big day

First off some house keeping issues: I realize that many of you are concerned about me and want updates about what is going on instantly, but this is a slow process at times. The blog will be updated regularly by my sister and my family so please check back regularly. My sister will be available for calls and texts but please be understanding that she does not need to be overwhelmed during such a stressful process and will do her best to update everyone.

For those of you who know me even for a little while it becomes fairly evident that the best way to try to get me to do something is to tell me that I can't do it and I'll go to extreme lengths to make sure I can. Obviously the challenge which I am again faced with is of a different nature. This is a somewhat familiar challenge but nonetheless daunting. To try to say this is fair or part of a plan is honestly not something I can willingly subscribe to. To try to figure out "why me" or "what did I do" is even less productive. All I can say at this point is that I can take it. I know this because all of you have constantly reminded me how strong I am.

I wish I had enough time to talk with everyone that I have heard from this past week. The honest to god truth is that I did not have time to talk with each one of you because i have had so many people call, e-mail, text, and visit. This is for everyone. At times it could be said that I have a bad habit of not throwing things away in my life; old clothes, documents, or knickknacks of various kinds. This week and the support I have received has made me realize that I seem to have a habit of doing the same with people. This is one habit I have no regrets about. I have so many people that care about me in my life that I am literally amazed.

I can't say I have always known what I wanted to do with my life or why I'm doing things. I will say that as I have gone along throughout my life my one consistent goal has been to make impression of some kind on those that I have encountered. This week has given me a wonderful sense of fulfillment because I have realized that if nothing else to this point in life that goal is intact.

Food schedule

We've set up an online schedule for food thanks to the many offers. Here's the link:
http://www.foodtidings.com/SignUp.aspx?ScheduleGuid=90d4011d-d2c1-4d11-8a29-a4af7db9f532

Thanks.

Got sent home

I was sent home yesterday afternoon. I am not allowed to drive right now because all the evidence points to the fact that I had a seizure while running and therefore, even while on anti seizure medication I'm not cleared to drive. Surgery is scheduled for Tuesday morning. Probably going to stay at my house in Baltimore on Saturday night. Visitors are welcome whenever and are always appreciated.

I don't have a whole lot of information about what's going on and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared. But what I will say is that I am convinced I will come through this fine and for anyone who has ever had an argument or a conversation with me you know that once I am convinced of something I won't be talked out of it. I don't plan on starting now!

Hopefully Headed home

Hey everyone I'm headed home at some point today it seems. Thanks for all the texts and other messages. They are really helping me stay positive and keep my chin up. Obviously this is very important because it is the only thing I can control. My surgery is scheduled for Tuesday June, 21. I am headed back to my parents house in Arnold. Visitors are welcome as mentioned please text me or my sister before coming.

Same story just a different date

So once again, I was running, I had a seizure, I was taken to a hospital, I had an MRI and they discovered a tumor. It is a smaller tumor in a similar spot. The difference is this one may be a little more intertwined with blood vessels and the part of my brain involved with motor function but the treatment plan seems to be the same. Surgery is scheduled tentatively for Monday June 21st. I think I will be headed home today probably to my parents. Visitors are all welcome just let me know in advance so I know to be home. Text either me or my sister her #401-359-7727. If you don't hear back from me I may be asleep. The only thing is sick people should probably wait til after surgery to come because I don't want to catch anything that may delay surgery and my sister's new baby is there as well. Not up for talking yet but texts and e-mails are most welcome. Thanks for all the love see you soon.

ways to donate

There are several ways to contribute.

Online: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/make_gift.html

You can make the gift “In honor of John Petrovick”

704 Rusack Court

Arnold, MD 21012

Or directly:

Make a check payable to Johns Hopkins and in the memo part of the check write Dr. Quinones Stem Cell Research and mail it to:

John Petrovick

704 Rusack Court

Arnold, MD 21012

OR

Office of Development
Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery
c/o The Fund for Johns Hopkins Medicine
100 North Charles Street, Suite 401
Baltimore, MD 21201

Thanks again for all your support.

John Petrovick

Inside all of us is HOPE.

2010 marathon

As you know I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2008. I was fortunate in that I was set up with a brilliant doctor/surgeon. He heads a research group that is responsible for some of the methods that help to control and treat brain tumors. I have gone to their lab and sat in on their meetings. I am confident that this group will ultimately find a cure for brain tumors.
Brain tumors require different treatment methods than other forms of cancer. That is why it is important that specialized research groups get funds and donations directly. My surgeon Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, is a member of a research team at Johns Hopkins which works towards developing innovative methods for treating brain tumors. Further information about the group can be found at: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/specialty_areas/brain_tumor/.
Once again I will be running the Baltimore Marathon and I am asking that people make donations and sponsor me in my race. I will be accepting donations well after the actual race.
Thank again for all your support.