A Personal Update

A little over four weeks ago, the Trophy Husband went to a doctor because he was experiencing memory and speech issues. What we originally feared might be early-onset dementia turned out to be something else entirely. A CT scan and subsequent MRI revealed a tumor in his brain, the approximate size of a tennis ball. The intervening four weeks have been an emotional roller coaster of dealing with deteriorating language and memory functions while plotting the best possible course of medical treatment. Expediting that has been an obvious priority, but so too has balancing that need with also getting the best possible medical care.

Last Tuesday, Troy underwent surgery on his brain that went as well as we could have hoped. Pathology is still pending, but the initial post-operative CT scan and MRI were both promising. Most importantly, the Trophy Husband has emerged from that major operation without immediate complications. That is the first of what may be many more significant hurdles to clear.

Throughout this experience, we have been blown away by the strength and support of our tennis family. This chapter has served as a powerful reminder that tennis is so much more than just a sport. The connections we build on the court often grow into something far deeper and more lasting. During this challenging time, we’ve come to truly appreciate how those bonds extend well beyond the lines of play. We’ve also been equally humbled by the kindness and generosity of friends outside the tennis world. We are profoundly grateful and feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such a strong and caring network.

This experience has also galvanized me to the idea that physical health is incredibly important. One thing working in the Trophy Husband’s favor is that his baseline level of fitness prior to the diagnosis was pretty good. I believe his muscle strength and good sense of balance have enhanced his physical recovery timelines. It is yet another testament to the value of tennis that pays dividends far beyond match play, especially when life throws unexpected challenges your way. Being generally healthy from tennis is beneficial when battling a wide array of maladies.

A few people close to me have expressed surprise that I have kept the blog going throughout the past four weeks. As it turns out, writing is an important part of how I process events, especially those that are overwhelming or uncertain. This site has provided me with a valuable sense of structure and continuity. It has been nice to have that anchor when so much else feels unpredictable and at times out of control.

I have, however, been making some concessions in the blog, which will likely continue in the foreseeable future. Over the past four weeks, I have been intentionally gravitating toward topics that are “quick writes” and have taken steps to cut down on the length of many posts. I have also recycled some previous content by refreshing old articles against current events and new developments. The day is probably coming when I don’t have a post ready by my standard 5:05 AM (Central Time) automated publishing schedule. Someday, the consecutive daily streak will inevitably end, though I have no immediate intentions of doing that.

We don’t yet know exactly what’s next in the Trophy Husband’s health care saga, but we are hopeful. I feel like we are up an early break in a best-of-five set match. There are a lot of possible outcomes from here. We’ve cleared the first big hurdle, and we’re moving forward with gratitude, determination, and a renewed appreciation for the people around us. Thank you for continuing to read, to reach out, and to remind us that we are not walking this journey alone. It has made a huge difference.