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)