We apologize for not posting to this blog for so long. Jamey's schedule has been extremely busy and he has been traveling much of the time so this posting is from Linda.

I took my last radiation treatment on Monday, October 5. I am now in a rest period for two weeks, with the exception of my next regular treatment of the intravenous chemo, Avastin, which will be tomorrow, Friday, Oct 16. After the rest period, the plan is for me to go on much stronger doses of the capsule chemo, Temodar, for 5 days followed by 23 days of rest. This cycle is to be repeated for 6 months. The Avastin treatments will continue every two weeks during this time and for an undetermined period afterward.

Also, I am scheduled for a post-radiation MRI on October 20 and will meet with my neuro-oncologist, Dr. Salacz, immediately afterwards.

Derek and I will be traveling to Duke University Brain Cancer Institute for an assessment on October 26-27. Dr. Salacz is on board with this visit. You may recall that he recently did a fellowship at Duke. We will consult with Dr. Salacz after the Duke visit (and he will consult with them) to determine if we want to change any of the planned treatment.

I must admit that it is nice to no longer pace my day around the 2:15 radiation treatment, although I did enjoy seeing so many of you who volunteered as drivers. We are in your debt.

We made another trip to Mountain Grove in late September to celebrate my Dad’s 90th birthday. Vernon and Ginny hosted a party and we all had a great time! To top it all, Ben drove down with Addison (her first visit to Mountain Grove). It is hard to believe that she is more than 8 months old already.

My lower back is much better! After three visits with the pain management specialist and two cortisone shots, I am no longer carrying a pillow and ice bag everywhere I go. I have also been able to take walks, and am able to go most of 2 miles already. I have learned my lesson and am increasing the distances very gradually.

I have been able to go off many of the meds (am off all the pain meds) and am feeling much more like myself. Derek celebrates with me!

Thank you for all the prayers.