Today is now two weeks since I left the hospital after my tumor was "re-sected." I had another MRI of it take today and the original small tumor is still present (but somewhat beaten up by the biopsy), and the larger tumor is mostly gone, but there is a clear outer ring where it does tend to grow. I go to the radiologist today with the latest image and he will develop a plan of attack using radiation on both tumors. Dr. Neuwelt, my Oncologist will direct the chemotherapy and generally be in charge of my case. My radiation doctor's name is Dr. Aaron Hicks. I also have a neurologist in the area, Dr. Lupu, and he will supervise the Kepra dosage that arrests seizures and related issues.
I continue to be thankful for the work of Dr. Samuel Hughes for discovering and identifying the tumor together with his staff!
The next stage of the treatment, in my opinion, begins today with a visit to Dr. Hicks' office to be fitted for a radiation mask and then analysis for treatment. Since radiation is for 5 days a week, I presume that I can begin on next Monday, December 4th and then continue through the second week of January. Radiation is five days a week and can result in hair loss. YEAH! - I always needed a good reason to be totally bald! Chemotherapy, on the other hand, lasts seven days a week and is a pill that is taken at night before bed and hour after taking an "anti-nausea" pill. It is supposed to be a fairly routine pill to take, limited nausea and the expectation is that all will go well. I am crossing my fingers on that one. Once the 6 weeks of treatment are finished, then I will continue with chemotherapy for 6 months and see how things go. It is the expectation of the doctor that it will continue longer than that if it is doing its job because of the nature of my tumor. It grows in "tentacles", not in a "mass", and how to keep it under control will be the issue.
My prognosis given the art of the treatment is for one good year and then maybe a bad year before dying. But, that could also change. I am healthy and doing pretty good over all. 20% of the patients live beyond the 2 years - up to five years. Lots of things can happen in five years, so we will see.
I continue to be thankful for the prayers of my friends and brethren and well wishers everywhere. I am convinced that the arm of the Lord is not shortened in these things and he does listen to the sincere, and honest and righteous prayers of those that have faith in him. I will today begin to do my best to write to all of you now that I have some time and I am getting caught up on my chores.
We had a blessed Thanksgiving Holiday with my family here in Portland. Stephen and Vanessa picked up my father and they all flew in on Wednesday before Thanksgiving. My brother Dewan from Seattle drove down and spent several days with us before driving my father back to his house for an evening. We drove back half way the next day to pick him up. We spent a lot of time with them and at Nathan's home. It was a good weekend of games, watching TV, fellowship and making some music with our guitars.
Today I begin preparation for an "extravaganza" at the main house on Saturday. It is Sr. Kathy Brooks' "Candlelight Dinner." It has gotten quite popular over the years and Tim and Dawn will not be able to attend to coordinate the music this year. So, Sr. Sarah Lightfoot and I are coordinating the music and I think it will work out well. The evening will start with an hour of "horse' d'ouvres", followed by an hour meal and then culminating in a musical program for the holidays to be enjoyed by all. We are expecting about 70 brethren in all to attend.
The blessings of the Lord continue to shower upon us all even as the turmoil in the world continues about us. Some of us are struggling and some of us not so much, but most of us are getting by and rejoicing in the overruling providence of God our Savior. We studied Psalms last night and the scripture of note is
Ps 18:46-50
46 The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
47 It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.
48 He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
50 Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.
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