Post-Radiation MRI

I have some wonderful news to share with all of you! Actually, I've been a little remiss about not relaying this to you sooner.
Friday (May 23) I had a post-radiation MRI. Later that afternoon, I took a call from Dr. Russ Greene, my dedicated radiology oncologist. What he told me astonished me! Dr. Greene was delighted to inform me that there was "significant improvement" in my prognosis. He said he was very pleased. I didn't know what to say! I still don't. Knowing Dr. Greene as I have come to, I think of him as a very serious and sincere man who doesn't pull his punches. He wouldn't use a term like "significant improvement" unless he meant it in a true and thoughtful sense. I respect his opinion very much. The things he said to me during our brief conversation communicated meaning well beyond the words he spoke. It speaks volumes about what I need to know about winning this fight.
I spent the rest of the day calling a few of you who have been especially involved in my struggle. I wish I could have spoken to you all. Karen and I went to Ozark, MO and for an overnight stay with Greg and Martha. What a celebration we had!
We're not out of the woods yet but we have every reason to believe that we will win this fight. I owe it all to you. I won't forget you. Please stay with me as we continue on our road to wellness!
Life is Beautiful!

Road Trip to the Ozarks

We were happy to host John and Karen for their first road trip since this trophy run began.
You can't see Katie but she also made the journey to see us during the Memorial Day weekend.
We enjoyed a steak dinner, mom's potato salad, complete with celery seed dressing and a celebratory glass of wine. We toasted John's wonderful news from Dr. Green. I will let him give you the details but the radiation did its job and we are so thankful. Dr. Green called John with the excellent news on Friday after his MRI.

Here are some pictures of us as we are getting ready to send them home after a wonderful visit.
They have an appointment on Wed. that will map out the next stage of his treatment. It was great to get to share this weekend with them.

Thanks for the visit, John and Karen!

Angels Among Us 5k

Thank you, Danielle, for your report on the Angels Among Us 5k. You and the rest of John's Team are amazing. The support you have raised is truly impressive ($610). To quote my favorite musician (Yes, Ashley and Bob, by that I mean Todd Rundgren), "You can't stop, you can't stop, you can't stop ... love in action!" Ok, so I'm a 70s-style liberal at heart.

I have been feeling so strong and energetic this week with the radiation behind me, I can't help but feel I am beating this disease.

I was very sad to hear about Senator Ted Kennedy's own battle with brain cancer, as the news broke today. He and I have a difficult battle ahead of us with this dreaded disease. I have relative youth and more of an early start in my battle with glioblastoma than he can hope for. Whatever your politics may be, you must admit he is the great Liberal Lion of the Senate and a very important and effective legislator. I pray for his recovery as well as my own.

5K Update from Danielle

Dear all,

I sit here with tears in my eyes as I have just heard from the coordinator of the 5K for the Duke Brain Tumor Center -- she has told me that John's Team received $610 in donations!!!!!!! I can't believe it!! I never expected us to receive such an unbelievable amount. We can't even begin to thank you for supporting us in our race. They still have not given me a list of all the names of the people who contributed (that will come in the next few weeks) but please know that we thank you so much and there is no way we could have done this without your support. You all are amazing! John, we love you so much and are here for you!

Love,
Danielle, Nathan, Nita, Larry, Seth, & Ellen

Mother's Day

Mother's Day!

I decided to try my hand at this blogging deal because today is an important day. Today is John's last day of radiation and then they will get a well deserved break. I have talked with John and Karen several times this week and know they are looking forward to this short vacation in the treatment process. They have a doctor's appointment at the end of his radiation treatment this afternoon. I have included Karen because she has been John's chauffeur to all his treatments.

It is a beautiful time of year so I am so glad they will get a change in the routine for about 4 weeks. Dan will graduate next Saturday from Washburn Law School, a huge accomplishment and something they can all celebrate together. Ashley and Dan will move to Wichita in the next few weeks as well. A big change for all those involved.

It has been gorgeous this year in the Ozarks, the rivers and ponds are full, the Dogwoods are outstanding, and we are getting ready for summer. Greg will graduate from junior high and is going to the high school to work part time after being a class room teacher for 31 years. This is another huge accomplishment. This would have been our parent's 60th anniversary on May 15th and it is Mother's day.

I have done much reflecting on my family since John was diagnosed with cancer. He has taught me about faith and grace, friends and extended family members have been so supportive and the out pouring of encouragement and love has been so steady. Please don't stop as we are only part way through this "trophy run".

Love your family as we all need each other, forgive each other as we all make mistakes and appreciate each gorgeous day. These are the lessons I am learning from my little brother.
Love to all, Martha

Graduation Day

Today was my 30th and final radiation treatment for my brain tumor. Dr. Green calls it my graduation day. In honor of my graduation from radiation, here are a couple of shots of the mask I wore for the treatments. The mask is very individualized and fits very snug.

Now that I can see the mask as a relic it sort of gives me the creeps. Karen says I look like Jason in the mask. See what you think. I have it mounted on my basement wall.

My chemotherapy ended today too, for now. After an assessment by my medical team we'll move on to pulse chemo in a month or so.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Together we are working wonders, with God's help.