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!