For the past couple of weeks, my brother, Bo, has had some double-vision problems. He’s also coincidentally been taking an asthma medication for the same time span. So, it was natural for him to assume that the double vision was a side effect of the meds.
So, on Thursday, Bo went to the doctor to request a different medication. But the doctor said that double vision wasn’t a side effect of his medication. So, he sent Bo to an eye doctor. The eye doctor found that there was an enlarged nerve between his eye and his Brain (side note: I originally typed the word “Brian” instead of “Brain” — damn habits, huh?).
So, they took an MRI and a CT Scan, and found that Bo has Brain Tumor. They’re very surprised, as brain tumors don’t appear very often in 30-year olds. They guessed that it may have had something to do with Bo’s former smoking (he’s quit for a little more than 3 years now), but a lung X-ray didn’t turn up anything. For now, they’re pretty puzzled why he has a brain tumor.
So, on this coming Tuesday morning, Bo’s going to have surgery to have the tumor removed. Bo tells me that the doctors guess that he’ll have to spend 5-6 days in the hospital for recovery.
When speaking to Bo, you can tell that he’s a little concerned, but he’s also very confident and very laid-back. He’s still joking around like usual — he told me that he even saw the inauguration ceremony twice (double vision joke). He just wants to get the surgery done, so things can get back to normal. I don’t blame him there.
But, it seems like his more daunting challenge is keeping other people from worrying or even over-worrying on his behalf. He’s mentioned that his wife is really upset (and understandably so!), but he’s said that her worrying is upsetting him! And that’s making things harder.
I’ve also spoken with our mom, who’s also doing the worry thing (again, understandably so!), and I’ve tried to alleviate some of those worries the best I can. Bo doesn’t need us to worry about him right now, he needs our strength.
At any rate, this IS a major surgical procedure! Brain surgery is not easy (it’s not rocket science, but it is Brain Surgery — ok, my joke wasn’t that good, there). And I’m guessing (I haven’t done my research) that there are some bad possible outcomes.
And for that reason, and for the mere fact that he has a wife and son who love and need him very much (as well as tons of family members and tons of friends), just try to keep Bo in your prayers. And also, keep Missy and Jeremy in your prayers too — they’ve got to be just as strong as Bo is for a little while.
I have to be in Lynchburg for a meeting on Thursday, so I’m hoping that I can stop by the hospital to see Bo on Wednesday night (depends on how soon I can get on the road), and if not, then definitely on Thursday afternoon.
I’ll definitely post some progress reports as we know more.
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