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.