We are now home in Ketchikan and it is overcast and rainy, pretty much an average spring day. The crocuses are out in Whale Park near faith's downtown office and the red alder trees along the road seem red with new buds. A bald eagle sits on a mast post near a floatplane hanger on the water of Tongass Narrows. The jewelry stores in town are beginning to wake up with fresh coats of paint and boxes piled high to the ceiling. I bought daffodils for the office since it is Earth Day, and chocolate easter eggs for everyone on my floor. Old habits are comforting sometimes.
Today the "tumor board" met at Virginia Mason, including all the doctors and specialists that have been treating Dennis over the last 22 months. He later got a call from his neuro oncologist with some advice about a relatively new treatment called hypofractionated stereotactic radiation therapy. This is a type of pinpoint radiation prescribed for three weeks that may buy Dennis some time with minimal side effects. In a study with about 105 people with glioblastoma multiforme, those that had re-occurence tolerated the radiation well, and survived 10 months to a year. The study was done over a period of 14 years, ending in 2008. Anyway, Dennis is going to think on this and get back to his neuro oncologist.
It is now officially our first weekend home in a while. Dennis did many chores today and retired early. He has heard from over 90 of you in the online Campfire and for that he is very grateful. It looks like his experiemntal treatment will not be paid for through the clinical trial. If you care to donate, you may donate to: Faith L. Duncan and Dennis Neill c/o Alaska Federal Credit Union, PO Box 196613, Anchorage, AK 99519-6613. Please put the ending numbers of the account #35 in the memo line. For those who want to send cards and well wishes (please don't send them to the bank address above), you can send them to: Dennis Neill P.O. Box 23383 Ketchikan, AK 99901 .
May spring find its way into your Easter. We look forward to hearing from you, Dennis and Faith
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Dennis,
I am so sorry to hear of your latest "news." What a terrible thing. Tonight at bedtime, my family will again add you to the prayer list.
If you are ever going to be in the Centralia area (I-5, Exit 82), please give a call (360-880-2399). I would be very pleased to meet you and Faith. My wife makes a fondue meal (3 courses) that is outstanding; there is also an authentic Mexican restaurant in town that is worth the drive even if we don't connect--La Tarasca.
In any event, I pray the best for you. Make the best decision you can, based on the information you have, and just go with it! I say that so boldly, because my own dad is in the midst of a similar decision. He needs to tell his doctor whether he is going to undergo radiation to his face or not. He is scared. It was the only time in my life I've ever seen the man afraid. Anyway...
God bless you Dennis. Tomorrow is Easter. Maybe in the midst of your church service God will give you some clarity as to what is your best course of action.
The Samueslons
Wade, Kelly, Kylie, Kate, Hallie, and Maizy
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