The Latest

Thank you for continuing to pray for Linda. We have enjoyed our first full week without radiation trips to Raleigh - 30 miles, one way. We did have to go to Raleigh for one trip, but one day beats five days any week!

We are entering a different phase of Linda's treatment. In addition to the conclusion of radiation, she has a month off of chemo (we earlier thought it was only a week-long respite). Furthermore, she finished her regimen of steroids on Monday of this week. Steroids, of course, reduce swelling in the brain - swelling that is caused by the tumor. Our hope is that the swelling will not recur.

One very good sign is that Linda has not lost mobility. In fact, the movement in her left hand/fingers has continued to increase. She is extremely tired these days, but fatigue is typical for two to three weeks after radiation. We do have one concern - headaches.

Linda has had some fairly bad headaches this week. There is a strong possibility that she will have to go back on a small dose of steroids. We definitely prefer that these headaches be managed by ibuprofen. It may be that swelling is causing the headaches, but the continued - and in some cases, increased- mobility on her left side indicate otherwise. But, there I go again, attempting to diagnose the problem. So, please pray specifically about swelling in the brain, and about the headaches, whatever the cause.

Dr. Henry Friedman from Duke called last night. He said that we would have to get a "post-radiation" MRI before they will make a decision on whether to treat Linda or not. The second MRI Linda had (three weeks ago) was done before radiation was finished. We are trying to get another MRI scheduled for the first full week of May. That is another request that we have made before: pray that Linda will be treated at Duke - if it is God's will.

Ultimately, our request is similar to one that has already been made by a precious three and a half year old girl during prayers with her mother - "Please give Mrs. Linda a new brain." Actually, I love the brain that God gave my lovely wife. I just want that mass in the middle to go away - to that end I pray!