We have a plan

The last few weeks have been about recovery, and Eden is doing so great. She's doing pilates, running, seeing friends, and generally soaking up some warmth. While we had to cancel our long-awaited trip to Yellowstone with the Nemhausers, we did get to visit with them for a night on Whidbey Island, a little closer to home. The photo here is from that trip as we lingered on the rocky beach of Langley, Washington, skipping stones.

About the plan... As soon as Eden was out of the hospital and recovering from surgery, we reached out to some of the best minds in neuro-oncology to get multiple opinions on treatment. HUGE THANKS to a number of folks who helped us tremendously. Juno Therapeutics, Eden's company, helped us move things forward with several cancer centers around the country. Our sister-in-law, Karen Simon, a doctor from southern California, also helped connect us with folks down at UCLA. Thanks to many others who've been so helpful during this time.

There was a clear consensus around treatment plans and we've decided to take the most aggressive approach. Eden is young, healthy, and strong, so this makes the most sense. She will have a course of proton radiation therapy over a period of six weeks, followed by four weeks of rest. Then, Eden will start her first of six cycles of PCV chemotherapy. Each cycle will be six weeks in length. PCV is a combination of three chemotherapy drugs and they've been found to be effective in oligodendrogliomas (we are hoping for and expecting a long lasting response). It is, however, a tough regimen. And lengthy. Overall, treatment should conclude sometime early next summer. PCV has a number of not-so-fun side effects, but we all know Eden - she's a tough cookie.

Everyone has so graciously asked how they can help. First, let me say on behalf of our entire family: we appreciate what everyone has done already. Time together this summer, laughing, eating, enjoying the sunshine. And then this coming fall, having family and friends around us, to support us and the girls, that's what we really need. If you wish to help us with prepared foods or rides, Deb is managing an easy Google spreadsheet here: https://goo.gl/xUbWji

Thanks so much for all the kind words, visits, good deeds, notes, and other things you've done that have really helped us this past month. Love and big hugs from all of the Zasloffs!