Tumor Rumor

So, I have a brain tumor.

On Saturday 8/15, as we were getting ready to head to Rio for two weeks of vacation and a quick conference talk, I had a seizure instead and woke up in the ER. Subsequent scanning revealed a right frontal lobe tumor that's gotta go. I stayed in the hospital for a few nights and came home Monday afternoon. We're working a wonderful network of connections here and through UT at MDAnderson to figure out what to do next. Biopsy and resection will be next followed by probably radiation and chemo.

Here's a picture of the major vessels in my brain just for show. I'll gross you out with tumor shots later!

I've had a lot of great support so far from family, friends, coworkers and some great medical folks. We've got a long road ahead, and this space will be the best space to find out about what's going on with me. I'm going to stay home from work for a while to deal with all of this, have treatments, see doctors, and generally slack off. I was supposed to be on vacation for two weeks anyway, right?

In the meantime, I'm trying to work in with the folks at the Imaging Research Center at UT to do some pro bono fMRI scans for SCIENCE (TM). We may also see if there's anyone around UT who wants to fully sequence the DNA of any of my tumor cells as well. Exciting times are ahead!

For the most part, visitors are welcome almost any time. We've had a lot of you around lately, and it's been most gratifying to feel your love. Please text, IM, or FB message Caris or I to check on timing and location if you want to come by. I now really understand how important it is to have folks who care for you and your caregivers. If I didn't come see you in the hospital when you were down, I sincerely apologize.

Fuck cancer. Let's kill this thing.