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 
I wish I could reach out and give you a great big hug right now Loren. I don’t pray, but I will have my fingers, toes, arms, eyes, and legs crossed for you. I will attempt to harness all the positive energy in the universe and send it your way….or whatever. Anything to make sure you come out of this okay. Miss you!
Best of Luck Loren, so many of us have been there, and you will be fine…I feel it in my heart….Only positive prayers and affirmations on Thurs. ..I am a 5 year stage IV ovarian cancer survivor
Sending prayers for you and your family during this uncertain time. Best wishes for surgery tomorrow. U got this!
Dear Loren, we only learned about your tumor this evening. Good luck tomorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Have a great blob nap!
My niece had cancer and I think it was her positive attitude and sense of humor that got her through her journey and the love and support of good friends and family. I’m sending those positive thoughts for you out there tonight.
My husband and I have watched you for years…and have always admired your humanity and love of the planet. Blessings, prayers coming your way. You have been added to the prayer circle of the Carmelite Nuns in San Diego. You are in good Hands. I called my blob “Freddy the FreeLoader”.
Sorry about the autocorrect misspelling of Loren
Lauren I know your wonderful outlook on life will pull you through this chapter. I know and accept that you and Blob part company easily and permanently. I can’t wait to read your future blog posts in to see you on the air again soon
Loren, no “blob” could be severe enough to make you appreciate the “widsom” of Sarah Palin. Our thoughts are with you. I hope that things go swimmingly tomorrow!
Wow! Thanks for sharing your story. You have an amazing attitude and I’m sure you will be just fine. Remember to brush your teeth and tongue before they whip you off to surgery, important step that is often overlooked in hospitals. Hugs to you and Suzie, hope she’ll get to post some news while you’re all grogged up. ♥
You can do this Loren! No big! Only positive thoughts, laughter and love. Holding you and Susie tight in my intentions for calm, peace, comfort and healing. xo Mo
Just happened upon your blog. Loved you when we lived in SD. So just know you have reached the Pacific NW and you are in our thoughts and prayers. We followed you because of the friendly spirit and that smile on your face is contagious. We will continue to follow you praying and wishing you well. (KHALL Coeur D Alene ID)
You are in my thoughts and prayers Loren.
Good luck, Loren! Clearly, you’ve got a whole community rooting for you. Count me in as part of it!
Loren, Thanks for making our lives better over the years. By the way, that Fletcher is a pretty damn good catcher. Maybe you can come out and play on our baseball team after the surgery. You will fit in fine. Most of the guys on our team need brain surgery. Praying for you. Whale
Loren, it was wonderful laughing with you today. it’s impossible not to laugh when Nancarrow is ordering a PB and J. I told your joke to the “thunderdome,” and received uproarious laughter, then grudgingly I gave you credit. Your family is amazing Suzie, Hanna, Gram, and the sleepy one… sleep tight, dream of wide open spaces, white shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.
What blob? You are the man and will prevail. Best wishes to you for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
Our family has you, along with your family, in our daily prayers.
What a joy you have been to watch over the years…our home and garden would be crawling with unwanted guests if not for your helpful hints as I cannot tolerate chemicals. Thank you.
Thinking of you, Loren, and praying everything goes smoothly tomorrow! Kick that Blob’s butt!
Loren, you just plain rock!
Loren. It was great to see you tonight. I got to know you and respect you as journalist over the last few years, but you have become a friend working with you over the last year at Fox5. There are few people I respect or enjoy more. Reading the comments, you have had this impact on so many over the years!
Things will go great tomorrow. Then the four of us are on for for sushi dinner!
Many thoughts and prayers are with you. Hoping for the best tomorrow! Miss you guys! Love, Olga 🙂
Loren…..God Bless you……we will pray for you. The blob has to go!!
Loren, be positive and keep your great sense of sense of humor. After my two and only grand mal seizures I had what I would guess is an identical surgery to what you will be having. On July 5, 2011 I had an awake craniotomy (6.5 hours) in the temporal lobe. It was also in the speech area. Surgery was performed by Dr. Bob Carter at UCSD, I asked if he could take pictures during surgery. He replied he had never been asked, but he didn’t know why not. My wife gave him a framed photo of my brain. He seemed thrilled.
If you ever need to talk or have a question about meds, treatment, docs or anything, feel free to send me an e-mail @ dsbconst@gmail.com . Good luck, post some pics.
David
Hey Loren, I’ve always said you’re the best TV guy in town (next to that unknown eater guy anyway)… We started working together 32 years ago, and I was amazed at the talent this new guy in town had. You’ve only gotten better, and can’t wait to see you on the tube again.
Loren, wishing you all the best. I always seen you as a very positive man, and that will carry you thru’ your recovery. At least they won’t have to shave your head. LOL Take care, dear man!
Hey Dude, “Blob” will turn you into a Palin supporter for sure if you don’t get it out…you may even be able to see Russia from your hospital bed by now! On the other hand, it may be one of those growths from hanging around those wolves and vampires at the station….don’t get “twilight” anesthesia, buddy; go for the general!!! We all wish you the best and hope you have a speedy recovery! Mario & Cindy Yco
Loren, just learned about your Blob. Sending you, Suzie and the kids positive thoughts. We will be praying for your speedy recovery. From: Vernon, Membie, Alex, Daniel & Alen Garcia
Loren – I remember you well from when I was an intern at Evening…a million years ago. You always treated us interns like real people, so thank you for that. I’m sending you all the healing and positive energy I possibly can. Good riddance to Blob, and much love to you and your family.
Sending prayers your way man. I’ve always enjoyed your work and am sure you will be OK. I had a similar operation about 2 years ago and it turned out to be non-cancerous and all is great. I will send you a message on FB is you would like to contact me.
Loren, thouights & prayers are with you,your family and the doctors. Looking forward to seeing you on the news again real soon.God bless you !
We will keep you in our prayers and lots of good thoughts coming your way..You are my fav news man..heres to a speedy recovery as we will all be waiting for you.
Loren,
I have always loved your sense of humor. Love and prayers go out to you and Suzie and family. Jack joins me in sending you our very healing wishes. We will keep you in our prayers.
Hate to steal your fire, but I’m going to the doctor tomorrow to see about bursitis in my elbow. Yeah, I can hardly deal with it. I’m hoping my prognosis will be as good as yours, and my gut tells me yours will be excellent.
Wishing you all the best. Get ready to say goodbye to your little blob…
Loren, my prayers are with you and your surgeon. You are way more powerful than a Blob. Be strong my friend. Eat your spinach.
Hoping for the very best outcome, Loren, and sending myvery best vibes your way! Susi Torre-Bueno
God speed and prayers for a speedy recovery!
Thoughts and prays are with you, Loren
Take care, Loren!
Hi Loren, Good luck with the op. My motto is “When all else fails hang on to your humour”. I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer last year. The one thing I have noticed is how everyone drops their voice and sort of talks as an aside. Most of my family seem to be getting to grips with the fact that I have it but are not so good at dealing with me and my humour. But hey it keeps me sane. Don’t get me started on the definition of sanity. Any ways, keep smiling and keep the humour. Catch you again soon.
Loren, I used to serve you and your beautiful family at Las Olas years ago. Best of luck to you all in this difficult time. One of my dearest friends has had a run- in with such a blob in the last two years. A blob of the worst kind, and he has done amazing well! I wish you a successful removal and I pray that all goes as well as can be expected!
Jennifer
Loren– 10 years ago when I was in your situation— you stopped me on my way out the door at Ch 10– gave me a big smile and a hug. Consider this a virtual smile and hug filled with all the optimism you gave me!!!
Loren, stay strong and hang onto that great attitude and sense of humor. We’ll keep you in our thoughts.
Good luck and definitely keep your great sense of humor.
Loren,
My daughter, age 11 now, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in the left temporal lobe in 2008 the size of a walnut. We decided to monitor it through MRI and surgery would happen once it started growing. Her tumor she named “Olivia” started to grow this last July, and she had a craniotomy Oct. 1, 2012. By surgery her tumor had grown to the size of a plum and had to be removed because of the close proximity to her brain stem and it was now pushing midline. Because of where her tumor was located, neurological deficits were expected. We expected issues with gait, speech,sight, and right side weakness. I am happy to report that she came out on the flip side with no known deficits. A miracle! As you go into your surgery tomorrow, we pray for a sense of peace and strength for you and wisdom for your doctors. We pray for your family and friends as caregivers that they will have strength for this journey as well. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Good luck~ at least you don’t have to worry about losing your hair 🙂
Loren – know you from the Apple Store. Wishing you all the best. Good friend had her tumor (she called hers the “bubble”) removed in December and is feeling the best she has in 3 years. I wish you similar success and hope we’ll see you back in the store real soon.
I remember you fondly from the time I was married to Ben Cutshall, and you learned to Scuba in our pool. Sen ding prayers your way
Dear Loren,
Your blog blog attests to the fact that your writing skills haven’t diminished. And inside of that brain of yours is the intellect and soul of one of the most gifted amigos I’ve come across in a not-always-kind business. Sending major positive thoughts your way from Larry and me. And, Suzie, who can ever imagine the “in sickness and in health” part of the marriage vows coming home to roost. I know you are a huge source of Loren’s strength in being able to beat this. We’re all behind you!