JonInMiddleGA
03-12-2006, 10:42 PM
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/gwinnett/stories/0313gwxironhead.html
Former NFL running back Craig Heyward said he's given considerable thought to the risky surgery awaiting him today at the Emory University Hospital.
"I've thought about it a lot," the former Falcons Pro Bowler said from his hospital room this weekend. "I've thought about what it could do to my tongue, to my shoulder and to my hearing."
Nicknamed "Ironhead" during an 11-year professional playing career, Heyward, 39, will undergo a risky procedure requiring two surgeons in the hopes of removing as much as possible of a recurring brain tumor called a chordoma.
A neurosurgeon and an ear, nose and throat specialist will combine to drill behind Heyward's right ear and from the top of his brain to remove as much of the noncancerous mass as possible to alleviate pressure on his brain.
It was a recent MRI that confirmed Heyward's third bout with the tumor.
A previous episode last year had left him partially paralyzed on his left side and in need of a wheelchair after a stroke.
Heyward from then on was physically unable to open his right eye after the chordoma had wrapped around his optic nerve.
The setback is the latest for Heyward, who was first diagnosed with the chordoma while still playing for the Indianapolis Colts in 1998. He underwent two surgeries then, but the tumor had already intertwined with some of his vital brain structures and could not be removed fully.
Heyward was understandably frustrated after receiving word Friday of the need for the latest operation.
"I've already lost my [right] eye, ..." he said. "That's enough for one person.
"I'm just tired of it."
He spent the weekend resting comfortably at the hospital, where family and friends came to lend their support.
Former Falcons coach June Jones, now coaching at Hawaii, was among those who called to offer best wishes.
Former NFL running back Craig Heyward said he's given considerable thought to the risky surgery awaiting him today at the Emory University Hospital.
"I've thought about it a lot," the former Falcons Pro Bowler said from his hospital room this weekend. "I've thought about what it could do to my tongue, to my shoulder and to my hearing."
Nicknamed "Ironhead" during an 11-year professional playing career, Heyward, 39, will undergo a risky procedure requiring two surgeons in the hopes of removing as much as possible of a recurring brain tumor called a chordoma.
A neurosurgeon and an ear, nose and throat specialist will combine to drill behind Heyward's right ear and from the top of his brain to remove as much of the noncancerous mass as possible to alleviate pressure on his brain.
It was a recent MRI that confirmed Heyward's third bout with the tumor.
A previous episode last year had left him partially paralyzed on his left side and in need of a wheelchair after a stroke.
Heyward from then on was physically unable to open his right eye after the chordoma had wrapped around his optic nerve.
The setback is the latest for Heyward, who was first diagnosed with the chordoma while still playing for the Indianapolis Colts in 1998. He underwent two surgeries then, but the tumor had already intertwined with some of his vital brain structures and could not be removed fully.
Heyward was understandably frustrated after receiving word Friday of the need for the latest operation.
"I've already lost my [right] eye, ..." he said. "That's enough for one person.
"I'm just tired of it."
He spent the weekend resting comfortably at the hospital, where family and friends came to lend their support.
Former Falcons coach June Jones, now coaching at Hawaii, was among those who called to offer best wishes.