As you may or may not know I have mentioned that my brother has been experiencing some symptoms similar to mine like numb fingers and hand, numbness in the cheek and tongue and headaches.  This has been going on since April of this year.  We were finally able to have his MRI/MRA done at UVA in Charlottesville and we are awaiting Dr. Steinberg's opinion and diagnosis if any. 

Today the doctor who had the MRI/MRA ordered called my brother and the doctor told him that there were blood vessels forming at the base of the skull that look like moyamoya vessels.  The doctor wants to admit him to run some more tests (more specifically, the angiogram).  It looks like he will be admitted tomorrow and will have those tests run if they can get him a room.  Right now he is on a waiting list.  The angiogram, will of course confirm if he has moyamoya.  He's only been experiencing symptoms on the left side....so maybe it will only be on one side. 

Please keep Shane and my family in your prayers as we have to possibly go through this all over again.  I will try to keep everyone up to date as best as I can. 

Michelle

Michelle,

I'm so sad to hear the news about Shane, but grateful that because of your own experience, your family did not wait in having him tested.  As we all know that MM is not a disease one can just "sit, wait and see" what should be done next.  

I guess the next step is hope that they will be able to do an angiogram.  Are patients usually admitted for this procedure? (Since my surgery was an "emergency" one, I was already admitted to the hospital and had my angiogram only hours before my surgery).

It was also great to hear that Shane's doctor actually knew what MM was.   I'm glad he's being taken care of by a proactive doctor.  I hope you hear back from Dr. Steinberg soon with his opinion.  

You and Shane will be in our thoughts, s and prayers.  Please let Shane know we're thinking of him!  You're a survivor and also a great inspiration! 

Take care,
Shan

Michelle and Shane,

Had to make a post, even though I spoke with both of you on the phone today.  I know what a blow this news is, but also know that you'll do your best to keep your thoughts on the "upside".  Like I said, I'm glad it's MM and not something terrible that can't be treated.  You've also got the best doctor in the world (IMO), who will take wonderful care of you, Shane.  So many positives!  Oh, and how could I forget . . . you've got your California family to keep you on the straight and narrow!  Together, WE'LL get through this! 

Love you both,

Jill, Campbell and Tara

Michelle-

I am so sorry to hear that Shane has to go through all this and he might have MM too. I hope that maybe its not but atleast if it is he will know what to expect and we will all be here to help him through. Let him know i will be thingking if him this week during test. You will both be in my thoughts!!! Keep us updated.

Christy

Hey Michelle -

Well, Shane are definitely in good hands!  Have confort in the fact that you are catching this early.  I'm sorry Shane may have MM too...but, as I said, he is in the right hands!  Good luck - he will be in my thoughts and prayers.

-Shari

Michelle & Shane,

Howdy friend, yes you will be in my prayers. Don't worry it's all going to be all right. We are all in this together guy, just be positive and like Jill said THERE IS A TREATMENT. Also Michelle is the greatest example. Keep us posted and you are already ahead of the game!

With best regards,
itsme

Just another update on my brother.  We still haven't heard anything yet either from UVA or Dr. Steinberg.  I did get an email from Dr. Steinberg saying they would review his films and get back to us as soon as possible.  As soon as we know something more definitive, we will let you all know. 

Thanks to everyone for the well wished, positive thoughts, and prayers.  You all are amazing people. 

Michelle & Shane

Michelle and Shane,

I'm glad too that Shane does not have to be admitted if they are just doing an angiogram.  Keep us posted as we are anxious to know how Shane is doing and how the angio turns out.  Shane is such a sweetheart!! Just like you Michelle.

You know, I was simply amazed when I heard that Shane possibly has MM since the odds of a sibling getting MM are less than 10%. With those odds, laying all jokes aside,  Shane, if you do have MM, I believe you should play the lottery. Keep your chin up and stay strong.  You have been through this before and as your message says "God will never give you more than you can handle". 

You both are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.

Big hugs to you both,

Lore and Kevin (Cubbie)

Just another update....

My brother has his angiogram at UVA on Wednesday.  Finally....we have a date!!! 

Michelle

Michelle and Shane,

I am sitting here with my mouth hanging open. I simply can't (don't want to) believe it. What did Dr. Steinberg say about the sibling odds? I'll bet this is extremely unusual given it is less than 10%. 

I'm so glad Shane's insurance is not an obstacle in Shane getting treated at Stanford.  You and I know you are in good hands Shane and I know you will do well.  Like I said, I'm still in schock. It looks like you have caught this soon which is a plus in itself.   

Shane, I expect to hear that you won BIG at Texas hold em poker.

You two keep me informed about the trip to Stanford, surgery(s) etc.  I want to know you guys are okay.  You know you can call me and talk anytime. You also know Jill will be with you at Stanford. Isn't it great to have her there! What a comfort for both of you.  I wish I could be there with you too.

You both are in my thoughts daily and will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. If I can do anything for you please don't hesitate to let me know.

I've been having slight headaches and I never get headaches.  I'm tempted to run and get an angio - like right this minute! No Kidding!

Love and Hugs,

Lore and Kevin (Cubbie)

Michelle and Shane,

I'm with Lore . . . even though we all knew this was a possibility, none of us wanted to hear the actual words of Shane having MM.  Your call yesterday brought tears to our household - as I told you, Tara's eyes got big and started shedding tears, then her face scrunched up.  There were a few smiles, like when I heard Campbell talking to Shane on the phone, telling him it was a lousy excuse to come out and go to the Santa Cruz boardwalk (male sensitivity coming through, I think!).  And, it does mean we get to see you sooner than we planned . . . that's wonderful news!

You both know we'll keep a bedside vigil with and for you, Shane.  Though the surgery prospect is frightening, you know the ropes, and certainly know you're in the best possible hands with Dr. S!  I watched you stand by Michelle as she went through surgery, and you'll get nothing less. 

Faith and hope won't allow us to think anything other than the fact that things will be just fine! 

Shane - good luck with your tournament this weekend!  I hope you hit it big! 
Lore - pick your jaw up!  It's not pretty sitting on the ground, and you need it to talk (LOL!)  Kidding aside, I'm already saying prayers that your headaches go away . . . and quickly! 

Lots and lots of love, you guys!

Jill

You will each be in my thoughts, prayers and close to my heart. Tons of luck and well wishes, Shane. Michelle and Shane, I am truely sorry that you each have to go through this again, albeit different roles.
Take much care, (both of you)
Stephanie

Thanks everyone for the well wishes.  It's really hard to believe.  But I know that we will both get through this with the help of our family, friends, all of you all and God.  Thanks for all of the support!!

Michelle