Tuesday, June 30th

Quick trip to to Iowa City today. My appointment was at 1:15, and I had finished the radiation and we were back in the car and on our way home by 1:30. Still no issues with either the radiation or the chemo, but it may take a few days for everything to really kick in.
Carole and I went to a vocal concert tonight that was part of the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival. It was really good, but I'm too emotional right now, and I started to break up when they did the fallen soldier tribute. They stuck the rifle bayonette in the sandbag, and hung the helmet and dogtags on it.
Tomorrow we meet with the radiation oncologist - don't expect any problems, but we'll see what he has to say.
No milkshake today, but I had a big piece of cake. I put on jeans to go to the concert tonight, and I could barely get them zipped up.

Monday's Highlight

On the way back from today's radiation appointment, I asked Carole to stop at Dairy Queen (which she did because she always does what I want), and I ordered a chocolate shake. It's been 7 or 8 years since I had one of these, and I had forgotten how much I enjoy them. It was awesome!

Sunday's Update

Two days of chemo down, and I've learned a little about what and when I can eat, but no major problems yet. I'll take the chemo medication 7 days a week, and get radiation 5 days a week for about 7 weeks. I'm actually feeling pretty well - just a little light headed when I stand up. Carole still does all the driving, but I think I could do it without any issues. We managed to get out of the house and go shopping yesterday. Buying Carole a new pair of shoes wasn't my idea of a lot of fun, but it was nice to get out of the house for a while. We did manage to go to Target as well, so the trip wasn't too bad. This morning we went to church. It bothered me a lot when I heard my name on the prayer list, but then I realized a lot of people really do care, and I really appreciate it.
After I watched the U.S. lose to Brazil in the soccer game, Carole and I went out to find new shrubs for the front of the house. After that I felt well enough to fire up the grill and cook some salmon. I'm thankful I feel well enough to get out and around, and I plan to stay as active as I can.
Thanks again for everyone's thoughts and prayers.

Radiation and Chemo Have Started

My radiation treatments started on Thursday and my first chemo pill comes tonight. It was a long day at the hospital today. We started with an appointment with the pill pushing chemo doctor at 10:00 AM, then had appointment for radiation, and met with the radiation oncologist after that. In the meantime, Andy stayed with me while Carole and Brian went to the hospital pharmacy to start getting all the new pills I need to take- an antibiotic, a nausea drug and the chemo pills. The pharmacy was not able to fill prescription for the chemo drug because I was supposed to have pre-approval for it, and buy it through the mail from Blue Cross's pharmacy. It didn't seem to matter that I didn't know what I needed to get pre-approval for or that I needed to start taking it tonight. In the end, after about a four hour delay, we were able to get a one time exemption and got the prescription filled. I can't complain too much because the pharmacist told us the pills usually cost about $5000 and we had a co-pay of $150.
So far the radiation hasn't bothered me, and we'll see how the chemo goes after a few weeks. Everyone at the hospital has been really great, but I know Carole is already getting tired of the drive.
It was great to have Andy, Tory, Brian, Jeff and Cathy here for Father's Day, and Carole's mom, Ailene here for most of the week. I'm really humbled by all the support we've received from family and friends. Your prayers (I've been told there are over a million people praying for me), cards, comments, food, help mowing the lawn, etc. are all appreciated. Thanks!

Radiation starts Thursday

We met with the radiology oncologist Tuesday afternoon and went through a lot of preparatory work for the radiology treatments that will start Thursday. Dad had a personal pillow and mask made (designed to keep him in place), as well as a bite mold that will connect to some sensors to make sure that he moves no more than 0.5mm during the treatments. They also performed a new CT scan and MRI so that they could map the treatment. The technology is pretty amazing, and I think we're all a bit anxious to get things started.

We'll meet with the chemotherapy doctor on Friday morning and should begin that treatment as well. Right now the goal is to stop the growth in the affected areas. We'll figure out in several weeks if surgery may yet be needed.

Quick update - no surgery tomorrow

We learned today that Dad will not be having surgery tomorrow after all. The pre-op MRI performed last Friday revealed a new area of growth. Apparently the tumor is growing rapidly and aggressively. The team at the UI now wants to treat with radiation/chemotherapy to stop the growth and then potentially surgery several weeks down the line. They're somewhat optimistic that aggressive tumors sometimes respond more favorably to radiation and chemo. We'll meet with the radiation oncologist sometime in the next couple days and should know more about the course of treatment at that time. Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers!

More info

Just a little more information for those who were unaware before the first posting. Dad was diagnosed last week with a Glioblastoma Multiform Brain tumor. The first step to this is debulking the tumor itself with resection surgery at U of Iowa. This will be followed by a series of radiation treatments and chemotherapy.

This came as a total shock to all of us here. For those who wish to look up more information on the tumor itself, it is the same type as Ted Kennedy is currently dealing with. He has brought some attention to the type and there are plenty of articles on the subject.

Sorry for the lack of info in post 1.

Jeff

Round 1

We are getting set for round 1 of the road to recovery next week. Tuesday will be the resection surgery at U of Iowa Hospital. As expected we are all a bit nervous, but hopeful for the best results possible. The team from U of I seems top notch and ready to handle things as we approach them.

Luckily everyone will be able to be together this weekend for Father's day. Jeff and Cathy will head home Monday, only to be replaced by Brian and Grandma Bell who will be here for the surgery week. Of course Andy and Tory will be here throughout.

We appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. We also appreciate the volunteers to help with things at the house. Jeff and Cathy have had things under control this week but help may be needed down the line. It is great to have such good friends and family. One of us will attempt to update this blog as often as possible. Thanks again for all the well wishes!