Better inform those waiting for me what's going on. So I informed my project managers that I had a headache for almost 2 months and couldn't do much work. And that the headache was due to a brain tumor.
As a coincidence my friend A called. Says what's up how I was etc. Told him I had a brain tumor. Such is life. I suggested a teh tarik, then he offered lunch? OK. Subway. We decided to bring some friends along, if they are available. Mr S and my project manager Z (known to both of us) was invited as well. So we had a few laughs, talked about my condition etc. It was good.
I also had lunch with my other project manager Mr O. Including old work mates. Showed them my pet tumor. Mr O then tells me that his brother is a neurosurgion in the UK. What's the chance of that. He said he will send my scans to his brother for comments. So I got to have a few laughs here as well. It's good to have friends. Oh Mr O thanks for the king prawn. It was nice. And L the 'help' was very handy. Still living off it.
Actually quite a few people extended help in one form or another. Thank you so much.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
munchkins are cool too
So the long awaited meeting with the ENT arrives. To avoid any hard thinking on the doctors we came armed with the scans. We get in and explained some symptoms then straight to the point. Here's our scan and we need a biopsy. He then proceeded with spraying my nose with bitter crap. Thanks, at least he managed a hello before doing it. He suggests we see the neurosurgion at Ipoh. Huh? That's going to take an apointment and more delays. We mentioned that the neurosurgion at the private hospital referred us to an ENT to do the biopsy. So he went to consult his colleague. His colleague comes in and yes we should do it. Now. What? Now? The private hospital wants warding overnight. So I say when will I be warded? He says no warding as it will only take a minute. Now I feel some apprehension. He says kids take it ok and I say kids know nothing, they just take it. I was thinking of the pain that I will feel. So he gives me more aneasthetic. Here goes. I couldn't watch. I tell you it sure feels snug when stuff is shoved up your nose. One big sample and another smaller deeper sample. Done.
Actually that wasn't bad, sure saved me $4k.
As a reward the doctor gives pain killers df118 or something. He offered morphine :) but I kindly declined. Wonder if it would have been good to try. It's not everyday you get prescribed dope :).
He also said no nose picking as it might scratch the biopsy point and bleed possibly badly. Man that sucks cos I love picking my nose.
He then booked me for another day to discuss the biopsy results.
Actually that wasn't bad, sure saved me $4k.
As a reward the doctor gives pain killers df118 or something. He offered morphine :) but I kindly declined. Wonder if it would have been good to try. It's not everyday you get prescribed dope :).
He also said no nose picking as it might scratch the biopsy point and bleed possibly badly. Man that sucks cos I love picking my nose.
He then booked me for another day to discuss the biopsy results.
the wizard of oz 1
So today we get to see the wizard of oz. The wizard, Dr Muin Ishak, see the scans and say that we will get a better picture after doing an MRI scan (with contrast - contrast means injection). After the CT experience I was loath to having another IV.
I guess they wanted to cash in on some scanning as well.
Into the lions den anyways. I get into the MRI minus metallic stuff near my head. The machine whines and cracks. It's like a disco in here. Sometimes like someone is playing a video game. It was noisy. My belt buckle started to vibrate then my zip. Later out came the doctor for the contrast solution. This was going to suck but I got it via a normal injection. Man that was a relief. Then it was done.
Back at the docs. He suggests surgery to remove it as soon as possible. After some talking, which I can't remember, he says that the brain tumor extends to the nasal cavity. In this situation the tumor may be a lymphoma, glioblasma and one more I can't remember. The lymphoma can be treated using chemo and radio therapy whereas the other is benign and can be removed and forgotten. The glioblasma though will require removal and chemo and radio.
The only way was a biopsy. The surgeon says that if he were to get it then may as well do the surgery to remove it as the brain would have to be opened to get the sample why not remove it anyway. That was not reassuring. However since the tumor has an extension to the nose he refers me to the ENT (ear nose and throat).
The doc says that I may have a chance of seizures so no driving. Why not cuts my legs at the same time. Man driving is a pleasure and necessity. If I was rich I can get a driver.
Talking with my wife she mistakenly on a few occasions refer to biopsy as autopsy. I'M NOT DEAD YET!
The ENT sprays some bitter crap into my nose as a welcome. Thanks nice to meet you too. Talked about my symptoms then showed the scans. Yes there is a growth there or some giant boogey. So he says let me show you the growth. He shoves a camera up my nose and there it was quietly and peacefully sleeping in the corner of my nose. (But I know it's just a roost because it must be growing.) We say we need a biopsy to better decide on our next course of action. He says OK. We will do it painlessly. Ward you for a day and remove some of it. It will only cost @4K. Wow general aneasthetic and painless, cool.
He also cleaned my ears on the way.
I say I have an appointment with an ENT at the government hospital at taiping on thursday. He says OK. Else Monday we remove a sample of your tumor.
Bill: MRI+consultation $1200, ENT @$160 (got charged for cleaning the ears)
I guess they wanted to cash in on some scanning as well.
Into the lions den anyways. I get into the MRI minus metallic stuff near my head. The machine whines and cracks. It's like a disco in here. Sometimes like someone is playing a video game. It was noisy. My belt buckle started to vibrate then my zip. Later out came the doctor for the contrast solution. This was going to suck but I got it via a normal injection. Man that was a relief. Then it was done.
Back at the docs. He suggests surgery to remove it as soon as possible. After some talking, which I can't remember, he says that the brain tumor extends to the nasal cavity. In this situation the tumor may be a lymphoma, glioblasma and one more I can't remember. The lymphoma can be treated using chemo and radio therapy whereas the other is benign and can be removed and forgotten. The glioblasma though will require removal and chemo and radio.
The only way was a biopsy. The surgeon says that if he were to get it then may as well do the surgery to remove it as the brain would have to be opened to get the sample why not remove it anyway. That was not reassuring. However since the tumor has an extension to the nose he refers me to the ENT (ear nose and throat).
The doc says that I may have a chance of seizures so no driving. Why not cuts my legs at the same time. Man driving is a pleasure and necessity. If I was rich I can get a driver.
Talking with my wife she mistakenly on a few occasions refer to biopsy as autopsy. I'M NOT DEAD YET!
The ENT sprays some bitter crap into my nose as a welcome. Thanks nice to meet you too. Talked about my symptoms then showed the scans. Yes there is a growth there or some giant boogey. So he says let me show you the growth. He shoves a camera up my nose and there it was quietly and peacefully sleeping in the corner of my nose. (But I know it's just a roost because it must be growing.) We say we need a biopsy to better decide on our next course of action. He says OK. We will do it painlessly. Ward you for a day and remove some of it. It will only cost @4K. Wow general aneasthetic and painless, cool.
He also cleaned my ears on the way.
I say I have an appointment with an ENT at the government hospital at taiping on thursday. He says OK. Else Monday we remove a sample of your tumor.
Bill: MRI+consultation $1200, ENT @$160 (got charged for cleaning the ears)
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