More Good News

Hello to those dear ones who consistently check the blog to find out how Gary's doing. We had very good news yesterday as a result of a MRI done at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles. The tumor has reduced in size since the last MRI. We attribute that to the Avastin (vascular restrictor) and the Chemo. So far, no serious side affects from the chemo, thank God. As long as his white blood count holds up under the attack of the chemo, we will continue with this protocol and have frequent MRI's to assess the results. Gary is walking much better, although requires constant companionship so that he doesn't fall. He's regained some of his sense of humor and continues to be a wonderful husband.

Thank you so much for caring. Please forgive me for not sending out Christmas Cards (again) this year. Selfishly, we love to receive them, but can't seem to put together enough time to send them.

All Is Well

A short update note to let our wonderful family and friends know that we have successfully made the transition to sunny La Quinta. We can't say enough about Alaska Airlines and their assistance every step of the way to ease our journey south. They made it seem effortless and dignified.

All in all, everything is up and running. Resuming Gary's biweekly chemo schedule has been our primary focus, which we managed to do without a glich, as well. Secondarily, has been setting up support services like physical therapy that will focus on retraining him to walk again. Not surprisingly, he is doing extremely well and starting to regain some of his strength.

The household is set up and running smoothly, after the usual headaches and stresses. Alas, we wonder why we have a second home, but the answer is soon very apparent in the weather and the friends. We've enjoyed 80+ degrees since we've been here and it's supposed to snow in our beautiful Bend tonight. That, combined with the wonderful friendships we've had the good fortune to have established here and I think we've made the right choice.

Answer to Prayers

At this past Monday's Oncology appointment, the doctors looked at Gary and said that he was a totally different man than the one who was there 2 weeks ago. (They had told me that they would know if the treatment was working within 2 treatments.) Apparently, the Avastin and CPT 11 combo is doing the job and we were allowed to continue with this protocol. Thanks to your prayers, he has had no side affects and is alert, funny, and optimistic.

Who would ever think that being allowed to continue with chemo would be good news? We consider it the most encouraging news we've had in a long time. He still can't walk without assistance and needs a wheelchair in certain conditions, but otherwise, he looks fantastic.

We woke to snow this morning, which confirms our decision to return to our home in the California desert. As long as the health care can be arranged, we will remain there for there for the winter. Brain Cancer is a formidable foe and we thank you for your continued support and prayers.

I Believe In Angels .....

This summer, Gary and I went to see Mama Mia three times. We love the music and the beautiful scenery. One of the songs that sticks in my mind is "I Believe in Angels".

When something like this happens, there is no doubt that angels magically appear on our doorstep.

• they come bearing cookies for Gary, The Original Cookie Monster
• meals on the first day of Chemo that are hot from the oven
• telephone calls from dear, old friends wishing us well and telling Gary that they love him and letting him tell them the same. The phone calls are so hard, yet so beautiful. There have been lots of tears expressing love, happy shared memories, and wishes that this wasn't happening to Gary.
• Snow bird friends leaving and coming to "say goodbye" and capture a memory of their dear friend
• visits that allow me to leave the house knowing that he is with someone he enjoys
• cards, newspapers and magazines
• ramps and wheelchairs

As an update, Gary started on a Chemo called CPT 11 and a vascular restrictor called Avastin. He's scheduled for another session 2 weeks from now. So far, he has reacted very well and is as sweet, loving, and kind as ever. He never complains and always tells me thank you. How sweet is that? He's a joy to care for. He is exhausted, but enjoys getting out for lunch and driving around.

Please say prayers that this Avastin stops the new growth and the Chemo stops the cancer cells from reproducing rapidly. While you're at it, would you pray that the side affects are few?

Wish it was good news, but

today's MRI show that Gary's tumor has grown significantly. We've been seeing some signs for the past few weeks, but wanted to think that they were associated with the medications.

I wish I could post better news. Your prayers for a new medical miracle are greatly appreciated. I've got calls in to our Neuro Oncologist at Cedars Sinai to see what other treatment options they recommend.

Disney World "Where Dreams Come True"

Walt Disney was right. Disney World is a place where "Dreams Come True". Gary's dream was to take Jake 9, Emma 7, and Mom Laura to Disney World to share in the magic with them. We spent last week at Epcot Center, Animal Kingdom, and the Magic Kingdom. It was a tiring trip for Gary, but he was a trooper and managed to spend about 6 hours a day at the parks. The rest of the time was spent loving and enjoying our grandkids.

I can't tell you how many of you have told me that they constantly check the blog for updates. Thank you. It is so very kind of you to care for Gary and for me.

Gary is on a daily, low doseage of chemo therapy that he swallows every night. Every night, we pray that it is getting to the tumor and killing it. It's making him very, very tired, but again, he never complains. We won't have an update on the tumor until mid October when he gets another MRI. It will show the results of the Gamma Knife surgery done on the 2 small nodules as well as whether the chemo is getting past the blood brain barrier to the tumor.

Our current plans are to leave our beloved Bend, Oregon for lovely La Quinta on November 3. We've had a magical summer and our prayers for "Quality of Life" have been answered. Things aren't perfect, but our love certainly is. We celebrate our 31s anniversary next week. I can tell you that we both feel closer sharing this trauma than ever before, if that's possible.

Our Medical Miracle: August 5, 2008

Gary had a Gamma Knife procedure yesterday at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles. We pray for miracles and surely this non invasive, outpatient procedure is an answer to our prayers. The Neuro Surgeon, Neuro Radiologist, and Physicist created a perfect plan to radiate the two small nodules located off of the main tumor. The whole procedure was amazing. The doctors were thorough, kind, and competent. A stereotactic head frame allowed the docs to pinpoint the targets and treat them with unparalled accuracy. When it was all said and done, there were 201 precisely focused radioactive beams directed towards the nodules. Painless, accurate to the sub millimeter level and effective, all without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. In two months, we'll know how the procedure went.

In the meantime, Life is Good and we're very blessed.

Encouraging News.

Last Thursday, we flew from Bend to Los Angeles, hopped in a taxi and met with the Neuro Oncologist at Cedars Sinai Hospital late in the afternoon.  After an hour of discussing Gary's MRI's (Nov '0, April '08, and July '08), he called the Neuro Surgeon who did Gary's December biopsy to review these same MRI's and to meet with us. They both agree that it might be slight tumor progression, but also thought it was two small hemorrhages caused by taking Coumadin blood thinner.  They suggest treating these nodules with a very powerful radiation technique, called "gamma knife" to basically "zap" these two small nodules.  Looks like we'll fly down again during the first week of August to do this procedure. It is non invasive and be done as an outpatient.  

The Neuro Oncologist wants to continue with the chemo he was on (Temodar) to give it a proper chance.  Gary starts long term, low dosage chemo tonight.  

Our goal is to keep Gary healthy, enjoy every day, and pray for a cure.

Again, thanks for caring.  We can't tell you what it means to have your support.

Going to LA

Gary's MRI was reviewed by several radiologist who believe that the tumor is growing "slightly". So after much deliberation, we have decided to go to Los Angeles to Cedars Sinai this week to seek the advise of a Neuro Oncologist so he can advise us on the latest Clinical Trials that would be recommended for Gary.  

We don't know what we're in for, but pray that they have something that will work on killing the tumor.   We're glad that we found out in time to do something about it, but saddened that the disease might be progressing.

Gary's spirits are "mostly good" and he feels "mostly good".  I get down from time to time, but remain his advocate and best friend.  

GIGGLE TIME WITH GRANDFATHER

Hold On, the roller coaster continues........

Last night I emailed Gary's Neuro Oncologist at Cedars Sinai.  This morning he replied and told us he disagrees with the "Impression" that Gary's tumor has progressed.  He suggests that we fly down to see him next week.  I've asked then to speak to one another and hopefully, they can come to some mutual conclusions.

I know that worrying doesn't help anything and God can do all this for us, so we need to put this in His hands.

We know that everyone has problems of their own and we don't want you to worry about us.   Thanks for caring.

GLACIERS GALORE

Best Friends!

What can we say?

Our Alaskan Cruise with our family was wonderful and we all had a great trip full of terrific memories.   Gary enjoyed every minute, as did the grandkids and daughters/our perfect son in law.  We shared many beautiful landscapes and unimaginable glaciers and wildlife and visions that we hope that will stay with the younger ones for a lifetime.  Unfortunately, no moose and no bears and only a few whale tales. My 60th was a true celebration and we laughed quite a lot.

We found out today that Gary's tumor has grown since his last MRI done 3 months ago.  Needless to say, we are still reeling, but thought this was an easier way to tell you than through phone calls and emails.   He looks and feels great, other than fatigue.  

Our Bend Oncologist stopped his chemo that was scheduled for tonight and is contacting our other institutions (City of Hope in LA, Cedars Sinai in LA, University of California in San Francisco, and Cancer Center of America in Seattle) to determine the best treatment "protocol" for his tumor.  (Boy, do we dislike that word "protocol".  It's so very "politically correct" for chemical destruction of cancers.)   He tells us he'll have an answer for a new treatment plan this coming Monday.    This is an "E ride".   Gary and I remain hopeful and happy that we have had 30+ years together and a wonderful life.  We've travelled, played, laughed with friends, and enjoyed life to the fullest.  

Wish we had better news for you all, but we do ask for your continue confidence and prayers. We're not giving up and are going to remain hopeful.

V & G

No news is good news!!! I've been reminded that I promised to update the blog occassionally. You're all so sweet to follow the blog and Gary's progress. It's so cute to see how many people email comments.....either from shyness at posting on a public blog or from technical challenges. Regardless, your comments and prayers are healing to say the least.Gary's doing just fine. We have our day to day challenges, but none are noteworthy, just part of life's process. He's such a good sport and is the best pal I could ever have. His buddies have been so kind in sharing time with him to:

• putt, pitch, and finish with fish 'n chips at the Club
• hot dogs and fries and justify the indulgence with a walk by the river
• dining out when the gals have a very important Bunco Game
• sharing a meal & wisdom at Food For Thought with "THE GUYS"
• touching basis by telephone from all parts of the world
• inclusive invitations to share time together

After our trip to Alaska, Gary will have his follow up MRI. Your prayers for a reduction in the size of the tumor are greatly appreciated. He'll resume oral chemo for 5 days and then rest for 23 days. This schedule will continue until we return to La Quinta in November. Again, thank you for your kindness and love.

Cataract, Chemo and Countdown!!!!

Ahh, the blessings of modern medicine.

Quality of life is what prompted Gary's cataract surgery today. When he had his last eye done in October, it left scar tissue which was zapped off by a laser last month and he could read again. The doctor offered to do his left eye and we jumped at it. So, this morning, an uneventful 20 minute procedure was performed and his recovery will be a few days of lounging around. Gary remembers his father's cataract surgery years ago where he had to have sand bags on his shoulders to keep his head from moving.

Chemo #Round 2 of 6 starts tomorrow night for 5 nights. A dear friend, Mz L. C., wrote Gary a very touching card that he received yesterday where she said the way she got through her chemo was to think that "chemo is her friend". Tough sometimes, but it's killing off the bad guys in the tumor. Last round of chemo proved to be pretty benign, other than fatigue. We're following Senator Kennedy's progress closely, for sure. Because his tumor was accessible, they could get tissue that will be used to create a vaccine. This procedure is on the back burner for Gary until things change. The location of Gay's tumor is very difficult to get to and they prefer not to go in for surgery. (It's at the thalamus, near the brain stem.)

Countdown to Alaska. One month to go. The whole family is pretty darned excited.

Thanks for your prayers. They surely do help.

God Bless You All,

Virginia and Gary

Siskel & Ebert (de kat & de Kat) Movie Review

Hurray. It's the little things in life that we forget are so special. We went to the movies today on a very rainy day in Central Oregon and saw "Indiana Jones". It's been 6 months since we've been to movie and we're grinning from ear to ear for the experience. By the way, Virginia gives it thumbs up and Gary only gives it 3 stars. (I tried to get Gary to see "Sex and the City", but he put his foot down and said NO WAY.)

Man's Best Friend (Woman's, too)

Last night at the home of our dear friends, Tom and Joyce Browning , we were completely taken back with an overwhelming gift Tom painted for us. It is an original oil painting done by this master painter, of our darling "Maddie". Tears of grief flowed from our eyes and nothing could stop them. (I know I had suppressed my grieving out of necessity). We miss her so much and Tom has given us an enormous gift that heals a empty hole in our hearts. You may enjoy seeing Tom's website at http://www.tombrowning.com/. He if famous for his Santa Claus', Western Works of Art featuring stunning horses, and lovely landscapes. For those of you who have been to our La Quinta home, he painted the stunning Flamingo Dancer in our dining room entitled "Shall We Dance?".

"The Last Lecture"

At our age, some of us are "technology challenged", but we hope that you'll be able to open up this very special You Tube piece. Maybe you've seen it already, but if not, we hope that it has the same affect on you as it did on us.
Virginia and Gary

Double click: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9ya9BXClRw

Chemo Schedule

Overall, Gary's health is very good. He is undergoing a 6 month chemo schedule that works like this: 5 chemo pills x 5 nights, then 23 days off to recover from the affects of the chemo. This goes on through October, 2008. So far, the only side affect of the chemo is "FATIGUE". In other words, he's exhausted most of the time, but very cheerful, pleasant, and easy going. He's a good sport about the whole thing. We won't know much for a few more for a few month when they do another MRI to compare it to the ones taken "in the beginning".

We're going to Alaska for my "BIG 60" with our wonderful family this July. There will be 10 of us and we're all excited about sharing the experience of a small boat and getting "up close and personal" to the glaciers, bears, and whales. Gary adores his grandchildren and the whole experience will be good for all.

Our doctors are fantastic and have his seizure meds under control. He's finally getting used to them. Hurray. His Oncologist monitors his progress carefully through constant blood tests and doctors visits and is taking no chances on any set backs.

The Oregon weather hasn't allowed Gary to spend much time on his putting and chipping, but he's up to it - weather permitting.