17 Mar 2010

On 2 Mar 2010, Lynne underwent an MRI. The radiologist noted a subtle enhancement on the periphery of the tumor site. I forwarded the images and report to the Barrow Neurological Institute for review by the tumor board seeking recommendations. For now the tumor board recommends continued chemotherapy and another MRI review in three months.

Regards,
Darryl

Cancer Radiation Treatment

Rick Reilly wrote an article George vs. The Dragon that chronicles the radiation treatment of George Karl, the Denver Nuggets coach. Lynne underwent this treatment in 2007 for the brain cancer. This helps the rest of us appreciate the battle that cancer patients face each day.

Regards,

Darryl

6 Feb 2010

Lynne continues bi-weekly chemotherapy treatments. The side-effects are extreme fatigue, mouth blisters, headaches, and a laundry list of others. She also receives a Neulasta injection after each treatment to boost the white count levels. The Neulasta is effective but causes aching to the bones.

The doctor did commend her for continued positive attitude and gives much credit to her attitude and support system for the length of her survival. After many years in the business, he has seen those without those traits live much shorter lives. We are very thankful for those who encourage her regularly. According to the doctor, your encouragement contributes to her success in this fight.

The doctor stated that he added Lynne to his miracle list as most patients with glioblastoma live only 3 months without treatment and 9 to 15 months with optimal treatment. On February 1, 2010, Lynne celebrated three years of survival following the diagnosis and first brain surgery, which places her in a group of only 10% surviving up to five years.

She will have an MRI in March to determine the effectives of the treatments. As long as the treatments are effective, the doctor plans to continue the treatments.

Regards,
Darryl

9 Dec 2009

Lynne received the report from her MRI on 8 Dec 2009. Our interpretation of the report is good news.

1. No definite evidence of residual or recurrent tumor within the surgical bed.
2. Minimal enhancement of surgical bed lining presumably related to postoperative gliosis.
3. Minimal vasogenic edema

However, she continues to suffer the side effects of the chemotherapy treatments. Each treatment builds on the previous treatments, so the chemotherapy levels increase with each treatment. Her next scheduled treatment is 16 Dec 2009. Your continues prayers and thoughts on her behalf are appreciated.

Regards,

Darryl

24 Nov 2009

Lynne experiences increased fatigue with each chemotherapy treatment as the strength of the chemotherapy agents increases with each dose. Lynne is sleeping and resting more following the last treatment compared to the earlier ones.

We are looking to spending some time on Thanksgiving with some family and friends although I expect the day will be exhausting for Lynne. She enjoys the opportunities to get out of the house for a while.

As always, we are thankful for your prayers and thoughts as she battles her brain cancer.

Regards,
Darryl

4 Nov 2009

Today, Lynne is going through the third chemotherapy treatment in this series. So far she is tolerating this series better than the initial treatments in 2007. At least her blood counts are stable. The IV needle pulled out midway through the treatment and left a golf ball sized lump but is reducing quickly and does not appear to be serious. We expect a few days of rest ahead, at least for her. She is a little dizzy at the moment. She did receive a nice therma-pedic pillow from a drawing at the chemo center. The gifts are courtesy of a gentleman that donated money to the center after the recent loss of his wife to her battle with cancer.

Regards,
Darryl Pendergrass
Motorola Q9h Global - FlexMail

21 Oct 2009

Lynne is undergoing her second round of chemotherapy today. Her white count was at the low end of the normal range so tommorrow she is scheduled for a Neulasta shot to boost the white counte. She is more tired than normal but still doing fairly well under the circumstances. Her mobility and stability are compromised since discontinuing the steroid but we hope physical therapy will help that condition. We will cover this during her next neurologist appointment as well to seek additional options.

Regards,
Darryl Pendergrass
Motorola Q9h Global - FlexMail