On August 5, Heather heads to San Francisco again for another appointment with Dr. Chang. As always, now is the time that I start to think too much about it - this time even more. For the first time, I won't be going with Heather. And, it is already driving me crazy. However, Jon will be with her the entire time, so she will be in good hands, but I want to be there too. I don't feel I can miss the first two days of school without getting far behind before we even start, so I opted out this trip.

Heather's white cell count was low again; in fact, the lowest for her yet. But the nupergen shots seem to work so far, so the chemo can continue. Her red count is also down, but that just means she will sleep more. Today she had a problem with her infusion - arm swelling from vein popping - so she was a sad sack for a while. But, the trooper that she is - off to work after a quick recuperation at the oncology infusion site.

Speaking of off to work, she has been in training for about two weeks now. I think she will be "cut loose" soon to tackle it on her own. The best part of this job? She works with the two doctors who I continue to praise for saving her life: Dr. Denman and Dr. Daryani.

While it is sometimes easy to slip into a routine, we are always reminded of the fight so many people are battling every day. Heather is one of millions who have a life-threatening disease, and one of thousands who is battling brain cancer. From young to old, cancer of all types attacks its victims. Brain cancer has had few new treatment developments in over a decade, so it is "our" turn to see some new advancements in diagnosis and treatment.

As for LFAC, we are in the beginning stages of our 2009 - 2010 fundraising efforts. WEAR GRAY FOR A DAY is September 18. Anyone wanting a sticker to wear for the day, please contact me (sue.leapforacure@gmail.com or jonroberts402@msn.com). We will send the sticker and information to anyone who is interested in participating. Monster Bash is being planned as well. Soon, more information will be posted on the events link. Another UNO Hockey event is in the works - who can we get to shave his / her head????? The car show crashed this year, but I think we can get one going for June 2010. And, a bike ride is being planned for fall 2010! We won't stop until a cure is found.

Instead of posting brain cancer information this time, I am going to close with a link that has a ton of information / stories about brain cancer: http://www.greyribboncrusade.org/ LFAC is a proud member.

Good News is Sometimes "Relative"

Heather finished her June chemo, and she actually handled it quite well. Her white blood cell count was a bit low again, so another shot. The shots make her bones ache, so her back suffered a bit. However, it is now Friday - 5 days from last chemo pill and 4 days from last shot. She seems to have managed both, but she is tired (slept until 11:00 this morning!).

Her left side continues to be a bit weaker - a bit less coordinated? - than her right side. As she and I were walking the other night, her dog Sky started running from firework noises. Heather tried to run - OK, it was funny in a sick way - but she looked something like the Hunchback of Norte Dame. Thank goodness she kept it all under control!

Her good news is that she got a job! She begins the paperwork on Monday, July 6 with training to follow. I know she is excited about where she will be working, but the pay is low. So, she has started free-lancing and seems to enjoy it so far. We will see.

Our dear friend Bob, whose situation was noted in my last entry, finally received his updated cancer information. Again, good news is relative. His lymphoma is in his stomach and right kidney. Yes, it could be worse; for that we are all grateful. However, it could be better; for that we are sad. Our entire "clan" will be there supporting Bob and Robyn.

As July 4 approaches tomorrow, we celebrate our independence and once again thank all past, present, and future military personnel who protect it.

Brain Cancer Information: Brain tumors are unique because they occur in the skull -- a confined space with rigid walls. A brain tumor takes up space normally allocated to the brain. As the tumor continues to grow, it pushes aside or compresses the brain. This can cause a build up of pressure in the skull that leads to symptoms such as headaches, seizures and strokes. Brain tumor treatment is designed to eliminate the tumor or reduce tumor size, thus allowing the surrounding brain to resume its normal functions.