Hospitalized
So I’ve got some sort of condition where my short-term memory doesn’t function as it should. The doctors say I have a tumor in my thymus gland (in my chest) coupled with/related to paraneoplastic syndrome, which is what affects my memory. I’ve been in the hospital since Monday, July 16th. I’m surrounded by family and curious doctors–there’s nothing all that common about my condition, so there’s a lot to learn by both sides.
I’m surprised I haven’t already started posting to FC about this, since each day I could read it and maybe recall more about what’s going on.
Either Monday or Tuesday, they’re going to take out the tumor, so I’ve got more to do and more to forget in the meantime. I’m told that a byproduct of my immune system’s fighting the tumor is that it’s also attacking the part of my brain set for memory. The theory is that by removing the tumor, my memory will return to normal, but that’s only the supposition—it’s not guaranteed, so only time will tell.
July 20th, 2007 at 11:27 am
Andy-
Just got off the phone with your Dad, and he told me that you’re able to get online. I just sent you an email, too.
Anyway, I’ll share some of the highlights from my email here:
First, I am working diligently on that curse toast for your wedding. Costanza who?
Second, don’t watch all of those Seinfeld DVDs quite yet. You need to save some for me when I come out to Boston to visit.
Third, do watch the Pearl Jam concert if you have the chance. Especially Disc 2. Believe it or not, they do their own songs much better than Fisherman Stew ever did. But the latter weren’t so bad either.
Finally, folks are storming heaven with prayers. Know that. You’ve got great people around you, not least of which is your saintly fiance. Hang in there, and keep those posts coming!
Paddy
July 20th, 2007 at 11:51 am
Andy,
I have not idea what Pat’s 1,2,3 mean but I agree with Finally.
dc
July 20th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
waiting on a Fisherman’s Stew reunion!! Get well soon
July 21st, 2007 at 12:48 am
hello Andy. I just heard from Jonny about your hospitalization. The good thing about a not so common tumor is you’ll get the best doctors and treatment!
You still have an open invitation to come visit San Francisco. Jonny and I will both be here for the next two years (at the very least). So come on out once this is all over.
I hope everything goes well and keep us updated.
Brady
July 21st, 2007 at 6:58 am
Hey Andy-
It’s been a long time, no? I hope you’re on the road to recovery soon. In the meantime, take it easy – be good to yourself – and perhaps our paths will cross again.
Megan (”Shoes”) O’Leary
July 21st, 2007 at 11:58 pm
oh, rickets
oh, rickets
we walk like john wayne
oh, rickets
oh, rickets
got milk?
Andy,
I’ve been in the midst of family madness (grandmother’s 80th birthday, which brought to town me, my girlfriend Anna – meeting most of the family for the first time – my sister, my uncles). when i’ve been able to step away from the drama, i’ve been thinking of you. i miss you, man – and we must talk soon to discuss physics-inspired poetry.
will call winter tomorrow.
jon
July 22nd, 2007 at 2:53 pm
Hope you feel better soon! Maybe these blog posts will help – they’re by an MFA student who had a sudden stroke. She began blogging about the process of recovery, which sounds a little bit like what you’re going through.
July 23rd, 2007 at 7:20 am
Hey Andy–
Get better soon…we’ve got alien bastards to kill. You know what I’m talking about.
July 23rd, 2007 at 7:27 am
[...] in the hospital with a serious (and seriously odd) medical condition. Now that’s he’s written a blog post about it, I’d like to wish him all the luck in the world and ask everyone to keep him in their [...]
July 23rd, 2007 at 8:19 am
Andy,
Good luck, and feel better!
July 23rd, 2007 at 6:07 pm
dear Andy,
Brady told me about your illness. He knows how fond I was of his GPrep class–his buddies. While I have many wonderful memories of those years, I still remember you guys, the Class of 1998, performing your last spring musical, a classic NYC production (aka Fr. Orr). Football players and lacrosse guys joined the theatrical gang. It was smashing!!
I am pleased that your family is there to negotiate the health care system and advocate for you –and that you are being treated by a fine Boston medical team. As Brady said, having a rare tumor can bring everyone on board faster and being in the MA medical community is a good thing when you have such a condition. (…just left my communications job at a small health care services agency at HHS so I know a little bit about the Boston scene).
Many folks care about you, Mr. Andy, and we wish you the very, very best for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. You also have my prayers, good energies, and karma on your side.
Peace, Brady’s Mom (Ellen McGovern)
PS
If you are able, check out CNN/YouTube tonite for 2008 presidential debate.
July 24th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
Andy,
I’m very sorry to hear of what you’re going through. It sounds as though you are in the best hands possible. The posts I’ve read and the e-mails Patrick has sent are all touching. I’ve been on vacation the past few days, so I’m just hearing about this, but I will call the number provided tomorrow. I hope your recovery begins with as much ease as possible.
Spencer
July 25th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Andy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I apologize for not writing sooner; however I have been receiving Winter’s emails and text messages. Perhaps a Fall visit to Boston is in order.
Take care,
Kevin
July 25th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Andy,
Tom Conlan and I are sitting in the Faculty Office in Haas reading Pat Winter’s e-mail about your surgery. WOW! Way to have an exotic health issue, fella!
But in all seriousness, I promise to keep you, your fiance, your friends and family in my prayers. Those of us of a certain age make all kind of jokes about memory loss but I can only imagine how unnerving it is when it is a for real thing in one’s life.
Hang in there, be good to yourself…
Know that I will be looking/hoping for great news!
peace,
Julie
July 26th, 2007 at 11:19 am
Hey Andy,
It was great to talk to you the other day. I look forward to catching up more when you’re up to it. In the meantime, know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I wish you good health and a speedy recovery.
Joe
August 9th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Hi Andy,
Brady told me about your diagnosis and treatment. I just got back from a work trip to the Navajo Nation and, while I have a few more work trips scheduled this summer that will take me away from Cambridge, I will be returning here for good in early September to start a job in Boston. So we’re still neighbors, even though we’ve never crossed paths up here. Shoot me an email if you get a chance and let’s see each other. I’m living in Inman Square and head over to 1369 daily (sitting at one of the tables as I type). Take care.
Sharlene
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