Wednesday, 28 April 10
A routine nurse's check today shows improved white counts and a predictable decline in platelets. The white count was a specific prayer request. If you prayed, thank you. If you didn't, please start!
Tuesday, 27 April 10
Aimee was inducted into the National Honor Society tonight. Kathy and I are so proud of her and the fine young woman she has become.
Saturday, 24 April 10
I have updated my book based upon the proofread editor's comments - very good feedback indeed. Looks like the book will be ready for distribution this summer. I hope many copies of the book will be purchased - I plan to donate all net proceeds to the Legacy Brain Foundation.
Wednesday, 21 April 10
An Avastin infusion was accomplished today. No premeds were required - a big plus. The entire procedure required less than 15 minutes, after a cooperative vein was located. My platelets are still strong, which was anticipated so soon after a Carboplatin infusion, but my white cell count was the lowest on record. I'd appreciate your prayers now for strong white counts when my blood is checked in one week.
Tuesday, 20 April 10
I have not felt well the past few days, due to the chemo administered on Friday. I began to feel noticeably better today around 12:30 pm today; as if a heavy load had been suddenly removed. Somebody must have been praying!
Friday, 16 April 10
Today's MRI has identified a 4mm x 3mm spot. Thus the tumor has returned for the 3rd time, but this is the smallest focus yet, approximately 25% smaller than the second recurrent tumor. I had a Carboplatin infusion about 90 minutes after spotting the spot. My CBC measurement looks good, but my platelet counts will begin to drop soon in response to the Carbo. At least three monthly cycles of Carboplatin will be accomplished. The infusion from today will, by the grace of God, erase the tumor from the MRI that will be accomplished in May. Two more Carbo infusions will follow and then I can stop the chemo in July. Or can I?
Carbo and Avastin knocked two recurrent tumors off the charts, so these meds will be used again. Something else is obviously needed, now that the tumor has made a third appearance. We are going to send a few slices of my original tumor (kept in storage at Baylor Hospital) to a facility that will analyze the genetic makeup of the beast. We will identify other agents to augment the Carbo and Avastin cocktail to finally and forever destroy all tumor cells - those visible on the MRI, and those not seen in the soup.
It is interesting that these three mini-tumors always appear near the original tumor site, but no more than one pops up on the grid at a time. They are being found in an ever decreasing state (6mm bright white sphere in 2007, a 4mm white sphere in 2009 and today's 4mm x 3mm faint white oval). Also, if Carbo killed recurrent tumor #1, but it returned again months after the discontinuation of chemo as recurrent tumor #2, why was Carbo so effective against said recurrent tumor #2? A tumor has never returned or grown when I am on chemo (Temodar or Carboplatin), but as soon as the chemo is suspended, due to several sequentially clean scans as previously noted, the tumor finds the strength to restart. These are puzzling aspects of this journey that I may never get to the bottom of.
Wednesday, 07 April 10
Aaron's inaugural musical event as a composer at TCU this evening was brilliant. A combo group played his song "Persistence" while he directed the piece. My mom was with me and several of Aaron's friends were also present. The concert was over all too soon.
Monday, 05 April 10
The memorial service at the DFW National Cemetery this morning was an emotional experience marked by the dignity and respect of the honor guard, the flag carefully and slowly folded, the gun salute, the bugler on the nearby hill and the tears descending slowly down my face.
Sunday, 04 April 10
Easter Sunday and we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. His victory over the grave has been extended to me and gratefully accepted. How about you? Is Easter just bunnies and eggs or something more?
Saturday, 03 April 10
The traditional Easter egg hunt was conducted today at mom's house. Even my eldest sons still participate in this family affair. I enjoyed getting to know three international students who were also at mom's home today and look forward to seeing them again soon.
Friday, 02 April 10
Good Friday - good for us, difficult for Jesus. He was crucified on Friday during the passover in Israel. I have walked the street in Jerusalem that Jesus took on His way to Calvary. It was a sad day back then, but Sunday is coming!
Thursday, 01 April 10
It is April Fool's Day. I am reminded of Psalm 53:1 "The fool has said in his heart, there is no God."
