Ray Blackwell’s Journey

As written by Michelle Harkins-Blackwell

November 11, 2009

 

Ray Blackwell is a man whom is very near and dear to my heart. What I feel for Ray Blackwell goes so far beyond love that there’s really no word for it. He is a man of strength, courage and inspiration to all who know him and have yet to meet him. He is a man who is concerned about the welfare and well-being of others, thinking of others and placing others first before himself. Ray is beginning a critical new journey in his life where we can now be there for him, emotionally, supportively, financially and physically. We have an opportunity to give back to a man who has had an impact on those around him and has so much more to offer this world.

 

In July, 2009, Ray was on his way home from the Sea-Tac Port area, with where he works with his K-9 partner, Alma, as a K-9 Police Officer, when he was hit with a severe headache, distorted speech and communication and slowly increasing signs of mental dysfunction. His strength and determination compelled him to drive from Seattle, across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, approximately 45 miles, to his home in Gig Harbor. Ray knew something was wrong and he was scared. He called his girlfriend, Michelle, and tried to express what was happening. Unknown to anyone at the time, Ray was having a hemorrhagic brain bleed and stroke. Michelle fearfully waited for his arrival and after Ray reached his home in Gig Harbor, she drove him to St. Joseph’s hospital in Tacoma. After the examination, MRI and CAT scans, Ray was diagnosed with a Left Temporal Hemorrhagic Stroke.

 

After being admitted to St. Joseph’s ICU, doctors were unsure if the bleeding had stopped. The neurologist, surgeons and nurses informed the family they were going to keep a watch on Ray. General protocol…they would monitor him closely and hope that the blood clot would dissolve on its own. Family was informed that the blood clot was about the size of a golf ball and 1 ½ inches deep into the brain.  The doctor made a determination that it was inoperable. The first night was out of our control. The prognosis looked grim. Immediately family members began to pray, phone calls were made, prayer chains were contacted but ultimately the feeling of helplessness setting in.

 

Early recognition of the extent of damage is vital to survival and to immediate appropriate care. The risk of dying increases when there's more than a forty-eight-hour delay of needed brain surgery. Early intervention is also very important in limiting the level of disability following a stroke. Prompt treatment improves the chances of survival and increases the degree of recovery that may be expected. It was unknown whether Ray would or could recover, whether he would be able to return to the job he loved so much, would he be able to express himself or communicate with others. There were so many questions with few answers and the doctors were not giving us much hope. The news hit us like a ton of bricks.

 

We now know to never give up. Time is of the essence when there is a brain bleed. If we had accepted the facts presented to us and the doctor’s initial diagnosis of an inoperable brain bleed, Ray may have ultimately lost his life. There is no doubt, God had a bigger plan and was in control.

 

During this time, Michelle remembered she had an appointment scheduled with a dear friend that now needed to be canceled. Tera Teeple had experienced an aneurysm herself several years back and having been down this similar road, she was very knowledgeable. She knew that in the Northwest, Swedish Neuroscience Institute Hospital was equipped with cutting edge medical treatment centers, tools and medical equipment; in addition they were staffed with specialists to care for brain bleeds and stroke patients. It was by the grace of God, and without hesitation, that this he friend connected Michelle with Dr. David Newell, renowned Neurosurgeon and Co-director of the Seattle Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Newell informed Michelle he wanted Ray transferred to Swedish as soon as possible.

 

Michelle was adamant that Ray be transferred to Swedish, Cherry Hill ICU immediately. Once Ray arrived at Swedish, he was met, examined and evaluated by Dr. Newell. Dr. Newell determined that Ray was a perfect candidate for a study he was doing. Ray was young, strong, healthy and active. The study was funded by John Hopkins and pertained to hemorrhagic strokes. The essence of the study involved using ultrasound in conjunction with the blood thinner, TPA, to break up the blood clot and remove it from the brain, thus minimizing damage done to the brain as well as relieving swelling. Dr. Newell was compassionate and competent; he was enthusiastic and optimistic that he could save Ray’s life. We have since learned that Dr. Newell has a strong desire and commitment to understand every brain bleed case and has a dedicated passion to save lives.

 

We knew there was no other choice; we could stand by and do nothing and possibly watch Ray die, or allow Dr. Newell to perform the surgery, with a minimal chance of death and a greater chance of survival. Miraculously, the study was only open for 8 patient subjects. Ray was the 8th. There was no doubt in our minds this was an answer to prayer. Too many miraculous doors were being opened for it all to be a coincidence. The procedure was performed, stopping the bleed and saving Ray’s life, but there were still no definite answers as to why or how this happened.

 

Everyone was amazed that Ray was out of the hospital in less than 2 weeks. He underwent approximately 2 months of therapy with Rehab without Walls. Ray is known to have an incredible drive to meet goals therefore throughout his recovery he continuously set goals and often stated, “There has never been a goal I did not meet”. Ray’s ultimate goal was to return to work, back to his same position, without limitations. His bulldozing energy blew everyone away. He overcame obstacles and gradually recovered with the assistance of in home therapy and the love, support and encouragement from friends and family.

 

Dr. Newell has commented, Ray is a man of incredible strength. After completing his physical and occupational therapy, Ray had minimal residual deficits created by the brain bleed and stroke. He continued with his outpatient speech therapy and was given approval to return to work, with no restrictions on September 13, 2009… exactly 2 months post brain bleed. Ray’s story has been astonishing to all. To witness this amazing man, with tremendous willpower, to never give up has been inspirational.

 

Ray was elated to reclaimed his life that and was discovering new and beautiful ways to improve the quality of his life. Then without warning, on October 26th, 2009, Michelle observed indications that Ray’s speech was becoming incoherent and he was having difficulty comprehending. Previous experience weighed heavy on Michelle and Ray’s hearts and they once again knew something was not right. Ray was taken to the nearest emergency hospital.

 

Another brain bleed was discovered after a CAT scan was performed, in addition to what appeared to what appeared to be a tumor mass. Without hesitation, Michelle insisted Ray immediately be transferred again to Swedish Cherry Hill. Michelle attempted to explain the previous bleed Ray had had, the surgery performed by Dr. Newell, the previous medical history but the doctors were skeptical, hesitating to respond and follow Michelle’s request for the transfer. However, Michelle was insistent and demanded they contact Dr. Newell right away. It was after hours but the doctors conceded when they were able to contact the Swedish doctor on call. The protocol of reaching an on-call doctor wasn’t good enough, Michelle told the medical staff, “I have Dr. Newell’s personal number, call him now!” After Ray’s discharge in July, Dr. Newell had given Ray his personal cell phone number, with the assurance they could contact him if there were ever any concerns or questions pertaining to the brain bleed or stroke. Dr. Newell was contacted immediately with the number given. It was learned that Dr. Newell was on vacation out of town, however he advised that Ray would be met by one of his neurosurgeon collogues, Dr. Greg Foltz, at Swedish Cherry Hill.

 

This was a case of déjà vu. Once again we were in shock and could not believe this was happening. We had a sinking feeling in the pit of our stomachs. Ray was rushed by Critical Care Ambulance, while Michelle and the boys made the drive to Seattle with the car packed for the night. Upon arrival to Swedish, Ray was admitted by Dr. Foltz per Dr. Newell’s request.  Dr. Foltz is a scientist and neurosurgeon that specializes in brain tumors only. Ray was now in the best possible facility and in the caring hands of two of the nations top Neurosurgeons. More coincidences? We think not. God has continued to open doors to the impossible.

 

After a long sleepless night, full of prayers and trying to grasp at any answers, the next morning, Ray began to undergo many scans and tests. We were informed that Dr. Newell was flying in and would be consulting with the other doctors concerning Ray’s medical mystery. Just two months ago, Ray’s brain scan was completely clear… no swelling, no blood, no mass. Now, there appeared to be another bleed in the same area as the previous bleed in addition to a mass of some sort in Ray’s brain

 

Dr. Foltz had prepared himself by reviewing the mountain of data and history from Ray’s previous bleed and surgery. The tests continued with a full body scan to rule out any additional growths, tumors or masses elsewhere in the body. The lead up to and the wait for scan results generated anticipatory anxiety for all. The day was long and the moment of truth, though expected but hoping for the best, came without warning. Ray and the family were informed of the grim news. The initial scans showed Ray had a tumor, surrounded by a blood clot mass, and the tumor had the appearance of cancer.  CANCER! The news hit Ray and Michelle’s like another ton of bricks. The worst news that anyone could hear, you never think that it will happen to you, one word no one ever wants to hear but we did hear it…. The big “C” word… now what?

 

The brain tumor was primary, meaning it originated in the brain and was not secondary, having spread from an original place to the brain. There were also scans performed to try to determine the type of cancer, however inconclusive prior to surgery and a biopsy. Doctors only had the knowledge that there was a mass, it was growing at a very fast rate and it needed to come out.

 

Thoughts began racing through their minds…they had just gotten through and survived the potentially life-threatening brain bleed and stroke, loss of work, financial hardship, the trials and heartache, goals that were met and goals still to be met; dreams to be lived.. even in the face of adversity, Ray had already overcome so much.  But now, another catastrophic event to face. How? Why? Looking back on what they had just been through and now with the added uncertainties and fears, this was not a journey anyone thought they would have to face again.

 

Ray had surgery on October 30th, 2009. Dr. Foltz was confident he was able to remove the entire brain tumor, as well as the bleeding vessel. A biopsy was taken and sent for extensive testing and evaluation. These doctors have to have an answer. This is their passion to understand and create cures.  

 
Diagnosis, Plan of Treatment, Prognosis
The preliminary examination and pathology report of the tumor taken during Ray’s surgery indicated a grade IV glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is the most common and malignant form of brain cancer. It is particularly aggressive and can grow very rapidly in the brain. The cells that caused the growth of the tumor were determined to be the cause of July’s bleed. It’s probable that the tumor was microscopic, pressing on the vessel and causing it to rupture. Question as to why the July brain bleed happened was answered. The cells continued to grow after the blood and the swelling diminished. 
 
Dr. Foltz is confident he removed the entire tumor however it is unknown at this time whether there may be any microscopic cancer cells remaining. The tumor was encased within the hematoma (blood clot caused by a new bleed in the same area), hopefully preventing feelers from branching out.
 
Doctors never assume that the cancer was completely eradicated or that cells have been destroyed without further treatment. The plan of treatment is going to be aggressive with radiation and chemotherapy. Ray will be proactive in his plan of treatment and the doctors will be diligent in their treatment, examinations and research. Dr. Foltz advised Ray that each time this cancer decides to raise its evil head, he will be there to slap it back down. We have hope.  

 

Once the cancer diagnosis was confirmed, Ray was met by oncologist, Dr. John Henson, to discuss the plan of treatment, prognosis and to consider another clinical study being performed, with regards to a treatment for glioblastoma.  Ray had no doubts that he was interested, however after a full evaluation, it was determined he did not qualify for the study.

 

There are many individuals, directors and specialists that will be a part of the treatment team, being led by Dr. Henson. Ray realizes the seriousness of this cancer, however there is no other option but to fight the battle to survive. He fought for his life a few months ago and is determined and striving to fight again. He is thankful to be alive now and is optimistic and hopeful he will live many, many more years.

 

Ray is faced with months of treatments, starting with the 6 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. We will travel daily, 50 miles to and from Swedish Hospital in Seattle. We have been informed of the side effects and what to expect through treatment. There is no other way to face this other than with the utmost strength, hope and a positive attitude. We are completely optimistic that Ray will get through this. The journey continues and will be a tough road to travel. Down days are eminent but we believe with Christ all things are possible. Ray has been blessed to have the support of his fellow colleagues from the Port of Seattle Police Force, family and friends. He will receive the very best treatment and care available. He is encouraged by the doctors, nurses and researchers that believe he has every chance to win this battle and survive. We know the most important tools for a good fight are attitude, faith, and having trust in God and the medical workers.

 

There are no words to express the heartfelt love and appreciation Ray has for everyone. He has no worries that his family is being taken care of and his primary focus will be to heal physically, emotionally and spiritually. Ray has once again set goals… he will live each day to the fullest, cherish moments lived, make more memories to share, appreciate and accept the support and comfort that will be given, reach out to others with encouragement, fight the battle and look forward to returning to work. As always, Ray carries hope in his heart.