Hello From Arizona

Keith and I typically go on vacation each winter for approximately 12 days in February.  We stay with our friends Tom and Mary Devlin who retired to Arizona 6 years years ago.  It is the perfect situation where both Keith and I get along equally well with both of them - plus, we like to do the same things.  Keith and Tom go golfing every day while Mary and I do whatever we please: work out, shop, cook, etc.

We were scheduled to visit them from February 14th through the 26th and were obviously looking forward to it after these last 5 or 6 months.  When my latest two tumors were discovered and the decision was made to treat the brain cancer by taking Vemurafinib, it eliminated the possibility of going away.  I would need to be closely monitored as there are many side effects associated with the drug.

Since it was going to take a few weeks to complete the process to enable me to enter the drug trial, we decided to get the heck out of town while it was still possible for me to travel.  We flew out last Saturday and plan to remain here until:

1. I am accepted into the current study by formally meeting the protocol - after which, I can receive Vemarafinib.
2. We fly home on February 15th - which ever comes first.

The extra bonus is that Melissa was able to arrange to fly out here and join us (what a blessing).

My recovery from this last gamma knife procedure has been a little more problematic as compared to my first two, but it isn't anything I can't handle.  Thank goodness the Devlins were willing and able to juggle their schedule to accommodate us coming here and my doctors allowed me to go.  I feel so lucky we had the opportunity to escape for a little while - not only to my benefit, but for Keith and Melissa too.

We remain most grateful for all the continued support. The words of encouragement whether via cards or comments on the blog are greatly appreciated. Remember, the easiest way to post on the blog is as "Anonymous" and then signing your name at the end of your message.

Many thanks for everyone's prayers. We are in the planning stages for a mass at St. Monica and St. Augustine (the parish of my friend Father Dan Trapp here in Detroit) and we will pass on the details once we have a date selected.