Hi all,

Well it just seems we tend to lean toward the weird over here in Rippel land. So here goes, again.

Apparently earlier this summer Joey felt something in his neck but "forgot" to tell me about it for about 2 months!!!!!! Like father like son. After Joey told me about Louy (Lump, Origin Unknown, Yet - I had to name it because I just can't bear to say tumor, mass, lump, etc) and upon feeling it (again like father like son, you can actually see it if you look for it) I discovered Louy is about the size of a ping pong ball and growing, just above Joey's collar bone, at the base of his neck. Well, as a starting point I yanked Joey into the Dr. Mostert's office, the ENT doctor that did George's surgery and Amy's adenoid/tonsillectomy. She said that Louy was not in any way like George's-- no thyroid involvement, not fluid filled, on the left side, and growth rate is a bit slower. Louy is rather firm and "movable" within an area, may or may not be "attached" to something, and probably has some involvement of the lymph nodes in that immediate area. She ordered a cat scan with and without contrast and a full physical. Upon hearing of George's potential allergy to the contrast dye (it is iodine based) she decided an MRI would be sufficient - basically she is looking to see if Louy is involved with other "things" and perhaps any identifying characteristics as to what Louy is made of. Once she knows that and gets the okay from the physical she will surgically remove Louy and then do a biopsy (or autopsy depending on how you are perceiving Louy at this point)!?!

Well, Dr Yamauchi did the physical and blood work then pronounced Joey very healthy (Yeah!) pending a TB scratch test to be "read" on Monday. He concurs that Louy should come out sooner rather than later, but said based on his examination of Louy, that others similar to Louy are "more often than not benign " (double yeah!) but to "proceed with minimal delays."

Joey has also had the MRI. The radiologist has to read the images and get the results to Dr Mostert who may/may not do a needle biopsy before setting a date for surgery date. I am assuming the surgery will be "day surgery" except for the fact it involves the neck, and as with George, she may be worried about post operative swelling so maybe it won't be day but no more than a night (and I really doubt that because she isn't removing any organs), but we will have to wait and see.

Joey is a tiny bit worried (he had a bit of a relieved look when Dr. Y made the "more often than not" statement) but like a typical 16 year old is pretty much just using it to mess with me!!! which of course I will put up with because of Louy (a very vicious cycle. Ha!) Anyway life goes on -- Joey and George are in Austin this weekend where Joey is playing in a two day tournament (which by the way he is in the lead at 2 under par, 70, at the end of the first day). This just goes to show he isn't so worried he can't focus and enjoy what he loves to do. It's a good thing

So, that is that. This is not meant to worry or upset ya'll although upon first read it might. But think about Louy and all the other evidence and on second look Louy isn't much to worry about. Of course I will admit that is a little easier said than done. Figured I should tell ya'll now instead of springing the surgery on you. But nothing we can do, except say our prayers, until we get Louy out and find out what he is made of, so to speak.

I will of course keep everyone updated as I know things, but will not know anything until at least Monday afternoon or Tuesday.

Chalk it all up to another day in the life of Rippeldom.

Love
Me