I have a new “friend.” For the sake of this blog, its name is the “Blob.” He’s been with me for a while now, but I was just formally introduced to him when his picture appeared on an MRI Sunday night.
I have been getting goofy over the last couple years. Unexplained stuff, I could only explain by getting older: aches, pains, ringing in the ears and other assorted stuff that generally goes along with being over 40, as I am (first element of humor). Recently, it’s gotten worse. Add numb hands, feet and dropping stuff to the list of annoyances.
While shopping at the grocery store Sunday night I ran into a doctor friend, who asked me how I was doing. When I answered, no words came out. He got the picture. That conversation (or lack-thereof) led to a trip to an ICU (where I now have a super-secret pseudonym and password). That’s where I first met the “Blob.”
He’s plum-sized on the left frontal lobe. Poetic justice being what it is, this is the area of my brain that controls speech. So my new job may be as an ASL translator for important people, such as the popular band, Nickelback (second element of humor). But we’ll discuss job opportunities after I get this damn thing out of my head. That happens Thursday. They say it’ll take 5 hours. I work the night shift, so I see this as a nice little nap. When I wake up, we should know if it’s a good, bad or another type of “Blob” and what comes next.
Since we don’t know that stuff, it might be a good time to talk about all the possibilities. We’ve learned my doctor is the best there is. Listed as one of Oprah’s “Miracle Men” and has several 5-star yelp reviews. My buddy, Paul Ecke, stopped by and brought up a complication we hadn’t considered: my political leanings may change and I may wake up yelling “drill baby drill!” or finding wisdom in what Sarah Palin has to say. The point here is we’re entering territory about which I know little. Having my family and friends around me for the past two days has confirmed that my strength will come from humor—not worry.
Please think of me and the “blob” in happy terms, and as Paul also said “I’ll see you on the other side.” I’m pretty sure he meant the other side of the weekend.
Loren
My friend, Paul Ecke, me and the “Blob”
The Nancarrow Project 
Sending good thoughts your way.
The GOOD news-no need to shave your head before surgery! And you look great in green! Wishing you the best and a quick recovery, Loren. Lots of hugs and prayers sent your way.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. You are a staple here in San Diego (and Encinitas) so kick that blob in the a**
Feel like I know you even though I’ve only seen you on TV! We’ll be praying for you on Thursday…sounds like you’ve got a good team on for you! Thanks to our friend Morgan Cartuscello for getting the word out!
We love you uncle loren and we are all thinking of you. You will be in our prayers. 🙂 ❤
You are right where you need to be, Loren, with the best possible care. Just to be on the safe side I will keep you surrounded in positive energy and prayers for your highest good!
Loren, Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way for a speedy recovery.
Loren- I had something similar in 2006. Mine ended up being a cyst. I ended up having surgery for 12 hours…in which they did not remove it, but put it back in my brain as it had punctured my sinus cavity and I had become very will with bacterial meningitis. After a week and a half in ICU and then another week on the imm care floor I was released. I now take a medication to reduce the amount of spinal fluid in my brain (made for high altitude climbers). I have had no further problems. I am healthy and happy and living life. I will have you in my prayers! Lots of people love you!
You will easily weather this ‘storm’ and come out of it with blue skies and rays of warm sunshine to bathe your garden of life and love.
Praying and seeing “blob” dissolve away from humor and laughter. Gentle healing to you Loren:)
Fortunately for Loren, brains are remarkably malleable. And this man seems to work with more than his fair share. Hells bells, this is nothing. Even with a missing scoop of grey matter, Loren will remain a cognitive kick ass. Recover quickly and get back to saving the planet, dude, before McDonalds starts serving Soilent Green in all its happy meals. By the way, your Sarah Palin comment stands as an insult to mentally challenged folks the world over.
Moments like this make me turn to Whitman’s “Song of Myself” for comfort:
The spotted hawk swoops by and accuses me, he complains
of my gab and my loitering.
I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable,
I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.
[…] F*CK THIS TUMOR […]
Humor, and good friends… potent medicine, Loren.
You are in our prayers.
Loren, I’ve watched you on the news almost all my life. (Yes, I know that sounds awful, but you’re almost family that way!) I helped my mom through her years of treatment for lymphoma, and I know that finding something like this is incredibly difficult to face. That you’re doing so with a sense of humor and a positive outlook is truly inspiring. If you have a ‘miracle worker’ then I’m sure you’re in good hands. Since your surgery is on Thursday, I’ll say TGIF! 🙂
And just when I had nothing to worry about. Will be praying for a “good” Blob and full recovery. You are a fixture in San Diego and your fans will be anxious to have you back. God speed.
Praying that God continues to allow you humor to get through this challenge. Laughter and a positive attitude have so much power. You will have a complete recovery. I’m sorry you have to go through this.
Wondered why you weren’t on the news tonight and now I know.. it’s the BLOB. Thanks for sharing this personal journey with us and I’m going to hold the highest of thoughts and energy for your complete recovery. We need you Loren. Mother Earth is not done with you yet. So I feel positive you’ll be well soon.
Positive healing thoughts. You will do fine…
Wishing you a speedy recovery, sending you lots of prayers.
Hey, Loren . . . sorry to hear about ‘the Blob.’ Anxiously awaiting the news. Will alert all my email pals, many of whom, like me, love you and your work, and all of whom will be pulling for you to hear good news from the surgeon.
Loren, I will lift you up in prayer for a successful surgery and that “the blob” is benign!! I’ve watched on our local stations for years. Blessings to you!
Jean Compton
Loren, I had level 4 melanoma in my lung and on my scalp…seemed like a nightmare but I never felt doomed. Keep up the optimism. It will sustain you. My lung operation was 9 years ago….all is well!
I am so sorry to hear this but love the way you informed all of us who love you. I believe in prayer and will keep you in my prayers for complete healing.
I love your humor, thanks for sharing your challenge with us, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Wow, my family and I will be praying for you.
Oops Typo: I meant to say “after its departure,”
Loren – I hope you defeat The Blob and there is no sequel. Will keep you in my prayers and hope to see your smiling face and insightful posts again, oh say, next week?!
Will e praying for you and a speedy recovery and that the “Blob” will be nothing special!!!:)
Praying for you brother!!!!!!
Prayers and Best Wishes for a complete and speedy recovery, with full speaking capabilities.
Sending you lots of positive healing thoughts, Loren. The Blob is going on a permanent vacation and its departure, I expect that you will wake up healthy, happy and still you 🙂 I met you walking your cute pomeranian one day around the D Street Park in Encinitas about four years ago. You’re a good man and all will be well!
You are amazing!! And so funny!! Yes, the freeloader blob must go! Bye bye blob! All will be well my friend. I wish I was there to give you a hug! Much love!
P.S. I hope you are not going to use this an excuse to get out of making my soil for my garden 😉
Loren, I admire you anyway, for all you do and your plethora of wisdom and kindness. But, I now admire you for this blog posting about Blob. This speaks volumes about your courage in sharing, and I appreciate you very much.
That being said, I’ll be thinking of you and Blob and sending my best wishes for the best possible outcome on Thursday, and hope you (not necessarily Blob) are back to you business as usual very soon!
My best wishes,
Mardie
be praying for you Loren!😀🙏
My Toughs and Prayers are with You Sir, hope all is well and not a major thing. Keep with that good sence of Humor and that amazing Positive strength…
Sorry you have to go through this. I do like your sense of humor. It might explain why you think you are just over 40. Might want to add another ten years.
Wow, Loren, this is such a personal story for you to share. I admire your courage and sense of humor. Your report on this – your tumor, the Blob – is important for us to hear, and probably one of the most compelling local stories for 2013. We will be sending many prayers your way, and following your story closely. Thank you and God Bless!
Loren, I have always had a “soft spot” for you!! You are one hot guy!! I will be saying lots of prayers for you!!! You will do just fine!!!! Lots of hugs coming your way!! Lynn
Will say a prayer for you…best of luck…let’s not make Blob a friend 🙂
Thanks for Posting Loren. Our thoughts are with you. So is the Force!
Keep your chin up, Loren! We’re all pullin’ for you as the good docs pull the blob from you!
sending healing vibes
Loren,
I will keep you in my prayers. Sounds like you have chosen a good surgeon and are in a great frame of mind. ( Pun intended).
Steady as he goes, my friend.
Judy Clark
My thoughts and prayers are with my favorite Nancarrow family. Love, Ms. O
will be praying for you.
Hello Blob, please go away now! Be strong Loren & Susie! I have been there & done that. Praying! Hugs!!!
Charlene
There is no doubt Loren, that you will kick Blob’s butt…or maybe you just have to kick Blob’s blob as I’m not really sure Blob has a butt. Anyway, I’ll be praying for you and the family!!! God is awesome. Draw your strength from Him.
Good luck Loren! Thinking of you xoxo
Wishing you all of the best Loren. Please let Susie know if she needs anything to contact her high school buddy, Judy. Will put you on my prayer list immediately that your “friend” is just an obnoxious visitor.
it’s a dark stormy night and both of the Nancarrow brothers are in the hospital-Thank goodness for the skilled hands of the doctors who will make them well!!
I didn’t know Uncle Doug was in the hospital too. What’s going on with him?