Wednesday, October 22, 2008

MRI update

Sorry for not posting Monday or yesterday, but the bad news continues, and I am just doing my best right now. I saw Dr. Nick on Monday morning. The brain tumor has advanced. He said it happens to maybe one in four patients who undergo the radiation/oral chemo. Somehow, don't ask me how, I just knew the news was not going to be good. Basically, Dr. Nick said I have three options: 1) Pursue clinical studies 2) Undergo an IV chemo treatment 3) Let the disease take it's course. Of course, he also suggested I get another opinion, which we are pursuing at this time. I already have an appointment with a doctor in Jacksonville on election day. So, the process moves on.

Thanks to all of you for your unending words of love and support. I have received gifts and notes from countless people. I cherish all of them. Somehow without you holding me in your arms this would be much harder.

All my love,
Ellen

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Ellen, Please check out the following link: http://www.virtualtrials.com/williams.cfm

I don't know what you want to do with it, but at least you should know all of your options. This guy did a lot of research. Maybe you can benefit from his knowledge.

I am thinking of you every day and sending you and Cathy my love.

-Marie

Anonymous said...

Ellen, Donna told me about your predicament. It is awful to be going through this. You probably didn't know that I had a bone marrow transplant this year at MD Anderson in Houston. It was experimental and I came through it just great. I strongly encourage you not to give up but to reach out to what may be available to you. My medical care at MD Anderson was superb. Other than what may be available in that category, reach out to your friends for prayers, misheberachs, positive vibes, etc. I swear you can feel them coming your way. Here's hoping for better news soon.
Phyllis Nitzkin

Anonymous said...

Ellen and Cathy,
Just saying hi.
Much love,
Betsy and Scott

Anonymous said...

Ellen,

This was in my AA Twenty-Four Hours A Day Meditation for today:

I have learned to live one day at a time. I finally realized the great fact that all I have is now. This sweeps away all vain regret and it makes my thoughts of the future free of fear. Now is mine. I can do what I want with it. I own it, for better or worse. What I do now, in this present moment, is what makes up my life. My whole life is only a succession of nows. I will take this moment, which has been given to me by the grace of God, and I will do something with it. What I do with each now will make me or break me.

I don't know if this speaks to you but I thought of you. I often think of you and Cathy these days and send blessings and prayers.

Debbie

Anonymous said...

Elllen and Cathy,

Claude suggested that you could eventually get a second opinion from a specialist at Sloan Kettering in NYC which is one of the best cancer research center.
You could stay with us and we would pamper you both...
If your doctor does not know someone there, we have a good friend oncologist for children who works there and could find the right person to meet and eventually get an appointment earlier...
Avec toute ma tendresse,
Danielle

Anonymous said...

Still sending lots of positive thoughts and vibes your way. Live every moment, feel all the love, and pursue the second medical opinion and whichever treatment options seem right to you. Love to you both from Julia and Tom

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for all the wonderful posts, comments, and suggestions. Just wanted to update you on what we are up to this week. Today we leave for Jacksonville where we will have a second opinion with a neuro-oncologist. At first I was hesitant to do this, but then a lot of great people have convinced me it is the right thing to do. We meet with this doctor tomorrow morning, so I'll send an update later in the week. Again, thanks to all of you for your continued love, hopes, and prayers.
Love,
Ellen