[Jackie07]

Penny,

Telephone message is always confusing. My first 'horror' experience was the phone call from my neurologist's office concerning my CT scan in summer, 1990. He wanted to see me the next afternoon, according to the receptionist.

I thought nothing about it until my boss pushed me to find out what it was about. "They must have found something if he wants to see you right after your scan. Call his office and demand an answer!" I followed her 'instruction' but couldn't get any more information as the doctor was not available and his nurse was not allowed to give any information.

When we saw the doctor the next day, he started out by saying: "Good news and bad news - bad news is that you have a brain tumor and it's very big; good news is that it is operable and most likely is benigh because the center is calcified..."

So I fully understand the torture you are going through after that confusing voicemail message from your oncologist. I think she understands the situation and that's why she revealed a little bit information. Even though it's a 'positive' add-on, to us patients it's still like "No news is good news!"

Take a couple of deep breath whenever you feel the anxiety. Dr. Gopal Guttikonda saved my life by advising me to seek out a new neurosurgeon in town. "I would not recommend anyone but Dr. Charles S. C. Chang..." I believe you've got a dedicated doctor on your side as well.