After Seeing The Oncologist...

Leah and I just got back from a busy day! We started off our morning with a trip to the Radiation Oncologist at the Florida Hospital Cancer Center in downtown Orlando. We had a very nice and informative talk with our Oncologist, Dr. "S". I will start my radiation and chemo treatments a week from today on the 7th. of August. My sessions will be at 10:30am Monday through Friday for about 15-20 minutes at a time. The radiation type is considered to be "skin sparing". I was told to expect gradual hair loss in the immediate area where the radiation will be focused. I was also measured for a lead mask and had ANOTHER ct scan. (that will make 4 ct scan's in 3 weeks!) The process of being fitted for the mask was not what I was expecting. I was lying down on my back in front of the ct machine when the nurse brought down this warm flexible piece of plastic that was pulled down over my entire face. For a second I did not think I could breath! Then I remembered to use my nose and my panic went away. The mask was then pulled very tight and clamped down to the table. The nurses proceeded to push and pinch and mold the mask to my face. They explained that the mask was used to hold my head in place as well as serve as a "shield" from the radiation. The markers were then placed around my head where the tumor was and I was moved into the machine for my ct scan. The best part about this whole procedure is that I got to go back and do it a second time when the mask had gotten hard and molded.

Our next appointment was for the Chemo teaching. We learned that my anti-nausea medication will be taken 1 hour before the chemo. (the chemo is called Temodar and with my height and weight consists of three pills that will total 165 milligrams) The Chemo will be taken 1 hour before my radiation. There is also an anti-biotic that I will take at night on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Because the chemo will kill the bad and good cells, I have to have my blood taken once a week. (the good cells we are most concerned with are the white blood cells. i.e. my immune system might become compromised) As a result of my delicate situation I have to be careful where I go. I am not allowed to go anyplace where there are a lot of people or where diseases may be widespread. (hospitals, airplanes, etc.)

After the Chemo teaching Leah and I headed to my office in Winter Park to see the guys who work there. We had a very nice visit with Michael, Mike, Mark and Henry. This is the team that has been handling my territory since I checked into to the ER at Celebration Health. Gentlemen, thank you for all you have done and your continued support. We then went to Winter Park Memorial Hospital to see Dr. Hugh and all the staff. This was like a homecoming for me. I consider Winter Park to be my home away from home. Over the last 4 weeks I have missed the crew at Winter Park very much. They are like family to me and it was awesome to see them all again.

I also ran in to the gentlemen who are filling in for me during my leave. Rick and Garrett, thank you for everything you have done since my diagnosis. All your work is truly appreciated.

Once we left Winter Park it was time for lunch at one of my favorite spots, PF Chang's. We got home right around 3:30pm and relieved our babysitter and spent some time with our kids. Tonight Leah is going to an event at the church and I am going out with two friends from work to the Tavern in Celebration. It will be nice for both of us to get out with some friends and enjoy some time out of the house.

Once again, thank y'all for your continued prayers and support. They mean so much.

love,

Dan (and Leah)

P.S. I added some photos of the Birthday weekend!~L

Feeling the Love!

Dear Friends,

Dan and I are so excited about this week! We started our week off with wonderful worship! Nancy, one of our pastors, shared a FABULOUS sermon on Colossians 2:6-15 entitled, "Where We're Rooted."

In case you are wondering, we are rooted in Christ!

We are prepared for the storms that come our way. Don't get me wrong, we are in awe of the devastation that nature is capable of, but we are also content in the strength of our shelter in the Lord.

***

We had a fantastic weekend full of friends and family. If you are interested in scheduling a visit, please don't hesitate to call. We love to be loved!

On a prayer note...Dan's chemo training (and consequently all treatment) has suffered a delay.--The nurse's daughter was sick last week.--Therefore, we are requesting prayers for all of the people we come in contact with. We ask that God put a hedge of protection around the doctors, nurses, and others who are slated to treat my dear Dan. We are praying for TOTAL healing and to remain in God's will.

I am off to rest, dear ones,
Leah

THANK YOU, Thursday

What a special day. We really love all of your wonderful posts! First of all, "Thank you," for being our friends.

Today was the day that I hit the wall of exhaustion. Amazingly, Dan has been taking care of me!!! We are so blessed to have each other and y'all. It seems like every time we need to see a caring face, someone comes to the door. Every time I look at the contents of my fridge and my mind starts to fog, another sweet friend shows up with a dish to nourish our bodies and warm our hearts. Some of you have even shown up to help us hang pictures, move furniture and further decorate in order to make our house into a great home for my sweet Dan. Of course, most importantly, you have lifted us up to God in prayer. We are blessed and full of joy!!!

We had a visit with Dan's wonderful surgeon, Dr. Jenkins this afternoon. Dan was very excited to learn that his skull had an almost palm-sized section removed and reinserted (very cool guy stuff). Danny was even more impressed to hear that his head now contains titanium plates (could they be Stryker's?!?). If so, we know they are of good quality!

Lots of love (I think Dan will post again tomorrow!),
Leah (and Dan)

Happy 10th Anniversary Leah & Dan!

Happy 10th Anniversary Leah & Dan!

Happy 7th Birthday Mary Kathryn!

We love you guys. Enjoy your very special day.

Here's a picture of Dan & MK taken on Christmas '04.

Wednesday Night--Dan's Update

Hello to all! This is my first update since this blog was started a week ago by my brother-in-law, Lionel. Lionel, thank you for creating such a beautiful web site where we can all come together and share information. As for all of you who have signed the guest book, thank you as well. Leah and I have truly enjoyed all of your messages. I know that I average about 3 times a day viewing the blog site and checking the guest book.



Today was a good day for Leah and I. I will be seeing Dr. Jenkins (the surgeon who removed my tumor) on Thursday at noon. On Friday I will receive my chemo teaching from one of Dr. Nicks' nurses at the Florida Hospital Cancer Center. On Tuesday, July 31st, I have an appointment with the Radiation Oncologist for my mask measurement and head x-rays. I am also supposed to receive all my chemo meds via Fed-Ex on Thursday as well. (yep, my drugs are coming in the mail) It sounds like I am getting four different types of meds that are supposed to last for the first three weeks of treatment.



The chemo and radiation treatments are going to run for 42 days from the time they start. The radiation treatments will run from Monday through Friday and last about 15 minutes to a 1/2 hour at a time. I am supposed to take my chemo pill about 1 hour before the radiation treatments are scheduled. (yes, my chemo will be pill form. no i.v. lines and no port) I will take the chemo pill 7 days a week for the duration of the 42 days. The only side effect that Dr. Nick warned me about is a potential for a compromised immune system and a build up of fatigue as the treatment progresses.



I have to share with all of you that this cancer has completely blown my mind. (literally) I had no idea that when I checked into the E.R. at Celebration Health, that I would be told I had a tumor in my brain. Then, to be told that the tumor was malignant and that I would need chemo and radiation shook me at my deepest core. I have since put my trust in God and asked for His forgiveness and total healing. I feel this is the biggest wake up call of my life. When does someone get a second chance like I have been given? I am going to tackle this cancer head on and fight like I have never fought before. I ask for your support and continued prayers as I progress with my treatments.



Thank all of you again for your messages, prayers and support as I journey down this road.



I love you all.



Dan (and Leah)

Tuesday Night

What a wonderful day! It is amazing how this experience has blessed us in so many ways. Danny and I have achieved a level of emotional intimacy that reminds me of the day that we got married. I remember Father Coyle telling us to take the time during communion (while we were kneeling before the alter) to just experience the joy of that moment. We knelt there, side by side, touching at our shoulders in silent agreement that we were being knit together by God. It was an incredibly private moment in an incredibly public arena. We felt then, as we do now, the humbling power of the Holy Spirit completely empowered by so many prayers and praises.

We spent the morning walking through the nature trails here in Celebration while the kids rode their bicycles. Mary Kathryn found several seed pods, spider webs, and birds. Ross found a hawk feather and a centipede. It was a simple morning. It was beautiful.

Dan has several Dr. appointments this week. We are also attending a chemo training on Friday. There is so much to learn!!! We still request prayers for total healing, discernment, and peace.

Thank you for your love,
Leah (and Dan)

Monday Night

It is so wonderful to see all of your entries in the guest book pages. Dan and I read them each night before we go to bed and each morning when we wake up. On the hard days they keep us going and on the easy days they keep up our spirits. Thank you all for checking in with us and being the hands and feet of Jesus on a daily basis.

Dan is feeling great! If you want to visit, the time is now. Please email me or call the house to schedule with us. Next week we begin chemo and radiation, and things may slow down again (or maybe not???).

We are off to bed. Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

Lots of love,
Leah (and Dan)

Feeling Fine!

We had a wonderful weekend! Mary Kathryn and Ross came home from a week at the beach (with my wonderful parents) full of excitement and energy. It's funny how children help us to view every situation with "truth glasses." They asked us the really important questions..."Did it hurt when they took out the staples?" (No, it is actually really cool...removing a drain is another thing--Don't ask unless you want the long story). "Did they use a stick to fix your headache?" (Ross thinks you can fix anything with a big enough stick)....and so on, and so on...their questions seemed endless. Yet, there is something refreshing about dealing in simple truths.

As for this week, Dan will be fitted for a lead mask/helmet. This will get him all set for radiation treatment. Otherwise, he is still spending time recovering from surgery. Dan's mom, Susie, went back to Texas until September (I tried not to cry when she didn't let me stow away in her suitcase). It has been amazing to have my meals just appear on the table 3 times a day. Not to mention how that I have actually seen the bottom of all 4 of our laundry hampers in one week. All of these unusual events I can accredit to, Susie (ie. "Super Mom").

This is a big week for our family...We celebrate our 10th anniversary and Mary Kathryn's 7th birthday at the same time. What fun!

We are so blessed to have this day. Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

Love,
Leah

Relaxing at Home

Here's a picture of Dan and Leah hanging out at their home this past Saturday, both looking great.

Update from the Oncologist

What a great day! Dan, Susie (Dan's mom) and I went to see the oncologist this morning. We spent over an hour listening, learning and asking questions. Since the tumor was malignant, Dan will be treated with chemotherapy and radiation to control the malignant cells. Dr. Nick has "curative intent" in regard to Dan's cancer.

Because of Dan's unusually fast healing and total body health, Dr. Nick considers Dan's prognosis to be completely unique. In light of that, we are asking all of our "prayer warriors" out there to pray specifically for total healing.

We were so encouraged by our visit with Dr. Nick, that Dan took us out for lunch at the cafe!

Tomorrow, Mary Kathryn and Ross will come home from their beach vacation!!! We are excited to see them and just BE with them. I will try to post some updated photos over the weekend to give you all a look at my dear Dan. I intend to keep him to myself (and the kids...and the grandparents) until Monday. Please feel free to send me an email if you want to schedule a visit next week.

Otherwise, I am signing off until Monday or so.

Have a great weekend and, "thank you" for your prayers...God loves them and so do we!!!

Love,
Leah

"Zipper" Removal

Dan got his staples off today!!! He feels better (less pressure). We have had an exhausting day in terms of information overload. We have a meeting with our oncologist tomorrow...that should help us to get a road map in this sea of information.



Please continue to pray for healing, pain relief, wisdom and discernment. Also, please pray for Mary Kathryn and Ross (our children). They return home (from a week at the beach) on Saturday. They are such a blessing to us!



Love,

Leah

Opening Message from Leah

Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing to more of you at one time to avoid repeating myself (which can get confusing). Please feel free to respond to me through email whenever you wish. Also, feel free to forward this to anyone that I might have missed. I do not have everyone's email address, so if this gets forwarded to you, drop me a reply. It is much easier for me to answer emails than phone messages, because you would probably not want me to return you call when I actually have time (late night and early morning).

Danny is recovering from his surgery with astounding speed! I will attempt to attach a photo of Dan's new hair-do ("Thanks" to Rob Z. for the cut, and Roger R. for the photography!!!). If the photo actually makes it, you will see Dan's strength for yourselves. He is the very picture of health. Other than a tiny microscopic amount of cancer left in his brain that the surgery could not remove, he is fine. Brain cancer is not like other cancers. It cannot live outside of the brain itself. So, it cannot spread throughout Dan's body! We are praising God that there were no complications from the surgery itself. Once Dan physically heals from having the surgeon rooting around inside his noggin, then Dan will be exactly like he was before the surgery. He will feel fine and healthy and ready to "play" with his friends. Until then, because his healing is so important to the next stage in this battle, his momma, Susie, and me are a just a bit protective (he is a big dude and we might as well keep him to ourselves as long as we can hold him down). The doctor wants us to limit visits to a couple a day and less than 15 minutes in length. Keeping that in mind, we are really asking everyone to wait until next week for visits (unless there is a burden on your heart to see him sooner). Between taking care of practical matters (our refrigerator died again yesterday--but was finally fixed before bed) and making doctor's appointments, Dan is getting way more stimulation than would be ideal.

I promise to let Dan out for "play-dates" as soon as I can (just kidding about the play-date part...if any of you tell him I wrote that...I know where you all live!!!).

Yes, we did discover that the tumor was cancerous. That just means that Dan will have to undergo chemo and radiation. Due to his unusually good health, we have every possible treatment option available to us. Please pray to God: (1) To continue to heal Dan from the surgery and for the pain to lessen and go away completely, (2) that we all have good discernment and wisdom this week, (3) that God puts the right people and options in our path and that we are humble enough to recognize them for what they are, (4) that all of our hearts are softened during this time so that God can mold them into dwelling places for the Holy Spirit, (5) that we do the work that God created for us to do with peace and joy!

My dear brothers and sisters, none of us know how many days we have on this earth. Not you, not me, not Dan. Please share in our joy of today. Let go of your fear. Let go of your control. Those things just a waste our collective energies and dull our minds and hearts. God created each of us with gifts and purpose. We were each created for such a time as this. I pray for each of you as your sweet faces cross my mind. As your names touch my heart I am praying that God will reveal himself to you in the midst of this journey. I pray that he will strengthen you and give you peace beyond understanding.

Dan should get his staples out on Thurday and we meet for our first "sit down" with the oncologist to discuss our action plan on Friday.

I am off to do the work that God prepared for me.

Lots of love, your humble servant and friend,

Leah

Dan's haircut

Leah asked me to post some of the pictures from Dan's haircut. Apparently after the surgery he was left half coiffed and opted to even it out...