This is a video of Dr. Patrick Kelly (NYU) doing brain surgery. My brain surgery was a bit deeper in my brain, making photos or video very difficult. However, this is basically the same operation I had on 5/5/05. Same neurosurgeon. Same craniotomy. Same tools. Same information.
Many neurosurgeons said my brain tumor was inoperable because it was behind the Sylvian Fissure, which essentially required pulling apart an area where two parts of the brain meet. Break a blood vessel, and the patient will either not walk or not talk – or both.
Dr. Kelly respectfully asked if I wanted to see this brain surgery video when I met with him the first time (1/5/05). I watched and was just about sickened. But, I forced myself to watch the entire video. In retrospect, I realize what a brilliant action this was on the part of Dr. Kelly.
Why? Because it gave me 4 solid months to get beyond the blood and brain tumor removal and imagine myself as the person in this video – not someone else. By brain surgery day on 5/5/05, I was much better prepared psychologically for having watched this video. Knowledge = power.
NOTE: My brain tumor is in my Temporal Lobe and Frontal Lobe, where many eloquent brain functions exist. About 50% of my lemon-sized tumor was removed during surgery. Months after surgery, neuro-psychology tests reveal that my IQ was not impacted by this surgery.
And for you music fans out there, the accompanying music is from "Shawshank Redemption," by film composer Thomas Newman.
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