Tonya M. Fleetwood

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Title: "Tonya's Final Update"
Description: This is the last email I sent out updating people on my surgery.
Date written: October 10, 2002

I am finally sending out an update. I have about an hour to kill before my computer class, so I thought now was the perfect opportunity. I am back in New York City now, obviously since I am mentioning class....but I'm getting a little ahead of myself.

I went back to Kansas City in August (shortly after having all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed, which was a million times WORSE than brain surgery). I had an MRI done that morning at St. Lukes Hospital. I was supposed to meet with my neurosurgeon first, and then see my neurologist, since that's the logical order of these sorts of things. However, since I have an ass of a surgeon, I got sent to see the neurologist first. The surgeon was a little over booked (understatement). I think my total wait time was a tad over 5 hours, completely unacceptable. Anyway, I went to see Dr. Boutwell (neurologist). She really couldn't tell me anything since I hadn't seen my surgeon yet. She gave me some new prescriptions, tested me out, and sent me on my way (which was back to the surgeon's office for another hour wait).

So, I finally saw my surgeon, Dr. Clough. He talked to us for about 5 minutes. My tumor was/is benign, which means NON-cancerous (hooray!). However, we must keep in mind that I still technically have a tumor since my surgeon couldn't get it all (remember), and there is a chance of regrowth. My tumor was classified as a gangliocytoma, which is extremely rare. Dr. Clough released me to get my MRIs done in Maryville, MO, which is a much easier drive for me (only 40 minutes away).

When my surgeon showed me my MRI scan from that morning, there were these white circles around the tumor area. It made me a little nervous at first, but then Dr. Clough informed me and my family that I have 3 metal disks in my head. Isn't that the coolest thing you've ever heard!? I am actually one of those lucky individuals to have metal disks!! They are there attaching my skull together...so cool! The part of my tumor that still remains on my very expensive brain did not even show up on the new scans, which means that it is practically microscopic.

So, I am basically doing really well. I have an occasional headache from time to time, but it's nothing like it used to be. I am still struggling with the daily frustration of my hair, but I know that it'll eventually grow back. I am still having terrible sleeping problems, and my damn insomia pills DO NOT work! grrrr... (But hey, who cares, I have metal disks in my head, how many people can say that.....yeah, metal disks!)

I have a really great job at mPRm Public Relations. We represent certain movies and tv shows. Some of our past clients include: In the Bedroom, Quills, Requiem for a Dream, Traffic, Bridget Jone's Diary, Shakespeare in Love, Memento, Sliding Doors, Chocolat, You Can Count on Me, Basketball Diaries....hmmm, what else...National Lampoon's Van Wilder, Donnie Darko, Frailty, Total Eclipse, and tons of other great movies. I really love this job. I get to call important people everyday. It's so much fun.

I recently got accepted into New York University's Study Abroad Program (hooray!). I will be living in London, England the entire spring semester. I'm so excited. (We're still crossing our fingers that Bart gets accepted to Paris).

I need to give a quick shout-out of congratulations to my friends that have recently become parents. Congrats to Jennifer and Jerod, the proud parents of beautiful little Imajen Nichole Downing. Congrats to Christina, the proud parent of adorable little Caitlin Christine Pace!

As for any more news, I am anxiously awaiting November 10, my 21st birthday (the birthday of birthdays). My mom and Duane are flying into the city and then we are going to Atlantic City to gamble the day away. So exciting...

Well, that's my update. Hope it wasn't too long. I know I promised that it wouldn't be long this time, sorry. Talk to you all soon. Oh, just a hint...my mailbox is getting a little lonely. Can some of you try to cheer it up, please!?

Love,
Tonya

Here are some replies that I received:

From Alicia Merritt, my Iowa pen pal since 6th grade:
Hi there!!! I am so glad to hear from you! Gosh, I am so relieved to hear how well you are doing in spite of everything, and most of all, that your tumor wasn't cancerous. What a nightmare at the hospital- 5 hours waiting is completely ridiculous. Geez! And you have 3 metal disks in your head! LOL Do they set off the metal detectors at the airport? ;) I know the insomnia must be awful- I have trouble with that too at times. I hope they can get you some different pills that will help. I can imagine how frustrating the hair thing must be- you are handling everything soooooo well though, I really admire your positive attitude. Your job sounds very exciting! :D That's cool! OH I am sooooooo envious that you will get to go live in London- my long time dream is to see London and Paris, particularly the Paris Opera House. :) When do you leave? I hope your friend can go to Paris, that would be cool. Hugs, Alicia

From Anna Perez, a mad fun girl I met my freshman year at NYU:
Now you can be one of those people who walk through the metal detector and hold up the line because they're trying to locate your gun while you scream at them lke a crazy lady claiming you have a metal disc in your head!!!!hahahaha, that's too cool! Hey babe, it's Anna. My mother has decided to make my life hell by cancelling our aol account. so will you please e-mail me at alp236@nyu.edu from now on? ...so go right now to your little address book, and change it...yup, right this instant...have you changed it?...because I know you'll forget! and then I'll never hear from you again!!!!...ok, good job! Anyway, I'm so happy that life is going so well for you and me both. Where do you live again? university? remember, I live at weinsein, so we really have no excuse...(except I think we both know that the next three weeks are midterm hell weeks! I'm so behind!!!). You know, I haven't seen Asha Veal for like a million years?, we should all get together sometime. I'm so happy that you're going to London! I'm going to Florence, but I plan to travel a lot when I'm there, so maybe our paths will cross sometime! That would be so much fun. I'm at work, oh by the way, how did you get such a fantastic job? through school? is it an internship? or are did you find it on your own and are actually getting paid!!! Taht sounds like too much fun. Ok, enough excitement, I better get back to work, but I just wanted to say hi, and thanks for the updates (I love reading them), and don't forget about the e-mail thingy! ciao darling! ~Anna



Go to Documents index Title: "Tonya's Final Update" Description: This is the last email I sent out updating people on my surgery. Date written: October 10, 2002 I am finally sending out an update. I have about an hour to kill before my computer class, so I thought now was the perfect opportunity. I am back in New York City now, obviously since I am mentioning class....but I'm getting a little ahead of myself. I went back to Kansas City in August (shortly after having all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed, which was a million times WORSE than brain surgery). I had an MRI done that morning at St. Lukes Hospital. I was supposed to meet with my neurosurgeon first, and then see my neurologist, since that's the logical order of these sorts of things. However, since I have an ass of a surgeon, I got sent to see the neurologist first. The surgeon was a little over booked (understatement). I think my total wait time was a tad over 5 hours, completely unacceptable. Anyway, I went to see Dr. Boutwell (neurologist). She really couldn't tell me anything since I hadn't seen my surgeon yet. She gave me some new prescriptions, tested me out, and sent me on my way (which was back to the surgeon's office for another hour wait). So, I finally saw my surgeon, Dr. Clough. He talked to us for about 5 minutes. My tumor was/is benign, which means NON-cancerous (hooray!). However, we must keep in mind that I still technically have a tumor since my surgeon couldn't get it all (remember), and there is a chance of regrowth. My tumor was classified as a gangliocytoma, which is extremely rare. Dr. Clough released me to get my MRIs done in Maryville, MO, which is a much easier drive for me (only 40 minutes away). When my surgeon showed me my MRI scan from that morning, there were these white circles around the tumor area. It made me a little nervous at first, but then Dr. Clough informed me and my family that I have 3 metal disks in my head. Isn't that the coolest thing you've ever heard!? I am actually one of those lucky individuals to have metal disks!! They are there attaching my skull together...so cool! The part of my tumor that still remains on my very expensive brain did not even show up on the new scans, which means that it is practically microscopic. So, I am basically doing really well. I have an occasional headache from time to time, but it's nothing like it used to be. I am still struggling with the daily frustration of my hair, but I know that it'll eventually grow back. I am still having terrible sleeping problems, and my damn insomia pills DO NOT work! grrrr... (But hey, who cares, I have metal disks in my head, how many people can say that.....yeah, metal disks!) I have a really great job at mPRm Public Relations. We represent certain movies and tv shows. Some of our past clients include: In the Bedroom, Quills, Requiem for a Dream, Traffic, Bridget Jone's Diary, Shakespeare in Love, Memento, Sliding Doors, Chocolat, You Can Count on Me, Basketball Diaries....hmmm, what else...National Lampoon's Van Wilder, Donnie Darko, Frailty, Total Eclipse, and tons of other great movies. I really love this job. I get to call important people everyday. It's so much fun. I recently got accepted into New York University's Study Abroad Program (hooray!). I will be living in London, England the entire spring semester. I'm so excited. (We're still crossing our fingers that Bart gets accepted to Paris). I need to give a quick shout-out of congratulations to my friends that have recently become parents. Congrats to Jennifer and Jerod, the proud parents of beautiful little Imajen Nichole Downing. Congrats to Christina, the proud parent of adorable little Caitlin Christine Pace! As for any more news, I am anxiously awaiting November 10, my 21st birthday (the birthday of birthdays). My mom and Duane are flying into the city and then we are going to Atlantic City to gamble the day away. So exciting... Well, that's my update. Hope it wasn't too long. I know I promised that it wouldn't be long this time, sorry. Talk to you all soon. Oh, just a hint...my mailbox is getting a little lonely. Can some of you try to cheer it up, please!? Love, Tonya Here are some replies that I received: From Alicia Merritt, my Iowa pen pal since 6th grade: Hi there!!! I am so glad to hear from you! Gosh, I am so relieved to hear how well you are doing in spite of everything, and most of all, that your tumor wasn't cancerous. What a nightmare at the hospital- 5 hours waiting is completely ridiculous. Geez! And you have 3 metal disks in your head! LOL Do they set off the metal detectors at the airport? ;) I know the insomnia must be awful- I have trouble with that too at times. I hope they can get you some different pills that will help. I can imagine how frustrating the hair thing must be- you are handling everything soooooo well though, I really admire your positive attitude. Your job sounds very exciting! :D That's cool! OH I am sooooooo envious that you will get to go live in London- my long time dream is to see London and Paris, particularly the Paris Opera House. :) When do you leave? I hope your friend can go to Paris, that would be cool. Hugs, Alicia From Anna Perez, a mad fun girl I met my freshman year at NYU: Now you can be one of those people who walk through the metal detector and hold up the line because they're trying to locate your gun while you scream at them lke a crazy lady claiming you have a metal disc in your head!!!!hahahaha, that's too cool! Hey babe, it's Anna. My mother has decided to make my life hell by cancelling our aol account. so will you please e-mail me at alp236@nyu.edu from now on? ...so go right now to your little address book, and change it...yup, right this instant...have you changed it?...because I know you'll forget! and then I'll never hear from you again!!!!...ok, good job! Anyway, I'm so happy that life is going so well for you and me both. Where do you live again? university? remember, I live at weinsein, so we really have no excuse...(except I think we both know that the next three weeks are midterm hell weeks! I'm so behind!!!). You know, I haven't seen Asha Veal for like a million years?, we should all get together sometime. I'm so happy that you're going to London! I'm going to Florence, but I plan to travel a lot when I'm there, so maybe our paths will cross sometime! That would be so much fun. I'm at work, oh by the way, how did you get such a fantastic job? through school? is it an internship? or are did you find it on your own and are actually getting paid!!! Taht sounds like too much fun. Ok, enough excitement, I better get back to work, but I just wanted to say hi, and thanks for the updates (I love reading them), and don't forget about the e-mail thingy! ciao darling! ~Anna