“This is terrible!”

I am quoting our oncologist who, ordinarily calm and professional, heartily agreed with our description of our situation. Honestly every one involved seems quite shocked with these brain tumors which have so suddenly and drastically changed our life. Here are just a few more details…

I don’t think I have shared some of the symptoms that we were observing. When I first returned home his vision was quite impaired. We needed to guide him through doorways and past tables and chairs so that he would not hurt himself. He needed help to locate his utensils and there were a few other activities of daily living that required a little assistance. His vision wasn’t just blurred, he was also experiencing double vision along with some hand-eye coordination issues. He fell when stepping off a curb and as a result his shoulder is giving him some trouble. At this point as soon as he says he feels any sort of pain somewhere I find myself hoping there isn’t another tumor growing. It wouldn’t be surprising.

Following a week of steroids, the swelling had been reduced and the symptoms have shown marked improvement. We even watched a movie tonight! The dosage will begin to taper off and we all hope he can maintain his current status.

It is not all bad – all things considered we also received good news. Mark has not been confused – the tumors are found in areas that do not interfere with cognitive function, nor should there be an alteration of emotions. He can think clearly and communicate effectively. They are mostly in the back of the brain and affecting his vision and balance.

I will write tomorrow and explain more about our treatment options, etc. For now we are once again living at Hope Lodge, but thankfully not for five weeks. He has just ten days of radiation and today was our halfway point. The primary side effect right now seems to be exhaustion.

I had planned to share some of the photos I snapped while the doctor showed us the MRI but I have changed my mind. Just know there are somewhere between 8-12 tumors that I can easily see. It is truly terrible. Instead I will share some photos from around our property that brought me joy and a blessed distraction. I love the large tractors parked together as well as our small and very large cherry trees in full bloom. We seem to be surrounded by beauty!