My father got his BA from the University of Southern California (USC) in the early 1940's. He was on the varsity track team that included Olympic miler Louis Zamperini. I have clippings of Dad running high hurdles from the front page of the Sports section of the Los Angeles Times.
Growing up, sports were a big part of my relationship with my Dad, and USC was was his favorite team - especially track and football. I remember following the John McKay teams with Heisman trophy winners and National Championships. Our local rival was UCLA, and I always hated them! I remember vividly when the Gary Beban-led Bruins defeated our Trojans in the last minute to gain the Rose Bowl - what was that, 1967?
As many of you know, I eventually ended up attending graduate schoool at USC myself in the late 1970's.
As they say, that was then - this is now!
I've done a lot of research on the topic, and I can say without question that UCLA's medical research facilities are second to none. I still have a certain fondness for my own alma mater, but I've been converted! I'm a Bruin fan, now!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Answered Prayers Regarding Dr. Liau!
Shirley and I have just returned from consultation with Dr. Liau. It went VERY well! Thanks to everyone who prayed for this meeting - every prayer was answered!
First, Dr. Liau is very personable and articulate. I really liked her, as did Shirley. Dr. Liau was able to answer all my questions and explained her evaluation thoroughly. My tumor is slightly larger than originally reported - about 5cm. It is located near Broca's Center - an area that controls speech. The biopsy report showed it as a Grade 3, but Dr. Liau said it had characteristics of a Grade 2, which was probably why my original neurosurgeon so classed it. There's a significant difference between the two grades: Grade 2 is considered 'low-grade' and surgery is the ONLY treatment required. Grade 3 is 'high-grade,' and will need to be treated post-operatively with chemo and radiation. The final determination will be made when they get the tumor out and can do a complete examination. Please pray that it will be grade 2!
Second, Dr. Liau is available to do my surgery on July 3. She said I'd probably be in the hospital 3-4 days.
Third, here's the exciting part: If the tumor is within 1cm of Broca's Center, Dr. Liau will perform her pioneering procedure where I'll be awakened during surgery to help determine just how far she can go to get maximum tumor without permanent brain damage. How close the tumor is to Broca's will be determined by a Functional MRI that will be performed prior to surgery on an out-patient basis. Another term for Functional MRI is "brain-mapping." She said it would be very precise, determining where my Broca's Center begins and ends (differs from person to person). I've always enjoyed speculating about the synergy of mind/brain/soul, and this will be a fascinating exercise!
Dr. Liau has performed literally hundreds of these procedures with an amazing success-rate (all her surgeries have been successful; the ultimate outcome for each patient depends on the final grading of the tumor and the efficacy of subsequent treatment, if any).
She gave me a copy of the March 2005 National Geographic that features her. In it, the author details sleep/awake surgery on a tumor nearly identical to mine. Very encouraging!
So, to summarize, here's what I've been asking people to pray for:
1. That Dr. Liau would be able to fit me into her schedule for consultation. Answered.
2. That Dr. Liau and I would "click," that I would be assured she's the right surgeon for me. Answered.
3. That Dr. Liau would be available to do the surgery within the timeframe necessary for successful treatment. Answered.
4. That she would give me some positive news regarding my prognosis. Answered.
Please continue to keep me in prayer - particularly that the surgery will be successful with minimal side-effects (Dr. Liau warned that most patients have some trouble speaking for several hours or days after surgery, due to swelling), and that the tumor will test out as a grade 2, so I can avoid further treatments.
First, Dr. Liau is very personable and articulate. I really liked her, as did Shirley. Dr. Liau was able to answer all my questions and explained her evaluation thoroughly. My tumor is slightly larger than originally reported - about 5cm. It is located near Broca's Center - an area that controls speech. The biopsy report showed it as a Grade 3, but Dr. Liau said it had characteristics of a Grade 2, which was probably why my original neurosurgeon so classed it. There's a significant difference between the two grades: Grade 2 is considered 'low-grade' and surgery is the ONLY treatment required. Grade 3 is 'high-grade,' and will need to be treated post-operatively with chemo and radiation. The final determination will be made when they get the tumor out and can do a complete examination. Please pray that it will be grade 2!
Second, Dr. Liau is available to do my surgery on July 3. She said I'd probably be in the hospital 3-4 days.
Third, here's the exciting part: If the tumor is within 1cm of Broca's Center, Dr. Liau will perform her pioneering procedure where I'll be awakened during surgery to help determine just how far she can go to get maximum tumor without permanent brain damage. How close the tumor is to Broca's will be determined by a Functional MRI that will be performed prior to surgery on an out-patient basis. Another term for Functional MRI is "brain-mapping." She said it would be very precise, determining where my Broca's Center begins and ends (differs from person to person). I've always enjoyed speculating about the synergy of mind/brain/soul, and this will be a fascinating exercise!
Dr. Liau has performed literally hundreds of these procedures with an amazing success-rate (all her surgeries have been successful; the ultimate outcome for each patient depends on the final grading of the tumor and the efficacy of subsequent treatment, if any).
She gave me a copy of the March 2005 National Geographic that features her. In it, the author details sleep/awake surgery on a tumor nearly identical to mine. Very encouraging!
So, to summarize, here's what I've been asking people to pray for:
1. That Dr. Liau would be able to fit me into her schedule for consultation. Answered.
2. That Dr. Liau and I would "click," that I would be assured she's the right surgeon for me. Answered.
3. That Dr. Liau would be available to do the surgery within the timeframe necessary for successful treatment. Answered.
4. That she would give me some positive news regarding my prognosis. Answered.
Please continue to keep me in prayer - particularly that the surgery will be successful with minimal side-effects (Dr. Liau warned that most patients have some trouble speaking for several hours or days after surgery, due to swelling), and that the tumor will test out as a grade 2, so I can avoid further treatments.
"You're in a War!"
Monday afternoon, I had a long meeting with my internist. He provided some much needed information and guidance. The first thing he confirmed for me was the wisdom in seeking an expert neurosurgeon. "We're fortunate to have 3 of the top centers for neurosurgery in the world here - UCLA, USC, and Cedars. You really need the 'A' team for something like this, and while I'm sure the surgeon who performed your biopsy is very good, you owe it to yourself and your family to get the best."
He then looked at me soberly. "Surgery is a given. But beyond that, they will probably offer you chemo and radiation therapy. Maybe some others. My advice is to take them all - even if there are risks of permanent impairment. Make no mistake about it: You're in a war! We have to be aggressive. Take no prisoners!"
The prospect of permanent side-effects scares me. At this point, there's no reason to speculate on what they might be - cognitive, verbal, physical. I know that I want to be cured of this, but at what cost?
On the other hand, as I've known from the outset, the outcome is really not up to me. "Blessed is He who gives, and who takes away! Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him!"
He then looked at me soberly. "Surgery is a given. But beyond that, they will probably offer you chemo and radiation therapy. Maybe some others. My advice is to take them all - even if there are risks of permanent impairment. Make no mistake about it: You're in a war! We have to be aggressive. Take no prisoners!"
The prospect of permanent side-effects scares me. At this point, there's no reason to speculate on what they might be - cognitive, verbal, physical. I know that I want to be cured of this, but at what cost?
On the other hand, as I've known from the outset, the outcome is really not up to me. "Blessed is He who gives, and who takes away! Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him!"
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Dr. Linda Liau
The day before my biopsy, Pastor Paul came by for a visit. He told me that Lynn Morgan - a member of the church - had undergone brain surgery several years ago, and her doctor had recommended Donald Becker of UCLA as the best of the best. "If I was going to have someone operate on my brain, Dr. Becker is the guy I'd want to do it," her doctor had said.
I called Lynn later that day and she was very encouraging. Though her tumor was not cancerous, her surgery went very well - no complications at all. "I know that Dr. Becker has changed his practice, and he may no longer do this kind of surgery, but his office will be able to advise you about the best of his collegues."
When I called Dr. Becker's office, the assistant confirmed that Dr. Becker had, indeed, changed his focus, becoming an academic dean, but she referred me to Dr. Linda Liau. Dr. Liau has been featured on the cable Med networks, and her speciality is aggressive tumors in the exact location mine is located. Her assistant tells me that she does a technique offered only at UCLA where they wake you up during surgery so the doctor can ask questions and determine exactly how far she can go without doing unnecessary damage. Of course, I don't know if I'm a candidate for such a procedure, but I'm hopeful.
I'm scheduled to see her Wednesday, June 13 at 2pm. Please pray that she will be able to do the surgery, that side-effects will be minimal, and that I will be able to tolerate the chemo and radiation treatments that will inevitably follow.
I called Lynn later that day and she was very encouraging. Though her tumor was not cancerous, her surgery went very well - no complications at all. "I know that Dr. Becker has changed his practice, and he may no longer do this kind of surgery, but his office will be able to advise you about the best of his collegues."
When I called Dr. Becker's office, the assistant confirmed that Dr. Becker had, indeed, changed his focus, becoming an academic dean, but she referred me to Dr. Linda Liau. Dr. Liau has been featured on the cable Med networks, and her speciality is aggressive tumors in the exact location mine is located. Her assistant tells me that she does a technique offered only at UCLA where they wake you up during surgery so the doctor can ask questions and determine exactly how far she can go without doing unnecessary damage. Of course, I don't know if I'm a candidate for such a procedure, but I'm hopeful.
I'm scheduled to see her Wednesday, June 13 at 2pm. Please pray that she will be able to do the surgery, that side-effects will be minimal, and that I will be able to tolerate the chemo and radiation treatments that will inevitably follow.
The Diagnosis
On Monday, June 4, I underwent the first of two MRI's. The test was in the morning, and I did not hear about the results until after 6PM. I received excellent care in both hospitals I was in, but there was a LOT of waiting, and the facts I so desperately needed to hear were slow in coming.
I knew the neurologist standing next to my bed that evening did not have good news; she asked if my children should leave the room with my wife before she discussed my results. There was a tumor. It was small, she said (about 3 cm), and in one place. It was easy to get to. But it was a tumor, nonetheless, and until it was biopsied, we would not know how bad it was.
I was transferred to Northridge Hospital the next day and scheduled for a biopsy by a neurosurgeon on Thursday.
The neurosurgeon came to see me Wednesday night. He surprised me by saying that he planned to actually remove the tumor the next day. I balked. "I thought we were just doing a biopsy," I said, "I'd like to get a second opinion, if I have time." The surgeon's bedside manner left something to be desired, but he assured me that I would be in no danger waiting, and agreed to just do the biopsy.
He told me the biopsy would be about 1/2 hour, but they actually kept me under General Anasthesia about 4.5 hours! I'd never been under GA that long, and it took me a long time to recover.
The next day, the surgeon came with the biopsy results: A grade 2 Astrocytoma. Cancer. He explained that tumors are rated on a 4-point scale, with 4 being the most aggressive. So, all things considered, things could be worse. I'll take a 2. I'll take a 2 in an operable location with no metastasis.
I knew the neurologist standing next to my bed that evening did not have good news; she asked if my children should leave the room with my wife before she discussed my results. There was a tumor. It was small, she said (about 3 cm), and in one place. It was easy to get to. But it was a tumor, nonetheless, and until it was biopsied, we would not know how bad it was.
I was transferred to Northridge Hospital the next day and scheduled for a biopsy by a neurosurgeon on Thursday.
The neurosurgeon came to see me Wednesday night. He surprised me by saying that he planned to actually remove the tumor the next day. I balked. "I thought we were just doing a biopsy," I said, "I'd like to get a second opinion, if I have time." The surgeon's bedside manner left something to be desired, but he assured me that I would be in no danger waiting, and agreed to just do the biopsy.
He told me the biopsy would be about 1/2 hour, but they actually kept me under General Anasthesia about 4.5 hours! I'd never been under GA that long, and it took me a long time to recover.
The next day, the surgeon came with the biopsy results: A grade 2 Astrocytoma. Cancer. He explained that tumors are rated on a 4-point scale, with 4 being the most aggressive. So, all things considered, things could be worse. I'll take a 2. I'll take a 2 in an operable location with no metastasis.
"I Think I'm Having a Stroke!"
On Sunday morning, June 3, while praying aloud in front of my adult Sunday School class at Shepherd's Community Church, I was suddenly unable to speak. My thoughts were clear; I could hear and see everything around me. But when I tried to put words to my thoughts, I could only stutter.
I could see everyone looking at me, wondering what was going on. I knew I needed to let them know that something was wrong, but the words simply weren't there. I managed to substitute synonyms from time to time, and struggled out something like: "I don't want you to think I'm intending any weirdness by this." Then: "I think I'm having a stroke!"
Immediately, the whole class jumped into action. Several folks came around me and had me sit down. Dan Kolker and Walter Rude - I remember them hugging me and praying for me. I could hear Sara Jo calling 911.
Joan asked me my wife's name and phone number - I could understand her perfectly, but could not answer her. I kept thinking: "This is a problem. I need to fix it! I'm having a stroke. What do you do for a stroke?"
As people were praying, I felt a supernatural calm. I began to pray, too. "Lord, if this is my time, I'm ready. Please watch over my family." I was worried about Shirley and the kids, but I can honestly say I did not fear dying. I knew where I was going.
I learned later that Kitty had gone over to the sanctuary to have the entire congregation pray for me. When she did, Mark Nix - an MD - came to the classroom. He had me lay on my left side. As soon as I laid down, I could feel something relax in my mind. I found that I could speak again - haltingly at first, one word here and there. But by the time the paramedics arrived (about 10 minutes later), I was able to answer questions verbally.
The ambulance rushed me to West Hills Hospital where the Emergency doctors got me stablized. The first diagnosis was a TIA - a mini-stroke. They performed a CAT-scan to see if there was anything left of the bloodclot. I knew there was a problem with the scan when the doctor poked his head in the room and asked, "Have you ever had a severe blow to the head?"
I was admitted to the hospital that afternoon, an MRI to follow the next day. There was a 'shadow' on the CAT-scan that looked suspicious. It might be nothing more than calcium deposits. It might be a tumor.
My most vivid memories of my time in the ER was my wife and church family gathering around me. They would let them in, one or two at a time, and they kept coming! I sent my wife out to the waiting room to tell everyone I was fine, to go home, that I appreciated them being there. But many stayed. Everyone was great, but I particularly remember Rick James, Randy Leinen, and Larry LaCom - and of course, Casey Walker.
The love of Christ is truly expressed in the faithful servants who make up His church on earth.
I could see everyone looking at me, wondering what was going on. I knew I needed to let them know that something was wrong, but the words simply weren't there. I managed to substitute synonyms from time to time, and struggled out something like: "I don't want you to think I'm intending any weirdness by this." Then: "I think I'm having a stroke!"
Immediately, the whole class jumped into action. Several folks came around me and had me sit down. Dan Kolker and Walter Rude - I remember them hugging me and praying for me. I could hear Sara Jo calling 911.
Joan asked me my wife's name and phone number - I could understand her perfectly, but could not answer her. I kept thinking: "This is a problem. I need to fix it! I'm having a stroke. What do you do for a stroke?"
As people were praying, I felt a supernatural calm. I began to pray, too. "Lord, if this is my time, I'm ready. Please watch over my family." I was worried about Shirley and the kids, but I can honestly say I did not fear dying. I knew where I was going.
I learned later that Kitty had gone over to the sanctuary to have the entire congregation pray for me. When she did, Mark Nix - an MD - came to the classroom. He had me lay on my left side. As soon as I laid down, I could feel something relax in my mind. I found that I could speak again - haltingly at first, one word here and there. But by the time the paramedics arrived (about 10 minutes later), I was able to answer questions verbally.
The ambulance rushed me to West Hills Hospital where the Emergency doctors got me stablized. The first diagnosis was a TIA - a mini-stroke. They performed a CAT-scan to see if there was anything left of the bloodclot. I knew there was a problem with the scan when the doctor poked his head in the room and asked, "Have you ever had a severe blow to the head?"
I was admitted to the hospital that afternoon, an MRI to follow the next day. There was a 'shadow' on the CAT-scan that looked suspicious. It might be nothing more than calcium deposits. It might be a tumor.
My most vivid memories of my time in the ER was my wife and church family gathering around me. They would let them in, one or two at a time, and they kept coming! I sent my wife out to the waiting room to tell everyone I was fine, to go home, that I appreciated them being there. But many stayed. Everyone was great, but I particularly remember Rick James, Randy Leinen, and Larry LaCom - and of course, Casey Walker.
The love of Christ is truly expressed in the faithful servants who make up His church on earth.
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