Surgery date...

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I will be undergoing brain surgery for a "needle biopsy" on January 7th, 2009.  A description of the procedure from WebMD: "The exact location of the tumor in the brain is determined stereotactically, that is, by using MRI scan while the head is held still in a frame.  A small hole is then made in the skull and a needle guided through the hole to the tumor.  The needle collects the biopsy and is removed."  The photo to the left shows what the surgeon sees.  Computer imaging is used to ensure the needle is inserted properly.

This surgery is quite risky, so I am thankful that I have the chance to make a General Confession and receive Last Rites before the surgery.  God is good, even in our suffering and trials.

I have chosen Dr. Dennis Rivet as my Neurosurgeon after visiting many different medical centers.  Providentially, Dr. Rivet was the very first Neurosurgeon to look at my case.  When I returned to Virginia from my Persian Gulf deployment, I proceeded immediately to Portsmouth Naval Hospital (near my residence in Virginia Beach).  I had no appointment, and although Dr. Rivet had a full day of scheduled appointments, he insisted upon seeing me, and he spent over an hour with me discussing my condition.  He is very caring and sincere.  He assured me that his "ego is not involved" and suggested that I seek other opinions, so I did.  

I went to Richmond, Bethesda, and Durham in order to meet with Neurosurgeons, all of which had different opinions, but I feel most comfortable with Dr. Rivet.  In fact, it turns out that we both graduated from the Naval Academy (although he graduated 15 years before me), and we both had the same professor who tried to fail us in Freshman Chemistry.  I barely passed with a C; he earned an A.

Please pray for me as I prepare for this surgery.