I am currently sitting at Black Canyon Coffee at the Chiang Mai airport waiting for my flight back to California. In a few days, I hope to be getting surgery to remove an alien growing on my mesentery. This is a good thing.
It took me 4 scans, 2 biopsies, 8 shots in the ass, and more trips to Bangkok Hospital than I can remember, to get to this point. Finally after ruling out prostate cancer, and getting a diagnostic confirmation from the Cleveland Clinic, it all comes down to this one 2.5×1.5 cm tumor. The consensus is get it out if at all possible.
I talked with two surgeons affiliated with Bangkok Hospital. One was willing to do the traditional slice and dice procedure, and the other one was an expert in laparoscopic (minimally invasive aka. key-hole) surgery. Neither had any experience excising neuroendocrine tumors. I had to wonder if they would even know what one looked like. So I went on the internet. It turns out there are only a handful of facilities in the USA that have a specialization in Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs). It boiled down to choosing between Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, The James Cancer Center in Columbus Ohio, City of Hope in Duarte, California, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. One didn’t take my insurance, and one didn’t follow-up after 3-4 emails. In the end, I chose the Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine Tumor Program at Cedars-Sinai. In about 48 hours, I have an appointment with a surgeon who specializes in NET tumors. Not to disparage my doctors in Chiang Mai, all of whom gave me excellent care, but this feels like moving up to the big leagues.
My prospective surgeon, Dr. Kosari, has reviewed my scans and believes the tumor is resectable (Doc speak for “yea, we can cut it out”) and likely can be done minimally invasively using a robotic assist. As the above picture shows, the robot looks a little scary. Sean Connery would agree.
I want to emphasize that my disease has not worsened or progressed. Surgery, if possible, is a good thing (my new mantra). My disease will still be there, will still be incurable (BUT NOT TERMINAL). If successful this will be a step towards my ultimate goal – high life-quality while waiting for something else to kill me. Stay tuned.
BaldBrady’s Blog 
You go bro! Keep us posted!
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Hope all goes well for you Brady. Keep us informed
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Brady, So great to hear you’re on your way to such wonderful care with amazing surgeons. I have a long time dear friend who husband has NETs. She’s discovered a wonderful, supportive and informative NET group through Facebook. I’d be very happy to e-introduce you to Marcy if you’d like. Sending you lots of prayers for a safe and successful surgery.
Christine
Christine Baumgartner
Dating and Relationship Coach
Christine@ThePerfectCatch.com
http://www.ThePerfectCatch.com
714-290-6166
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Thank you Christine. I’m sure she’s on the same Facebook group as am I.
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You have made a good choice in Cedar Sinai!
Good luck, Brady with your surgery. My thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. I hope you have some fun in California and meet some old friends before returning to Thailand.
Be well my friend.
Prem
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Best of luck to you Brady. As one who is living with Prostate Cancer daily I can easily identify with your situation. I made serious lifestyle/life changes this past year and have seen my tumor go into remission.
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Wishing you well. Stay strong.
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Good Luck. Keep th Blogs coming.
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Thanks for the update Brady. And… here’s hoping all goes well in CA!
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Would you like a visitor while in Ca?
Sincerely,
*Thomas C. Santoro, CFP®*
*Tom@CraneRealEstate.com*
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*Crane Real Estate**www.CraneRealEstate.com*
1965 E. Chapman Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92831
Work: 714-871-8100
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Visit the link below to view Tom’s Five Star Real Estate Agent:
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*From:* BaldBradyâs Blog [mailto:comment-reply@wordpress.com] *Sent:* Friday, February 14, 2020 6:55 PM *To:* tom@cranerealestate.com *Subject:* [New post] Operation California
baldbrady posted: ” I am currently sitting at Black Canyon Coffee at the Chiang Mai airport waiting for my flight back to California. In a few days, I hope to be getting surgery to remove an alien growing on my mesentery. This is a good thing. It took me 4 scans, 2 biop”
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Good to hear of your status! Will you return to Thailand post op, assuming no robotic “oopsies?” I will be on the west coast in May if you are still in that locale.
Best for the op…don’t pinch the robo on the arse!
Stu
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Dear Brady, sorry for responding that late, but I have not been opening my FB account for two years. Uma told me what happened to you and forced me to read your blog. I’m shocked. It’s five days ago since your latest posting and I honestly hope that they have successfully cut out the bastard in your belly. I have registered myself now and looking forward to getting an update. I wish you all of the best, chok dee and best regards, Hans
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I just posted another blog. You can follow the blog without using facebook by going to baldbrady.com and looking at the left side for a place to register. I’ve had a slight delay, new date for surgery is Tuesday, March 3. Waiting is the hardest part….
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