Radiation Simulation

Travis was fitted for his radiation therapy mask today, Tuesday January 29th. This mask will be used to keep his head completely still and in the same position during each therapy session. His treatment will begin on Monday, February 11th and will be M-F for 6 weeks. Right now he is scheduled for 7:00 treatments each morning, but we are hoping that after the first appointment we can change the time to meet our needs.

Please begin praying for the radiation oncologist, Dr. Mahajan, the success of radiation treatments and the radiation technician that will be completing each treatment. Please also pray that a time will become open allowing easier travel to and from the medical center with Jacob.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Doctor's Appointment - Dr. Mahajan

In the afternoon of Tuesday, January 22nd we met with Dr. Mahajan, the neuro-radiologist. She also discussed the pathology and said that she would even label the tumor to be more like a Grade 2.5! She discussed with us the radiation therapy treatment schedule and its side-effects. Travis will begin radiation therapy on Monday, February 11th and will continue the treatment M-F for 6 weeks. She talked with us about some of the side-effects which include: fatigue and hair loss in the area of treatment. We were grateful to learn that many of the side-effects may not be applicable to Travis because of where his tumor site is. We really liked Dr. Mahajan and have decided to have treatment at MDAnderson in the Medical Center.

We continue to thank you for the many prayers lifted up in our families name and for all of the encouragement and support that you have sent us through your blog comments. We look forward to seeing you all soon and sharing how God is using our lives for His Glory!

We Love You All!

Doctor's Appointment - Dr. Degroot

On Tuesday morning, January 22nd, we met with a neuro-oncologist, Dr. Degroot, to discuss treatment options for Travis. Dr. Degroot concurred that he believed Dr. Lang, the surgeon, had removed 100% of the tumor and that what is currently seen on the MRI as tumor is hard to determine if it is actual tumor or artifact related to swelling of the brain or surgery. He also agreed that Travis' tumor has been labeled a Grade 3, borderline Grade 2. The reason for this diagnosis is because in the pathology they found infiltrating cells that are characteristic of cancerous cells. Infiltrating cells are ones that infiltrate and move into surrounding tissue. Most of the time these microscopic cells infiltrate back into the tissue and are unable to be removed surgically. For this reason, Dr. Degroot is recommending radiation therapy for 6 weeks. After that time another MRI will be conducted to see if there is any new growth. If there are no changes then Dr. Degroot will monitor the tumor site with MRI's every 2-3 months. If there is any growth of another possible tumor then chemotherapy will be given. As of right now Dr. Degroot does not feel that the positive effects of chemotherapy would outweigh the future negative effects. Dr. Degroot also spoke with us about the prognosis. In Grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma tumors the average life expectancy is 3 -5 years. As you are reading this I know that this news scares you as much as it does us. We just want to let you know that Travis is anything, but average! Dr. Degroot also thinks Travis is above average and said he had a lot of great things going for him. #1. His age. #2 His recovery from surgery. If you haven't seen or talked to him yet, you will be amazed to find almost no deficiency physically or mentally. #3 The complete or nearly complete resection of the tumor. #4 The border line Grade2/3 pathology report. Most importantly, Our great and powerful physician THE LORD OUR GOD! We know that He has an incredible plan for Travis' life to be Glorified beyond any NUMBER.

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

The Tumor Board

We wanted to share with you some amazing information we found out at Travis' doctor's appointment last week. Travis' case was presented before a tumor board. This is where many top doctors at MDAnderson sit and conference over current cases. Not all cases are presented before this board, but we are thankful that Travis' was. During the conference they discussed the pathology results and treatment options for Travis. It is really an honor to have Travis' case on a tumor board because you are receiving 2nd, 3rd and 4th opinions. We think that being on the tumor board has also allowed us to have the best doctors placed as Travis' physicians. (Praise God!)

Encouraging News

Hello Everyone. We received encouraging news today, Friday January 18th. Travis and I attended a doctor's appointment this morning with Dr. Lang, Travis' neuro-surgeon. He talked to us about two great debates that had occurred the day before in a conference of doctors at MD Anderson. The main topic of their meeting was Travis' brain tumor case. After close examination of the MRI the radiologist in attendance believes Dr. Lang removed 100% of the tumor. Dr. Lang, however, believes there is a small amount still left towards the back of the tumor site. Either way a large majority of the tumor was removed, so much that it is undetermined how much is still left after the operation! Another topic discussed during the conference was the Grade of the tumor. Initially,before the surgery, the tumor was thought to be a Grade 2 (brain based tumor that is benign), however after the surgery the extracted tumor showed that the tumor had Grade 3 cells (brain based tumor that has cancerous cells). Today Dr. Lang discussed with us that the tumor is a Grade 3, but border line to a Grade 2. This means there was a small focus of Grade 3, however because there were any cancerous cells it is labeled as a Grade 3 tumor and must be treated with radiation and/or chemotherapy. Today we praise God for this favorable news and remember that our hope is not in each circumstance, but in our Creator and Lord.

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7

Travis is Home!

Hello Everyone! We just wanted to let you know that on Thursday, January 17th Travis came home from the hospital. He is still recovering and is very tired, but very glad to be home. He was excited to see Jacob and Jacob was glad that his Da-Da was home at last! Thank you all so much for sending your love and encouragement through prayer. Travis is still recovering and will most likely rest for the remainder of the day. We would love to have visitors, but please keep in mind that he is still very weak and can only stay awake and engaged in conversation for a short period of time at this point. He is also very susceptible to viruses right now and so we would ask that if you, or someone in your family is currently sick or have been sick that you wait to visit him another time. The best thing right now, if you would like to visit, would be to call before you come, just to let us know you are going to stop by.

We are so happy and thankful for Travis' homecoming and look forward to catching up with you and yours.

Thank you again for your prayers and your encouragement. We would not be able to face this as courageously without your support!

Jan. 16 visit by Dr. Lang

Dr. Lang came in to see Travis this morning and said he's doing well and improving. He said Travis will be home in a couple of days!

God is our Comfort

Everyone,
Travis and Jennifer are being comforted by God's grace and mercy and your prayers. While our hearts are sad, we know God is with us and has a reason for this.

The days ahead are scary, but they not dark because the Light of the World leads them.

Your prayers for Travis, Jennifer and Jacob are constant reminders of God's love and they feel it and see it. Your kindness is unmeasurable.

In the midst, we still see God's goodness -- Jennifer, her mom and Travis' brother were in the waiting room tonight when who walked in -- Travis! He's up and walking! If all continues, he should be home by Thursday.

Bless you all!

For Travis and Jennifer
('Aunt' Janet)

Pathology Results

Travis and Jennifer received sad news today -- Dr. Lang's nurse, Anna, said that Travis' tumor was a Grade 3, an anaplastic astrocytoma (cancer). Dr. Lang will be in later today to talk to them.

We know that you understand this is a very difficult day, and we ask that you respect our privacy at this time with no phone calls or visits.

Please continue to pray. We know God is hearing our prayers, and while His answers are different from our desires, we are faithful and know His ways are best.

Travis and Jennifer

On the Move!

Dr. Lang visited Travis Monday morning and said he will be moved to a step-down room today; not a regular room yet but we are praising Our Lord for Travis' recovery!

His blood pressure is still fluctuating some and as of now he's off IV medicines for that except on an as needed basis (pray that his pressure stablizes and he won't need the IV meds). Dr. Lang also decreased one of the anti-seizure medicines this morning, which we hope will make him less sleepy. Travis is more alert day-by-day and yesterday sat up for quite a while. All praises!

Dr. Lang wants Travis to walk today (yeah!) so remember that in your prayers as well.

Check back later today or in the morning because we want to set up a visiting plan. We know you want Travis to heal, recooperate and not get worn out, and we can't wait to be at a stage where visits will happen.

It's difficult to express what all of you mean to us -- we've felt your prayers, concerns, love and care. Please keep sending it.

Your Love is Overwhelming!!!

You guys are awesome! I have not been able to check the blog since Travis' surgery until this evening. I was touched and moved to tears by the outpouring of your hearts and lives. We indeed serve a MIGHTY GOD who overwhelms us with his love. Thank you to all who have responded with comments. Don't think they are just taking up Internet space. I printed out every single comment and will take them to the hospital tomorrow to read to Travis.

We Love All Of You!

Doctor's Update -- Jan. 12

Dr. Lang came in this afternoon to check on Travis. He said the MRI looked good; it showed no bleeding (which could indicate a stroke) and did show swelling, which is normal. He expects that to get better.

Dr. Lang confirmed that he was able to remove 90%+ of the tumor, and said Travis' weakness has improved since yesterday. Travis is still sleepy, but that could be caused from the added seizure medicine he's after since last night's seizure.

Travis will be in ICU through the weekend and possibly be moved to a room Monday.

We know prayers are being answered -- keep them coming, Travis' Prayer Warriors!

On the Mend

We feel the prayers and support and are more grateful that we can express. This update is for Friday, Jan. 11:

The doctor said Travis has started recovering well. Travis has been awake and alert and moving both sides of his body. He sat up for a while and has eaten (spaghetti and Bluebell ice cream!).

Some swelling has begun because of the surgery which caused Travis to have a seizure last night. The doctor said as the brain continues to heal and recover, there could be more. He's on steriods, which has caused him to have thrush in his mouth (fairly common) and is taking an antibotic to help that. He had an MRI last night and hope to know the results of that today.

Prayers for today: continued recovery and healing; for the swelling to lessen; and the thrush to disappear. Also remember Jennifer -- this new chapter in their lives is sometimes difficult to navigate.

We know so many of you would like to visit and offer your support, and we appreciate your understanding the most important thing is for Travis to heal, rest and recover.

Our God is a mighty God we feel His presence and your concern with your prayers.

Travis and Jennifer

Update on Travis

We want everyone to know that Travis is doing well. This afternoon he was able to sit up, ate some lunch and talked for a while.

He's sleeping now and at 4 p.m. will have an MRI. Pray that everything is healing as it should and he continues to recovery.

Blessed is our Lord, who shines favor on us.

Travis' Recovery in ICU

Faithful family and friends:
Travis is stronger today and doing well. Even though he's experiencing weakness on his left side, his fighting spirit is strong and he's raising his left hand to stretch, scratch his nose and push himself up in the bed. Praise God for such a mighty miracle!

Two specific prayer requests:
1. His blood pressure has been elevated through the night and he's on the higest dose of medicine they can give him.
2. His heart rate is elevated.

Both of these things can be contributed to morphine and the stress his body has been put through, but please pray that they lower. Having solid foods will allow him to be off the morphine drip, so also pray for a hearty appetite!

Travis will be in ICU through Sunday, and Dr. Lang has asked that only immediate family (wife/parents/siblings) visit with him, so the family respectfully asks that you continue your prayerful watch over Travis and Jennifer. Also, no cells phones or food is allowed in ICU so contact will be minimal.

Jennifer and the family will be reading the blog, so send your wishes here.

God has sent so many blessings, and will continue to do so. Bless each of you.

90-98% Gone!

Just heard an update...

Dr. Lang is confident that he removed at least 90% of the tumor and maybe as much as 98%. Travis is awake and is speaking with Jennifer and other loved ones right now. The medical staff is very pleased with the way he is responding.

Dr. Lang also believes that the cells removed are probably non-cancerious. We will receive the full pathology report next week.

There is a slight risk of stroke tonight, so please continue to lift Travis up. Also pray for a restful night for our favorite patient and the rest of the family.

Praise God for His faithfulness!

AND DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME!!!!!!

We received another update on Travis' surgery at 8:15 pm this evening. They have completed the surgery and are closing. We are so thrilled and amazed at the victory that God has completed in Travis. We are also in great awe of the surgeon, Dr. Lang's, skill and determination. He is definitely our family's hero. Another strong person today was Travis. What a trooper. After recovery he will be placed in ICU where we will be able to visit shortly.

A final post will be published this evening after we speak to the doctors.

Thanks for all of your prayers. Don't stop! We are not finished running this race.

It's been a long day, and there's more ahead...

Both Travis and Jennifer are getting quite tired, and we have at least 2-3 more hours to go. Travis is still awake during the surgery but is finding it hard to focus. Jennifer is battling anxiety about the pathology report. Please pray for positive results from pathology, peace, and strength.

Evening Update - 6:00pm

Dr. Lang is still working hard on getting all the tumor he can. He has been at it for hours on end, so please continue to pray for his skill and focus.

Travis continues to hang on like a champ. Will update again as soon as as know more.

Afternoon Update - 4pm

Tavis is still in surgery and is awake. Dr. Lang is going to try and remove as much of the tumor as possible, so it's good news that he's still operating.

It will take approximately two hours to wrap everything up after all the accessible tumor is taken out.

Please keep praying. Both Travis and Jennifer are doing exceptionally well.

Thanks for everything!

The Phone Call

Well it happened!! Travis called me on the lobby telephone at 2:00 this afternoon while in brain surgery! Praise the Lord! He sounded like he had just woken up from a nap, but was in a good state of mind. He said he had a little bit of a headache, but that is to be expected (per doctors). I told him I loved him and said he loved me too. I also told him how proud we all were of him, especially me. I encouraged him with Psalm 91 and told him of all of your prayers. I asked him if he would like to share anything else with me. Travis, being his punky self, said that he wanted anyone playing his Playstation Portable game at the hospital to not mess up his "career stats" and only play the "quick play"! He is definitely in good spirits.

Praising HIM!

Jennifer

Surgery Update - 1/10/08 - 1:45 pm

We were given another update on Travis' surgery at 1:45 pm. Travis is still doing well they are continuing to remove parts of the tumor while he is asleep and are preparing to awake him to remove any critical parts of the tumor.

The next update will be at 4:00.

Praising Him!

Surgery Update - 1/10/08 - 12:00 pm

Another update on Travis was received at 12:00 pm. They have begun the surgery and started to remove parts of the tumor. He is not awake at this time, but will be awakened soon to participate in the surgery. We may also recieve a telephone call from Travis during the surgery as a cognivtive screening!

The next update will be at 1:15/1:30


Thanks for your continuous prayer.

Surgery Update - 1/10/08 - 10:30am

The operating room nurse came to update on Travis' surgery and said everthing is going well as planned. They have removed the skull, passed thru dura and are ready to start removing the tumor.

Next update comes at 11:45.

Thanks for praying

The Big Day

If you would like to visit during the surgery on Thursday, January 10th you may come to Floor 5 near elevator F in the Main Building at MD Anderson.

We also wanted to let you know that Jennifer will be updating the blog site periodically during the surgery on the 10th.

We look forward to posting great updates!

To God be the Glory!

January 9th Appointments

Well tomorrow January 10th is the big day. Today was another long appointment day at MD Anderson. We met with the surgeon, Dr. Lang, to discuss all of the preoperative accounts of preparing for surgery. During this appointment Travis' head was marked with probes that will line up with the MRI and be used during the operation. Next we met with the anesthesiologist to discuss how he would control the anesthesia while Travis is in surgery. It was our first meeting with him, but found him to be very thorough in his explanation of his role during the surgery.
I have a little bit of new information for all of you prayer warriors out there. Our check-in time will be 5:15 am. During this time Travis will be taken into a holding room where they will take blood (just in case a blood transfusion be needed), and begin to prepare him physically for the surgical craniotomy. Dr. Lang believes he will begin to perform his portion of the surgery at 8:30 am. The first 2 hours of surgery Travis will be asleep. During this time they will open his brain to remove the tumor. For the next 4-6 hours Travis will be in and out of conscience to assist the anesthesiologist and neurosurgeon make their decision on what part of the tumor to remove. The first stage (awakening) of the surgery will be the difficult, so please pray that the anesthesiologist will be successful in awakening him and that he will have no trouble waking up in a mild manner and willing to participate. The last 2 hours of the surgery will be putting everything back into place. After surgery Travis will be in the ICU as long as needed. I hope you find this information useful and use it as much as our family will during the surgery.
We thank you all so very much for all of the support, encouragement and prayers you have given us.

We Love You!

Philippians 4:6 (New International Version)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Another Seizure

Early Monday morning around 12:30 am Travis had another frontal lobe seizure. It was very similar to the ones he was experiencing in December. He wakes up during his sleep, is unresponsive and feels a tingling sensation all over his body. Similar to how your foot would feel if it was asleep. They last about a minute and he usually does not even remember the episode. He is also now experiencing some type of convulsion like activity in his sleep which the nurse seems to think may also be related to the tumor irritating the brain. He will continue to take the Dilantin and at this point the doctors seem to think that the best cure for the seizures is to remove the tumor, so we eagerly await that day.

Prayer

On Sunday, January 6th during our Sunday School hour, we were overwhelmed and blessed by the support of our faith family that encircled us and prayed over us. Prayer is a powerful tool from God and we would just like to thank everyone who is lifing us up in prayer.
Below is a Prayer calendar that we created for the next couple of weeks in January. It begins on the 3rd and below each calendar day is a prayer request. Please feel free to use this calendar as you are lifting our family up in prayer.

"have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4: 6-7)

January 3
Pray for testing being performed to prepare for the surgery. Pray that the results are clear and accurate. (Cognitive testing, MRI, blood work and pre-op preparation)

January 4
Pray for extended family.

January 5
Pray that Jacob may have peace as he will experience changes such as unfamiliar faces, the coming and going of his mom and the absence of his dad for an extended period of time.

January 6
Praise God Today for what He is going to do; Praise Him for who He is

January 7
Pray that Jennifer will not entertain anxious thoughts about the surgery or its results. Pray she is reminded that God is in control and loves her.

January 8
Pray for anesthesiologist – Travis will be awakened during the surgery – pray for his skill

January 9
Pray for Dr. Lang that he will have Godly wisdom, exceptional skill, clear, focused attention

January 10
Pray for the surgeon, Dr. Lang, and for all of the medical staff that will be assisting him during the surgery

Janurary 11
Pray for nurses and support personnel who will take care of Travis. Pray that the nurses will be smart, kind, have Godly wisdom.

Janurary 12
Pray for Travis’ health while in ICU

January 13
Pray for God to be glorified above all else.

Januray 14
Pray for Travis’ strength after the surgery.

January 15
Pray for a quick recovery while in the hospital.

January 16
Pray that the pathology is favorable

Janurary 17
Pray for Travis, Jennifer and Jacob for good days, peace

Support Rally

On Saturday, January 5th our Sunday School Class threw Travis a surprise party to show their support and to encourage our family. Unfortunately the surprise was ruined when Jennifer had to take Jacob to Texas Children's Hospital Emergency Room. We made the decision that it would not be beneficial for Travis' health to go to an emergency room full of sick children. Jacob entered a new stage of exploration and stuck a mini M&M up his nose. After a thorough investigation of his nostril by the doctor no M&M was was found. She seemed to think that it was pushed through his sinus cavity and down his throat. Jennifer's dad coined a new phrase for the M&M franchise. Instead of "Melts in your mouth not in your hand". He said "Melts in your mouth, and in your snout". We can of course laugh about it now, but at the time wondered why God had placed another challenge before us. Nevertheless, Jacob and Jennifer arrived at the party shortly after it began and enjoyed time with family and friends and Brad's new Wii. The party consisted of watching playoff football, enjoying great Mexican food, video games and head shaving for several guys attending. By the end of the night a total of 10 guys had shaved their heads in support of Travis. They all thought it would be a great reminder to pray for Travis every time they saw themselves in the mirror. It was a great night that we will remember forever. We thank God for the great people in our lives. You guys are awesome!!

Cognitive Test Questions

1. You bought $6.00 of candy and you paid with a $10.00 bill. How much change will you recieve back?

2. Susie has 8 green paper clips, 5 red paper clips and 3 yellow paper clips in her desk drawer. She reaches in and pulls out a paper clip. What is the probability that the paper clip she pulled out is red?

3. It takes 8 machines 6 days to complete the job. How many machines does it take to complete the job in 1/2 day?

Remember Travis could not use paper or pencil and was being timed on how long it took to answer the question!!

Good Luck!

January 3rd Appointments at MD Anderson

On January 3, 2008 Travis was scheduled for testing at MD Anderson. He had to go through a battery of cognitive tests which really gave him a run for his money. The next blog is a list of a few of the questions asked during the cognitive testing. See if you would have answered correctly!:) (Remember Travis could not use pencil or paper and was being timed by a doctor!) After his testing, Travis was scheduled to have an MRI to map his brain. This MRI locates and records the different parts of Travis’ brain for use by Dr. Lang and his staff while planning the surgery. It will also be used during the surgical procedure to help guide the doctor. Our technician met us in the waiting room and spent time talking to us about the procedure. He had really done his homework. He knew every detail of Travis’ chart; from Jennifer’s name to our religious preference. After talking to him about the MRI he confided in us that he himself was a Baptist believer and prayed with us right in the waiting room. We were in awe of how GOOD GOD is. A verse that has been continually on Jennifer’s mind is Eph. 3:20. She placed it at the bottom of the prayer calendar. This is what it says “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,..." We had not been specifically ASKING God for a technician who would share in our faith nor could we ever IMAGINE that our MRI technician would pray with us in the lobby of MD Anderson, but God in his greatness and power worked within and showed us His love. Isn’t God GREAT! After completing the MRI we were finished with testing for the day. It had been a long and stressful day starting with departure from our house at 6:45 and arriving back home at 5:00, but we are so grateful for how God worked in our lives today. We will return to MD Anderson to meet with Dr. Lang, the anesthesiologist, blood work and the second part of the MRI on January 9th. Travis will then be admitted for surgery on January 10th.

Initial Meeting with Dr. Lang

On Wednesday, December 19th we met with Dr. Lang and were amazed with what a great surgeon and man he is. He took the time to answer all of our questions, and believe us we had plenty. He explained each and every part of the brain in detail and then spoke with us about the surgery that he thought should be performed. Travis’ tumor is located on the right side of the brain which in his opinion is encouraging. The right side of the brain controls all of your gross motor movements, specifically on the left side of your body. The tumor is large, Dr. Lang thinks that it has been growing for over two years. He spoke very eloquently about what type of tumor it was, but in lamens terms it is a tumor that has developed in the brain and on a scale of 1-4 (1-benign and 4- aggressive malignant) it looks to be a Level 2 tumor. A biopsy would further determine and confirm the level of the tumor. After speaking with Dr. Lang we made a decision that we would pursue surgery and a biopsy of the tumor. Travis turned 30 this year and leaving this tumor to grow would definitely endanger his life. We have much respect and faith in Dr. Lang’s skill as a surgeon. He has encouraged us by saying that he will only be as aggressive in removing the tumor as he feels necessary. He wants Travis to have a rich quality of life after the surgery and so he is planning to be cautious when removing the tumor itself. Travis will be awake for parts of the surgery so that Dr. Lang can make sure that his quality of life is not compromised. It has been explained to us that the procedure of removing the tumor is like taking furniture out of a jail cell without removing the bars. There is an artery that is running directly in front of the tumor and off of that artery or veins are blood vessels. Dr. Lang will have to use his best judgement when removing the tumor from behind these “bars”. After a week of seizures during the night Travis is now at a therapeutic level while taking a seizure controlling medicine called Dilantin. It is a praise that we can now have restful nights of sleep.

The Beginning

As many of you are aware, on Sunday, December 16, 2007, Travis was taken by ambulance to the emergency room in Houston, Texas for high blood pressure and for an “episode” that seemed to be stroke. A CT scan and MRI found that Travis had a tumor growing on the right side of his brain that is 6cm (2.5 in.). Shocked and stunned we sat in the emergency room with family and friends by our side. The next couple of days in the hospital were filled with tests and meetings with doctors. Our first consultation was with a very wise and well respected neurosurgeon at Memorial Hermann Hospital, Dr. Moradi. On Monday, we were blessed with the opportunity to meet with Dr. Sawaya, head of neurosurgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center for a second opinion. We were encouraged by his report, which matched Dr. Moradi’s in almost every aspect, and were even more grateful when he recommended Dr. Fred Lang to perform the surgery. Dr. Lang is a graduate of Yale medical school and has performed more surgeries on this type of tumor than any doctor in the United States.

Blog Created on January 2008

This blog has been created to communicate with friends and family while Travis undergoes surgery and recovery.