So..how did we get here (NJ) from there (Hawaii) I’ve had a few people ask me – hey! Werent you supposed to be in Hawaii another year? (Or, in second place –werent you supposed to go to Korea?). Yes to both of those. I was selected for group command at Osan AB, Republic of Korea (aka South Korea). However, when they did the medical clearance check, they saw that my tumor, which had just sort of been hanging around, unchanged for almost four years, was showing some growth. That DQed me from Korea. However, there is a fairly robust hospital in Hawaii, Tripler Army Medical Center (or something to that effect – it’s also known as “Crippler.”) As I was already going there, I continued to go there. They tracked the tumor through MRIs, seeing me about once a month. The neurologist’s answer to any of my concerns was more medications, or the same med in higher dosage. I was not a fan. The oncologist, aka “Dr Doom” sat us down at one meeting and before we could even ask, he stated that we should get treatment on the Mainland…Hawaii couldnt provide the care we needed. Cindy asked if staying was an option – he said some people do. When we asked “why” he said “why do you think?” The answer? To die. Yes, cherry. So, in the space of about two weeks, probably less, we packed up the house and moved East o New Jersey. And now go Johns Hopkins, where we’re much hap[pier. Side note, Dr Doom is an Army doc. The doc at Walter Reed who, last year, told me the average life expectancy of folks with brain tumors was five to eight years (at my four year point) was also an Army doc. Now, you may be asking yourself (if you made it this far) but wait, this isnt PMA!?! This is negative. I choose to look at it in a positive light. If I hadn’t been chosen for command, they might not have looked as closely at my MRIs and I might not get the treatment I need. We also got to see the Air Force family, once again, come together to support us. I wouldnt ask for this demo, but when you need it, its good to know it’s there. Finally, seeing/experiencing the PMA and support from my friends and family is truly amazing. So…here we are!
Posted on: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 15:04:01 +0000
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