Eric Update

Warning, this post may be difficult for some to read. It is definitely difficult to write. We have tried to spend some time processing this update and telling people in person, but while that is our preferred method of discussing this, it is impractical for us to talk to everyone individually. 

Last weekend, Eric started suffering from some unrelenting, unexplained headaches as well as a myriad of other symptoms. Through the advice of several of our providers, we eventually ended up in the local ER. At that point, we weren’t really sure what we were dealing with, but it quickly became apparent that it wasn’t going to be good news. 

Long story short, all of Eric’s tumors have grown back, and they brought another little buddy as well. Given multiple different issues, surgery is currently NOT an option for Eric. The risks greatly outweigh any possible benefit. Unfortunately, Eric’s tumors are proving to be super aggressive and also, unfortunately, resistive to the current chemotherapy options. 

After listening to the tumor board recommendations, as well as our primary care, our local oncologist, and seeking a recommendation from the neurosurgery oncology team at Duke, the best recommended course of treatment for Eric at this time is to start IV Avastin treatments. Given that the traditional chemotherapy options have proven unsuccessful in controlling this disease process, there aren’t many other treatment options available for Eric, other than Avastin. 

We immediately jumped into action, started processing what needed to be accomplished, and have started making progress toward checking off all of the tasks. We now have the start of a good plan with more details to be filled in over time but for now, Eric will be starting IV Avastin treatments next week. 

Eric’s symptoms are mainly being managed at this time with phenomenal care from our local ER, Eric’s Primary Care Physician, the Huntsman NeuroOnc Team and the Bozeman Cancer Center Team. We really are in great hands with caring providers who have really gone above and beyond to make sure that we have what Eric needs. 

We continue to approach this hurdle as we have since this journey started…..with humor and adventure. While our new adventures may not be what they once were, we continue to embrace Eric’s adventurous spirit! Eric plans to continue to teach as long as he can and continue to share his love of mathematics to all who will listen! We continue to enjoy the great Montana outdoors as a form of "therapy" for both of us with some skiing, hiking, and enjoying the sunrise and sunset offered to us each day. As Eric is famous for saying, Movement is Medicine! 

While this news shook us to our cores, we continue to be fortunate to have the love and support of all of you. The hugs, the chats, the smiles, the coffees, the offers to help, the small gestures, and the not so small gestures are all very much appreciated. Your kindness, love, and support  continue to fuel our strength and are what is keeping us moving forward.