October 28, 2004

It’s been a little over two weeks since Scott’s surgery. He is still recovering but doing great. Every day gets better. Basically, he needs a little extra sleep, sometimes he has a headache and at times it’s somewhat difficult to focus. These are all very common while recovering from brain surgery and are expected to go away. Other than that, he’s driving, working, exercising, and eating well.

We returned yesterday from our trip out to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). We met with Dr. Fine, the head of the neuro-oncology division and discussed clinical trials for Scott. The great thing about Dr. Fine is he’s well versed in almost all the clinical trials going on across the US for brain tumors. There are two good trials for Scott and we will make a final decision over the next couple days. We’re hopeful that this next clinical trial will have a greater impact on the tumor. The doctors are concerned that any new tumors have the potential to grow as fast or faster than the last one. We’ll let you know more when our final decision is made.

We continue to thank God for all of you. We know you are loving us and caring for us and praying for us though this.

Michele

Hi Everyone,

It's Michele and I just finished visiting with Scott in the recovery area after his surgery. The surgeon, Dr. Chandler, said everything went very well! It didn't take as long as last time and the surgery was much less intense because the tumor was located on the exterior portion of his brain.

From half way down the hall, on my way to see him, I could hear him talking loudly to a young man in the recovery area next to him. He was giving him some encouragement because the joung man woke from his surgery in a lot of pain and very scared. That's my Scott! Always talkative, encouraging others and praying for others. When I saw him I couldn't believe how great he looked. He was feeling some pain and headache but he was very alert. Thank you all for keeping him in prayer. It's certainly working.

They are transfering him to the ICU now and in the morning he'll be on the neurology floor. He may even be able to go home tomorrow night! It depends on how he feels but it is a possibility.

We are heading out to the National Cancer Institute for an appointment on the 27th of October. Between now and then I'm sure his recovery will go well.

Thanks again for all your love and support.

Michele

Hi! It's Michele

Many of you are wondering what you can do for Scott (or us) right now. Most of you still remember our request from this past February when we were completely overwhelmed and asked everyone to hold back their phone calls. At that timewe had mountains of questions and still very few answers. Things were moving forward so fast with surgery, treatments options and second opinions, ourheads were spinning and we were desperate for rest. Thank you for helping us out but now things are very different. We have a better understanding of what we are dealing with and we have confidence that Scott is in the care of excellentphysicians. Things no longer feel chaotic and we really enjoy hearing from you. Even with brain surgery coming up, he’s been through it once before, so we know what to expect. What we are feeling is disappointment that the cancer isgrowing again but we’re hopeful that this will bring Scott to the right treatment.
At this point, one of the best things you can do is continue to send Scott your love, humor, support, and prayers. Please feel free to do this through phone calls, emails, and letters. I can’t tell you how much it’s meant to us over the months hearing from so many of you. Just knowing that you continue to keep us in your hearts and prayers gives us strength.

Thank you so much!

Michele Gray

Thursday, October 07, 2004

It’s been a while since you’ve heard an update from the Grays. Quite honestly, over the past few months, we haven’t been very good at responding to our email on “scooterscoop”. It’s been a lovely busy summer and Scott’s been working hard and enjoying time with me and our active growing daughter. What a joy!!

Scott had his most recent MRI today and it wasn’t the news we wanted to hear. The tumor is growing. This means that his chemo is no longer effective so he will most likely enroll in one of the very promising clinical trials available at the National Cancer Institute in Maryland. But first Scott is scheduled for another surgery on Tuesday to remove the growing area that is about the size of a dime. We are very fortunate that the growth is again in an area where it can be removed safely. The tumor is very close (only millimeters) away from some very important memory and language areas of the brain. It is a blessing that it was discovered in time to remove it!

This is short notice but please pass along the word and pray for us that the surgery will go well on Tuesday. The first night he will be in the ICU and then he’ll be moved the next day to the neurology floor for another day or two. He will be at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in downtown Chicago. Also, if you try to reach him or send something over, Scott’s legal name is Joseph Scott Gray. Last time many people were frustrated because the hospital had no record of a Scott Gray. I will do my best to keep you updated.

Thank You and God Bless You,
Michele, Scott and Josephine