Dig a little deeper…

As you may have guessed May was a rough month.  The side effects and set backs from chemo are just now starting to lighten up a bit.  We went to Denver at the end of the month for a scan to see what all was happening upstairs.  Our typical question remains – treatment effect or tumor growth?  It appears as though LB has decided to move South for summer with some small growth moving lower into the brain, but it is unclear if this is actually LB or some swelling caused by treatment.  After a long deliberation of what the right thing to do is we have decided to get a biopsy.

Brad will have surgery next Wednesday (6/16) in Denver with Dr. Waziri.  With the small movement they are confident there is less risk to his right side (they can bypass the motor cortex) – they can dig a little deeper to get the sample they need.  We need to get some diagnostic tissue so we can pinpoint an effective and strategic course of treatment.  For one year, five months and seven days we have done our best to strategically guess what type of tumor is looming upstairs and what type(s) of treatment will cure Brad and get him back on two feet.  Doctors are saying the tissue sample could reveal necrosis (dead tissue from treatment effect) or tumor activity getting more active.  Regardless, this tissue sample will put us one step closer to finding the right solution.

As we prepare for the trip to Denver, I am happy to report that Brad’s head is in the game (literally and metaphorically).  His attitude is (and continues to be) unwavering.  Every time we get a curve ball he gracefully digs a little deeper within himself and finds the courage and strength to power through this crap.   I can honestly say (as I have many times before) it is amazing.  He is taking care of business, working out at the ranch, diligently focusing on his physical therapy, and adding a new treatment component with acupuncture.

We do manage to find time for a good bit of fun as well.  Chasing bears at Wolf Mountain, hanging with friends along the river, planning the Tour de Steamboat, and finding projects around the house have filled our free time.  I have uploaded pictures on Facebook for you!

As you can imagine, we are anxious to get the news on what exactly is going on upstairs, savoring the present in the warm summer sun, and eagerly optimistic about a bright (cancer free) future.  Now, we need your help – dig deep and send Brad all the prayers and positive energy you can muster – they definitely make a difference.  I will be in touch next Wednesday (6/16) morning with an update.

Time for bed…before I find another place to insert the blog title!  Much love to all,

Laura & Brad