Michael Felt

On behalf of the family of Michael Felt, we are saddened to announce that Mike was diagnosed with a brain tumor on 7/26/2022.

Mike was at work on the evening of July 25th. As normal, he called Laurie to see how things were going and while they were talking Laurie noticed that he wasn’t sounding normal. She asked Kendra drive to Le Sueur to check to be sure he was ok. When Kendra arrived, he seemed to be walking normally and had a decent conversation with her. Laurie tried to get him to go to the ER that night, but for those who know Mike, know that his job was important to him and he wasn’t willing to leave work to care for himself. When he arrived home the next morning, Laurie wanted to take him to the ER, but he refused. He told her she can call and get him a clinic appointment. She attempted to do so, but they told her he needed to go to the ER, so they did just that.

Upon arrived, they did different tests and a CT scan of his Head where they said something didn’t look right. They told Laurie they felt it may be a tumor, but they were going to do an MRI so they can get a better look. Unfortunately, after the results came back, it was in fact a brain tumor. The doctor explained it as a “Huge” Tumor. It was already 6cm in size. The reason for his speech issues was because of the fluid and swelling that was occurring.

They set up a consult with the Neurology at Abbott Northwestern where they had an appointment the next day. They started him on medication to help with the swelling and sent him home for the evening.

The next day at his appointment, the doctor at Abbott explained to us that it was a Brain Tumor that was very aggressive. He said this type of tumor may not have been found 3 months ago. The Dr is positive it is a Glioblastoma, but can’t be certain until they do a biopsy. The doctor said there are a couple negative things with this tumor, one being the size of it and the other the location is not good, but he said on the positive side, he is young and in good physical health.

He explained how this surgery would go and it will take several hours, but they have great technology that will help along the way. The neurosurgeon will use computer images of the brain taken before and during the procedure and his responses to create a map of the functional areas of the brain. The neurosurgeon then removes as much of the tumor as possible while avoiding the functional areas of the brain. They will be doing what’s called a “Surgical navigation”, this helps them plan the operation. It functions as a guide during the operation itself. It is like a GPS system for the brain.

With this approach, the surgeon uses MRI images to determine the exact location of the instruments being used during surgery. In the operating room, an image that is synchronized with the MRI is projected on a screen, generating real-time information about the position of his brain and the tumor.

The surgeon will use a viewing wand to see the tumor’s outermost edges. This increases the likelihood that every part of the tumor is removed, if possible. The benefits of this procedure include better accuracy plus the potential for a smaller incision and a shorter surgery. The doctor told Mike that his hair will be his biggest obstacle during surgery. Mike is bald, so now we know the surgeon has a good sense of humor.

We are asking for many prayers for Mike, Laurie, Kendra, Brendan and his extended family during this difficult journey.

Mike is a Veteran of our country. He was with the Red Bulls, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment. He retired from the military in 2012 with a total of 23 years of service. He was deployed from 2005-2007 for Iraqi Freedom. He has also been in Law Enforcement for several years, most recently with the City of Le Sueur Police Department.

With this diagnosis and the unknown amount of time he will be off work as well as Laurie needing to take time off to take him to doctor appointments and rehab, they will need some financial help to keep their normal life functioning, as well as the added medical expenses, hotel stays and gas. Any little bit helps, if you can’t help financially, prayers will be appreciated.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

The Felt Family