Brain Tumors: Not So Funny
me, bald bryan and adam
Yesterday, I did Adam Carolla’s podcast with Bryan Bishop, who fans know as Bald Bryan.
It’s not as bad as it sounds, but few things sound worse than “inoperable brain tumor,” which is what Bryan has. He just found out a couple of weeks ago, and is now getting radiation and chemotherapy.
I’ve known about this for a while, but that did not stop me from coming completely unglued on the drive home. I am confident Bryan will be okay, I just wish he and his family didn’t have to go through something so terrifying.
Sitting there on Adam’s podcast couch hearing Bryan’s story, I kept thinking, I hope my baby boy has some of BB’s characteristics. I’m going to have to ask his mother how the heck she raised that kid. It’s not just that he’s exceptionally intelligent and decent, both of which he is, but more that he is plain old happy. I can’t say that for most people I know, or for myself, and seeing a real live happy person and working closely with him for three years was edifying. Bryan says he is made for fighting cancer, because he is physically strong and emotionally balanced. I agree. He is also unbelievably, relentlessly sunny, which should make him unbearable but never does.
Stay tuned, because he and his fiancee will be blogging.
I just wanted BB to know that my daughter is a brain tumor survior. I just started a blog to tell her journey that hopefully helps others in their journey. Get a second or third opinion about the tumor, someone will help you!
Thanks for posting this. Just saw BB today, and he absolutely looks and sounds amazing. Very close to his old self. So happy to hear your daughter is thriving.
Bryan apparently is in need of some donations. I’m working on putting together a beer pong tournament to raise money for him. Please show your support at pongleague.com. Also check there for more updates on the matter.
nice blog man!
I agree with you that Bryan’s resilience and optimism is admirable. What’s even more impressive to me is how considerate he is of other’s feelings. Given the circumstances, you’d think he has ever right to focus on himself, but rather he expressed concern over ruining his parent’s vacation with the bad news and creating an awkward situation at his fiancés’ bridal shower. He seems like quite a guy and an amazing friend.
PS I like the name Shane!
T – Just finished listening to the pod-cast (was out of town this week and am catching up now.) I love the name Shane for your baby boy – but it doesn’t matter what I think or anyone else…name your baby what you want. In fact, don’t even tell family what names you’re thinking of beause there is always someone who used to work with a jerk who had the same name.
Take care of you – miss you each morning when I start my car and you’re not doing the news.
Brynn
OMG that is TERRIBLE! Lots of prayers for BB and his family and friends.
Teresa,
Well done on the podcast. It was really heavy when Adam said Bryan has some news and out it came. I miss the 3 of you together and thought the podcast was just right.
The tears turned to tears of laughter when you talked about how you won’t be able to handle all of the fart jokes. I know you are going to be a great mother and in time will get used to the sounds and laughter of your son and husband as they have their games. It took my wife about 2 years to get used to it. I promise you will love it. I can’t wait to read more.
I listened to the podcast the other day and nearly lost it. Bryan was such a part of my life every day that this really hurts. I’m so happy things are going so well for him otherwise. He’ll do just fine, but it’s still tough to deal with.
By the way, Bryan was pretty unbearable when he would gloat about winning Tivo Trivia, but it was somehow simultaneously endearing.
Teresa-
Heard you kicking around James as a baby name on Corolla’s podcast. I am a James, but have always gone by Jamie. My grandfather and father are both named James — and go by Jim. My mother agreed to name me James, as long as I wasn’t Jim (she hated the idea of Big Jim, Little Jim).
Anyway, I like Jamie — never ran into any of the possible “girly name” issues that you might expect.
Anyway, my two cents in praise of James, and an alternate non-Jim/Jimmy nickname.
Proudly,
Jamie
That podcast took my breath away. It didn’t return until some time after it had finished. Man oh man. My thoughts and prayers are Bryan, and all touched by his illness. Thanks for the blog T.
C.
Tereasa,
Our prayers are with you and yours. Bryan is an incredible person and I was disheartened to learn the news on LARAGMAG and then I went and listened to the podcast. I feel that there is hope at the end of this story for BB, just be there for him. We all love you all! – Susie
P.S.- on the name, I just bought a new puppy and I can’t think of a name, I can’t imagine how difficult naming a person would be. But I do like Shane. Good luck!
I really don’t know how to thank you for “keeping in touch” with all of us who have come to know and love you, Bryan and Adam.
Teresa,
I was listening to your podcast while trying to huff my fat ass through a 1/2mile run, and I literally stopped mid stride when BB mentioned (casually might I add) that he has a tumor. Listening to the emotions and heartache that was very “visible” on this end of the airwaves was like revisiting my mom’s death more than 8 years ago. I have to tell you, nothing chokes me up faster than listen/watching a strong, confident man (like Adam) tear up. Amazingly the 1/2 mile turned into a little bit more as my struggle to run seemed pathetic.
My mom died because, even in 2001, cancer was too new and the medicine and doctors were still premature. BB has an incredible chance of survival because he is on top of it, he’s strong and fighting, and because he has sought out the best doctors and wasn’t willing to accept the 6months to a year diagnosis. I don’t care how much poison they pump into his blood, BB’s best chance for survival is his own personal will power against cancer and the support and love he gets.
I know from experience that life doesn’t stop when a loved one gets cancer. Life becomes more important and more valued. I wish you the best of luck on this part of your journey with Bryan, because I think it will be better than the one you had previously. My prayers will be with you.
Best wishes,
Theresa
As always, thank you for your blog entries. I have never cried in the middle of listening to a podast until yesterday. It comes from losing my father almost seven months ago from a brain tumor. Granted, it is nothing like what BB has; yet it still was heartbreaking hear someone is experiencing such an obstacle in one’s life. While I had to mop up my tears of reflection, I am glad to hear BB has such a positive disposition and has a solid group of people around him.
I echo your sentiments regarding wanting a child with a geniune positive disposition. I am not sure if that is something completely driven from child rearing, though. I am confident good parenting doesn’t hurt. Just not sure that’s the complete recipe.
This is so shocking. I feel heartbroken. I miss hearing you three every morning. I hope Bryan knows there will be so many people thinking about him & praying for him.
What a wonderful thing to say about Brian – naturally, my thoughts & best wishes are with him, his fiancee & family. I totally miss hearing the three of you & love the reunion podcasts & your blog.
Best blog yet.
Bad circumstances.
Good message.
Sending positive thoughts to B and his fiance!
Uhhhggg I was in tears listening to the Podcast. Thank you for addressing this and recognizing BB’s greatness. I love this blog.
Ok, I know this wasn’t a main topic on the blog, but you were talking about the pros and cons of having a boy or girl. And while I think it’s pretty usual for moms and daughters to have tense relationships during the teen years, if you do your best i believe she’ll come around and appreciate you when the teen angst leaves. At least that’s how I was. So a girl might not be that bad
It was a tumultuous show. I’m thankful we were able to listen as Bryan shared his passion for life and hear your friendship for 3 plus years. He’s a real inspiration with his attitude.
This is just heartbreaking news. I hope he pulls through, because that kid is great.
Hi! I just listened to Adam’s podcast and wanted to reach out. I was so excited to hear the team together again, and I wish you congratulations and am keeping Brian in my prayers.
The blog is great and I’ve always enjoyed listening to you and reading your work as I too am an LA dwelling, recovering A/B with lots of “programs”, writer, newly married babyholic who thinks she desperately wants to have a girl (and I’m not even pregnant yet; we’re not even trying, we’re supposed to be enjoying being “married”). Yep, I’ve got the name picked out, too.
I would go for Shane!
Anyways, cheers and I will be following the blog…
Best wishes,
Mandy