Update

Lydia here:) First of all, let me say that I am so sorry I haven't gotten to part three of Mom's story yet. I know some of you are really wanting to hear the whole story. I've had sick kids and a busy life for the past few weeks and sitting down to type hasn't been a priority. If you want to see something I've written lately, check out my Father's Day post over at The Mommy Pages .

I will finished Mom's story when I get back from vacation, but for now, here's an update on Dad's condition to better let you know how to pray.

1st - Daddy started his pre-radiation chemo on Sat, Jun 19. He takes the drug Temodar, chemo especially for GBM, for 5 days

2nd - He had his post-op with the surgeon today. The surgeon feels he is doing great. We told the surgeon that we now had a better understanding of the term "resection". Before the surgery, he kept saying he hoped to be able to remove the tumor and do a resection. After the surgeon he told us the tumor was well defined and had white matter all around it and that he was able to do a good resection.  Meaning = remove some of the normal brain matter.  That means Daddy is now missing some of his brain! Of course, they are very careful with what they remove and the location makes a big difference as to what they can remove. So, Daddy is doing GREAT!

3rd - Mom and Dad saw the radiation oncologist yesterday. He laid out the plan for radiation. Daddy will have IMRT (Intensity modulated Radiation Therapy), and advanced type of radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation directly to a very targeted area. The radiation will only be given to the tumor bed and 3 centimeters around in the normal tissue. Daddy will have 30 treatments in all. We will go 5 days a week for 6 weeks to the Cancer Centers of NC in Raleigh for treatment. He will also be taking a different dosage of Temodar while doing radiation.

4th - We went back to the Cancer Centers today for his initial setup. He has a CT scan of his brain. It will help determine exactly where to aim the radiation. He also was fitted for his radiation mask, a mesh like mask that molds to your face. They mark it and then aim the radiation at the marks. You can Google radiation mask to get a better idea of what they look like.

4th - We return on July 1st for his final radiation setup called a simulation. The doctor will have looked at his CT scan and determined the exact course of action.

5th - July 6th will be his first radiation treatment.  The treatment itself only lasts 5 or 6 minutes because of the type (IMRT).

During all of this we will be seeing his regular oncologist and neurologist for appointments.  We've been given all of the warnings for radiation  - hair loss, burned scalp, lower immune system. We will need to be very careful that Daddy does not come into contact with anyone who is sick, even with the sniffles.  There are all kinds of others side-effects.

Keep praying. He is doing so well we keep asking ourselves, "has God healed him?" Time will tell but we are trusting the Lord.



"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him."