Saturday Update

David informed me yesterday morning that he had not regained the vision on his left side. He was first aware something was wrong while sitting in his recliner in the den "listening" to the news on the TV. I say listening because he said he could not see the TV. His eyes kept pulling toward our very colorful family photo sitting on the right side of the TV. Tests with the oncologist yesterday confirmed this. He can only see what is in front of him or to the right of him. The oncologist told him he must let me know if the condition worsens because it could mean bleeding in the brain. Otherwise, I feel he is doing good. He still has moments of confusion but they are mild and far between. He will continue with his infusion chemo on Wednesday.

His goal today is to sit at the piano and play through the music for Sunday. He wants to continue to lead worship on Sundays as long as God enables. By the grace of God that is our prayer also. I have seen over the past few Sundays that "God's grace has been sufficient for David, for His power is made perfect in David's weakness."

To God be the glory!

Pam for all of us

But we have this treasure in jars of clay...

David experienced some sort of episode/seizure yesterday afternoon. It actually started earlier in the week as I noticed he seemed a little disoriented and confused about the day of the week. I stayed home from work most of Tuesday and all day Wednesday because I was afraid to leave him.

Wednesday afternoon we had some friends stop by for a short visit and within 30 mintues of their leaving he had this episode. I was working in another part of the house and heard some noise. When I poked my head into the hallway I noticed David was trying to walk from the den into the kitchen and he was dragging his left leg. It was deja vu, especially since I had already been noticing some confusion in him. I called the EMS and he was transported to the ER.

They did not keep him because there is not much you can do to treat someone with brain cancer and seizures just seem to be a part of it. He did have a CAT scan and we were able to rule out bleeding in the brain. There was a small amount of edema so he was given a shot of steriods and will continue on oral steriods for 15 days (normal protocol with brain cancer).

We had a follow-up visit with the neurologist today. We will see the oncologist tomorrow. David continues to be a little disoriented at times and has some mild short-term memory loss. According to the doctor, only time will tell if he regains what he has lost in this regard. He is much stronger on his affected left side, including his vision, which he had problems with while in the ER. We are only one day out from the episode/seizure. We are hopeful!

The neurologist was in agreement with the ER doctor that David should not be left alone now. I am so very grateful that my boss is allowing me to work from home and that he sees the importance of taking care of family. May God bless this man abundantly for his kindness and compassion!

Today David was able to see humor in all of this by asking me, "what do you think they put on my chart last night as to why I came into the ER? Probably, 'old man admitted into ER because he knocked over his glass of juice." (that is how this started. He reached for his glass of juice, weakness overtook him and he could not hold on to it.)

I have been comforted by 2 Corinthians 4 today - "...So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Thank you for your continued prayers for David and all of our family.

Pam

Some Tumor Growth but not Aggressive

We saw the oncologist today. The MRI showed some tumor growth but not aggressive growth. We thank God.

Starting tomorrow, David will be adding infusion chemo as part of his treatment to go along with the Temodar oral chemo. He will go every two weeks for an infusion of Avastin. These are the normal protocols for glioblastoma multiforme brain tumors.

We are thankful for every day. God's mercy and grace to us humbles us. He is teaching us in new ways about what it means to trust Him for every moment of every day.

Thank you for your continued prayers on our behalf.

Love to you all,
Pam

MRI Results Today

David had his MRI on Sunday. We see the oncologist today (Tuesday 10/12/10). We take comfort in knowing God already knows what we will be told. This journey is part of His plan - "But He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold." (Job 23: 10)

To God be the glory!

Pam, for all of us

Recent Tests

David here again. Before I go further, let me show you what I look like on the inside. Below is one of the images from the MRI that I had this past Monday. Aren’t we glad we have skulls, skin, etc., even if we don’t all have hair (the case with me at present)?


Now for the news. I saw my neurologist on Wednesday. Of course, he understood what the MRI was saying. It seems that I have two new tumors. They are very small, one 2 centimeters in diameter, the other only 4 millimeters. The neurologist wil be consulting with my other doctors to plan the time for the next MRI. Gliobastoma multiformes (GBM) are extremely fast growing, doubling in size every two weeks. My present regimen of chemo therapy may hold them at bay. The next MRI will tell more. I have been experiencing more fatigue in the last couple of weeks, but the doctor said this is probably from the chemo more than the tumors, considering their small size at the moment.

I thank everyone for your continued prayers. Pray that I have the energy and clearness of mind to always honor our Lord Jesus as the adventure continues.

David