Whew!

Heather has just finished her second month of Temador. YEAH for her not being sick! She has been tired and sleeping, but I don't think she has slept as much as last month. However, this time she had fluid - along with anti-nausea, electrolytes, anti-stress, and white blood cell "stuff"-infusions Day 1 and Day 3. Originally, she was supposed to begin on Monday, but Dr. Popa felt Heather needed another MRI because of some concerns with Heather's left side. The MRI revealed some edema around the brain. In addition, Dr. Popa wanted Dr. Long to view the MRI and compare it to the previous one from San Francisco. Because of her left side "issues," Heather is doing physical therapy and occupational therapy every week. Dr. Long feels what may look like tumor growth is really dead cells from the radiation - necrosis, I think. We will learn more when we return to San Francisco on January 20.

Although Heather has handled this round much better, she was too tired to attend the UNO Maverick Hockey / Leap-for-a-Cure event this weekend; but hopefully she will be able to attend in two weeks for the second of three weekends. Speaking of the weekend, LFAC has teamed with UNO hockey to promote brain cancer awareness. I am so excited about this event. Mike Kemp, head coach, has set a $30,000 goal. If the goal is met, all players and coaches will shave their heads Center Ice after the February 7 game. Although it sounds like a lot - and it is - Omaha seems to support good causes, and this is a good cause. This fundraiser is a wonderful opportunity for Brain Cancer Awareness and for UNO Maverick Hockey to get involved. The players are now going to visit Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center on Monday, January 19. Community work is vital for connectedness.

I just received notice today that the National Cancer Institute has made a preliminary decision to slash funding by 50% for the Adult Brain Tumor Consortium. That means research will lose funding, Trials will be cut, and brain cancer patients will suffer. Brain cancer patients and family rely on the hope of research; without research, treatment cannot advance. I think it is time for a check and balance on all funding - for everything! I don't care about "bridges to nowhere," nor do I care about flies mating. I just want a cure for cancer - ALL cancers!

As I mentioned earlier, I am so excited about UNO Maverick Hockey, Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center, and Leap-for-a-Cure's teaming together in the effort to fight brain cancer. Planning has been in the works for months, and now it is here. The first of three weekends is over, but I think the event will only get better. Some special people who have supported and organized and helped make it work: Mike Kemp, Michele Roberts, Shirley Fey, Robyn Sitzman, Jean Koerten, and Ryanne Hastings. Of course, others have helped, but these people have made the commitment as a committee to work extra hard and to share their talents. THANK YOU!

It seems as if I am always eager to go to San Francisco as there is always something new to learn. As always, I will have my list of questions and will keep my fingers crossed for GOOD news. Since 2008 is over, I am believing in 2009!