Thursday, July 24, 2008

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.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Virginia and Gary,
It was nice to see you both out for a walk today. It was a beautiful day, we are so blessed to live in such a magical place. I am thinking of you both and keeping you in my prayers.
God bless you,
Kelly Burns

Phil Branson said...

great to be with you

Anonymous said...

Hi Gary and Virginia,

You both look great. That picture of you two (I think on the ship) is a great picture. I hope you had a good time on the cruise. Looks like y'all were having fun with Grandchildren. We feel bad we haven't gotten to see you this summer. Would love to get together if you ever have time. Glad to hear all is going as well as it is for Gary. Take it easy.
Jim and Darlene

Why now?

All is well, so why now?

Well, we have been extremely touched by the care and attention so many of you have showered upon us over the past 6 months (yes, this whole thing started 6 months ago, ie. 11/27/07). Throughout this time, we've had ups and downs and many of you have shared them with us and lifted us up with your love. When this first started, I sent out emails to our beloved prayer chain warriors, our faithful families and friends. Undoubtedly and unintentionally, people who care about both of us were missed.

As snowbirds, we have returned to our home in Bend, Oregon and we miss our "Southern Friends" who have done the same thing by going home to countless beautiful communities throughout the United States and Canada. This offers an opportunity to occasionally check on Gary's progress and post your comments.

My focus is Gary, so sometimes the phone call I "should" make to friends isn't made. I'll try to update this blogsite once a week to say hello and let you know how he's doing. Please don't hesitate to call us or check this blog from time to time and leave a comment.

We know that you worry about Gary and me and hope that this will give you some comfort.

Hope it works for you. Works for me.

We're sending our love to you through this blog. Please keep him in your prayers.

Virginia and Gary