Four days after the surgery my surgeon called to give me the results of the biopsy. He said I had Glioblastoma Multiforme (translation: really bad news!).
We had 4-days before we met with my neurologist (the head of the cancer team), Dr. Lynn Taylor. So I used the 4-days to research all the bad news I could find on the Internet, given the single bit of information I had. Unfortunately there was no shortage of bad news to be found.
When we did finally get to meet with Dr. Taylor she gave me the only bit of good news I have had since June 21. She said the removed tumor was relatively small and that the surgeon seems to have gotten it all. EXCEPT that there was a very large "shadow" in the MRI that she suspected was another growth that hadn't yet formed into a compact tumor.
She explained the treatment plan she wanted me to begin which includes an initial 6-weeks of combined radiation (Monday through Friday) in conjunction with Chemotherapy (pill form) every day for the 6-week period. There would then be a 4-week recovery period (no radiation or chemo). The next 8-month would include one week of chemo (a much larger dose) followed by three weeks of nothing. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
I liked the plan (I like any plan). I was anxious to get started. So, on August 3 I started with my first radiation/chemo treatment.
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Thanks for the update. You've been on my mind a lot. You're such a positive person and are handling these daily challenges well from my perspective. It's great to have family and friends so close!
ReplyDeleteHi Dave!! Thank you for setting up a blog. It is fantastic to hear how you are doing. We sure miss y'all a lot!!! One day it would be great if you and Marlys could make a trip to Houston and stay with us.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you, Marlys and the rest of the family.
Mojo (Monica Johns
Dave:
ReplyDeleteWe are glad to hear updates from you, and thank you for sharing your experience and updates. You & Marlys are near & dear to our hearts and are in our thoughts & prayers. We truly admire how you, Marlys & the family are handling all of this!!
Love you guys!!
Bill, Mary & Olivia Sweet
What a great site Dave! yes you were always into plans. I remember the first day I started working at Evergreen and you gave me that big notebook of procedures to study for a week. I was so overwhelmed. (ha! ha!) Glad to hear your doing well. Your in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteLisa Rankin
Thank you for sharing & hear some updates from you. You are strong & handle thing wells, hang in there. You’re in my thoughts & prayers.
ReplyDeleteLove, Lisa