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 
Wishing you all the best, Loren! Sending healing, happy thoughts your way.
All the best, Loren. See you back at the beach soon!
The “Blob’s” days are numbered, and hopefully they take his family too. Are they using the beer garden treatment, or the banana peel to lure him into the trap? You have an incredible family, and a slew of friends and fans by your side. The “Blob” is way too outnumbered!
Loren, you are so loved by so many. You have touch so many lives here in San Diego and Encinitas. Prayers for you and your whole family!
You have always been a funny guy, Lauren. Now that your humor excels in even a reflective circumstance, even those of us who have not had the pleasure of knowing you personally know what you are made of–solid brass. I am positive that you will overcome Blob and be 100% cured, and a better person for it, possibly even a conservative Republican. Should that be the case, get a hold of me and I’ll take you out shooting – you know, the fun stuff, like exploding targets and things – but we won’t kill any trees.
Hk, SDPD Ret’d.
You are one of my favorite San Diegans. Sorry to hear you have to go through surgery, I’m expecting/hoping/praying it is good news on Friday. All the best from a fan.
Good luck Loren Chase that Blob outta there and get right back up. Cheers
Lauren, i feel like I know you. Our family loves you. And our prayers are with you. You’re one of our favorite people and know you will be back to your old self very soon. The Johannes family
Best of Luck with your surgery. You are in our prayers.
Best Wishes to you Loren! I’ll be thinking of you. – Hank Plante
That’s the thinking of a creative mind
I worked with neurosurgeons for 18 years, and feel God has given them a most remarkable gift. You’ll be in their good hands, and all of us TV fans have our arms around you, and our hearts right there with your family. Love and prayers.
Best case scenario you come out with a full bill of health and find that it was blob that had you supporting that other blob in the White House. You are in my prayers Loren…
Thoughts and prayers that your surgery is as successful as my husband’s brain surgery 10 years ago! It is amazing what Doctors can do now – I hope Blob is completely gone with no further complications……..and I just can’t think of anything that can happen that will make Sarah Palin make sense 😉 God Speed!
Warm wishes and prayers coming your way, Loren. You have a large community of support for you and your family.
Loren, thinking of you and “The Blob” and I say “Blob be Gone”. Positive attitude and a good sense of humor will get you and your family through this. Having such a larger fan base doesn’t hurt either with all their prayers and love! Bless you and your family! Sending lots of healing light! Always!
Loren ~ I had Deep Brain Stimulation surgery on June 22, 2010, for my Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Rather than taking something out, they put in electrodes, which are wired to a “brain pacemaker” in my chest. I was most apprehensive about being awake during the procedure, but it turned out not to be as scary as I had built it up in my mind. It has been nothing short of a miracle! Best of luck to you, and I can’t wait to hear after the weekend how it all went….
P.S. I was discharged the next day directly from the ICU.
Well, there’s one advantage you have already, Loren…they won’t need to shave your head 😉
Hi Loren, Keep positive your on the perfect path to healing. Healing thoughts for you. I have a blob too, and my blob just told your blob to go to sleep.
I’ve been away from La Jolla for quite some time — but remember your act with a smile. God Bless you and I hope your blob goes away to be replaced with joy, happiness and fun. Hang in there! Jack Hayes (now near Tahoe)
You’re in my thoughts Loren. Here’s to a speedy recovery.
Loren, I think this must be some coo brought on by all the “snails and slugs” you have offed in your life. They have gathered together and are hoping you forget how to “do away’ with them.
Look, humor is the best, but so is true love and caring. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and tell Susie I love her.
BTW… tell the doctor not to get cared away, you don’t want to be known as a half wit… Love and hugs.. Kim Ronfeldt (Allen) ❤
Channeling all manner of positive energy your way!
Sending healing thoughts your way. Meanwhile- Here are a few things regarding right brainers:
Right brains embrace new ideas. They are future thinkers and enjoy introducing controversial ideas. They believe that everything is possible, tend to be very creative, and don’t see the pitfalls along the way. They leave those little details to the left
Read more at Suite101: Right Brain Characteristics | Suite101 http://suite101.com/article/right-brain-characteristics-a2607#ixzz2JR7ePOJL
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Lori Saldaña
As you know I am here in the neighborhood and here for the fam’ ANYTHING YOU NEED I will get to you all. PLEASE Dont hesitate to ask. You are in good hands Loren you have all of SD hoping for the best and your family is theee greatest! Many hugs to you all!!!
Praying for you, the “blob”, your family and your doctors!!
Sending healing thoughts your way.
Loren, we go a long way back and you were always a little wacky. I know this blob will never change the wackiness I have come to love. It’s great that you have a wonderful surgeon… Of course you know that I will be trusting the “Great Physician” for your healing and will pray for you! In my years as the health producer, I can’t tell you how many times I have heard that confidence in your outcome is a major determining factor in how you fare before and after surgery…so smile and relax and do your best to take whatever comes next with optimism. I totally know you can do this. Looking forward to your next update!
Loren… your in our thoughts and prayers.. Your a great inspiration to us all. You are blessed with so many friends and loved ones. we keep you in our prayers for you and the family.
Lauren, Susie, Graham, Hannah & Britta…. The McAndrews family is hopeful you will successfully navigate this rough terrain in life’s trail. Hugs to you all. Susan & Bob
You are blessed Senor Nancarrow…a Loving wife, beautiful family and a billion fans and friends that are rooting for a speedy return to life and the camera! You make it shine 🙂 and all of us smile! See you on the other side of the weekend 🙂
Loren, wishing you all the love and light and healing the universe has to offer. I’m praying for you, Susie and your family.
Awesome attitude, so Loren! Sending good vibes, be well.
I’m a strong believer of mind over matter and you have an amazing and creative mind. BTW age is just a number!
Happiest thoughts and strongest best wishes to you, your family, and the medical team. Your post certainly proves the blob isn’t squishing your brilliance. Be well.
Susie and Loren, you know you are not alone in this difficult time. Judy and I will keep you in prayer, and we admire your courage and humor. Fight this blob for all of us. Our community loves you and needs you, even if you join the ‘Tea Party’. We will all learn to party with you
Praying and sharing. Hang in there Loren!
Yelp for doctors hmmmmm. Lol
I have all of the confidence in the world that a composting/ “tree hugger”/ naturalist such as yourself will be on your feet and tending to his garden and family in no time! And don’t worry, the scars hide nicely in the hair-line. Oops. Uhhhh…wait a minute….{{scrolling back up to see your photo}}. Nevermind. Scars are sexy. 😉 All the best to you and yours, Loren!
Sending love & light your way, Loren. God is keeping His arms around you and yours. J.
Loren, I just know you will be OK and it is a good thing that they found the BLOB and will DEBLOB you. You definitely don’t need a BLOB in your head or anywhere, for that matter. Actually, I had a BLOB removed from my auditory nerve several years ago and it was a pretty scary time, for sure. But here I am all well and DEBLOBBED and wishing the same for you, Loren. Thanks for sharing and you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you, dear man.
L…As a true professional you’ve handled frontal passages for years. This will pass. The huge high pressure that always surrounds you, your career, your life and family will prevail for many future sunny skies. Love to you and you family & fans. Terry B.
Is it strange that I’m “liking” that you’re blogging about Blob? I appreciate your candidness as some of us (mainly me) are not familiar with “blobs” and how to approach talking about them.
Brian, Einstein and I are sending good vibes to you and your family.
Hi Sandy,
So glad to read your comment. Please feel free to post this blog to the website. I’d like that.
Thank you for your kind words!
Loren
Loren,
I love your positive attitude and sense of humor. That is the best way to face your Blob! Writing about your journey is a good way to help you through the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you for the best possible outcome and recovery.
Also, how is it that you’re writing this from tomorrow, January 30, 2013???
Loren, is it inappropriate to say you look cute in a green hospital gown? Give em hell, sir.
I guess they do run in the family. I’m glad to see you have kept your spirits up. Good luck, I am praying for you and the family. Love you, Katie
Best of luck to you Loren.
God Bless you …..and your family!
EVERY positive wish/ vibe/prayer/ to you from both of us, Loren! Gentle healing and good humor abound! warm fuzzies,
Kevin & Anne Worrall
Loren, Marianne and I will be praying for your complete healing. I can remember the time they rolled me into major surgery and how my family, friends and of course my faith helped me. It’s pretty obvious you have been given a special gift of being able to find humor in all circumstances. Very cool. By the way, if when you get that blob taken out and you do start leaning a bit the other way, I’m here to help. I was there once, too.
Loren, we love you dearly and after going through this crap, Jim is now, affectionately referred to as Zipperhead. wow, my two favorite men will be Zipperheads. Do I see a cult in the future of broadcast? You will be good. The Nancarrow family is way too important to me to be anything else. Love you, Loren. The Sixth Nancarrow blonde.