I met with the neurosurgeon today, a reassuring guy from Zurich who says he’s done “thousands of these” and also shocked I have no symptoms/side effects. Evidently the area of my brain this is in relates to spatial awareness and long term conditioning like remembering the order you dress in the morning.
I double checked that my underwear was correctly on the inside of my pants and asked if there were other options - for example, by having surgery I’m delaying chemo - is there an option to radiate down the tumor while getting chemo? Then he said something like “Bro look at this are you crazy I don’t know how you’re not having a stroke right now” <in a charming Swiss accent>
All the dark spots around the big ass tumor is inflammation, so I guess I’d expect a headache or two…
We agreed with no symptoms it wasn’t urgent enough to admit me immediately but also it was urgent enough for the first available surgery which is Tuesday, Nov 17th. This means we can still swing by Hopkins this week for second opinions on the oncological plan in general.
The recovery from surgery doesn’t sound as bad as I thought and seems like I would be up and around in December. There are some significant risks in the operation that could impair my ability to drive in the future, but it seems like the other option is certain death so I guess I can learn to love Uber and pray for no slips of the knife.
Now as a bald guy my real concern is the scar situation - I asked if we could go more for a bar fight type deal vs Frankenstein since I work with kids. He promised to do his best. Hopefully he’ll give it just a touch of Harry Potter lightning bolt, but I’m open for other suggestions.
Hey Phil! We've never met but I'm a neighbor around the corner and former Colfax parent-- I've been in touch with Kelly recently and she shared your substack. First, I am also holding you and your family in my prayers. This is a lot, and there is so much support: I hope you can feel it! Also, just want to chime and say TATTOOS are also a fantastic option if you decide you want to continue modeling after all this. : ) I'm sure your kids could mock up some amazing designs. Will be keeping your whole team in prayer on the 17th!
The even-handed and measured way you are able to write about all this is truly an inspiration. As for the scar, I think Harry Potter lightning bolt is the way to go :)