Hello all! Well, as the title states, I am bald. Last Wednesday my head started to really itch. I began scratching my head in earnest and then realized a large area was losing hair! The spot in question was where I receive the majority of my radiation. I get hit with five blasts of radiation that focus on the area where my tumor was. (This area is left frontal lobe.) I had always said that when I lost a little, all of my hair was going. As soon as I was able, I had Leah shave the rest of my head to even things out. (Take a look at the pictures.)
I know that I had promised what I consider to be stories of God's hand at work. Here is one for you. When I had my initial consult with Dr. S, (who is my radiation oncologist) the first thing he said to me was, "Could you have picked a worse tumor?" Now, imagine my reaction. This is the man who is going to be in charge of my radiation therapy for the rest of my life. He already sounds defeated. I am not liking his attitude. I am sure he saw the look of anger start to cross my face because he immediately states, "...but I've got a patient who is living in Texas who is 6 years out and doing great! He is a lot like you. Young, energetic, triathlete, positive attitude, hope, etc." Now, all that is true except for the triathlete part. I ask Dr. S to go on and he says that this individual had the same tumor I did, received the same treatments I am about to start, and is now 6 years out and very healthy and active. Wow! Great news! I almost forgave him for asking me the question about "choosing" my tumor.
Well, 2 days go by and I see a post on our guestbook from someone who identifies himself as a, "brother in brain cancer survivorship." He goes on to explain who he is, what he is doing, and oh, if I would like to contact him, here is his e-mail. I couldn't believe it! This was the same gentleman that Dr. S was telling me about a few days before! I fired off an e-mail right away and at the end ask him how he, in Texas, heard about me and our website. (I initially thought that Dr. S had contacted him and asked him to contact me.) On his reply, said gentleman informs me that his sister knows a girl who knew my cousin at Ohio University. Holy smokes! Talk about the hand of God! Not only is it totally cool that I get in touch with a 6 year survivor, but he also recommended several alternative medicines that I am currently taking that are probably the reason my immune system is doing so well. This individual is the main reason I signed up for the Tower Zone Race. He convinced me to have a focus and goal in mind during my treatments so I did not get down and out. I have had several phone conversations with this friend and have really enjoyed his upbeat attitude and spirit. As a matter of fact, he and his family are coming in town on October 18th and staying on Disney property. (He is coming back for his annual MRI with Dr. Nick and Dr. S.) We plan on getting together and comparing our scars. (Just kidding.)
This whole story really gave me the goosebumps. When I post next time I will share another story that is equally incredible. Praise Jesus, I see his work every where I look now.
As for me, all is going as expected. My side effects are present but manageable with medication. Being half way there is a big blessing. I want to thank everyone again who have helped us out in so many different ways. We are still receiving several meals a week which has been great. I even had some very good friends steal my truck on Sunday and detail it! I have had several people drive me down to my treatments so the burden is taken off of Leah. All in all, everyone has been truly wonderful during this time and I thank all of you. Those of you who keep signing the guestbook, we love your comments. Keep them coming.
As for the race, I contacted Disney a week ago and still have not heard back. I called several times today and got nothing but voicemail. I did find out that the 13k and 6.5k start at the same time in the same location. The 6.5k just stops at a halfway mark. If I can't get Disney to respond, my thoughts are that we will just begin the party a little bit sooner. Is everyone good with that?
Well, I am going to sign off for the night. God bless all of you and we love you.
Thanks again.
Dan and Leah
