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.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Back on Track: April 15 to May 2

Got a bit behind in updating the blog. Sorry about that!

I did see the infectious disease specialist:

 Based on the test results and his observations, he sees no reason to assume that there is a bone infection and wants Susanne to watch for surface infection and re-culture it if there continues to be signs.

 He prescribed no treatment, either IV or oral antibiotics, and asked that I see him again in 10 days for follow up. If there are further signs of infection, he thinks oral antibiotics would be better than the IV ones.

I also had the follow up visit at which point he indicated that he saw no need for antibiotics and I should continue with the chemotherapy treatments. This is excellent news!

I saw the oncologist and the next round of chemotherapy is scheduled to start May 5. He was interested to hear that 3 different intuitive healing type folks that I’ve seen in the last several months find that the chemotherapy drug, Temodar, that I’m using shows to be beneficial to me. This is very unusual...but who ever said I was normal.

Fatigue continues to be a constant challenge. My sense is that the fatique is more a result of the increased dosage of the anti-seizure medication than the chemotherapy drug. I’ve not had the energy to get up and go to the YMCA in the mornings with Susanne. On days without medical appointments or treatments, I’m pushing through about 3-4 hours of work in the morning, coming home very tired, eating lunch, and then sleeping a couple of hours. Usually I have enough ability to then concentrate for another 1-2 hours of work. Susanne and I are still consistently going for a walk, which helps to keep my red blood cell counts up. Our evening activities have decreased, although being home is then allowing us to watch old I Love Lucy TV videos, which consistently make us laugh. Great for stress relief and healing!

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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

The rest of the story….

We were so relieved at the word from the specialist about the infection. The skin on the top of Craig’s head continues to be thin and weak though, so daily Bacitracin topical antibiotic application is still needed to chase away “bugs”.

Our routines are shifting, and Craig’s fatigue is resulting in me spending more time alone. This makes it easier to get work done, but it’s also lonely at times. It’s strange to go to the Y to exercise without Craig. But, I know I need it, so I’m going. He’s ready for bed by 8:30 or 9 at night, which is too early for me, so our bedtime routines are shifting too.

The oncologist indicated Craig’s blood counts are quite low – red and white both. The low hemoglobin also leads to fatigue. So, guess what? More leafy green vegys coming his way! Chemo was approved, but they will affect the counts again, so everyone will be watching them carefully over the coming weeks.

I was grateful that Craig was able to come and watch me compete in an area Toastmasters speech evaluation contest on Saturday, April 26th. Due to his fatigue, we did not stay for the all-day conference and just went to the contest. But, it was great to win 2nd place and have him there to see me get the trophy!

May 5, 2008 at 6:09 PM

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