Bill has been diagnosed with a glioblastoma -- a rapid growth inoperable brain tumor that is presently taking up most of the left side of his head. It is putting pressure on his speech center so his speech is slurred and he sometimes has trouble finding the right words. He is also prone to weakness on his right, dizziness and balance issues. He is at risk of seizures. However, his sense of humor is intact.
We have decided to go forward with treatment here in Jacksonville and have great confidence in his team of physicians. Justin was able (through a friend) to get us in touch with Ted Kennedy's doctor at the Dana Farber Institute in Boston. (Bill has the same type of tumor as Kennedy), but due to the urgency of getting started on radiation and chemotherapy as soon as possible, we'll be holding on to that option for some time in the future.
We will know much more in the next few weeks. Today Bill was fitted with a plastic mask which is used to hold his head in place and "build" a model of his brain and tumor for computer directed radiation treatments. We expect to start with radiation and chemotherapy on Monday or Tuesday next week. The treatments run for 5 days a week for 5-6 weeks and then a month off. The treatments can cause swelling and actually make his symptoms worse in the initial few weeks but should then significantly reduce the size of the tumor and improve his quality of life. The tumor cannot be cured so we are looking at getting the best out of the time we have. (Average 1 1/2 years...but we're looking for 7).
We apologize for not calling you individually. There is a lot going on and we don't have the wherewithal right now. We are keeping an optimistic outlook and are touched by your outpouring of love and positive energy. (keep it coming).
We love you all and our doors are always open. We expect to be spending a lot of time at the beach.
Bill and Darlene
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