Ariane Scott Palland - update
May 15, 2007
I finally was able to get to DMV and Soc Security to change my name formally! This goal was able to be met for the most part due to my latest re-ability to drive. Its been a long road, that I am still traveling, but the bottom line is that I am no longer deteriorating, rather, improving at a slow yet blissfully steady pace!
Since I last wrote in, I have had 5 more surgeries: 1. prosthetic bone flap placement, 2. Prosthetic removal due to MRSA (anti-biotic resistant form of staph), followed by hospitalization to slow the MRSA, which ended in a prescription of Zyvox. This caused me to become aplastic anemic, requiring 4 units of blood to be transfused. Then came surgery 4: Titanium mesh bone flap replacement, and the ever unexpected lumpectomy in my left breast...BENIGN! (praise Jesus) but due to my history I and the Drs reccomended removal. That was in Dec of 2006.
I am now 25 yrs old. My husband and I still reside in sunny LA, CA. My student loans at upwards of 40,000 dollars were just discharged due to my "terminal illness" I filed 2 years ago. I have an MRI this mo...they are every 4mos instead of every 3 now, and am nearly pill free; I take ativan as needed when I have days where my brain seems to scramble! It takes the edge off!
Probably the greatest nuisance nowadays has been balancing my pH and some sporadic joint ache from being on steroids for so long in the beginning.
My husband threw me a surprise re-birthday in Nov to celebrate my 2yr anniversary. Im heading on 3 Nov 11, 2007! Every act I do these days feels so blessed and I am so thankful to feel "healthy" again.
If anyone had any ?s, please dont hesitate to contact me! Prayers, Love, and Support to all!
Ariane E. Pallend
October 25, 2006
It's me, Ariane Scott-Pallend. I wanted to thank, and further encourage, anyone either going through this personally or who is close to someone going through this to contact myself and others on this site for hope and support.
I have been through the mill and back since I last wrote, but there's a rainbow at the end of my storm! My surgeries now total 6: prosthetic bone flap replacement followed by MRSA infection (lethal antibiotic-resistant staph) leading to another bone flap removal, and after a course of severe antibiotics that made me severely anemic, finally a surgically replaced titanium flap (to prevent further infection). Thankfully, the anemia was in fact temporary...once I'd gotten 4 units transfused.
As far as deficits, they also have been fleeting. I was seeing neon colors for a while, and suffering memory lapses and "seizures" where I would be in the car with my husband (passenger of course) and suddenly I would start freaking out asking where I was and what had happened. The ER called them possible seizures; what was odd was that my husband said I was talking to him right before I started freaking? My right foot occasionally was numb, keeping me from driving anywhere, and in CA, this caused more hassles than most things! But, now my foot behaves. And my right hand occasionally gets "stiff". Lasts only a few seconds and only occurs maybe twice a month.
I have a new car now, one that is very responsive and not too zippy, so my reflexes are getting the chance to catch up! I am enrolled in school for a second bachelors in fashion design starting this winter. I feel old at 24 now going back to school! PC-post cancer-my priorities have altered and I feel the need to lead a less-stressful life. Therefore I no longer aspire to go to law school and do the whole govt/politics thing. I'd rather be more hands-on with people and travel. I also plan to have kids in the next few years, Lord willing! Im gonna enjoy this renewal on life that God has given me!
I am still stable (MRI's) and am now completely off meds. I will celebrate my 2 yr long term survivor day on Nov. 11, 2006 with my husband has been my right hand and my rock, and through God we have gotten through all of this and are more in love than ever. He and I have found friends with cancers and often swap stories, homeopathic remedies and what not so please feel free to contact me via email, or myspace: www.myspace.com/aripallend, or by ph (916) 502-1773.
Thus far, cancer has turned my world upside down and taken everything but my husband and family from me. Yet, I feel born anew, and beyond blessed to be here writing this to all of you who read this. until--
love, Me
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Joel Peterson - update
June 2008
Dear Friends and family,
As I sit and reflect on the events to date, I wonder how to possibly describe or put into words the emotional heartache and journey, laughter and tears we have had since leaving for Lakeland Florida on 16th May 2008.
We left South Africa with a buoyancy and skip in our step as Kev, Jade, Joel and I headed off to receive whatever God had in store for us at the Florida outpouring in Lakeland, currently being led by Todd Bentley of Fresh Fire Ministries. You can view this on God TV. We had such an expectation in our heart that God was going to meet with us there. http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/428796 and www.ustream.tv/recorded/424310 (If you are able to connect to these two websites – keep watching and eventually you will see us come up for prayer). We do believe God did meet with us and we stand contending for our miracle at this time.!!!!
Two days after we arrived at “Give Kids the World Village” in Orlando, Joel unfortunately had a seizure. He could not speak to us although he was able to respond and sign to us what was going on. We immediately dialed 911 and within minutes the paramedics arrived and we headed for the hospital. The first hospital was not equipped to deal with Joel’s situation and by this time Joel was vomiting, (we have come to recognise this as a sign of a bleed and intracranial pressure.), so they put a tube down him to just keep his breathing stabilized, and sedated him. We then transferred to the nearest Children’s hospital in Orlando. “The Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital”. By this time Joel’s breathing had become very shallow. We sat down with the Neuro surgeon – Dr Pattisapu, who was very gentle and incredibly re-assuring. He got a history of Joel’s previous surgery done in March, and his diagnosis of a PNET tumour, His team then did a CT scan which revealed Joel had in fact hemorrhaged again, and there was sign of new tumour growth.
Joel was put into a deep coma state to prevent further seizures or complications, while they did numerous tests, such as EEG’s, bloods etc.. before deciding on the best option. Dr Pattisapu spoke to Joel’s medical team back home and it was decided that he needed to operate as Joel would definitely not survive a return trip without the operation.
Dr Pattisapu operated on the 26 May 2008 (just two months since Joel’s previous op). The surgery went well, a little longer than the last one, but apparently each one gets a little more complicated every time you go back in. The Dr managed to debulk a lot of the tumour and was satisfied the op had gone well. Friends had come from Lakeland earlier who have a real gift in Healing and deliverance and Bob said that while he was praying for Joel – a real hunger came upon him. He even said – “Wow this little boy is hungry man!!!” . A couple of hours later, Joel woke up for the first time in seven days, and pointed at the TV screen, so I looked and he whispered “Cool hey Mom”. It was an advert for a HUGE cheeseburger and chips. We just shouted whoops of joy – our boy was back! I am really trying to keep the story as brief as possible but so much happened – Joel suffered massive withdrawals from the medication that had kept him asleep for 7 days that they had to use the same medication they use for heroin addicts to keep him from scratching himself and hallucinating,….also amazing that in the midst of this raging storm, Joel just screams out “COME LORD COME” . Joel knew that in the desperation of his situation, neither Mom, Dad or sister or friend was gong to help him – he knew he had to call on the name of Jesus! We will never forget that!. Meanwhile our precious Chels back home with my Mom had been walking around totally oblivious to what was happening in America just singing “Thank you God for saving my Brother”. My Mother was dumb founded. While we were away the Lord did a little work in Chelsea’s heart and she work up one morning and told Granny that she had given her heart to Jesus. We are so grateful for the friends that flew in to help us, support us, and pray for us at this time. Hendan, Mark and Liesl – what a blessing you were. Kon and Mel happened to be in Lakeland too, and treated us to a trip to Kennedy Space Centre – what an experience that was!
Kevin had to return to South Africa and Jade had to get back to school so they returned on the 28th May, without having the wonderful Disney Dream we had so looked forward to. But instead we had our beautiful boy who was getting stronger by the day – a far greater gift!
Joel and I needed to stay on until the Dr could give us the all clear to fly. What a precious week that was – Joel and I spent a week bonding and laughing and sharing, Snuggling up at night – reading stories and drinking hot chocolate….Those memories will live with me a life time. We had a chance to have some deep chats and one night Joel asked me “Mommy, how long does it take to get to heaven?”…Friends, such an innocent question but in the light of our situation, I had to fight back the tears and give him a very simple explanation. He then told me that Chelsea was going to have the longest life, then him, then Jade, then, me, then Dad. I was delighted he could put the sequence together in that order, but had to explain truthfully that it doesn’t always happen in that order….sometimes God needs us more in heaven than he does on earth. To end I told him him that whoever went to heaven first would get to see Grampa Pete (Kev’s Dad). Joel misses him terribly – often they used to stop like two naughty little school boys at Bread-ahead and buy two sprinkle doughnuts and sit in the car and eat them. Kev’s Dad passed away a little while ago, and I told Joel he was probably sitting in heaven, having a smoke and eating a sprinkle doughnut. Joel thought that was very funny. We had a good laugh!
Joel and I were contacted by SOS and the planning to return to SA began. Joel was given the all clear but we needed medical assistance for the flight. We were incredibly touched to have three very medically equipped, dedicated and special people escort us home back to Durban. Once we landed we were taken to Parklands by ambulance and Dr Roos met us to take a look at Joel. He seemed well.
What a celebration we had that night – to be home together as a family on the 10th June 2008.
On the 11 June, we met with Joel’s oncologist to commence with the planning to start radiation and chemo. It was then approved by Discovery, and we were due to start today 19 June 2008. Joel and I arrived at the hospital at 7:30am. He was due to have a few x-rays at 7:30, op to fit the port at 1pm, first radiation at about 3pm and maybe the chemo depending on how he felt.
Things didn’t quite turn out as planned. When we got to the hospital, Joel said he wasn’t feeling well, and went to vomit. My heart sank! I thought don’t panic!!! I also saw Dr Roos walk into the pediatric ward.
They called us through to commence the X-ray, Joel lay down and within a few minutes said “Mom, I need to be sick”, and he vomited again. I asked if we could be excused and went to find Dr Roos. He looked at Joel, listened to my concern – vomit = bleed, and walked us down to get a CT scan done. By this time I was calling out to God, just saying “please God don’t let this be!”……
After the scan, Dr Roos called me aside. He said very softly..“It’s another bleed”. Friends, by the grace of God I was able to keep my composure as he told me to meet him at Entabeni – Dr Du Trevou would be waiting for us.
Joel and I took a slow drive across, I couldn’t say much without fear of collapsing behind the wheel, so we just looked at each other every now and then and Joel reminded me to keep on the left hand side of the road. (In Orlando he had to keep reminding me to stay right).
Kev met us at Entabeni, and they did a contrast scan and Dr Du Trevou called us in. “The bleed was quite small, the more concerning issue was the fact that Joel’ had another tumour – bigger than the one in the states, just removed, not even 4 weeks earlier. What a shock!!! We felt numb, and at the same time wanted to just crumple up onto the floor and weep and weep and weep. Dr Du Trevou said he has never seen a tumour grow this rapidly.
We immediately rushed back to parklands, finished the X-rays and Joel had his first radiation treatment. From there I took him straight to our Oncologist who administered the first chemo dose. Back to Entabeni and into ICU. Joel is there now, not feeling great, vomiting every now and then, and back on a drip.
We are currently deciding with the Dr’s the best way forward. There is no simple solution!!. But there is a great medical team of Dr’s working on it. Our Professor in the states has already put forward his suggestion and we were told that strangely enough the more aggressive the tumour the faster it responds to the chemo and radiation, so we pray that this will be the case for Joel.
Unfortunately he is under strict monitoring and his immune system is now jeopardized so we have been given a firm warning that visitors are very restricted. Definitely No children. He cannot be exposed to anything that has a germ! We are also incredibly sad that Joel will not have the birthday party we had planned, but it will just be postponed for now!.
We are huddling together as a family, praying for a breakthrough, for wisdom for the Dr’s, for a supernatural healing to take place, for strength, not just for us but especially for Joel. For Gods protection, and for his comfort right now. God has led us so far and his timing has been perfect. We know we can trust he will continue to walk us through this.
My Granny sent me a very sweet email the other day…it read:
One day God asked me…
“How long do you need Joel along with you?”
I just cried, dropped a tear into the ocean and said..
“GOD UNTIL THIS TEARDROP IS FOUND”
Friends that summarizes how we feel.
Please continue to pray for us, we are in a spiritual battle as well as a worldly battle and we continue to keep declaring Joel’s healing. We are standing on Kev’s word that God spoke to him 3 months ago “This sickness shall not lead unto death”.
We have to choose to be faithful, not fearful, and we ask that you PLEASE speak LIFE into our situation.
I hope I have managed to summarize and keep this as brief as possible but also give you the facts, so that the truth cannot be distorted.
Thank you again, for all your love, support, emails, cards, meals, contributions, sms’s, phone calls, lifts for our girls, coffee’s, prayer, counseling, guidance, WE ARE TRULY BLESSED AND OVERWHELMED!
The best way to communicate with us generally, at the moment, is via sms, or email. It is quite difficult to talk in ICU. My Mom can also keep you updated, her name is Jackie, and she is staying at our home at the moment, loving us, holding us, encouraging us, and making sure we eat.
God bless you all, we don’t know how we could walk this walk without each one of you, and the Lord by our side.
All our love,
Kev, Monique, Jade, Joel and Chelsea.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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Kathleen
Rhodes - update
Sept, 2005
I had my second anual MRI and all is still clear. Thankful everyday for
the miracle of life. Kathleen
The journey continues. I had a MRI in Sept. and all is
still clear.
I was really nervous this time. It was the first time
I had waited a year between MRI's. I have always gone every 6 months.
I was beginning to have some strange symptoms but they turned out to be
breakthrough seizures so a change in medication dosages was all the Dr.
ordered!
I just want to encourage everyone to take every chance
at treatment. I know how it feels for the Dr.s to send you home to "go
in peace".(May, 1995) Usually by that time there is not much to loose.
Be aggressive it is the only option! Only God knows for sure if it is
your time!
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Kevin
Roberts - update
October 29, 2004
Hello to everyone. Kevin just had another MRI done and
it showed no growth. Dr. Arenson at the Colorado Neurological Institute
also did a CT scan of the chest and the chemotherapy is not effecting
his lungs or heart. So they will be able to continue with BCNU and temodar.
Hopefully the next MRI will show regression of the tumor.
Jessica
August 25, 2004
Well
I am coming up on my one year diagnosis. (Sept. 4)
This year has been a roller-coaster ride, I was never
planning on. But I have taken it with a grain of salt, I have been fighting
my biggest battle. Over the past month I have switched doctors. I am currently
going to the Colorado Neurological Institute and feel like I am actually
starting to get the treatment I should be getting. My wife Jessica has
spent numerous hours on the Internet searching for different treatments
and therapies. I finally decided that it was time to get a second opinion
about my diagnosis and I should have never waited as long as I did.
The Colorado Neurological Institute has shown me that
there are other possibilities for treatment out there. They are very supportive
of all of my decisions, along with wonderful programs for me and my family
to attend. The tumor is stable and is being effected by BCNU. But my doctor
believes that it won't stay that way for long, unless I add other treatments
with it. After a certain period of time, the cancer cells are not effected
by the chemotherapy, so it is important to add other therapies to the
treatment.
I will start soon a Thalidamide, Temodar, and BCNU treatment
in hopes to confuse the tumor cells so they will no longer grow. I am
starting to lose function in my left leg, and if the tumor continues to
grow I will lose it for good. At that point in time, I will probably go
back into surgery and use a photodynamic therapy when the tumor is removed.
I am excited to begin my new treatment and continue to win this battle
in my life. I look at it as a bridge to cross and I am half way over it.
My family continues to be supportive of my decisions.
And my children make the sun shine everyday. With prayers and support
I will cross this bridge. Remember there is always a different treatment
out there, it is finding it that is the hard part. My wife has done a
wonderful job with research and I could not have done any of this without
her. There is a foundation that grants adults with deadly diseases a wish.
I am taking my wife to a resort a spa in Vail for week. It will be a very
much deserved trip for us both. Thank You to The Dream Foundation.
August 3, 2004
I
wanted to update everyone on how I am doing. It has been a physical
and emotional roller-coaster. I am no longer taking Temodar, as it
was not effecting the tumor.
In April my doctor decided to put me on BCNU every 6
weeks. It has totally wiped me out. My last MRI was at the end of May
and it showed the tumor breaking apart. The hardest thing is hearing good
news and then going in and hearing bad news. I never know what to expect.
Soon it will be my 1 year anniversary of diagnosis and I am looking forward
to having several more.
My strength has become weaker, and my muscles are starting
to atrophy. Each day is getting harder, but I am determined to fight.
It is not just the chemo that is effecting me, it is the Dexamethasone
which is doing the most damage.
Hopefully soon they will be able to decrease some of
my medicine. Other then losing strength, I am keeping positive. I have
to, I have lots of plans and adventures left to concur.
April 23, 2004
First we wanted to update everyone on our new family
member. Rebecca Lynn was born on March 29th, 2004.
In January I had my first MRI done after radiation and
chemo treatment. The MRI should regret of the tumor, so they decided to
keep me on the temador. After the first treatment of temador and another
MRI in February it showed the swelling went down and some of the tumor
was reduced. The doctors at University of Colorado were very pleased with
the MRI results and continued me on the temador treatment. I take 320mg
for 7 days and then I am off for 7 days. Every second month I will go
in for another MRI. I did lose function of my left arm after regaining
use of it. The regrowth of the tumor really effect it, so I am back doing
rehab. I am scheduled to do another MRI in May so we are praying that
the temador is keeping the growth down.
I am no longer working so I am able to enjoy my children
and watch them grow. The temador doesn't really make me tiered so I am
very lucky I can have normal days. Chasing Kyle (16month old son)around
the yard tires me out the most. But everyday is more precious to me and
I am thankful I get to see it.
December 6, 2003
Well it is hard to believe that it has been just over
2 months since my surgery. I have started chemo and radiation and only
have a couple more weeks left. So far everything seems to be going really
well. I haven't really gotten sick from either the chemo or radiation.
There was some swelling going on, caused by the radiation but that went
away when they put me back on the Decadron.
I have started going back to work part time and plan
on going back full time at the new year. Also I have started rehab on
my left hand to regain use of it. They anticipate that I will regain full
use of it in a couple of months. It is amazing how well I feel and that
everything is going so well. It shows the power of prayer. So keep the
prayers coming and thank you to all of you. God Bless.
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Tom
Rolland - update
February
2, 2005
Tom's last MRI was September 2004 and he is still all
clear. He takes his flax oil and cottage cheese everyday. We have moved
to Texas with Tom's job. Our new phone number is 903-704-4147.
August 6, 2003
Tom's 16 month MRI was all clear, we are continuing with
the flax oil and cottage cheese. His testimony is at www.flaxoflife.com
March 21, 2003
Tom's 12 month MRI results came back clean. No sign of
cancer. We are praising the Lord for his blessings! The doctors will have
him come back every four months now for the MRI's. He continues taking
his flaxseed oil and cottage cheese along with other supplements
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Court
Sheppard - update
Oct. 30th 2006
I just wanted to give an updated view of my status and
healing. I successfully completed my 6 weeks of radiation halfway through
June of 2006. A month later they started me on a clinical trial of
Temodar. The normal dose of Temodar would be 5 doses in a 28 day cycle,
but with this trial, I take 20 doses in a 28 day cycle, for 12 months.
My side effects have been minimal, and my hair has finally started to
grow back evenly again. I receive an MRI every 3 months, and have had
2 since 30 days after I completed radiation. Both MRIs have come back
completely clear! No sign of re-growth, no "tentical- like" lines
in my brain, and the scar tissue has even begun to not be
so visible. I know that God has a plan for me andeven though I am still
on the Chemo for now, I am convinced that I am cured! So what if I have
to get blood taken every week, or spend an entire day at MD Anderson
every 3 months! That is my "pathway," my "pathway
to healing," and hopefully I can use those opportunities to run
into
other people who are going through the same problems to give them hope,
and an optimistic attitude. The doctors have given me so many
"facts" about survival rates, and possibility of reoccurrence,
but God has given me "TRUTH," not facts. God bless you all
and continue
to keep up the fight!
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Rich Stiles - update
As of December
2008 there is no tumor re-growth and there are no new problems.
Thanks - Rich Stiles
As of May 2007 my MRI is stable. There has been no tumor growth since February 2000 when I started chemotherapy and after completing radiateion therapy.
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Laura
Ullman - update
April 6, 2006
I just
put my wife's entire story on a forum but I will summarize it here and
am more than happy to help anyone out there. I'm a radiologist and my
wife was 44 when she got GBM.
She's had 2 craniotomies, gliadel chips, 6000R 3D conformal radiation,
I believe 12-18 mo of p.o. temodar, then a recurrence, her second cranitotomy,
more gliadel, then gamma knife and thalidomide and BCNU. after 37 months
she had another recurrence, this one to the opposite side; we went to NIH,
stopped everything to qualify for a trial study (ZD 6474) and went on that
for a month. Absolutely no help at all. Tumor must have at least quadrupled
in size during that month.
NIH mentioned a promising new drug called Avastin but dismissed it at this
time in favor of Carboplatin. This didn't sit well with me or Laura, so
we called Dr. Henry Friedman at Duke who felt we should not only go on
Avastin but CPT11 as well.
We did and after a month the follow up MRI showed significant response,
with some estimates of up to 40% less tumor enhancement and mass.
In general, my biases are against most alternative remedies in medicine.
I am open minded but we do generally do pretty good work by our patients,
at least when you take insurance companies and HMO's out of the mix. There
are things we just don't do well with, like lower back pain and certain
tumors. Frankly, GBM's were among the worst in my opinion; whenever I saw
one in ny practice I personally regarded them as NFL tumors - Nobody fucking
lives....Sorry about my language, but they were very depressing to diagnose.
I do not want to dismiss the treatments Laura had because they obviously
did help. And I do not want to dismiss other stuff like Scorpion venom
or MHT. Traditional treatments stink with GBM, or rather, GBM scoffs at
traditional treatments, so this is an area that whatever you can throw
at it is worth it. We'd try Ruta C and Calc phos if we had to. We'd try
crystals or chinese herbs, or whatever.
But I want to urge anyone who is afflicted to either contact Duke or pester
your oncologist to take Avastin/CPT 11. I can tell you that very smart
people have said it generates a response 65% of the time, is durable and
well tolerated (God, disregard the "risk" of bleeding; for crying
out loud, these are brain tumor patients, of course some of them are going
to possibly bleed....). Our oncologist is 3 for 3 now with pts. on this
regimen.
Of course, many payers won't cover this. Do not get me started, folks,
there are many to blame, both patients, doctors, insurance companies, government
- that is not for this forum. But I will tell you, do not let someone unfamiliar
with Avastin/CPT11 dismiss it. Talk to someone who is familiar with it;
it may be your tumor location, size, or grade, or the MRI characteristics
and appearance, or your general health factors all converge to make you
more likely to survive than not even with Temodar and 3D radiotherapy.
But don't let anyone dismiss it or put you on BCNU or carboplatin.
Hope this helps, and hope Laura continues to do well.
Feel free to email me.
joe ullman
February 7, 2005
I am still free of GBM after 26 months.I had Gamma Knife
last July and just have to deal with necrosis and its side effects, but-
I'm still standin'! and I will win this battle and war. My best advice?
Don't feeling sorry for yourself.Enjoy what ife you have and have a bad
atitude when it comes to GBM. I hate it and it's not going to live its
parasitic existence in My head!
October 21, 2004
Hi, Just an update on my bio.
I stopped taking Temador in April of this year. In May I had some changes
on my MRI that also looked like necrosis, so they weren't concerned.
Meanwhile, I have never felt like a "sick" person. I feel and
look great. In June My neurosurgeon suggested another craniotomy. He suspected
some tumor reccurrence and even if there was none, he needed to remove
the necrosis.
I had my second surgery june 25th. There was a very
small amount of tumor and quite a bit of necrosis. He placed more BCNU
wafers and I walked out of there 2 1/2 days later, feeling great.
I went to Mass General where I had Gamma Knife done
on the tumor bed boundries.
I went to NIH in Bethesda and spent several hours with
Howard Fine, world reknown radiation oncologist. We mapped out my plan
of care. and my oncologist here in Maine follows everything to a T.
I am now getting BCNU IV, but they give it with Aloxi
and it's a picnic. I haven't felt on bit sick from it. I am on Thalidomide
and Celebrex to prevent new vascularity forming should the tumor try to
return-NOT!
Alternative therapies as follows:
Prayer,prayer, and more prayer visualization
frankinsence essential oil -I inhale it-goes right to the brain, rub it
on the soles of my feet, both carotid arteries, and brainstem area. Also
on palate and inside of cheeks.Young
living.com has pharmaceutical grade oils
I Eat no flour or sugars of any kind, try to eat lots
of raw foods to keep my body on the alkaline side of 7.4 ph. Cancer cannot
live in an alkaline environment but thrives in an acid one (think fast
food,sugar,wheat,flour,rice,sweet fruits etc fruit juice , dairy, red
meat, chicken etc. There are lots of books out there on the suject.
I had an MRI on the 18th of Oct. and there was not a
bit of enhancement-no cancer. spectroscopy was absolutely normal.
I have maintained a great attitude through all of this. ..
Nov. 25th will mark 2 years since my first surgery.
Sine then I have climbed the Burren in Ireland,dug for fossils in an alligator
infested river, cooked meals for over 200 people, and explored Nappa valley
for the 11th time.
We are not sick-It;s a bump in the road and we will
prevail.
January 6, 2004
15 months after initial diagnosis and surgery I remain
cancer free.I am almost done with one year of Temodar treatment much of
it high dose.I will probably continue on with Temodar for another 6 months(
bringing the total to 18 months) as this has become standard protocol
in Europe and Asia.
My MRIs continue to be totally clear with normal choline
levels (measured by spectroscopy). In fact, I had an increase of a chemical
at the tumor bed site which is indicitve of increased NORMAL brain cells.
My tumor bed is disappearing. Check out my website to see my most recent
MRI and pictures of a very healthy me.
I continue to have virtually no deficits.
I am blessed to be given my life with my wonderful,
loving family. I pray for all of those who have contacted me and am happy
to share any information and answer any questions other survivors may
have. You can contact me via my website or email.
An added note about the website. Caringbridge.org is
an outstanding(free) tool to use to setup a website that allows loved
ones and friends to keep up to date without worrying about being intrusive
or bothersome by calling on the phone. It was invaluable to me when I
was first diagnosed as my husband was able to keep everyone posted on
my progress.God bless you all
Laura
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