On Tuesday, November 21st, I will undergo surgery to remove a tumor on the pituitary gland in my head. I first became aware of this tumor four years ago when I was in a car accident. Use of medication since that time has prevented the tumor from growing, but it has not shrunk. More significantly, the tumor continues to mess with hormone levels, metabolism, and a host of other complications. The pituitary gland is sometimes referred to as the “master gland” because of all the things is controls.
Over the past year, side effects from the tumor and medication have created enough problems that my doctors and I recently decided that it would be best to have surgery to remove the tumor. The neurosurgeons involved say they perform this surgery at the rate of about one per week and it’s very common. The pituitary gland is on the bottom of the brain, so they are able to access it through a scope inserted through the nose without the need to open the skull. So, if there is such a thing as a “simple” brain surgery, I guess this is it.
The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday morning at the University of Kansas Hospital in the brand new building known as the Cambridge Tower. I am told that I will be in ICU overnight on Tuesday and then moved to the floor for “a couple days” while they “make sure there is no spinal fluid leaking from my brain.” So, I hope to go home perhaps the evening of Thanksgiving.
I am hopeful that this surgery will help eliminate some of the problems I’ve been experiencing and allow me to get back to being a “normal” priest very soon. I appreciate all your prayers.
N.B. I told them if they see a bunch of Latin in there to be sure to leave that part alone; I need that :-).