Brave New World

From Marjorie:

My first blog, so be kind.... Before Maryann set this up, I'd never even read a blog, much less written on one. All the blogging took a hiatus while Eric and I, Maryann and Henrik drove down to San Francisco--- Maryann and Henrik to the airport to return to Rochester and Eric and I to visit Tim and Liz for a couple of days before Eric's appointment with Dr. Michael Prados, neuro-oncologist at UCSF, the West Coast hot shot who'd been recommended by all our local physicians.

Our group had originally included the beautiful pooch, Stella, but like so many first time visitors to Oregon, she fell in love with the place (and Saber Klouda, the chocolate lab across the street,) and begged to stay. Eric, Grandpa Hunt, our lab, Roxyann, and I had all fallen for HER, and were solidly on her side during the debate! We convinced Maryann and Henrik that Gardner Way would be more fun than Rochester for a few weeks, and that we needed her here. So Stella, Roxy and Grandpa held the fort while the rest of us gallivanted.

As I look at the previous blogs, I realize that we haven't kept it up to date very well. Before we left, Eric had his radiation planning session with the esteemed Dr. Haugen, had the grand tour of the incredible facilities at the radiation therapy department at Providence and was fitted for his mask. Think Darth Vader meets Spiderman. We were back today for Day One of radiation, and Eric had a chance to model it. Chemotherapy begins tomorrow under the watchful eye of the wonderful Dr. Dibb.

Having successfully been weaned from the steroids, Eric has begun to feel more and more like his old self, and by this past Monday ---- just two weeks after the surgery--- felt pretty good. He will feel even better when he starts to get a good night's sleep.

Our appointment at UCSF was most encouraging. Dr. Prados approved of all the treatment decisions made by our crack team of local experts, and will be a great resource keeping us appraised of new developments in the field. I have always believed that if anyone can beat this illness, it's Eric --- and Dr. Prados agreed that he has everything going for him: the small size and location of the original tumor and certainly his otherwise excellent health and function.

And just as important as those physical advantages, is the terrific outlook which comes in no small part from the generous outpouring of support from all quarters. We have the strongest team imaginable and for that we are most grateful,--- from our team leaders, Dr. Donald Ross, Dr. Dean Raniele, Dr. Chuck Dibb and Dr. Ken Haugen ---to all the family and friends (and friends of friends!) who have offered beautiful thoughts, prayers, love as we start this new chapter together.

Thank you.