Update: 2/29/12

Last Thursday Hal and I met with Dr. Orlandi at the University of Utah hospital. He has decided to surgically remove the tumor from my head. It is located in such a delicate place that Dr. Orlandi is literally theonly Dr. outside of UCLA Medical Center who has the expertise to perform such a surgery. The tumor is located around the optical nerves and extends down to the base of the skull. The major concerns are the possibility of nipping the optical nerves (which could result in vision problems or even blindness) and spinal fluid leaks, which could result from removing the tumor and making the effected bone separating it from the brain too unstable. He also said that there is a pocked section near the bottom which may or may not be cancerous (It may be pocked as a result of radiation). If it cannot be removed, more radiation will need to follow. Yeah... it's a pretty big deal. However, on the bright side, both Hal and I felt very much at peace with Dr. Orldandi. We know we were led to him and, therefore, feel confident that things will turn out alright. The surgery will be on Friday March 16 and all prayers are appreciated (not just for me, but for Hal and the kids, and Dr. Orlandi too). Love you all. 

Update from 1/31/12

Well, unfortunately we are not done with this thing. We learned yesterday that, although the radiation did shrink the tumor, it is not gone, so we continue on this journey. We feel discouraged, but know there is a reason for all of this. Officially, I have a Solitary Plasma Cytoma in the Clavis (bone) of the Sphenoid Sinus (How many of you can say that?). I will go back to the Cancer Center tomorrow for additional blood tests to double check and make sure this thing has not spread, then next Monday we are on our way down to Ogden for another PET scan to see if the tumor is growing. If it is not, the doctor will just watch it closely. If it is growing I will be sent to a specialist in Salt Lake who may be able to remove it. The problem is that it is quite far back in the head in a very precarious place (exactly between the optical nerves). What an adventure this life is turning out to be. Trying to keep the faith. Love you all.