10.20.2006 - DMV Problems

On 10.20.2006 the DMV advised that they were okay with me operating a regular motor vehicle, but not a fire engine. I requested a formal hearing and had one over the phone on 10.25.2006 with what I could only describe as an uneducated hearing officer. She had no knowledge of the laws I had reviewed prior the hearing and denied my request to operate a fire engine.

09.12.2006 - Bureaucracy Issues

It is 09.12.2006 and DPS and the DMV are both frustrating my neurooncologist. Work is requesting further clarification on the issue of returning to full-duty status and asking for more than is medically needed to resolve this issue. The DMV has a lot of forms to be filled out as well.

There is a 60% chance that I could have another seizure in the next two years, but if I did, who knows when it might be. The MRI films are good, but he feels it is unlikely that there was absolutely no growth occurring. Growth may be taking place at such an minute rate that it was virtually undetectable.

08.16.2006 - Cleared For Full-Duty

On 08.16.2006, my neurooncologist cleared me to resume full-duty status at work.

03.28.2006 - Stable & Unchanged

I have had follow-up MRI scans during the past period and just had one on 03.28.2006 as well. The interval between MRI scans could probably be increased from every three to every four months. My neurooncologist wasn't sure when he would feel comfortable clearing me to return to full-duty status. He would like to see me find a less physically hazardous and demanding profession. I have been considering leaving the public safety profession for that of the practice of law. He has cleared me from all work for now and it looks like long term disability is the next step now.

11.22.2005 - Full-Blown Seizure

On 11.22.2005, I had another seizure. We were all at my in-laws' house in another state and I had a full blown seizure. I went to the hospital and they checked me out and released me.

After that incident, the neurooncologist and I decided that this would be a good time to switch to a more advanced anti-seizure medication. The only reason we didn't do it earlier is because switching from one medication to another causes an increased risk of seizures during the transition. Since I just had a seizure, it seemed like now was a good time.

10.25.2005 - Full-Blown Seizure

It wasn't just an aura this time. While on patrol on 10.25.2005, I went to a local hospital to pick up a paramedic who needed transport back to his rig at Station Two. I lost consciousness while driving him back. He called for assistance because I was having a full convulsive seizure in the vehicle. Thankfully we were stopped at a red light and he put the vehicle into park. I was transported to Stanford, treated, and released.

09.15.2005 - Another Aura

On 09.15.2005, I had a brief aura at work. It was a daydream accompanied by some sweating.