Gerbil on the Run….

Gerbil on the Run….

Here’s a quick update on the status and treatment plan….

Background

Mary’s view:  Tim was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (grade IV) 22 days ago.  Testing reveals a loss of spatial, organizational, and short-term memory, but to talk with him, you would never know that.  His conversation is fluid, his thoughts clear, and his sense of humor is completely intact.  (He does talk less about insurance claims solutions than he used to, and, frankly, that’s a welcome relief!) ).  His sense of taste, too, is quickly waning.  He really liked the over-salted salad I made last night! J  On occasion he is “lost” in a strange setting.  For a guy who was born with GPS in his head, this is a strange, new phenomenon. 

Tim’s view: I sleep very little, maybe 2-3 hours a night, but I don’t feel tired due to the steroids. Mary contends that a gerbil was implanted in my head during the surgery. I am totally sympathetic with A-Rod and his 50 game suspension.  The steroids aim to minimize brain swelling.  Peripheral vision in the left eye is gone now, requiring caution when walking.  No driving and constant supervision due to the potential for seizures.  None so far.  Loss of balance is an issue (ataxia) because the area in the brain controlling equilibrium was damaged by the tumor. 

By way of summary, the surgery on September 5 was intended to slow the rapid tumor growth.  The intent of the radiation and chemo is to minimize the rate of growth that is still occurring. This type of tumor grows tentacles, which permeate the brain, with obvious consequences. It is not possible to remove the many tendrils without destroying the brain.  Combined chemo and radiation is the standard medical treatment.  

 

Treatment

The James is the highly regarded Cancer Research Center at The Ohio State University. Don’t worry: I’ve not gone soft here.  I’m still a Coug.  We met with the Neuro Oncologist at The James last week along with each of the individuals on his team.  Suffice it to say, they have the necessary expertise across all the various specialties.  The treatment regimen is pretty formulaic—5 days per week of radiation and 7 days per week of chemo, which is in pill form….no IV for the chemo. The radiation will require daily trips to The James.  This Thursday is the first radiation appointment at which time I’ll be fitted with a mask so that only the area of the tumor is radiated. Radiation will last six weeks.   The chemo (Temador) is purportedly more tolerable than some other typical chemo drugs.  

 

Clinical Trials:

 I have opted in for two different clinical trials. The minor detail is one has to survive the initial treatment regimen--the fine print will get you every time.  Frankly, that’s not where my hope rests.  I’d certainly like to be around long enough to qualify, but I’m not arguing with the scorecard.  The prognosis is very clear.   

 

Summary:

 I cannot begin to thank all of you enough for your kindness, the prayers, the notes, the text messages, the meals, and the multiple gestures that come in so many different forms.  It is in those acts that we see one example of His Spirit  showing up because in His perfect timing, they are received just when needed….A God who longs to pour out His love on those He loves…..I John 3:1. May He richly bless each of you.