The Tumorator's Journey

Randy’s journey began in November, 2017. What he thought would be your typical ear infection turned out to be far worst. He was noticing loss of hearing, impaired vision, headaches and problems with coordination. After seeing 3 different doctors, getting numerous scans and ultrasounds and MRI's they discovered he had a mass the size of a golf ball in his brain that had been estimated to be growing for 10 years. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Meningioma. A usually noncancerous tumor that arises from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This was the most devastating news our family has ever received. Due to the size, location and symptoms,  he had no choice but to have surgery. Although it wasn’t promising with a high chance of regrowth, it was the only option he had.
 
His first of many surgeries was schedule on November 17, 2017. After a lengthy 6 hour procedure we thought the road was clear only to find out they weren’t able to remove all of it so they rushed him back in after a short period of time for a back to back surgery. An additional 4 hr surgery was completed and they successfully removed 80% of the tumor. The location of the tumor being wrapped around the main arteries  made it difficult for doctors to remove 100%  of it. The road to recovery had began.

Randy was sent to St Joseph’s/Barrow Neuro Rehab Center for 2 months where he completed inpatient therapy. The effects of the surgery caused loss of hearing in one ear, limited mobility in his left leg and left arm. Thanksgiving of 2017 was spent in the hospital and will forever be the most memorable holiday for our family. We had a lot to be thankful for. With his girlfriend,  family and friends  by his side he was determined to get back to normal.  He refused to use a walker, wheelchair and never asked for help. He didn’t let a lazy leg and a sleepy arm slow him down.

He accepted his new normal. The Tumor-rator was born. Therapy once a week. Monthly Doctor visits. Chemo and radiation therapy. Daily exercises. All the diet fads to fight against tumor cells. Randy expressed his unconditional love by proposing and making Selena his future wife. He didn't let the tumor stop him from living. Life was good.

After a routine MRI, Drs once again discovered the tumor has grown and doubled in size. Chemo and Radiation had not helped. The news broke our hearts. All the hard work he put in felt like it was in vain. Meningioma’s are known to be a rapid growing tumor and there is no guarantee it won’t grow back after being removed. In February 2020 Randy required a 3rd surgery. Our family came together once again  to pray and ask our Heavenly Father to watch over our brother and guide the Drs as they try to remove the tumor. During surgery it was discovered he had tumors growing in the ear canal. An emergency call was made to the ENT surgeon who successfully removed them. Once again, although successful they were not able to remove 100% of the tumor.  The journey continues.



He moved forward with physical, occupational and speech therapy.  Plans for a wedding was made. A beautiful home was purchased. He began to garden and was able to return to work.

And BOOM... once again the walls come crashing down. More devastating news after a routine checkup. The tumor has grown and is now causing dilation in his ventricles which supplies the cerebral spinal fluid to the brain. Drs were concerned as this can cause seizures, a stroke, coma or worst, fatality. They scheduled him for another emergency surgery.  

On March 15, 2021 Randy had his 4rth brain surgery. This was the one to test our faiths, a 10hr procedure that did not guarantee success. During surgery Randy suffered a cerebral stroke. Although the surgery removed 80% of the tumor, the  stroke caused major damages. Unaware of the stroke, Randy didn’t understand why he couldn’t see clearly, why he couldn’t speak, move and why this surgery was “so bad.” The stroke caused difficulty walking, instability, weak muscles, problems with coordination, stiff muscles, overactive reflexes, paralysis of the left side of the body, double vision, difficulty speaking, slurred speech, fatigue, facial muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, headaches, inability to understand, mental confusion and involuntary eye movement.

Covid rules had made this time around difficult for everyone. Unable to speak we were concerned his needs wouldn’t be met. Being a high risk patient, our family had no access to him. Thankfully Selena, his Fiancé has been selflessly by his side and  has taken full responsibility and is doing an amazing job taking care of Randy, their household, the paperwork, relaying updates and information and all that comes with it.

Currently Randy is being housed at Encompass Health Valley of The Sun Rehabilitation Hospital where he has 24hr care  and will begin rehab so he can regain his strength and make a full recovery.
 
We are starting this fundraiser to humbly request your help for our brother and future sister in law and to show support in his treatment and road to recovery. Due to the recent challenges Randy will not be able to return to work.  We are hoping to prepare them for anything that comes their way in hopes to take off the financial burden. Randy has the biggest heart and deserves all the greatest  things life has to offer. He’s taken punches after punches and has not given up. He’s a 4X’s CHAMP! He remains hopeful and positive. He’s faced with challenges we plan to help him overcome!

We thank you all for your prayers, positivity and support. It doesn’t go unnoticed. We ask that you join us to give the Tumor-rator the cheer of a life time!

** Randy created a YouTube page to document his journey and life with Meningioma. Please check it out! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=02bmalx-6TA&feature=youtu.be