with Jason to discuss the best way to let the members of the club know about my swollen head, and it was decided that we’d post a memo after I teach my last Spinning class tomorrow AM. We had a good verbal nosh and again, the level of support was wonderful. We discussed post-op training and physiotherapy, and I’m looking forward to the challenge and getting back in as soon as possible. The club has just undergone a massive renovation, it looks really cool, and I’m glad I’ll get a chance to teach a class in the new studio before I go on vacation.

My great pal Kevin came over this afternoon to say hello and drop off a copy of Angela’s Ashes for me, and of course he demonstrated his excellent sense of humour by becoming for a moment, Harlan Pepper from “Best In Show”. The phone rings – (I’m so popular now that I’m ‘Mr. Brain Tumour’ and it’s our other great brother from another mother Terry, calling from Bangkok. Terry was inland just enough to miss the Tsunami when it made landfall in southern India, and in the past days he has seen a lot of destruction and pain. He’s coming home in a few days, and it was great to hear from him.

Tess is as always, the slinkiest kitten ever to come out of the kitten house, and if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go and whisper some sugar into her ear.

Eclipse Fitness - Toronto

Corporate fitness got you feelin’ like you left your Mojo at the Dojo?

Located in the heart of midtown you'll find Eclipse Fitness - Toronto's coolest spot to get your freak on. At this club you’ll find knowledgeable and tuned in personal trainers who wouldn’t dream of simply counting to 10, and inspired fitness instructors who do the utmost to make each and every class an event.

Eclipse is one of my sources of strength, a major centre of serenity, and where I teach Spinning classes. Class participants here give up the jam. "Strength and beauty, babies."
(Surprise surprise: It's an independent.)

http://www.eclipsefitness.com/

Why Wednesdays Are The Best Days For Neurosurgery

MONDAY -- Too much catching up on weekend activities and critiquing of last night’s episodes of "Arrested Development" and "Desperate Housewives" to properly focus on the task at hand.

TUESDAY -- The NHL lockout has led to Monday Night Football parties followed by a few hands of 'Texas Hold 'Em' - making for some "cloudy" judgments today.

WEDNESDAY -- The weekend is over, hangovers are gone and the waiting room coffee no longer contains last Friday's tepid brew.

THURSDAY -- Why be in the OR when one can be at home watching ER?

FRIDAY -- The accumulation of "fresh powder" leads the overzealous surgeon to bail early in an attempt to get to the Collingwood Chalet before the other Toronto socialites descend on the slopes. Kindly, a scribbled note on how to "finish up" is left on a Post-It Note for the resident intern who wonders "Where did those tiny scissors get to?"

By Erin N.

The Most Beautiful Cat In The World - Grapes Lalley 

Surgery Date: January 12, 2005

Wednesday January 12, 2005 is the first day of the rest of my life.

Surgery is scheduled for one week from today, and although I've been hoping for a January date, I was thinking it would be toward the end of the month. What is it that they say about the best-laid plans? How did I feel when I found out? Cold and fuzzy with sweaty palms, that’s how.

I'm relieved to have a date and feel incredibly fortunate to be Canadian and in the capable hands that I’m in: The Creator, Dr. Chen, Dr. Pirouzmand, Tess, and the rest of my family.

The 2005 portion of the Sunnybrook Acoustic Neuroma Tour is about to begin.
C’mon Lemmy. Let’s Rock.

Congratulations Team Canada! 

Smile!

Hey, I didn't mean for that last post to be a drag. I know it seems heavy but lots of people have been through this, I know it won't last forever, and remember - I'm going to be a record breaker in terms of recovery.

The glass is half full.

Think about this: Some people undergo voluntary trepanation. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trepanation There is a link at the bottom of the page if you'd care to read the journal of a voluntary trepanee. I'll stick to tattoos and piercing, thanks.

House Brackmann Scale - For Facial Paralysis

Here it is in black and white and full of subtle expression.

Grade
Definition

I
Normal symmetrical function in all areas.
II
Slight weakness noticeable only on close inspection. Complete eye closure with minimal effort. Slight asymmetry of smile with maximal effort. Synkinesis barely noticeable, contracture, or spasm absent.
III
Obvious weakness, but not disfiguring. May not be able to lift eyebrow. Complete eye closure and strong but asymmetrical mouth movement with maximal effort. Obvious, but not disfiguring synkinesis, mass movement or spasm.
IV
Obvious disfiguring weakness. Inability to lift brow. Incomplete eye closure and asymmetry of mouth with maximal effort. Severe synkinesis, mass movement, spasm.
V
Motion barely perceptible. Incomplete eye closure, slight movement corner mouth. Synkinesis, contracture, and spasm usually absent.
VI
No movement, loss of tone, no synkinesis, contracture, or spasm.

Surgical Approach

I hope that they can stick with Translab as opposed to combination Translab / Retrosigmoid.

The high incidence of post- op Retrosigmoid headache is a concern, I believe due to the retraction of the brain. I read on the net (don't believe everything you read) that another reason is due to the higher possibility that bone dust from the drilling escapes into the site. Better bone dust than a Dremel drill but I most certainly don't want to be Mr. Chronic Heachache! It's a crying shame the tumour is too large for Mid Fossa but I think that appproach leaves the biggest scar. Speaking of which, I'm going to have a whammy to show off to the body modification community, especially considering I'm a shave the head type of guy.

Strolls into tattoo studio, says to freshly tattooed client:
"Nice tattoo, but check out this scar."
"Dude, that's rad. Where did you have it done?"
"Sunnybrook and Women's College Hospital - appointment by reference only."

Radio Enigma

Corporate Radio Still Sucks.

For a taste of something different,
visit The Mighty Rev Recluse and his Crew at Radio Enigma:
http://www.radioenigma.com


Support Community Radio!

Woodbine Beach - November, 2004