Why am I writing this blog?

Euclid (Cleveland), Ohio, United States
Here I share the amazing spiritual journey I began on July 19, 2007. I received the diagnosis of a golf-ball-sized tumor on top of the left parietal lobe (motor functions) of my brain. I had severe symptoms all up and down the right side of my body and had received an MRI scan of my brain. In August 2007, I learned that my diagnosis was a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). This is a common form of fast-growing brain cancer with a challenging prognosis. That's the external story about that moment in time. In the spiritual world I found (actually more like it found me) what I came to call the Fact-Based Spirit-Guided Path, and I began an amazing journey. After October of 2008, I lost the use of my right arm, and in early 2009, my cognitive abilities were struggling, and treatment options ended. My wife, Susanne, then began doing most of the blog postings, with my review and input whenever possible. I continued to apply the Fact-Based Spirit-Guided Path as the adventure continued. My soul then flew to the Kingdom of God on July 1, 2009. Thanks for your interest in my journey. Craig

Susanne's Perspective

During this entire journey, my wife, Susanne, had an entirely different kind of experience. Initially she added comments to some of my posts describing her experience of the moments I discussed and offerred perspectives on our relationship. In the latter stage of this journey, she is writing the blog, as I am no longer able to do so. I am truly delighted that she is doing so. Susanne and I work together as marriage educators/relationship coaches and she has written many books on preparing for and strengthening marriages so you can count on her comments to be insightful and poignant.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Cancer Treatment Started (Again) 10-26-08

Family & Friends:

Well, we’ve made it through another 10 days! Therapy is continuing, the wheelchair ramp is completed, and we now have a home aide three mornings a week. Lenore does both housework and also patient care. Susanne’s exhaustion is lessening.

Friend Nik Tressler stayed with Craig on the 18th so Susanne had a respite day away at a friend’s home. Craig’s cousin Jim and his wife Sara visited on the 19th and helped with many tasks around the home. It was great to see them.

We were glad to re-start the spiritual study circle (Reflections on the Life of the Spirit) on the evening of the 20th that we suspended in July. Great to have everyone back together for a discussion about the journey of the soul.

We finally completed undoing our trusts and signing our wills on Friday...a major accomplishment.

On the 23rd, Craig’s cancer/tumor treatment began with Avastin targeted at cutting off blood supply to the tumor. Together with the doctors, we dropped the Irinotechan drug, which has many side effects and little proven value. Avastin was administered by IV over a 90-minute period. Accutane will hopefully be approved by the drug company and insurance company to be added this coming week. Craig went through the treatment smoothly. The homecare nurse will visit weekly to monitor for side effects.

Unfortunately, Craig has had three minor seizures over this last week (spasms in the right arm), likely from the growth of the tumor. After the final two on the 23rd, his medications were increased yet again. His right arm lost a bit of functionality from the seizures, and the medications have made him tired and weak. He’s bouncing back though, of course! Today we worked with friends Cindy and Everett Hall. Cindy made pouches on Craig’s wheelchair so he can carry a water bottle, telephone, and books. Everett helped Susanne with properly labeling our electrical circuit breaker box. They also stocked our freezer with homemade food. Yay!

One significant milestone in the last few days…Craig is back loading the dishwasher and doing the dishes. He figured out how to do it from the wheelchair!

Love,

Susanne & Craig

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1 comment:

Jack Wolf said...

Craig and Susanne,

You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. It is good to know you have wonderful friends who are there for you and help in ways small and large.

I'm in Lyndhurst every Tuesday morning and can stop to visit, bring you somethings or help in some way. Let me know what would be best for you.

Jack Wolf

November 4, 2008 at 12:52 PM

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