Well F*ck
Eric and I were in Salt Lake City for most of this week for diagnostic testing and participation in a clinical trial using PET scan combined with two different new/experimental tracers to see if those tracers would allow for better identification of brain tumors.
Unfortunately, Eric's newest MRI shows continued show slow size increase of the secondary tumor. This little booger is the tumor that wasn't resected in April because it would have required another, separate craniotomy. That was too risky and not possible so they elected to leave it, let Eric begin to recover, and hope that the chemoradiation treatment would take care of it.
As we found out earlier this week, and have suspicioned for a while, it is "misbehaving". Eric's care team has recommended that it is time to take it out. Not the news we wanted to hear. While we thought that was a possibility, neither of us were ready to hear that news. Hearing it said out loud made it real. Very real.
After the initial shock, we have started planning the next surgery. We have had so many friends and family reach out to us to help us and offer their support and love! Too many to mention by name, but here are a few that stand out to us:
Just jumping in with two feet and taking care of hotel/lodging for during the surgery (Thanks, Julie);
helping us plan each step (Thanks Drew and Donna we could't do this without you!);
helping with Aspen care while we are gone (Thanks Walton Ladies and Heit Crew);
picking up extra work in our absences (a huge hank you Carroll College Math Department AND the Optimal Sports PT family);
arranging for extra dog walks for my parents' dog (Thanks P);
frequent check ins to see how we are doing (lots of you!)
and so so so much more! We are beyond blessed to know each of you, to have you all in our lives, and to have you all show your support in innumerous ways. I wish we could thank each of you individually, face to face, with giant hugs....but that will have to wait a bit longer!
So here we go again! We will keep you posted throughout this next step of this journey.
Comments (12)
You’re both so strong. Sending all the positive vibes. And don’t forget to have the surgeon make a wicked pattern for the scar ;-)
Sending you all good luck and endurance 💜
I’ve been thinking about you this week. I’m sorry you received news you did not want to hear. Will be praying for you.
Thank you Johnanna. Takes courage to communicate the tough news. Thank you. Pulling, praying, for YOU both. Love and appreciation, BnP
That really does suck! I am so sorry you have gotten this news. I wish and pray that I could take all of this from you and give you normal health back. That is what I pray each day. Sending hugs, love, peace, comfort and strength.
Sending you all of the strength you need to move forward with this next "adventure." Look at how much living in the moment you both have done in the past six months together with your family and friends. That is more living than many people cram into a lifetime! Keep doing exactly that, in big ways and in small ways, as you face this next "speed bump" in your lives.
You are much nicer than I am. “Little Booger” doesn’t BEGIN to address that sucker, and we will ALL be glad to have him GONE! However, after I saw that everyone else was responding with a heart, symbolizing love, I (of course) would have liked to have changed it. Unfortunately, I don’t know if I can go back and edit, so you have to remember that I am old and not great on these social media apps. I used to program in COBOL and Assembler(?!?), but I’m willing to bet that you don’t know what that IS! The next time that Julie and Brian are in town, I will have Morgan come over and teach me some of the basics of social media apps! Just know that we are behind you 1000% and will be waiting to hear when that little F*%#:-er is HISTORY! (Yeah, yeah, I know that 1000% isn’t a thing… Just thought it might give a math whiz like you a smile!)
We are thinking of you and know you both have the perseverance and strength to get over this next big hurdle.
Dang it. So was hoping for better news. Tim and I are sending all healthy waves your way - and Thank you for keeping us posted. For better or worse I really appreciate all your open communication. Please let us know the day of his surgery…
Confusing praying for you both! 🙏❤️🙏
Praying for both of you and for elimination of the "little booger."
I continue to pray for your health Eric, and well, just for both of you. I ask for peace as you make decisions, increased knowledge for the doctors, and comfort as you head into this next step. My thoughts and prayers continue, and my heart goes out to both of you daily.