Lots of recent stress. Tom was to have his scan on 3/20 and f/u appointment prior to starting chemo. On 3/18 we found out his doctor could not make it and would not be able to meet with us us until 11 days later on 3/31. We had carefully planned out Tom’s chemo schedule so he could do the things he wanted while feeling his best  and we got them to agree to meet with is to decide on chemo on 3/25. Tom went forward and had his last scan on 3/20. Unfortunately it showed an expanding legion that had rapidly increased in size since January. His doctor was gone but thankfully our guardian angel Dr. J spent an hour talking us off the ledge. It was a dark scary ledge. After, we have met extensively with Tom’s doctors 3/25 and 3/31. They don’t think the expanding lesion is tumor regrowth, but the rapid expansion is concerning to all involved. Westarted him on an anti-seizure medication last night as a preventative measure so he doesn’t have a seizure driving or riding his bike. The working theory is this is a swelling reaction to the radiation, particularly since it was his second time doing radiation. His doctor thinks if it was tumor regrowth based on the area, he would absolutely be having a seizure or severe headaches. That said, we are trying to get approval for a PET MRI scan at OHSU in the next few weeks to see if there is metabolic activity which may indicate tumor growth… If it is tumor, unfortunately since the size is so large, he would have to undergo an open craniotomy rather than the procedure we did in August. He is feeling okay but tired from the chemo round he just finished Monday night. On Thursday he went for a bike ride and fell multiple times to his left due to balance issues. We decided go start him on the steroid and he has felt a little improvement. On Friday he was examined by a few of his doctors and everyone thinks this is due to the swelling. Again, he is doing okay, no headaches and can ride his stationary bike. We are making sure he gets 8+ hours of sleep each night to reduce seizure risk. We’re optimistic this will all resolve and he’ll just have one more round of chemo…

Tom had his scan earlier this week. The images were a little concerning for us but everyone is in agreement with their assessment that there is no definitive tumor regrowth. This morning we met with his oncologist who said everything appearing on his scan appears to be consistent with changes from his radiation which the timing is right-showing up 2-3 months after that treatment so the scan has been ruled stable. He’s feeling good other than a few minor headaches why may or may not be related to the same issue. He starts round three of chemo tonight and is committed to training for several races this year! We feel lucky and optimistic.

I would like to plan for casserole party but we are still recovering from the holidays, our trip and being sick for a few weeks so it may be a bit longer before we are ready to plan it.

Thanks always everyone for your support. Please keep some of our good friends in your thoughts and prayers, one is undergoing chemo for colon cancer right now and the other is having their own brain surgery next week for a newfound brain tumor. Sending so much love their way.

It’s been awhile since our last update on Tom. He has been feeling good and hitting the gym! He had a scan last week and it looked stable! Today we met with his oncologist and planned out the next six months. Tomorrow night he will start chemo again for 5 days and repeat that for 5 days a month for 6 months with scans after each two rounds of chemo. Be sure to wish him a happy birthday on Thursday!

Hi everyone! Tom finished his chemo Tuesday night and radiation yesterday. It was supposed to be Wednesday but the cooling machine broke and he ended up missing his Tuesday radiation. It worked out okay because we got to meet the couple who had been working on the puzzle in the waiting room. They usually worked on it in the mornings and we worked in it in the afternoons and each was wondering who the other puzzler was. They ended up with an afternoon appointment and we got to meet and also see the puzzle completed. Felt like that was a good omen. Tom has a month off now and then will have a new scan and meet with his oncologist again but the current plan is he would then start taking chemo 5 days a month for the next 6 months. His stomach has returned to normal and we celebrated the heck out of Halloween!

Just a quick update! Tom continues to do well with his treatment. The anti-nausea meds still make him uncomfortable/cramping but otherwise his energy, sleep and appetite are all good. Over halfway done with the radiation now! His race went well on Sunday and he had the best cheering section. We are so thankful for our friends that came out! Lots to be thankful for, our friend Frank came and spent time with Tom Tuesday night and brought a delicous stew! We have also been spoiled with delicious soups from Mike Bedney Jr and Kayla Barnes. Thank you all for your love and support! ❤️

Tom wrapped up his first week of treatment (short week). So far energy is good but having some issues with the anti-nausea med he has to take before the chemo. Hopefully we will have that sorted out soon. He is feeling well enough to race tomorrow morning! We will be at PIR and his race starts at 9am!

It has been weird starting this process all over again. Funny the things you remember and the stuff you don’t.

Chemo started last night so this morning was not fun. The Doctors are very concerned with nausea so I am required to take an anti nausea medication prior that causes constipation thus requiring additional meds to alleviate the constipation. Hello cramps and feeling bleh. Going to be working on a solution to that problem seeing how chemo will be continuing for a while.

Radiation was quick and the staff was nice. My mask is not as tight as last time. With only 10 visits this is going to go be done about the time we get into the rhythm of going every day.

Time for some lunch…

Tom will start his radiation on Thursday paired with chemo. Chemo technically starts Wednesday night, he takes the pill before bed. Chemo will be every day for two weeks and radiation will be each weekday, so 10 days. We had a nice weekend. Got lunch with our nephew today and went out for some treats this afternoon/evening. Tom is still contemplating the cyclocross race on 10/20!

Just a brief update. We met with Tom’s radiation oncologist today. We liked him and he handles most of the radiation for recurrence for Providence. Tom’s scan from Friday shows that the LIT procedure was successful and likely had a complete resolution of the tumor but we all agree we should still proceed with radiation and chemo given how aggressive this tumor can be and that this is a recurrence. He will only have to do 10 days of radiation paired with chemo and then will do just chemo cycles for 9-12 months after that. He will get fitted for his radiation mask this week and start late next week or early the week after. Thanks for all your good vibes and prayers. They are appreciated!

We’ve been busy waiting since Tom’s surgery. Waiting for Providence to get it together and get a treatment plan together for Tom. They refused to do it without another MRI but did not have any type of priority scheduling for it. So his MRI is today and we can FINALLY meet with the radiation oncologist next week and them hopefully he will start his chemo and radiation the week after but we have no idea for how long. Tom is feeling good and anxious to exercise hard again. He should be released back to regular activity the week of the 14th as well. He wants to race on 9/20 at Coyote Run, a new course at PIR, he may have just finished his first week of treatment but wants to race anyway. We’ve also been busy living: anniversary dinner(s), planting a tree, hiking, biking slowly, dancing with Zumba celebrities, spending time with friends and a fun Pitbull concert!