Wednesday, March 19, 2008

The Skinny

i guess i should have explained why i am posting a blog. i was diagnosed last tuesday with an ependymoma. Here is a brief explanation of what an ependymoma is.

Within the brain and spinal cord, there are nerve cells and also cells that support and protect the nerve cells. The supporting cells are called glial cells. A tumour of these cells is known as a glioma.

Ependymomas are a rare type of glioma. They develop from the ependymal cells which line the ventricles (fluid-filled spaces in the brain) and from the central canal of the spinal cord. They can be found in any part of the brain or spine, and are particularly common in the cerebellum (see diagram) in children. They are the second most common spinal cord tumour.

Tumours at the base of the brain, in an area called the posterior fossa, are more common in children. this is what i have. i knew i was still a child.

i have my procedure on tuesday, March 25th at 8:30 a.m. at United Hospital in St. Paul. i will be in ICU for one to two days and in the hospital for a week.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Troup,
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. You are a special guy and I'm honored to be your friend.
We'll have to do a couple dinners during your 3 months of inactivity to fatten you up!

Anonymous said...

Troup-
That last one was from me.
I forgot to sign it!
Todd

Lakeesha said...

Patrick,

You will certainly be in my prayers.

All my best,
Lakeesha

Anonymous said...

Troup, going to be lonely on the gym floor without all ur comments and sly remarks...See you in the summer!
My family is praying for you and for a speedy recovery.
Fern

Richard Bell said...

Hey Pat,

By now you would have had your surgery. Hope things are going well. Will stop by Tracys to see if Van came and can tell me how you are doing.

Takecare, Godd Bless!