BaltimoreJack wrote:Have the doctors offered any sort of educated guess as to whether it’s a benign or malignant tumor based on its MRI appearance or her blood test results?

Note you may be eligible for a hardship early withdrawal from your 401k account which I believe involves a 10% penalty only.

Hardship withdrawal is 10% tax on top of the 38% income tax. 48% tax. An expensive option.

Will see the neurosurgeon tomorrow afternoon.

MRI Brain read as mass impinging on optic chiasm.
I would think this is serious and not mold related. Plus the headaches, problem swallowing, ringing in ears, etc. Exactly what kind of mass, won’t know for sure until it come out. Unless magic mold grows brain tumors, I doubt it’s oncho/toxo .
Anyways, missus wants the tumor out.
She goes for a haircut today. They will shave her head bald for the surgery.

Years ago I had my gallbladder taken out. Stayed in the hospital for a few days after. Initial bill was 70K. Negotiated after a few weeks to months into something less.

Brain surgery is far more invasive, extensive and risky. Even after insurance, I doubt it will only cost 10K. If it’s that cheap, I can just tap out my HSA (Heath Care Savings) account. Missus has already given me her Jewelery bag and asked me to sell it to help pay for costs. Selling the wedding rings will be the last ditch I hope to never cross.

Anyways, tomorrow afternoon we will get a better idea of the timeline of events.

Cambodia was very bad to missus. I wish she had never gone. But she had to. Now have to deal with all the consequences.

She was sent to the ER by her primary. ER did a Brain CT. It was abnormal. She got a Brain MRI showing brain mass.

Thank you for all your kind thoughts and well wishes.