Murad and I met with a very well known and respected Neurosurgeon at Baylor Medical Center Dallas (Dr. David Barnett) this morning and received our 5^th independent opinion on my situation. Every test done to date (2 MRIs and MRAs…..and a new CT Scan) shows that there is NO evidence of a tumor and quite honestly, they can’t figure out why the Neurosurgery team affiliated with Presbyterian of Plano came to the conclusion they did so early on.  It’s hard to believe that the first Neurosurgeon we saw told me on 8/30/06 that I had an incurable Glioma brain tumor that, at best, could be mostly taken out and my condition monitored long term.  I was preparing for the worst and thinking I could not be here in a few weeks or months. What’s more, when we asked for him and his nurse practitioner to reevaluate the data based on the new MRI and the stark difference of professional opinions between them and the other medical professionals involved, his office called me to say they were sticking with their diagnosis and recommending brain surgery.  To date, they have not offered any new analysis…even after I called yesterday and said it was important I speak to them.  I think they are done with me…..and honestly….I think I’m done with them as well. 



It’s alarming to me that with today’s technology, we still have medical professionals that either can’t agree on what they’re looking at or just flat out misdiagnose.  I’m not sure whether it’s the business side of healthcare trying to push unnecessary surgery and make money…or just a misinformed doctor making the initial call in this case.  Either way, we will ALWAYS get a second…third…and fourth opinion if ever facing another health issue. 



We owe so much to Murad’s uncle Jamil in Boston…who is a professor at Harvard and respected cardiologist.  Of course everyone being treated for a medical issue wants to feel as though they have the absolute “best” and “respected” opinions on their side.  From the very beginning, Uncle Jamil was immediately involved in helping us through the first 7 days and making sure we had the information and resources of some of the “best” doctors in the field.  A specialist himself,  he unselfishly dropped everything to help.  He even made a personal house call to the chief at Harvard….asking for his assistance.  Jamil was literally calling us hours before leaving on a trip to France to make sure we were in goods hands and felt comfortable our questions were being answered to our satisfaction.  I remember him saying to me at a very fragile time in the process, “Matt, I want you to know that no matter what we learn about what is happening, you can feel 100% confident we will be able to address it and fix it.  Stay positive and really internalize this.  We WILL find a positive resolution and you WILL be ok”.  As you might imagine, he holds a VERY special place in our heart and we will forever be thankful for his professional passion and personal support though this.  And he is STILL involved today…..calling and asking for updates.  Jamil is a great man and says he feels professionally rewarded by helping us connect with the right people.



So, the consensus is that I did have a hemorrhage in the visual cortex area of my brain.  (Right-rear)  It’s rare for someone my age with no previous problems, but the new Neurologist and Neurosurgeon both feel as though I will make a full recovery and we will ultimately learn what weak vessel was responsible.  My brain is a little cramped right now and things are being pushed around that shouldn’t be pushed.  Anti-inflammatory medicines are keeping any swelling down and making sure I stay on a positive trend as the blood clears away on its own.  With a little time, I’m told my brain should respond favorably to the treatment and I can resume my life as planned.  For now, I have about 25% vision loss which affects a very specific area of my sight.  While it makes driving challenging, it’s not preventing me from any other activity including reading or typing.  (of course you can judge for yourself after reading thisJ)  Actually, for about 5 minutes yesterday, I swore I was getting it back as I was talking to my brother Mark on the phone.  It was temporary…and I’m not sure if it was my brain simply compensating and rewiring, but it felt and looked real.  It didn’t stay long, but I was encouraged.  I hope it happens again. 



Anytime you have trauma to the brain, the healing process…or what my Neurologist likes to call “Nature”, will take a little time.  Your body has a way of mending itself and all it needs is to be kept happy physically and emotionally while it does its thing.  So, I will follow doctor’s advice and plan to do just that.  Avoiding excess stress right now is important.



I see a day in the not to distant future where this is completely behind us and I will be better professionally and personally because of the experience.  I know for sure it has changed the way I view other people, situations, relationships, friends and gave me a new appreciation for life, what we have and certainly a deeper compassion for others in similar situations.  Of course it sucks that this happened at all, but I’d say that what I discovered about myself throughout the process may outweigh the frustration of sitting on the sidelines for a few plays.  And you know how much I hate sitting out of things!! 



We’ll keep you all updated on our progress and developments.  Until then, thank you to every one of our friends who has called, sent cards, expressed concern, delivered meals and prayed for my speedy recovery.   You have been true friends to Murad and me and we appreciate you being there for us.

Also, our immediate family including parents, brothers, sisters, in-laws, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews have shown tremendous concern over the last couple weeks and have been in near constant contact with us.  I speak to both sides of our family multiple times per day…..from Phoenix to Turkey.  Can’t wait for my long distance bill!!  Actually, I’m glad Jim Haupert (my brother-in-law) turned us on to Skype.  Only pennies per minute to talk internationally over the computer!  Thanks Jim!

Have a great weekend everyone…..I know I will after the good news I received today.

Matt