The Latest as of November 2, 2011

Dear Ones,

I will try to summarize the current state of things for all who desire to stay abreast of things.

First, I want you to all know that I appreciate your prayers and good thoughts on my behalf. I am doing pretty good. The scar on my head is hard to see now except for how it comes down on the left side of my head. On the whole it looks good. Again, good job doc!

Next, I went to the radiologist at my hospital yesterday and heard what he had to say about the current state of treatment for glioblastoma metaforme. It is a disease that is very very difficult to treat, but the current treatment has relatively good results using radiation and chemotherapy. The radiation will be done at the hospital, about 15 minutes from home, and the chemo will be directed by an oncologist at OHSU (Oregon Health Sciences University). The radiation treatments are as targeted as they can make them with the state of the art equipment available these days. The they will "bombard" the area of the tumor five days a week for six weeks and then a small area out from it. Simultaneous with this I will commence chemotherapy.

After the six weeks are through I will go on a regimen of chemo that includes one week on and three weeks off for six months. Presumably I will be monitored during this time for necessary followup treatment if needed. It might be that additional treatments will be needed.

The nature of the brain, as I'm sure most are aware these days, is that we make memories by sending out new neurons, dendrites and whatever else the brain does to make a memory. The interesting thing about this cancer is that it tries to duplicate itself in the same way. It sends out new pathways and creates new tumors that then have to be treated also.

I have an appointment with the oncologist for two weeks from today that will include a new MRI. He will customize my treatment accordingly.

Ps 24

1 The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;

2 for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.

3 Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.

5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior.

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.

9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

10 Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty — he is the King of glory.

NIV