Next Step

Last Thursday found Gerry and I back at the Radiologist's. We had talked to Dr. Omezo last July. The surgeons say now is the time to do the radiation. Dr. Omezo wants to check back with the neurosurgeons to make sure radiation will not damage the nerve graft. We are expecting the office to call with an appointment for a new MRI. Dr. Omezo will work off this to plan the angles for the radiation. The new plan is to have one massive treatment of radiation. The dangers of this really no longer exist for Gerry.

• The danger of future cancer risk is the same as many small treatments.
• Protecting the facial nerve is not an issue, his facial nerve is already dead.
• Protecting the hearing on that side is not an issue as his hearing is also gone on that side.

The dangers are:

• Possible cancer risk in the future as with all radiation.
• Collateral tissue damage, (about the same with the large dose as with the many small doses).

Radiation will not dissolve the tumor. It is suppose to stop the growth. The tumor could implode on itself as a result of radiation. There is the possibility of the treatment not stopping the growth of the tumor. There is also to possibility of the tumor swelling, at treatment time, or years from now as a result of radiation.

The Neurosurgeons at Kaiser will fit a metal frame onto Gerry's head, with points going into his skull. Then he will be transferred to Emanuel Hospital for a half day treatment.
As we take this next step please pray for:

• desired outcomes
• little fatigue as a result of treatment
  
• continued rest in Our Lord
• growth in Gerry's private counseling practice

Thank you for your care! The Lord is using each of you to bless our family. He is faithful.
Gerry was back at work Sat. He is tired, but doing well. There is still lots of healing going on under the surface. He is happy to be speaking clearly.

As he walks through the house be breaks into song, praising God for His goodness.

Staples Removed

The staples are out. Gerry went to see Dr. Hoffman yesterday. The doctor took out the staples, and said everything " looks good". Now we have to wait again. The new nerve endings for the nerve graft grow at 1mm a day. So it will take awhile for the new endings to grow out into the face. In about 3-4 months, Gerry should start feeling tickles on his face. Full movement, hopefully, will return in 6 months, to as long as 9 months. This process works 9 times out of 10. The scars form the incisions are already fading. The doctor does excellent sewing!
His eye is not having as much pain. Doctor Hoffman will adjust the weight in his lid and the lid itself as needed.
The next doctors visit is in one month.

Gerry's spirits are good and has high energy. He plans to return to work at the end of next week.

Please pray with us:

• as we wait for the return of feeling and usage in the right side of his face.
• for clients for his private marriage and family counseling practice.
• the approval of the disability insurance for loss of three weeks of work.

Gerry and I thank God for our large "family". I can't say enough how your care has upheld us everyday. Thank you
Debbie