A very pleased Dr. Sperduto!

Round 2 of the Gamma Knife is completed. Dr. Sperduto was THRILLED to inform us that the treatment last Wednesday has already resulted in measurable shrinking of the tumors. He explained to us that it is unheard of to have such fast results - he was pleasantly puzzled. So, Jim continues his track record of being a star patient! I took a couple pictures of Jim today with his halo on...I thought he could start a second career as a medical equipment model. I will try to figure out how to get those pictures posted tomorrow when I'm not so foggy. We had a very early morning...awake by 3:30. Luckily the impending winter storm held off so we didn't have to deal with bad roads. Now that we are home it is snowing like crazy. Thank you for all your good thoughts and prayers. We don't discount the importance you all have in his treatment and recovery. Hard work, miracles, positive energy, love and support.
Fondly,
Elizabeth

My husband is AMAZING!

I continue to be so proud of my Jimmy....what a trooper! He smiled and joked through another day filled with hospital "fun". His Gamma Knife procedure went great. The halo he had today was a bit different than the one he had last time...and MUCH more uncomfortable to put on. If having the screws clamp down in four places on his skull wasn't bad enough, this halo required that clamps go into his ears for part of the procedure....torture! Once that was over it was the long wait while they plan the angles of attack. The treatment itself is amazingly simple (from the patient's perspective)...Jim lays on a bed similar to an MRI bed and the halo is clamped down so that very specific angles can be set for the 210 beams of radiation. During the treatment Jim is completely unaware of anything happening...he doesn't hear any sounds or see any lights. It still seems like science-fiction. I'm just so thankful that the first round of treatment worked to shrink the tumors. We will be going back next Wednesday for a repeat of today (argh...let's not think about that darn halo!!). It is so unfair that Jim has to endure all of these medical treatments and side effects. What I would give to be able to step in and do it for him!
Love,
Elizabeth

I Love the Laser

Happy weekend everyone,

We finally have consensus between the three doctors on what the next steps are going to be. I have been accepted in a drug study which involves chemo (IV) starting April 1 which is good news.

The stereo tactic radiation did shrink the brain tumors significantly! Dr. Spurduto is doing Gamma Knife Radiation (stronger than stereo tactic) at the U of M on Wednesday 2/21 and 2/28 to zap these again. This will be a another hurry up and wait kind of day but that's ok.

Both Elizabeth and I have been working from home as well as from the office so we have been keeping busy.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers! Have a great weekend!

Jim

Update from Elizabeth

Hi everyone! No news definitely hasn't meant bad news as things have been wonderfully routine lately. As Jim is comfortably laying on the couch with our dog watching TV, I thought I would fill you in on how we have been doing. Jim and I continue to work from home most of the time - going into our offices 2-3 times a week. Jim feels strong and healthy. Some of his medications have been decreased and he continues to feel good. We are meeting with Dr. Sperduto tomorrow at the Gamma Knife Center at the University of MN. It looks like he is going to have additional focused radiation treatment - this time at the Gamma Knife Center instead of Methodist Hospital. Following this treatment, Jim will be involved in a special drug study. This study is part of the interesting new cancer treatment using manipulation of the immune system. Very interesting! We can not emphasize enough how pleased we are with the level of medical care that Jim is receiving. Top notch doctors in their fields are all working to help him....what more could we ask for? We are looking forward to finding out treatment schedules so that we can take our trip to Phoenix that was postponed in December. We are also very excited to be planning another 2-week driving trip....this time to the Northeast including Vermont, Niagara Falls, Nova Scotia etc. Thank you again for all of your birthday wishes...what a fun day that was!
Love,
Elizabeth