Update…

Update on Becca....

I am so happy and relieved to report the results of all the tests that Becca has been through the last couple weeks. Although there is still a long road to full recovery, it is a great feeling to know what is causing her pain and a huge relief to know that it is not cancer.

I’m sure most of you know by now….but if you don’t here is the update straight from Becca….

“I actually have two different problems going on right now; a brain tumor and shoulder pain…Basically, I have been diagnosed with a brain tumor on the right frontal lobe of my brain. The good news is that the tumor is benign and is pretty small right now. The tumor needs to be removed because if it becomes too large, it will cause damage to my brain and could potentially become cancerous in the future. Therefore, I will definitely be undergoing brain surgery. My neurosurgeon feels confident that surgery will remove the entire tumor. If not, I may need radiation therapy as a follow up, but the surgeon feels confident that that won't be the case. Also, the surgery does not need to happen immediately, which I am really happy about. I am going to have another MRI and CT scan in March so the surgeon can determine the growth rate of the tumor, and then I will probably have the surgery over the summer, which is obviously good timing for me! Its scary to think about having brain surgery, but at least I'm not looking at cancer! In terms of my shoulder, I have a large degree of bone bruising and a large amount of swelling and fluid build up in the should joint, as well as the tissues surrounding the joint. I also have some small tears and abrasions in the rotator cuff and surrounding tissue. All of the swelling is putting pressure on the nerve networks in my shoulder region, which is causing the pain to radiate down my left arm. In terms of treatment, we are starting a series of cortisone shots to reduce the inflammation and I am currently taking morphine for pain management. If that does not work, I will probably need surgery to fix the tears and abrasions, which should permanently reduce the swelling and relieve the pressure on my nerve networks.”

Becca is one of the strongest women I know, so I am so confident that she will make it through all of this in flying colors. Her strenth, determination and positive attitude throughout this ordeeal has been truly inspirational.

Becca I love you so much. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I can’t wait to see you in 4 weeks!!!