August 26 - Twelve months since diagnosis

     It has been a year since we received Jen's diagnosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme.  Prior to the craniotomy and biopsy that was performed on Jen a year ago, we were uncertain as to what was actually going on since Jen's first seizure a little over a month earlier.  As we approached the day of the surgery, although we were aware that cancer was a strong possibility, we were still told that there were many other possibilities ranging from an infection to MS.  It's pretty bad when MS is one of the better options you are facing.  When Jen was in recovery, and I received the news from the surgeon it hit me like a bolt of lightning.  I thought I was prepared for the diagnosis but, when given the news, I realize that I hadn't really fathomed that Jen would actually end up having brain cancer.  I had still been so hopeful that it would prove to be something easily treatable.  I remember my conversation with the surgeon after he confirmed it was cancer.  I said to him as more of a statement than a question, "So she will be able to have surgery and get it removed."  He told me it was inoperable and I said "So then, radiation and chemo?" He told me yes and then I naïvely said "And that will take care of it, right?"  His answer was simple "We haven't cured cancer."  I started to break and asked him about other possibilities and he repeated "We haven't cured cancer."  I asked him what was the point then of doing the chemo and radiation and his answer was again pointedly direct "Time.  You buy time."  I asked him how long and he replied "Maybe a year."
     Well, it has been a year and Jen is still doing well considering she has about 5 tumors in her head that refuse to go away.  She has been stable now since beginning radiation treatments about 11 months ago.  Glioblastoma is a horribly aggressive cancer and the median survival time is only 14 months.  That means that 50% of people diagnosed with it live only 14 months or less.  All survival times are based on the date of diagnosis.  Fortunately, at 12 months and still doing well, it looks as if Jen will be on the better side of this curve.  Her surgeon was right that this is about buying time.  We are looking to buy as much as possible and hoping that if we can go long enough than perhaps there will be new therapies to prolong her life and hopefully eventually a cure.  Jen is a fighter and she has been doing things that I know few people would be willing to do.  The sacrifices she has made, and the discipline she has are a testament to Jen's love of life.  If anyone can beat this thing it will be her.