Columbia, SC TV anchor undergoes surgery for brain tumor

Any South Carolina regulars on here know probably know Drew Stewart from WIS TV in Columbia. Drew underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor yesterday in Columbia. Best of luck to him.

He may not be a superstar, but he's a nice guy and I hate to see this happen to him.

Best of luck to him.

 

Drew's a very good guy, with a wife and a 22-month old son. One of the real good TV people, the type that doesn't look his nose down on print guys, and who works hard to get actual news. He's had a good attitude about this, and hopefully he can pull through.

 

Been away for a bit, but I'll stop back in to post here. Went to school with Drew and remain very good friends. As nice a guy as you could ever hope to meet.

If you're interested in reading up on what he's battling, or want to pass along well-wishes and/or prayers, stop by:

station story: http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8431858
station blog: http://www.wistv.com/Global/link.asp?L=320866
updates: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/drewstewart
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=621059773

 

Wow, he was diagnosed on May 30. That's not even 10 days ago. Best wishes for a full recovery.

 

I don't know Drew very well - just been around him at a few press conferences - but he seems like a good guy.
Hope the tumor was benign and that the doctors really did get all of it.
Best wishes - I couldn't imagine something like that happening to me.

 

And the note I really didn't want to have to pass on:

Dear Friends-

The last 24 hours have not been easy. As some of you may have heard, the pathology report was not news that we wanted to hear. The tumor is malignant.

However, this morning, Jill, Mom and I met with Dr. Tripp Jones, a very well respected oncologyst here in Columbia (and a true die-hard Clemson Tiger). When we first entered his office, all three of us walked in scared not knowing what to expect. But within a few minutes of meeting him, I knew that he knew what he was talking about, and his visit was very reassuring.

Dr. Jones tells me the tumor is not very aggressive and grows slowly. He said treatment options could include something as simple as observation to make sure it's not returning, to chemotherapy and radition. However, he does want me to visit Duke University (where Sen. Kennedy had his treatment) for their opinion before we make any decisions (he's very well connected there). I'm not sure when I'll be headed to Durham, but I'll keep everyone posted.

He also told me that I'm free to return to work as I feel up to it, and was even kind enough to call Tina (my boss) to answer her questions as to exactly what I can and can't do. I'm hoping once I get the schedule worked out with Duke that I can return to WIS and begin a somewhat normal routine.

As good as all of the news has been today, please make sure you continue with your thoughts and prayers. The road to recovery certainly isn't going to be easy, and I don't antcipate running it like a marathon, but I'm praying God will give me the strength to make it through. As I've said earlier, they couldn't get me on 9/11, the WR who ran over me didn't get me, and some ol' lousy brain tumor ain't gonna get me either.

-Drew Stewart

 

I don't know your friend, Mustard, but I hope everything turns out OK.

 

Sounds like a tough, resilient, good man. Good luck Drew.

 

Thought this was worth posting for those who were interested. Sounds like Drew is going to fight this thing like crazy and has the right attitude.
A question for those who know him... he mentioned "they couldn't get me on 9/11". Was he in NYC or Washington D.C. that day, or just a proud American? Just curious.

http://www.wistv.com/Global/link.asp?L=320866

 

Keep fighting Drew.