Update

On February 29, 2000, A tumor was discovered in Command Central, Chris Guydish. For the next six weeks after the discovery, Chris and family committed to researching and seeking multiple opinions, advice, and consultations from various doctors and various forms of treatment. The works.

The first two Neurosurgeons believed the tumor to be inoperable with only Chemotherapy as a treatment. The next two Neurosurgeons/Neuroncologists believe the tumor is treatable with surgery and radiation. The two doctors that believe surgery is possible are from Sloan-Kettering and New York University, two leading centers for this complication.

The classification of the mass was unknown as to what type of cells the mass is composed of.

Surgery is almost always the best initial treatment. Chris had performed an extensive amount of 'homework' on this situation and chose Dr. Kelly at NYU to be his Neursurgeon.

Chris was admitted to NYU on Tuesday, April 18, 05:30 EDT, to surgically install a grid to perform more brain mapping and monitioring. After the monitoring and analysis by the team at NYU, Dr. Kelly was able to determine exactly what he can remove without damage and deficits. The grid of 150 probes remained in Chris's head for 2 days.

On Thursday, April 20, 15:00 EDT, the tumor was sucessfully removed. There was no damage and Chris had a spectacular recovery in ICU. He was discharged in less than 4 days.

Chris remained at rest at home for about 6 weeks after surgery.

Chris returned to work on June 5th, 2000 under restricted duty until further medical notice.

At this time, Chris is not required to undergo further treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation treatment. He is required, however, to undergo a series of MRIs every couple of months for six months. He then can extend the checkup period to 3 months. After a full year of the checkup MRIs, the period can be extend further, assuming no return growth has been diagnosed.

Dr. Kelly removed the staples.

Dr. Gruber (Neuro-Oncologist) interpreted the pathology results as a mixed-cell Glioma, very low grade. A Glioneurocytoma.

Chris requires an MRI every two months for the first six months, then every three months to keep an eye on everything. The first MRI will act as a baseline.

Basically, the MRI looks good, and based on experience, the doctors believe the tumor will not come back.

As of today, there is no scheduled post-treatment.

Dr. Kelly dictated four more weeks of rest for Chris, then he can go back to work, full activity.

Since the tumor could have been as bad as a stage 4 cancer, this is all good news.

I will continue to post updates as these days go on.

Again, thank you for patronizing this site. I plan, as time permits, a brand new look to my web site as I learn JavaScript, Java, more HTML, XTML, etc. Just been busy.

I briefly spoke to Chris today, and wanted to get a thorough update, but only spoke with him too briefly. Everything is however, still on course for recovery.

Chris is due to report to work on June 5th. He will return to restricted duty until further notice.

Perhaps we will get more work capability information on June 28th, when Chris visits Dr. Kelly for his first of a long series of followup MRIs.

Back to work on restricted duty.

Chris has been reporting for restricted duty and is enjoying being at work instead of home every day.

Since he is medically prohibited from driving until further notice (hopefully June 28th when he visits Dr. Kelly again), Chris's supervisors have arranged that he be picked up by an officer already in the area or by an officer commuting to Riverhead through Manorville.

Chris is currently handling administrative tasks at the Riverhead office. Although he is satisfied with this position, he is of course, anxious to complete his training and report for full duty.

First of a long series of checkup MRIs at NYU.

No further action at this time, but another MRI in 3 months.

Chris may complete his training soon.

This information has not been updated since June 2000. At this time, there are no plans to continue the updates on Chris's condition.

He is able to graduate with his academy class. Any class objectives not met during this final month of training can be made up later. Graduation ceremony is Friday, March 31, 2000 at 9am. Seating is limited for the ceremony, and has been filled. The graduation party is Saturday night.

A Neurosurgeon is a doctor responsible for performing surgery and can remove tissue.

A Neurologist is a doctor responsible for administering chemical and medicinal treatments such as chemotherapy, anti-seizure medication, and other nervous system treatments with medicine and chemicals. A Neurologist understands the nervous system in more detail and how various medications act on the body and tumors.

Oncologist is a chemical and drug administer. A chemotherapy and radiation treatment expert.

Glioma - Any of the largest group of primary tumors of the brain, composed of malignant glial cells. Kinds of gliomas are astrocytoma, ependyoma, glioblastoma multiforme, medulloblastoma, and oligodendroglioma.

Astrocytoma - A primary tumor of the brain composed of astrocytes and characterized by slow growth, cyst formation, invasion of surrounding structures, and the development of a highly malignant glioblastoma within the tumor mass. Complete sergical resection of an astrocytoma may be possible early in the development of the tumor. Also called astrocytic glioma.

Oligodendroglioma - An uncommaon brain tumor composed of nonneural ectodermal cells that form part of the supporting connective tissue around nerve cells. The lesion, a firm, reddish-gray mass with calcified spots and a distinct margin, may be large. The tumor develops most often in frontal, parietal, and paraventricular sites but also may occur in the cerebellum. Also called oligodendroblastoma