CINCINNATI, Ohio. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — More than one million Americans are living with a brain tumor. Some are operable, some are not. In fact, there are more than 100 different types of brain tumors. Today we want to introduce you to one man, a father of a small boy, who was told there was nothing doctors could do — that is until he met the right doctor. 2nd opinions
“It was almost like I was intoxicated,” described what Tyler Nutter thought was vertigo, and ended up being so much more.
“My doctor actually called me and told me that it was, you know, there’s a lesion on your brain stem,” he said.
The Air Force veteran couldn’t work, couldn’t walk, and couldn’t keep up with his three-year-old son Jaxson. Because of the location — doctors told him the tumor was inoperable.
“I remember that exact moment. It was hard to stomach,” recalled Tyler.
Radiation and chemo didn’t work — then Tyler went for a second opinion at the University of Cincinnati — and it changed everything.
“I thought that surgery was feasible,” said Norberto Andaluz, MD, Neurosurgeon at the University of Cincinnati Health Gardner Neuroscience Institute.
“I couldn’t believe it,” exclaimed Tyler.
“Where this tumor was in the centers of the brainstem that are related to your hearing, your facial movements, your facial sensation, your coordinated eye view,” explained Dr. Andaluz.
That’s why during the surgery to remove the brain tumor, the neurosurgeon continuously monitored all the brain pathways and nerves that move your face, impact your hearing and help you swallow. The surgery was a success! Tyler is expected to make a full recovery and today there is no visible sign of a tumor.
“Just getting back to being able to run, jump with my kid. That’s what I look forward to the most. Absolutely,” expressed Tyler, getting a second chance to be the dad he always wanted to be.
A new Mayo Clinic study found that 87% of second diagnoses, nearly nine out of ten patients, either led to a refinement of the first diagnosis or a completely different diagnosis. Also, there is a misconception that doctors do not like patients to get a second opinion. Studies show that primary care providers often will refer patients to get another opinion to make sure their assessment is correct.
Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Producer; Matt Goldschmidt, Videographer; Roque Correa, Editor.
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Source:
https://braintumor.org/brain-tumors/about-brain-tumors/brain-tumor-facts/
https://www.hcplive.com/view/doctors-and-data-agree-second-opinions-improve-patient-outcomes
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Jamie Denlinger
Brain Tumor Center Nurse Navigator
Brain Tumor Center Hotline: 513-418-2282
If this story or any other Ivanhoe story has impacted your life or prompted you or someone you know to seek or change treatments, please let us know by contacting Marjorie Bekaert Thomas at mthomas@ivanhoe.com
