Treatment Continues

Bill has completed his first week of chemo and radiation. He takes the chemo drugs 7 days a week and receives radiation treatments Monday through Friday. He'll be doing this until the end of August at which time they will reevaluate the tumor and decide what, if anything, to do next. We've decided that once this treatment is done, we'll probably talk to the folks at Duke who are on the leading edge of treatment for this type of tumor. For anyone who wants to google what we've got, the recommended site is http://www.abta.com/. The link is also in the side bar here. Bill's diagnosis is Stage 4 glioblastoma multiforme. As with anything on the internet, there's good info and bad info, but the American Brain Tumor Association is a highly respected site.

Week 2 promises to be challenging as Bill's brain is likely to swell from the ratiation and the tumor has not really had the opportunity to start shrinking. Most of his symptoms had significantly improved due to the steroids (he likes to show off his muscles :)), but now some of the initial symtoms have returned. The most frustrating is when he can't find the right word or becomes confused. He is also extremely fatigued. On the bright side, he still has his hair and his sense of humor.

We really appreciate all the notes, jokes, calls, cards, and text messages. Bill would like to respond to each of you personally, but just doesn't have the energy right now. We're hoping next week will be better. The doctors have cleared him for body surfing as soon as he feels up to it.

You can catch us at the beach.

Love hugs and kisses,
Darlene and Bill

P.S. Please pass this on to anyone who might be interested. Please also forward to me anyone's email who would like to be on the list.