Wednesday, June 13, 2012

The Road Ahead

We got the pathology report today.  Unfortunately it was not good news.  The tumor is a grade 4 tumor.  This is a cancerous tumor and as a grade 4 is the most aggressive grade that can be given.  Obviously this is disappointing.  Of grade 4 tumors some are more responsive to radiation and chemotherapy than others.  They are doing more extensive testing to see how responsive this tumor will be to treatment. Even though they got all of the tumor there are still cells left behind that can cause reoccurring cancer. With a grade 4 tumor it is very likely this will happen.

Although this is not good news the doctor said Dennis' age and overall health will be important.  He will begin radiation and chemotherapy soon.  There is a team of doctors who will meet on Monday to go over his case and discuss all the possible approaches to his care.

For the next couple of weeks Dennis will concentrate on healing from the surgery.  They can't start the next phase of treatment until he has healed some.

God is walking along this journey with us.  He is meeting our needs in so many ways. Keep praying for us.  We are being supported by your prayers.

10 comments:

  1. Our prayers are with you all at this time, yes Dennis has a battle to fight but one he can win with God by his side,for now concentrate on healing!!!

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  2. Oh my. Praying for all of you and for those giving diagnoses and treatment plans. Our God is too good to be unkind and too wise to make mistakes.

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  3. Ellen, I had not been online in a few days to check blogs and I just got on your normal blog and then came over to read the news about Dennis on here. I am just beyond shocked! I am so sorry you guys are going through this! We will certainly be praying for you guys and for Brooke. Trusting that God is going to walk along side all of you in the days to come.

    Jenny and Ben
    calcrew.wordpress.com

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  4. Cancer's big, but praise God that God is bigger.
    Praying with you.

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  5. Ellen,

    We will keep praying for Dennis, you and Brooke daily. I heard some words of encouragement this morning and thought I would share them with you.

    "Peace isn't the absence of chaos, but the presence of God."

    In Him,
    Kieren

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  6. Praying, praying, praying here in Oregon for Dennis and your entire family. May we (continue) to see miracles at work in your lives!

    Hope and comfort,

    Lynne
    China mama
    Oregon

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  7. Praying for Dennis and that he is able to stay healthy for a very long time. Also praying for peace for you and Brooke.

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  8. Hi Ellen,
    We are concerned for you and praying for you. "Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10 Pastor, Barbara, & Chris Lincoln

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  9. Our heartfelt love and prayers are with all of you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do from afar!

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  10. Dennis and Ellen,

    I'm so sorry to hear about Dennis' brain cancer. I know more about brain cancer than I ever thought I would as my sister also has GBM. She has been fighting it for just over two years now, so she has beaten the odds. Stay strong and keep fighting. Value each day as the gift it is. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Tom Tenley

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