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.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

The Race and Physical Shifts, June 10, 2009

On Sunday (June 7), Craig requested that his daughter Michelle and I represent him on the Craig and Stephanie team for the annual Race for the Place fundraiser for The Gathering Place (our cancer support center). Our friend Stephanie died of pancreatic cancer about 18 months ago. We had about 28 on the team and raised about $1200. It was a bit sad doing it without Craig, that’s for sure, but good to do it nevertheless.

Here are the photos: www.claricomm.com/RaceforthePlace2009.pdf

Our uneventful period ended over the last couple of days, as Craig and I are dealing with things coming out of both ends of his body again. Thankfully, the hospice nursing assistants and our caregiver helped with the cleanup process!

Kim Klein, the hospice nurse, and I assessed Craig today. We have been lowering the steroid level for the last 10 days. However, it’s clear that brain swelling is now uncomfortable for him. He is experiencing pressure around his forehead and temples. There’s also swelling in front of his ears and at the base of the neck. So, the dosage will now ramp back up somewhat.

There continues to be some lung congestion and capacity reduction as well, but he is still sleeping well and the coughing is not generally keeping either of us awake. He’s still sleeping a lot and eating only small amounts, but still recognizing visitors and clearly understanding most of what is said to him.

Love,

Susanne

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