Dr. Cloughesy Confirms: Clear Scan

Brain cancer is...

...not the boss of Darrell. 

At 8:31 this morning, Dr. Cloughesy confirmed that the tumor cavity is holding steady. 
Images 3 and 4, above, are the current scan.  Compare Image 4 with May's Image 1, and you see no change to the tumor site.  No growth!

At 9:01, we were enjoying our victory breakfast at Tiverton.

 Hooray for another great day!

Hey wait--The day gets even better!

Gwen and Steve Rudney have been our friends for 30 years.  Gwen and I taught middle school together, shared an office at UCR together, and wrote dissertations together.  We all raised kids together.  Although we've stayed close, it's been a decade since we've seen each other.  Lunch, above, was so great it lasted three hours.  Maybe the only sweeter moment was our reunion on the streets of Westwood.  Where's a camera when you need one?

Here's to friendships that last forever!

Tucked in at Tiverton

Brain cancer is...

...stealthy.

Tiverton House upgraded us to the junior suite, which has a kitchenette and a cool hiding place, which Darrell spotted immediately.

We've changed arrays and are ready for Darrell's 8:30 appointment with Dr. Cloughesy.  Fingers crossed that Dr. Cloughesy agrees with Dr. Park about waiting 8 weeks for the next MRI.

Happy Sunday!

Living Large

Brain cancer is...

...living large.

Make it rain, friends!

We made the physical goals of the day, as you see with mileage and push up stature, below.

We all need to live just a little bit larger, right?

Happy Saturday, Friends!

Great News! UBO = NBD!

Brain cancer is...

 ...living free for another two months!

The appointment with Dr. Park went so well today!  He agreed that the tumor is inactive--Hurrah! 

Regarding the UBO:  Dr Park is not worried.  NBD (No Big Deal). He said that the UBO seems to come and go, to which we responded that one particularly vigilant radiologist seems to see it most clearly.  Gotta love Dr. Park.  He is in contact with the radiologist who spots the UBO.  But--best news ever--Dr. Park scheduled Darrell's MRI in 8 weeks, in September.  That was Darrell's best case scenario. 

Above you see us celebrating with...breakfast burritos "for old time's safe."  (How cool is it that "old times" were a year ago?  How cool is it that Darrell says, "I just can't take a bad picture"?)

Gotta Stay Up and Watch Carson

When Darrell reflects on the importance of "two months between scans," he compares it to his childhood.  In his childhood, he begged his parents to stay up "just a little longer."  "Gotta stay up and watch Carson."  Now, when he and I are watching Law and Order to wind down at day's end, he asks for, "just one more commercial."  That's the importance of "just eight more weeks" between scans.  Darrell says that we all want just a little more than what appears certain.  Darrell, I will watch as many episodes and as many commercials as we are given. 

Today we celebrate.

Don't Try This at Home, Kids!

Brain cancer is...

...not to be trusted with the tape. 

After the last (fabulous!) day of summer camp, I was busy grading. Darrell needed a failing array taped down before our walk, but he didn't want to interrupt my grading.  Above you see that he tackled the job himself.

No more tape for you, Darrell. Leave taping to the experts.

Regarding Brain Muck 

"Brain muck" is our own affectionate term for what the MRI results (below) call a "T2 hyperintense nonenhancing focus." 

We did a bit of research to explore the possible make up of a T2 hyperintense nonenhancing focus, and our results shed some light on the mystery of muck.  Click here for the abstract of an article that investigates said foci.

Here it is in a nutshell:  T2 hyperintense nonenhancing foci are very common in brain MRIs.  They are so common that they have another nickname:  UBOs (Unidentified Bright Objects).  The researchers noted that, despite their prevalence, UBOs are very difficult to diagnose.  The researchers conclude that diagnosis cannot be made on the basis of MRI alone and needs to be part of the larger picture.  The researchers examined UBOs on 246 brain MRIs and associated the UBOs with no fewer than 15 different causes.

No wonder Darrell's doctors cannot yet determine the nature of the muck.  It could be one of many things, including "aging brain."  Isn't that a happy thought for us all?  UBOs for everyone!

We plan to take the abstract with us on Darrell's visit to Dr. Park tomorrow.

Where Did You Find Happiness Today?

Brain cancer is...

...successful in its search for happiness today.

We were happy so many times today.  Above, we found happiness--no surprise!--in Darrell's humor.  In this picture, he is anticipating my every need.  You know what I'm going to say:  Everyone works!

We found happiness in the amazing culmination of the Identity Assemblage with the gallery openings yesterday (Block 22) and today (Block 21).

Personal happiness side note: Just being with Blocks 22 and 21 made me joyously happy this week. What a wonderfully accepting, loving, dedicated, and thoughtful bunch of educators.  Thank you, Blocks 22 and 21 for what you bring to our world and to me as a person.

We found happiness in being with LuAnn and considering the virtues of contentment.  We also found happiness in the bit of nature that is her fish pond. 

It's not even 7 p.m.  We wonder where else we might find happiness today!

Mostly Good Tentative News

Brain cancer is...

...holding stable, say tentative reports.

With Zachary's assistance, Darrell sailed through the MRI this morning.  And Zach handled the array change well.

The radiologist's report just came in.  It concludes that there is no appreciable change near the tumor site.  (Recall that, if and when GBM recurs, it tends to be at the site of the original tumor.)  Hurrah! Go Darrell!

The "brain muck" that we have written about in the past, as in this post, seems a bit more prominent in today's MRI.  In the past it was measured at 6 mm.  Today it was measured at 9 mm. 

That means that the muck may indeed be muckier than in the past, but Drs. Tiana and Alex say that's not the only possibility.  For example, the image might just have been through a different, larger, portion of the muck. 

Darrell is not sure how to feel about the muck.  You may remember that Dr. Cloughesy said in the past that he was 99% sure that the muck was not tumor.  It's very far away from the original surgical site, and it has none of characteristics of a tumor.  So our plan is to suspend any emotion about the muck until we can see Dr. Park on Friday and Dr. Cloughesy on Monday.

Despite the MRI events of the day, Darrell carried on.  Everyone works.  Here he is helping me with the signage for the Identity Assemblage after class:

And here he is working at home later:

He completed all this work with quite the sore arm--caused by problems at the injection site.  Warning:  I thought it might be a bit too graphic to post.  Look away, squeamish friends.  But Darrell insists, "Give the people what they want!"  Here it is:

Curt--awesome?

More news after some doctor visits.

Thanks, Everyone! 

Big Cancer Eradication Week

Brain cancer is...

...under careful attention this week.

This is routine follow up week.  Above, Darrell plays, "Follow the Phlebotomist."  Photo is courtesy of Zach.  Speaking of Zach, he's Caregiver #1 this week for our cancer events as I am on campus.  Thank goodness for Team D's many members.  Thank goodness for competent, caring children!

After camp, Darrell and I celebrated his successful blood draw and acceptable blood counts at...

...you guessed it.  Panera.

Here are the remaining events for the Big Cancer Eradication Week:

• Tuesday:  MRI.  Check in time is 8:30.
• Thursday:  Optune data download.  10 a.m.
• Friday:  Dr. Park.  8:15.

This Sunday we head back to UCLA for a Monday appointment with Dr. Cloughesy.

We all know that Superhero Darrell makes cancer treatment seem almost easy with his great attitude.  Nonetheless, this is a great week for calming thoughts if you have some to spare.

Thank you so much for your support at every step in this journey.

Guillaumes GOT Game of Thrones

Brain caner is..

...quite the chef.

Tiana and Alex stayed over last night to be ready for the first GOT (Game of Thrones) feast of the season.  Beowulf enjoyed his nighttime routine of "smothering" Darrell repeatedly.  You'll see it in the slideshow.  We're not quite sure what it means.

We again counted ourselves fortunate that Tiana and Alex could come over just for the day...and partake in the wondrous, ancient, year-old tradition of creating and enjoying of the weekly GOT feast.

Last season we stuck closely to recipes in our official GOT Cookbook.  This season we are freewheeling a bit, with the showcase of today's feast being Darrell's own creation, Medieval Meat.  It was accompanied by Summer's delectable dishes:  bacon green beans, bisquits, gravy, and roasted potatoes (following the recipe from Medieval Times).  Delicious.

Click here for our slideshow.   

Disclaimer:  You'll see that I contributed absolutely nothing to the feast except to appreciate it. Everyone works.  But I did enjoy the privilege of a full house again.  And the episode was action packed!

Ready for the week?

Handy AND Humorous

Brain cancer is...

...handy and humorous.

When we walked through the California Native Garden at Craig Park today, Darrell was bothered that many of the rocks bordering the pathways were out of place.  He is rectifying that situation, above. 

As he worked, Darrell muttered, "Keeping this place in shape is a full time job!"

He's handy and humorous:  An unbeatable combination.

Among many other successes, Darrell also helped me finish hanging the Nevelson-inspired Identity Assemblage today. 

Zachary says the assemblage is epic.  We concur.

We hope you had an epic Saturday.

Phriday Photos

Brain cancer is...

...oddly dressed.

Excited about his Friday, Darrell tried out the cold shoulder look as he helped me find my blouse.  Today we learned that not every one of Darrell's wardrobe choices is genius.

Regarding the above photo, Darrell remarks, "I just can't take a bad picture!" 

After a quick wardrobe change, breakfast with Gordon was enjoyable, as usual.

Lunch at Olive Garden with Summer--who had never been there--and Zach was equally enjoyable. 

Now it's back to grading. 

We hope your Friday was as full of good pictures as ours.

Thankful for Thursday

Brain cancer is...

...still working.  And still playing.

While Mousse helped Darrell change the linens (above), Andi had another great day at camp.

Teacher candidates Kelsey, Hannah, and Vivian joined in the fun.  I mean work.  Sometimes it's so hard to tell the difference between the two, work and play.

Our summer camp hit the news yesterday.  Click here for the write up in the Orange County Register.  See what I mean?  The best work is play. 

Appreciating the Paperwork

Brain cancer is...

...appreciating the day's paperwork. No, really! 

Back at home = back to cancer-related paperwork...in a good way.  Here are today's three great pieces of paperwork.

Great Paperwork #1 

(Not pictured.) Upon Darrell's diagnosis, we filed paperwork to allow me to speak on his behalf with the insurance company and various medical agencies.  Great news!  It turns out that that paperwork expires every year.  Today we filled out another set of forms.  What an awesome paperwork task with which to be faced! Another year!

Great  Paperwork #2

Today we learned that the cost of Darrell's "genomic analysis" would indeed be covered by insurance. We had support from Foundation One--for which we are very grateful--so for us the victory was not monetary.  The insurance company originally declined to pay for the admittedly very costly genetic screening on the grounds that such testing was "experimental" and thus not part of the "standard of care" treatment for GBM*

This image from the letter we received today shows the results of an independent medical review of the claim.  It states that now (just a year later), genetic screening is standard of care for GBM and can potentially affect patient outcomes positively.  We are thrilled for the families whose cancers can now be treated with the expanding arsenal of GBM weapons.** 

Great Paperwork #3

Since Darrell's diagnosis, we switched from keeping electronic calendars to keeping a paper calendar because it's more transportable.  (Don't ask.) Here's a picture of the corner of our calendar:

To minimize calendar bulkiness, we only print out a couple months at a time and staple them on as we go.  Today we added three more pages, for fall 2017.  Here's to another staple!

We hope that any paperwork you did today was, similarly, paperwork worthy of appreciation.


8:22 p.m Update:  Today Senator John McCain was diagnosed with GBM.  Click here for CNN's report.  Our hearts go out to the Senator and his family.



*Our insurance company has been supportive overall, and people there have typically been kind and caring.  Our happiness is not that anyone needs to pay thousands of dollars for testing but that this decision so clearly signals rapid advances in the field.  Finally.  The treatment of GBM has been static for many many years, before game changers like Temozolomide (Darrell's chemo drug), Optune, and targeted therapies.  

 **Side note:  There are still no genetic therapies targeted for Darrell's specific tumor markers, but as we say, this particular field of cancer treatment is moving fast.

San Diego: Day Three and OUT!

Brain cancer is...

....back home.

What a great getaway! 

Happy Tuesday, Team D! 

San Diego Day Two

Brain cancer is...

...stomping.

It's fun to be back in this city, our old stomping grounds. We graduated from SDSU in 1983, and we came back often for our one trip per year--anniversary, the boys staying with Gordon and Beverly.

It was a relaxing day. We did 0 push ups and 0 crawling. Here's the slideshow link. 

Slipping Away to San Diego

Brain cancer is...

..back on the train.

Sure, everyone works. But also everyone plays. Summer and Zach dropped us off at the Fullerton train station this morning for a couple days in San Diego. We are thinking of you and your connections to California's second  largest (and also very beautiful) city. 

Here is our video link for day one. Side note: we haven't checked in yet.  How like life.

San Diego Day One Video Link

Bonus Content

Okay. Darrell's and my birthdays are in August. I like to do difficult things on my birthday. Although I don't often run (thanks, bad knee!), I like to do a--for me--big run on my birthday. Next month I celebrate the double nickels. Wheee!   I will run 5.5 miles. Not a big deal for the runners in the house,  but it is for me. I am at 4.6 miles. Close. No big deal.

The BIG deal is the other double nickels thing: 55 push ups. A growing Big D crowd has committed to tracking push up growth daily, aiming to hit 55 push ups in whatever form challenges the individual.  What's your response? 

A. What's a push up? Be quiet.

B. Yeah. Whatever. I do push-ups whenever I want.

C. I am thinking. Call you later.

D. I am in. Give me access to the Google doc so I can log my progress.

It's whatever. But if you choose D, email me and I will add you to the push up power crowd Google spreadsheet.

Finally, You're wondering: What is Darrell's 57th birthday goal? He plans on crawling (yeah, crawling) 0.57 miles. He says it makes sense. I am NOT in, thus far. But YOU should do it for sure. Contact Darrell directly.

Gimpy Loves Gumby

Brain cancer is...

...working on our fitness.

Darrell and Andi both learned something during the photo, above.  Darrell learned that walking backward does not trick your body into thinking you're headed downhill all the time.  Andi learned that a picture of someone walking backward is virtually identical to a picture of someone walking forward. 

I am doing some training in running, increasing my mileage.  Each time I stand up after sitting, it takes me a couple seconds to get all my parts headed smoothly in the same direction.  Hence, Darrell calls me Gimpy.  The title of this post was a quote from Darrell today.  He is correct.  Gimpy does love Gumby...madly.

Happy Saturday, Movers and Shakers!

Wearing Our Shoes Out...and Wearing Out Our Shoes

Brain cancer is...

...joyful.

On February 13, 2016, I ran two miles instead of punching someone in the face (noted in this post).  Seventeen months and one day later, I needed to retire those shoes.  And Darrell needed new shoes too. 

How cool is that?  Darrell and I have done hundreds of miles together since that day.  And no faces have been punched. Not one.

Today we bought new shoes for the next few hundred miles. 
What should have been a simple commemorative photo shoot (above), turned into this:

And this

And best of all, this:

This is [another] great day to be alive and to be sitting on a couch in the front yard with friends.

We're glad you're alive too, Friends.  Happy Friday!

Still Smiling

Brain cancer is...

...still smiling.

We had the privilege of photographing this not-often seen blue heron up close at the park this morning.

 And then it flew away.

But why?  Could it be...this man behind the trees...

...urging me ever closer?  Darrell, can you say, "flight zone"?

Both the blue heron and Darrell's antics (again!) had us smiling. 

With Darrell's support, I spent the day at our Science/Art camp for children working on honing their academic English skills (the ELD camp we've mentioned).  You see, below, that I smiled all day.

Bess beetles are the best

There's a reason king snakes are royals!

We are only posting pics of Andi's smiles here because we don't have permission to post the smiles that matter the most:  those of the campers.  They are making magic as researchers, scientists, and artists.

Plenty of reasons to smile here, Friends. 

Are you smiling too?

So Many Kinds of Good

Brain cancer is...

 ...exploring so many kinds of "good," all in one day.

It was before 8 this morning when we took the photo, above.  Darrell was with me, hanging the art, doing some repairs (see blue tape), and in the case of the photo, pointing out problems with quality control.

(Side note:  Given the public outcry in support of Darrell's requests for a better compensation package--and also because he is so darn convincing, he's definitely getting a better package.  So don't complain about his hours.)

He and I went our separate ways, being productive.  I got the better deal, spending several joyful hours with Block 21, listening to them plan ways to improve the world for our children.  (Hey!  Maybe I shouldn't admit how much fun I have at work...just in case I want to argue for a better compensation package of my own.) 

Darrell was back in the art room with me, not leaving the art installation until 3 p.m.  A long day, but look:

Stunning, right?  We'll post a long shot when the installation is complete.

Back at home, we had the pleasure of Zach's company.  He picked up a CSUF faculty parking permit because he's doing a guest lecture next week. 

Really, should children be allowed to give college lectures, let alone park in the faculty lot? When did that happen?

The three of us continued our conversations with a walk at the park.  We enjoyed visits with other happy park goers.  Even the ducks seemed talkative and content.

And now...on to the cake from the Victoria/Torres Family!

So many kinds of good, all in one day.

We wish the same for you and your Wednesday.

Re-Opening Negotiations?

Brain cancer is...

...working it!

When Darrell picked me up after class today, his first words were, "We need to rethink this 'everyone works' thing."  Basically he wants to reopen negotiations beyond compensation rates to include (a) time off and (b) benefits. 

I can't help but take his request to re-open negotiations seriously because by 1:30 Darrell had:

• Fed me coffee
• Fed me breakfast
• Packed my beverages and lunch (with love note) 
• Practiced keyboarding
• Practiced speech
• Shopped
• Cleaned house some
• Detailed another car (above)

I am in a great mood after the day's many successes, so how can I resist?

More of the day's successes:

• Block 22 rocked it with information processing theory, marginalization, and critical thinking. 
• Seattle gift (Kim N!)
• Happy Birthday, Hannah!
• Brownies! (Christine)
• Cupcakes! (Nicole)
• Burritos!  (Denise!) 
• Texts from Ginger indicate that the first two days of our STEAM Camp were fabulous.
• Identity boxes (Just wait! And, no, I don't have a manicure. Below see my small badges of honor from my box painting session with Darrell.)

•  Date night with Melanie and Gail (The pic was too dark.  Boo.  But thanks for letting me talk the whole time, you two!)

Okay, Darrell.  Name your price.

Thanks, everyone, for the goodness that this day held.

Everyone Works (Some More!)

Brain cancer is...

...still working so hard!

With Darrell's cheery assistance (above), it only took me 10 hours to prep for this week's class. Thanks for the assist, Darrell!

It's a good thing I didn't have him type today.  He just told me his hands hurt from typing so much.  (He assures me he's not looking for a free pass for his keyboarding practice time tomorrow.)

Great news about gooey sticky snowman head!  We changed his arrays today and were able to capture the goo on camera.

Now you can go to bed content.  (Ha ha.)  Happy Monday, everyone.