Woman AGLOW (all done radiation)

Today Yvonne completed all 5 radiation treatments prescribed by her radiologist at London Regional Cancer Program, Dr. B. Fisher. When we had our initial interview with her April 24, Dr. Fisher had not fully reviewed Yvonne's file, so we were prepared for up to ten treatments. However after examining the MRI data more closely, Dr. Fisher determined fewer treatments would be needed, since the dosage could be increased as the tumour (22 mm) was more localized than back in 2006.

Here is a shot of Yvonne on the table at the machine, with two friendly technicians, one of whom is holding the shield that latches the patient's head immovably to the table during the radiation...

Next, we have an appointment with Yvonne's neuroncologist Dr. David Macdonald this Friday (May 18), when he will review the chemotherapy (Temodal) she has been taking since April 13. Also probably the steroid (dexamethasone) she has been taking since March 20 -- she is showing some swelling around her face and lower legs.

Yvonne's mobility has been less steady lately, needing an accompanying arm to maintain her balance. I got the stairlift working again (replaced batteries) and today took a wheelchair along with us to facilitate things at LRCP.

We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of our oldest daughter Emily (Wierenga) and her 3-year-old daughter Aria later today from Neerlandia AB (northwest of Edmonton), until Friday. Also our son Keith is scheduled to stop in midweek for an overnight.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and concern. Special thanks to Allan & Lloy Grose who welcomed us to stay at their condo in southeast London during last week's intensive treatment daily for radiation, so we didn't have to drive back and forth each day. Yvonne's next MRI is July 9 so hopefully that will show some beneficial effects from the combined chemotherapy and radiation.

For any using Spotify -- here is a playlist of uplifting music our youngest daughter Meredith put together.

(Photo: Yvonne joins in the tradition of ringing the gong at LRCP to mark completion of radiation treatment)

Give It Your Best Shot

There have been some encouraging developments since my March 19 post. After a couple of weeks on steroids to reduce internal swelling in Yvonne's brain, we noticed some moderate improvement in her condition - increased alertness in particular. At first the neuroncologist's nurse suggested we might be looking at "comfort measures only" because we had not seen 'dramatic' improvement on the steroids. However April 13 the neuroncologist seemed impressed enough by Yvonne's improvement that he agreed to begin chemotherapy (Temadol, same as the 15 months in 2015-2016) and to arrange a consultation with a radiologist.

Yvonne began the chemotherapy pills that night -- very convenient that we can take them daily at home. She has not experienced nausea or other noticeable side effects. She has a little facial swelling the past few days but that may be due more to the steroids.

We met with the same radiologist (Dr. B. Fisher) Yvonne had back in 2006 for her 30 treatments. She approved ten treatments (higher dosage than in 2006) May 8-21, Mondays to Fridays. Yvonne was fitted for the mask that fits over her face to hold her head steady in the machine (see sample photo).

A friend has graciously offered us a place to stay in London while the treatments are on, for which we are very thankful! Also, our oldest daughter Emily and her 3-year-old daughter Aria are coming for a visit May 14-18. Our son Keith plans to stop in for a night May 16. Also we were treated to a visit from our daughter Allison from Germany April 6-10, and our youngest daughter Meredith (with her husband Davies and 3 preschool children) April 6-13. And we got to spend a few days at Easter with our son Keith, Darcie, and their family near Kemptville. So it has been very good to have family around.

A dedicated team of volunteers has been using the MealTrain.com website to book spots to "sit with Yvonne" while I'm at work, and to bring delicious supper meals Monday / Wednesday / Friday, which is a HUGE blessing!

Thanks everyone for your concern, notes, and support in so many tangible ways. Knowing some treatments are being attempted gives hope for more weeks (months?) ahead -- the doctors doubt the aggressive tumour can be 'cured' by these means, but the treatments may help. An MRI a couple of months after beginning the chemo is expected to indicate whether it (or radiation) has been effective.

We just finished listening to Steven Curtis Chapman's biographical audiobook, Between Heaven and the Real World, in which he describes the agony he and his wife endured when one of their daughters was killed in a car accident (their son was driving). Whatever woes we may encounter in this life, the prospect of eternity with the Lord does bring real comfort and hope.

As Job expressed his faith in tough times, "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."(Job 1:21) We have to trust that our Heavenly Father who gave for us what was most precious to Him - His only begotten Son Jesus - has good eventually in store for us, and with Jesus will give us as well all things for our welfare.“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all— how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32)