Progress, therapy; a friend loses his battle with brain cancer

Sat 12/15/07
One thing that hasn't changed since the onset of Susan's brain tumor treatment is the busy-ness of December, hence the delay since my last update. I'm pleased to report the past two weeks have been marked by terrific progress on all fronts in Susan's condition, in strength, alertness, memory, initiation, stamina, and so on. Having the lumbar shunt implanted made a dramatic impact – I think hydrocephalus had been a factor for a while. With hopes of continued momentum against tumor growth, the future is looking brighter.
We got back on track with Rehab Without Walls and have had a series of evaluation and therapy visits this month. Her therapists are a good fit for Susan as a motivated and well-functioning patient, and are poised help her push through her barriers toward independence. Physical therapist (p-t) Tracy took Susan to shop at Trader Joe's yesterday after she compiled the grocery list. Among the items she bought were ingredients to make Tuesday's dinner with Kim, her occupational therapist (o-t). Also, Susan has taken the challenge to shed her walker in favor of a cane for greater mobility and freedom. These ladies care about seeing their patients improve and are truly impressed with Susan's advances since October. I believe Sue will make great strides on this program.
Susan's vision loss is her most troubling symptom since it prevents her from communicating – seeing people's eyes and facial expressions and reading anything but extra-large print. We pray for a breakthrough.

With deep sadness, we learned our friend Larry Litherland passed away yesterday after being overcome by the brain tumor that was diagnosed earlier this year. Susan and I were joined ironically with Larry and Laura on parallel journeys we did not expect or want. Larry's brain surgery occurred several weeks before we found out about Susan's tumor; and with tumors on the left frontal lobe, they had matching incisions. We would see them at LB Memorial Radiation Oncology when Larry and Susan had radiation therapy together for a while, and we'd compare notes and encourage & pray for each other over the months. The couple we had known earlier as our friend Greg's parents became dear to us as we shared the hardships and uncertainty of life-altering illness. Our hearts break for Laura as she grieves the loss of her high school sweetheart, and we join her in gratitude that Larry is with the Lord and had a peaceful passing. We lift the Litherland family in prayer and sympathy.