Radiation Mask - Smash That Mask! (Video)

Stanford Brain Tumor Support Group

I've gone to more than my share of brain tumor support groups. I haven't really been that much the last few months because of that last few months because of schedules issues but I do get a benefit from it. Just hearing the group talk about how they deal with seizures, or their tumor gives me a great perspective. 

The only heart wrenching thing is the sheer number of "turnover" in the group. I sometimes feel bad that I have so far, and continue to be, so relatively unaffected by this horrible disise. 

I went tonight to touch base with all those in the group that I haven't seen in awhile. I'm not sure if this is a good thing but the support group has grown quite a bit since the last time I have gone.

The facilitators of this group, Sharon and Joanie are kind enough to hold this meeting every month. Sharon is a retired UCSF nurse and Joanie is a retired Kaiser nurse. The support group is hosted by the surgeon who has opened my brain a handful of times, Dr. Chang. 

It was nice to catch up with some old friends and I hope to return to this group regularly once I am through my recovery.

What's Up...

Jett takes a swing at the mask

Some friends gathered and celebrated the end of my radiation treatment with me this weekend. And, my radiation mask was hung like a pinata. The kids had fun smashing it with a bat and it finally broke. The next birthday party we have I plan to just hang up any plastic item from a tree, give the kids a bat and let them go. It was hours of fun for the kids. 

I was surprised with a special performance by both Adam and Enzo. Lola made a "pin the tail on the brain tumor" game. It was great to relax and celebrate. 

Thanks for all the support Team Mick received. As of now, the 2015 Brain Tumor Event raised over $400,000 which will help fund brain tumor research. Thanks to those who were able to join us for the walk and for all of the generous donations.

This Friday, we're meeting with my Neuro Oncologist to discuss my chemotherapy plan. And, in a couple of weeks I am scheduled for my first post radiation MRI.

I'm still tired and taking naps during the day but the worst of my recovery is, thankfully, behind me!!!

Kids having fun on the trampoline

Adam 

Lola

Enzo

Walking Today to Honor & Remember

It's Over

Radiation is officially over! 30 for 30. Done! I'm still so tired and without my hair but, we won't be making the daily drive to Stanford. Guess what!? The grand opening of the Stanford Cancer Treatment Center is in July...in San Jose. Turns out I missed being radiated in my hometown by weeks.

I guess I was expecting to feel excited, different on the final session. I felt the same as I did for 30 days - I felt nothing as I laid there. Though it feels damn good to know I don't have to go tomorrow.

The Radiology Technicians were so wonderful. It almost makes me want to go back to visit them. Almost...

The fatigue is expected to last at least a month more. In about a week, my head should start to peel. I'm really hoping my hair grows back.
The next step is Chemotherapy. But, I'm looking forward to a break first. 

My brother-in-law summed it up well... "Congratulations? Is that really what you wanted? It's like congratulating you on having a tumor. I'm so glad it's over though." You have to know him to know this was a really sweet comment!