3/28/2004

As Scott stated in his last update, we are so thankful for everyone’s help, encouragement and especially prayer. The little notes we receive at scooterscoop really mean a lot to us. I wish we were able to give out more updates but we have been exhausted with all the doctors appointments, phone calls and research.

First, I want to state this. This cancer is a heavy burden. In dealing with it, I think at times Scott is much stronger than I am and many of you who have talked with him know what I’m talking about. He amazes me. I can only believe that God is truly answering your prayer to sustain us and lift us and keep our eyes focused on HIM. A friend shared this verse with us and I hope it encourages you folks who are praying for us. ‘Matthew 7:9-11 “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?” Please please don’t stop praying for us. It appears now that we have a long road ahead.

We saw Dr. Raizer, the neuro-oncologist, this past Thursday and he gave us the final details of Scott’s latest pathology review. They’ve concluded that Scott has a cancerous astrocytoma (level III) and not a mixed tumor. This means he won’t be eligible for the stem-cell rescue procedure. Instead they are suggesting a course of radiation, which he will receive daily for about a month and a half (not including weekends) and at the same time begin chemotherapy, which he will remain on for 1 to 2 years. As long as the remaining tumor does not grow or it SHRINKS (pray for that!) or it disappears (really pray for that!!) they will consider the treatments successful. Scott will have MRI’s taken every two months in order to monitor this. They want to begin as soon as possible. We know that the radiation and chemo will cause him fatigue, especially the first three months. We are also told that there could be some long term side effects to the radiation. Please pray for these things.

We are heading out to the east coast this week for second opinions from some of the top brain tumor specialists in the world. They will review everything and give us and Dr. Raizer their recommendations for treatment. We’ll let you know how it goes.

Michele, Scott and Josephine