First of all, thank you for your wonderful patience in waiting for our update. It tells us that you can appreciate how much time nonstop doctor appointments and caring for a wonderful baby takes! We just want to say we phenomenally appreciate so much the love, help and prayers we’ve received. I’d like to talk more about this in another letter, but the truth is that every one of you has and continues to have a profound effect of encouragement on our lives. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!



The good news is that I still feel optimistic about things; even through I have a somewhat physically rough road ahead. The final diagnosis is that I have anaplastic astrocytoma, which is a level three cancer in a diffuse pattern throughout my remaining left temple with some penetration in my forward temple. This was confirmed by the top pathologist in the world at John Hopkins Hospital and then by a profound expert who we met with at the National Cancer Institute in the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD. This Wednesday I will start weekday radiation treatments for six weeks along with chemotherapy treatments which will continue for one to two years. Through these treatments we are looking to stop the tumors growth in its tracks. It is possible however that we could even see the entire tumor disappear and that would definitely be a huge plus.



The most interesting side effect of this treatment is that I’m going to have a new hairdo. After many years I am going to have Marine Corps style haircut with both sides shaved off (or will it be simply bald from the radiation? Hmmm.). The good thing is that the shaved heads is at this point in our culture are quite popular in many areas. Woohoo!



When it comes to prayer requests, I would ask for those are interested and willing, please pray that I would not endure to the worst extent some of the difficult side effects of the radiation and chemotherapy treatments that some people have to endure. Please also pray that these treatments would be as successful as possible. The truth is that my greatest concern is to continue for a long, long time to be a husband to Michele and a strong, loving father to my daughter Josephine who brings Michele and I so much joy. No matter what happens, you have to know that I appreciate your spiritual prayers and really believe they are impacting me in many, many ways. Despite all the difficulties we are really enjoying every single day.



On another level, I’m very happy to learn that I will be able to return to work contacting customers helping them improve their plastic pipe or vinyl siding businesses with the products that I sell. That will really help me focus on my career and help give me a solid focus on what is for most folks an important element of their lives. Additionally, after years of part time study over numerous semesters I will finally receive my Masters of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. I can’t even tell you how much I am looking forward to my graduation and then using many of the things I’ve learned to teach classes at my own church and elsewhere. It’s going to be fun!



We want to thank everyone again for your love and support, it really means so much.



Scott

scooterscoop@comcast.net