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)