I received a text today at 2:40 p.m. that 1/4 Away (Fred Cioffi) a great friend I have met right here had a MRI today and found a bleed and small lesion in his brain.
He was admitted to a local hospital and now has been transported to Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC.
I ask that God will be with him and guide the Dr's in whatever direction they need to go and for healing of the lesion. I ask in Jesus name ! :pray:
:pray:
Update from another text I received from Fred at 7:00p.m last night.
The Dr. said the bleed wasn't nothing that concerned at this point But the lesion which is either an indication of MS or a cancerous brain tumor.
They scheduled to do a spinal tap and another form of MRI for today.
The Docs will review the results to determine if surgery is needed.
Fred being Fred also said the worst part was he was expecting delivery of a Fox recurve yesterday while his wife was away and he wasn't there to receive it and hide it before she found out he had another bow in his stable.
It went to the post office.
I will keep my friend in prayer and praying a miracle takes place and it's nothing serious.
In Jesus name I pray.
Praying for Fred
I've heard varying views on the lesions...in folks over 50, they say almost anyone will have a few... hopefully, his team will do consults with more experienced folks in that area of expertise.
Prayers about for him...that's a great story about the bow... More importantly that the brain bleed can be resolved and the lesions found to be a minor issue as well!
Lord, in your infinite Mercy...hear our prayers...
Thanks guys for lifting up Fred! He did text me once more yesterday letting me know they were about to do the spinal tap procedure.
Fred was all excited texting me about a Fox High Sierra he was to get Thursday and we both had Dr's appointments on Wednesday.
He then text about the discovery of the lesion and bleed and at the end about the bow .
I sort of had a grin on my face because he always makes certain that all those bows are delivered when she is either out of town or away doing something so he can scramble home and blend it in with all his other bows.
This time he might of got cought cause you all know how they leave a note on the door or mailbox about trying to deliver a package..
Knowing Fred he had a plan "B" as he always tells me lol.
Fred being a police detective and pretty darn witty I'm sure has himself a plan "B" and please pray along with me that he made his reservations for a plan "B" in excepting Jesus as his Lord and Savior as well.
If I recall he may have told me he has over the years but let's pray he has. Thank you and God Bless!
Prayers for God's best
Prayers for Fred. He is a great guy!
I want to thank everyone for your prayers and well wishes. It's definitely been a tough few days. Right now I'm in the hospital because I was having severe pain in my left side and thought it was possibly a kidney stone. Turns out I was retaining fluid and after putting in a foley my bladder put out 1500cc of urine. They still need to do some more tests regarding the lesion in my brain , they were unsuccessfully drawing the spinal fluid and are going to try again. but that's not happening until I resolve the kidney issue. As far as the bow goes I had to fess up to the wife cuz I need her to go pick it up at the post office before they send it back to the seller. Plus she really can't get all that mad at me with all that's going on. Again, thank you all for the prayers.
We still got you covered Fred and continued prayers for sure. Get well my friend and sorry you couldn't be there to get that bow before the wife found out.
I sure miss harassing you when you are ill buddy.
Get well Fred.
Prayers for Fred. One of the good guys for sure
Prayers for Fred. One of the good guys for sure
Only a Bow-A-Holic would use illness as a way to get another bow in the house! :)
Prayers continue for you, Fred... I cannot imagine how badly that full a bladder hurt...I about passed out at like 700cc retention once... Oye.
Good luck getting a handle on all this and keep the great attitude.
Keeps everyone wondering... Prayers continue!
Hi doc, ironically I wasn't aware that my bladder was that full because my bowels were also full at the same time and that's where the pain was coming from. Good news is that my creatine level is back to normal and they are thinking of letting me go home today, and lucky me I get to take the foley with me. Once this issue is resolved we still have to meet with the tumor team to see what their plan is regarding the lesion. We are also getting the medical records so that we can get a second and third opinion. My main concern right now is the doc is letting my wife remove the foley at home either Wednesday or Friday ( she is an er nurse). I've already apologized for any thing I've ever done wrong in our 24 years married and asked her to be gentle. She said not to worry she give me an arrow to bite down on. LOL
Fred that sounds like she is going to pull it out Very slowly so the pain last's longer lol.
Glad you get to go home and don't go worrying about that Fox recurve and where she might of hid it. I'll pray she is very gentle on ya my friend.
:pray: :pray:
Been there, done that! Once they let the air outa that bubble that holds inside, it came out like...nuttin!
After 24 yrs of marriage, she'll likely be gentle, as she won't want to hear for another 24 years how she beat you up if she don't! :)
Keep the Son in your eyes, son!
Going Thursday for the lumbar puncture. Hopefully this time they'll be successful getting some fluid. Doing it in the OR instead of bedside like last time.
Praying they are successful this time Fred!
I have been praying every morning for you and continue lifting you up buddy .
I know it is frustrating going back and forth and not being able to do as you normally do but this as you know needs to be done so you can have many more years with your family.
:pray:
Procedure is scheduled for 7:30 am tomorrow.
Hopefully, we'll have some good news sooner then later from and for ole Fred!
Been a trial hoss...
But that's what to expect from our "fallen" world...
Prayers up and KEEP the Son in your eyes!
Procedure went well, they were able to get the fluid they needed. They won't have the complete results til Monday so they sent me home. Neurosurgeon just called me to make sure I was feeling okay.
Get some rest now Fred and We will keep you in prayers for a "Good" report that all is ok.<')))><
Like Keith says...It is in the Lord's hands as are you... His perfect will be done and our prayers are for a great report!
Rest in his GRACE, Fred!
:pray: :pray: :pray:
Lord please place your healing hands on Fred and give him your healing breath and get him back in shape. Hang in there brother.
I got another text from Fred yesterday while I was busy building a set for our V.B.S. at Church and he is having prostate surgery this Thursday .
I text him that I'll get him on our Church prayer chain as well and please if you all have a prayer chain can you put our good friend Fred Cioffi on yours? The more of us lifting him I'm sure God will hear us.
Fred "We" have your back as we gather and pray and as it is written "Where two or more are gathered in His name so He will be with us as well".
In Jesus name "We" pray!
Like Keefer says I am scheduled for prostate surgery this thursday provided the nuclear test this afternoon shows negative for any cancer in my bones. We are still getting more consults regarding the head issue which still has to be addressed, although we have 2 docs saying to redo MRI in 4-6 weeks and one saying while not an emergency it needs to come out even though they are not really sure what it is. Please if you can find the time say a prayer for me that this afternoons test is negative.
Amen and praising God for the fact that it is His will you prosper and be in health as your soul prosper in the truth of His Word.
Praise the Lord !! My scan today was clear, no cancer in my bones. Prostate surgery will go on as scheduled Thursday. There is still the issue of the growth in my head but no one can be sure what it is and only one of the 3 docs says no question he feels it should come out, but it's not without risk of loss of strength or use on my left side. The other 2 want to wait 4-6 weeks and redo the MRI. We are also going to get a couple more opinions
:pray: :pray:
Praise the Lord for good results on the scan you had yesterday Fred and I know it's a hard call to make on the head issue .
I thought about it last night and know this is a serious matter when something is on the brain .
As you said in your text to me "Do you wait for the other Dr's and see what they say" or just go with what the other Dr's have found and get it taken care of now?
I know we have some great Dr's and whatever you decide I pray God puts a peace in your heart and gives you the answer on which direction to pursue.
You are my friend Fred and one of the folks I truly like and met through just a pm here.
You treated me with kindness and even though we have never met in person we have been like close friends and I want you to know I cherish our friendship and my prayers are with you and I continue to pray for you "Brother"!
:pray:
I'm with you most of the way Keef...but I'd say that it's too apparent that docs are just people, so getting confirming recommendations seem to be a good thing...even the bible suggests we get more then one opinion ...and there IS a reason docs call what they do a "practice"... :saywhat: :bigsmyl:
Otherwise, an echo of all the warm wishes for a great outcome and peace that passes all understanding!
Hang in there Fred. I am pulling for you. I to am having Prostate surgery on Wednesday June 21st. Found cancer but my CT Scan and Bone scan both came thru normal. 12 weeks of radiation after the surgery. Will be praying for you. Philip
Got a text this morning from Fred right before he went in and a few hours later another around 12:53 that he is spending the night in the hospital and according to docs his prostate was "Huge" but all went well.
Praise be to God and praying you recover well Fred. :thumbsup: :pray:
Doc was in about an hour ago. He said the surgery went well. He is planning on cutting me loose sometime tomorrow and leaving the post op foley in til Monday. He did say the pressure in my bladder was low and it may take a while til I can void on my own but it will happen.
Philip hang tough and I will keep you in my prayers as well. I have a consult with another doc on June 22nd for the brain lesion.
As the old saying went up home, "When it rains it pours!"
Good to hear some good news on your behalf...let's pray that continues!
Keep the Son in your eyes!
Thank you all for all your prayers and support!
Prostate surgery was last Thursday and the foley came out this morning. I am able to void on my own and the doc has me on light duty until I see him the end of July. Now I can focus on my other health issue, the lesion in my head.i have an appointment this Thursday with a doctor down at memorial sloane Kettering hospital in NYC who specializes in this particular area of the brain.
Congratulations on the surgery outcome...now to get you thru the next level of hoops!
Keep the Son in your eyes! :)
Fred that is great news and I know you must feel 100% better being able to "Go" on your own ?
Sorry I didn't text you right back today I had black oil base paint on my hands at work and didn't want to smear it on my phone lol.
I'll be up to Church every night this week "Smoking" up the Church with the smoke pipe I showed you the other night.I had a little kid come in and looking at the set on the stage and he had no clue I was standing in the Baptism pool looking through the fan trying to make it turn very slow.
I hit the Fogger and blew a big Puff of smoke through that stove pipe and I said with a deep voice 'HEY LITTLE BOY COME TO THE OZ" like on the Wizard of Oz and He said something and I said "SILENCE" Well he turned 180 hit the after burners on and screamed like a girl and brought his MaMa back.
She said Mr. Oz you need not scare my little boy and I said 'HUSH YOUR MOUTH WOMEN WHEN TALKING TO THE OZ" It was a Kodak moment and I laughed so hard. :laughing: Man I love to torment kids.
Gee, Fred, the fun never stops with you!
Glad things went and praying for good news on your noggin!
Keefer I would have never guessed you as such a tormentor!
Keefer, You're lucky mama didn't open a can of Whoop A$$ on you for tormenting her little one....lol.
Thanks, Jed!
Fred glad things went well on the surgery. Now we just have to hang in there and hope the other goes well. Still praying for you and Keefer. Philip
Thanks Philip. Keeping you in my prayers as well. Good luck next week!!
Fred,
If I read his first post correctly, he goes under the Anesthesia tomorrow, Wed, June 21st...then the 12 weeks of radiation...
Regardless, Lord knows the need and the hairs on our head...
Bestest doctor of all is the Lord our Father!
Doc, You're right it is tomorrow. I will keep him in my prayers this evening.
We are praying for you Fred. I need to pay attention better!
I often fall into the trap of not understanding His Will, but His Will is still perfect...
May his perfect will be for you both to come thru your ordeals with flying colors!
Lord, hear our prayers...
Went for another consult today re: my head lesion with a doc at a renowned cancer hospital in NYC. She too could not definitively say what it was without a needle biopsy but her recommended plan of action (like 4 out of 5 other docs) is to have another MRI in September to see if there is any change in the thing. If so she would opt for removal, if not a repeat MRI in another 3 months. Have one more consult tomorrow morning and that's it. Wife and I are extremely comfortable wth waiting 3 months barring any new developments.
Guess I jumped the gun in Keef's post asking how you be...
Lotsa travel for ya, but good path to check mortals out as they are just human and hiccup like us!
Hopefully, you can find a consensus that makes you comfortable!
Keep the Son in your eyes!
Fred I still have your back in Prayers buddy.I pray it doesn't get any bigger and actually praying that God does a miracle on it and remove it and nothing shows up this time. Have "Faith" and give it to God and He will do His Will like Doc has said.
We don't always know why but His Will be done.
It may shrink and be nothing and it's very wise to keep checking as well .
You keep the Faith Bro. and We will keep you lifted in Prayers. God Bless and heal you my friend in Jesus name.
This is the day Fred goes back to the Doctors to find out about the lesion. Let's make sure to send prayers his way.
thanks for the reminder, Phil.
Consider it done... :pray:
I want to thank everybody for their thoughts and prayers. My anxiety level was definitely high yesterday driving down to the hospital for my repeat MRI, but it turned out to be a great day. They did a MRI both with and without contrast after which we went to speak with the neuro oncologist to review the original MRI from June and yesterday's. There was no change in the lesion at all....it didn't grow any and more importantly it didn't enhance with the contrast dye they injected into me which would have indicated it was cancerous. The docs on the tumor board still don't know what it is or how long it's been there and they are referring to it as a spot or an incidental finding not a tumor. They say that even if it was a tumor it is definitely low grade but they are not calling it that. They are going to continue monitoring it and I have to go back in 3 months for a repeat of yesterday, if all is the same again we'll repeat in 6 months and then yearly. God is definitely watching over me!
That's very good news Fred and Praise be to God !
Praise God and may it disappear forever
I was told during my Dad's health concerns that most all of us by post 55 would show lesions on the brain... Wouldn't surprise me if I had a few!
I"m so grateful for your good report, such that it is but far better then what it may have been like!
Indeed, God is watching over you and I pray that he'll continue to do so and this remains a NON_event in your life and future!
Some how I missed this, Fred I hope you are doing better........ :pray: :pray: :pray: you are in my thoughts.