Update 12/6/11

Hello Family and Friends:

It has been awhile since I have actually made a post. My beautiful wife has done an awesome job so far, but I wanted to chime in. I would first like to say on behalf of my family and I that we are just overwhelmed with the amount of prayers and support that has come from each of you. Let me tell you, they are working and very much appreciated. We can't thank you enough. With the support from God and all of our family and friends it has made this journey easy. It has now been six months since the surgey and it is hard to believe how smooth it has been. Candace and I take a day to day approach to life. We are just blessed to have a healthy almost 10 month old son and we are grateful that we are able to enjoy him growing up together. We give thanks to God for all these blessings in our life that just keep coming. I will tell you that the best part of my day is coming home from work and seeing that smile on Tyler's face when he sees me and Candace saying "Look Tyler daddy is home!"

We got to travel around Texas for Thanksgiving this year. We started off at Mom and Dads house for Thanksgiving Day and then went to Austin to visit Candace's Aunt and also my Aunt and Uncle at their new lake house on Lake Austin. We finished off the weekend at the Mayo Ranch with Kne-Kne. Needless to say we enjoyed seeing all of the family but it takes a toll on us jumping from place to place. I didn't realize that a 22 pound baby needed 400 pounds of necessities that accompanied him. I wouldn't have it any other way.

I just had my monthly check up today with the nurses. No big deal- they just check to see if I can walk and see if I can touch my left ear with my right hand. We always laugh because they have this routine of the same checks they do and its usually a 100 pound nurse that grabs my arms and tells me to push against her and pull her. I just have to laugh because everytime they always say my strength is good. Sometimes I might give a little more energy than needed :). They said today that they like patients like me because I make it so easy for them when they go down their checklist. Nothing ever changes and when they ask if I have had any changes my answers are always no. So you can see, the power of prayer works. As far as I go, I have no complaints on the way I feel or complaints in general. My next MRI is scheduled for the day after New Years so be expecting another good update for the new year. We have to thank my parents for either watching Tyler for us or taking me to my appointments. Their support and help is appreciated more than they will ever know.

Once again, we appreciate all of the prayers it helps!!! We hope everybody has a safe and Merry Christmas!!

Love always,

Scott, Candace, and Tyler

Here is our sweet Tyler enjoying Christmas presents and lights!

MRI Update

Well as some of you may know, Scott went this past Saturday for another MRI scan- cant believe it has already been two months since his last one - Anyway, we went today for the results...after waiting patiently for two hours for the doctor...he came in and told us that he had another GREAT scan!!!! There has been no new growth on his tumor! Woooohooooo! Praise the Lord, AGAIN!!! We were immediately relieved and all breathed a huge sigh of relief!

These scans sure are nerve wrecking!!!! There is just so much anticipation and thoughts that just wont stop running in our minds! Since there was no growth, Scott will continue on with this trial study...he will continue to take the Avastin in the IV form every two weeks, and he will also continue with the pill form Tarceva. He will go back for another MRI scan in two months.

Since the last doctor visit, when they reduced the dosage of the Tarceva, Scott has done really well! He feels great and has a slight rash; however it is nothing like the way that it was the first few weeks on the drug. As long as the rash is not bothering him, he has decided to welcome it with love! - Well, I say that, that is if it is working!! :) The doctors and nurses say that they like to see a rash on patients that take this drug, because people that break out normally respond well to the drug... so that is why we think of it as a good thing!

We are so thankful for all of the prayers and prayer lists that Scott has been added to, lets not forget to keep on praying!!! The power of prayer is working! We will not lose our faith - It seems like it is being tested and we are going to win this test! We know that God has great things in store for us!

Philippians 4:6-7

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ.

Love to ALL!!!

Candace, Scott, and Tyler

Here are a few recent pictures... Tyler's first trip to the Wilkins Ranch in Grapeland and also his first trip to Galveston Beach!

Trial Treatment Update

Hello all!! I figured I would chime in on my progress. As you know I was accepted into a trial study for some new chemo. I must say this has been the hardest part of the whole ordeal so far. The first round of radiation and chemo was a cake walk. I lost half of my hair on my head and was a little more fatigued than normal. I fixed the no hair problem by shaving it all off, no big deal. It gave me a good excuse to go bald anyway. The side effects from the new chemo are a little different. Every 2 weeks I go to MD Anderson and get an IV form of chemo called Avastin, and the second part of the trial is a pill form chemo called Tarceva. This Tarceva is not my new friend. The doctors and nurses told me I would get a rash but it shouldn't be to the point of being uncomfortable. This rash which looks like acne showed up on my nose first and over took it. I look like Rudolph the Red Nose Scotty with white pockets on it. It looks like I have taken a good beating. After about a week of being on it the rash spread to my neck, chest, underarms, and back. To add to it I came down with a little stomach issue that was not too pleasant either (also possible side effects of Tarceva). So on last Wednesday September 14, 2011 I made a trip to the ER at MD Anderson after consulting my nurse and doctor. By this time I was running a low grade fever, stomach issues, and the invasion of the rash. I only stayed a few hours and donated more money to the cause, but the stomach issues we think was a little bug, the fever went away after a night but that rash just kept on coming in full stride. After talking with the nurse all week about this rash she just kept saying, yes you will have a rash but should not be uncomfortable. So on Friday it became uncomfortable. After I took a shower I dried off my nose, it took the pockets with it and just began bleeding on the outside and the front of my chest and back was now covered with it too. I just had a t-shirt on and it touching the rash made it ache. I felt I wasn't getting anywhere with the nurse on the issue of this rash, like was the normal rash and at what point is it too uncomfortable? So when I got home from work my beautiful wife took pictures of the rash and we emailed to the nurse and she began to call anybody and everybody at MD Anderson that would pick up a phone to show them the pictures. After about an hour or so of talking to people and emailing the pictures, come to find out the rash is pretty severe and not the typical. They decided to take me off of the Tarceva for a week and see if the rash goes down. I have been off Tarceva for 3 days now the rash is slowly going away but not a quick as it appeared. The nurse said they will try a combination of things reducing the amount of Tarceva and and giving me and antibiotic. The doctor is trying to come up with a solution and hopefully will know something by the end of the week. I am still scheduled to take the Avastin tomorrow. I guess this why they call it a TRIAL!! I have to thank Candace for her calling and getting a answer. When she wants something she will get it. I love her for it!! I think I may be too laid back sometimes. Keep the prayers coming!!! We will fight it too the end!!

Love Ya'll

Scotty

Praise the Lord!

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."- Matthew 21:22

Last night Scott had his first MRI scan since the start and finish of the first round of treatment. Today we went for the results. The doctor walked in and said his MRI looked beautiful! And after asking one million questions and reviewing the MRI, we concluded that there has been NO PROGRESSION on the tumor. This is what we are going to continually pray for from now on... NO PROGRESSION!

Scott was approved for a study with a drug called Avastin. It is a very popular chemotherapy that is used to treat many different types of cancers. The Avastin is administered through an IV. Scott will have to get these IV treatments every two weeks. Each treatment is approximately 30 minutes at a time. Today he started his first treatment. His appointment was at 2pm, and they just took him back at 4pm! His nurse told him to get use to that, because they run behind a lot! ~Darn! - we got pretty spoiled with the radiation treatments! Those nurses had him in and out! But oh well, if this Avastin works, we have no problem waiting!! :)

Scott will go back for another MRI scan in 8 weeks! He will have scans every two months for the next two years! He better get accustomed to that machine, because it looks like he will be in it quite a bit!

We have been praying for a miracle, and we can't stop! PLEASE keep the prayers coming- they are working!!! Our God is an AWESOME God and he wants us to believe in his powers, and that we do!!! We believe that he can heal our Scotty!

Thanks for all of the support and prayers! We love you all!

We will update again soon!

Here is a picture from this past weekend. We made a trip to Austin to visit family - this picture was taken in front of Lake Austin...it was a FABULOUS weekend!

Ringing the BELL!

Well, as most of you may know, yesterday was the last day of radiation treatments for Scott!

A tradition at MD Anderson when you complete your treatments, you get to ring a bell. When Scott first heard about this bell, he was anxious to ring it! So the time finally came yesterday for him to ring the bell! I went with him and snapped a few shots...What a great day-such an accomplishment!

Also by looking at the picture, what little hair Scott had- is now gone! We completely shaved it on Thursday night. It was looking pretty patchy! Of coarse, we had to get a picture of him with his twin...

One More Week of Radiation!!

Today will be the end of week 5 of radiation! We are so excited that there is only one more week left!

Scott has been doing really well! He has started losing his hair, which you can see in the picture below... but don;t worry, it hasn't phased him one bit. We were joking last night about his head, he now has "a good side" he said he is going to start telling people to look at his "good side". The left side of his head is where most of the hair loss is, and of coarse that is also where his scar is, so he has a lot going on on that side...

Other than the hair loss, Scott has been pretty fatigued lately, but nothing a nap cant help. He also started back at work on Monday. He has been working 1/2 days. So he gets up bright and early around 4:30 and heads into work and by about 10 am he is ready for a nap! As soon as he gets home I feed him lunch, send him to bed, and then wake him up in time for his radiation treatment. We are so thankful for Scott's co-workers, boss, and the whole company. They have been so understanding and generous throughout this entire process! He is blessed to work for such a great group!

We have been pretty busy these last few weekends, so it looks like this weekend we finally get to relax. Even though, Scott has been trying to round up a little fishing time with his dad and brother- maybe he will get to do that!

Thats all for now. Keep on praying! After we finish with radiation and the first round of Chemo, Scott will have an MRI to check everything out. It looks like his MRI is scheduled for September 12. Lets pray that his tumor has become inactive so that we can "rest easy" for a few months!

Love to all -

Candace, Scott, and Tyler-man!

Happy 31st Birthday Scotty!

Today is Scott's 31st birthday!!! This weekend we celebrated at the Mayo Ranch! We had a great time in the pool, where it was nice and cool! :)

here are a few pics... Happy Birthday Scott, We love you!

6 Week Check Up

Yesterday I had my 6 week check up with my surgeon Dr. Tandon. Its hard to believe that it has been 6 weeks since I had the orange size tumor removed from my head. It was a good check up. I took a visual field test to see how my vision is doing after the surgery. The doctor liked what he saw and cleared me to drive. I feel like my vision is better now after the surgery. I was excited to hear that. Its another step closer to finish line. He also said that I could return to work when I felt up to it. I hope within the next couple of weeks I can return for half days. By the end of next week I should be feeling all of the side affects of the radiation and chemo. I feel that will give me a good gauge to see if I can return to work. I am ready to get back into the swing of things. We talked to the doctor for about an hour and he restated how much of a challenging surgery I created for him and how much fun it was for him and the nurses to move me around on the operating table. Apparently, I was not their smallest patient. I asked him if I was going to set off the airport alarms when I go through check in because of the titanium in my head- he said that I would not. So thats unfortunate. I was happy with the appointment and a lot of positives came from it.

I have now completed 2 weeks of 6 of the radiation and chemo. So far I have been doing really good with it. I have only had a couple of headaches since the treatment started. I have been trying every morning to get up and go walking too. The oncologist says that the walking should help. Only 4 more weeks to go then I will be finished with the cooking of my head.

I have to give God all of the credit for answering my prayers so far on making this a smooth treatment . I cannot give enough thanks to my beautiful wife for taking me to treatment and putting up with me 24 / 7 for the past 6 weeks. We have sure enjoyed this time together and with our little Tyler.

I would also like to thank my mom for hauling me around to all of my appointments and treatments as well. Between the 2 of them they have just been the best support system. Thanks to all of you for all of the prayers and support.

Love,

Scott

Radiation Photos 7/15/11

Hello Everyone!!,

After today, one week of 6 weeks will be completed for my radiation treatments. Time just keeps flying by. For that I am thankful. The treatments so far have not been bad at all. Radiation lasts for only about 15 minutes from the time I walk in to the time I walk out. I have not had any side affects from either treatment so far, I am hoping and praying it stays that way. I have to send another thank you to Candace and my mom for being my taxi service through this week. Without their help I couldn't go anywhere. I have still not been cleared to drive yet. I go next Thursday to an appointment with my surgeon for my 6 week check up. He wants me to go to an optomologist to check and see if my vision is good before they clear me to drive. I am ready to get back doing my normal routine.

I had my weekly check up with my Radio Oncologist and everything is going well. There is no doubt in my mind that I can beat this stuff.

I have enclosed a few pictures of my radiation treatment and mask that I wear. I have had several questions of what my mask looks like and I figure the best way to show every one is through a picture.

The table I am laying on rotates and goes up and down along with the big machine above my head. They rotate the table four times and after each rotation they cook my head for a few minutes.

Here is the mask that keeps my head locked down to the table.

Radiation and chemo are in progress!

Well, the day has arrived! Scott began taking his chemo last night and is on his way to MD Anderson now for his first Radiation treatment.

We had a great weekend at the Mayo Ranch swimming in the pool and then we went to the lakehouse, where Scott, CJ, and Ronnie had a successful fishing trip...they caught 43 White Bass...Scott had a blast! Here are a few pictures from the weekend, and I also threw one in of his FABULOUS battle scar.

Keep the prayers coming...We love all of you.

Love,

Candace, Scott, and Tyler-Man

Radiation and Chemo Update

This will be my first post. I have to give all the credit to my beautiful, strong and devoted wife for setting this blog up. There are not enough words to describe my love for Candace. She has been such a rock for our family. Even through this tough time she puts on one of her beautiful smiles and plugs her way through this with me. Love you Candace!!!

We just had an awesome weekend in Matagorda with my family. I even felt good enough to go fishing with my pops and brother. Even though I didn't catch anything it felt so good to be able to get out and not think about all this stuff. I can't thank my dad and brother enough for taking me out, love ya'll.

Now on to the update!! My scar has been healing well and can now sleep good without feeling it. I have been feeling good the past few days. I have only had a couple of headaches because I think I have been picking up stuff that is too heavy for me. I feel like I can still pick up everything I used to but I guess taking a golf ball size brain tumor out of my head limits me just a little.

We met with the Radio Oncologist at MD Anderson last Thursday and I will begin radiation treatments along with Chemo on July 11, 2011. The radiation treatments will last for 6 weeks for 5 days a week at 20 minutes per day. I will start Chemo at the same time. I will do both for 6 weeks and then I will take a 4 week break and continue on with Chemo. I don't know yet how long I will be on Chemo but I have heard up to a year. I am ready to get the treatment started and knock this tumor down a notch.

I go tomorrow to MD Anderson to sign a consent form so the doctor can take a biopsy of my tumor, I guess they keep it of file haha!, to see if my tumor has these certain enzymes present. If it does then I qualify for a trial once my radiation and chemo are finished to go on another medication to help so the cancer slows down. So we are hoping and praying that I can get into this study. This is one of the many reasons why we chose to get treatment with MD Anderson because they seem to have more options once the standard treatment is finished.

I would like to send out a big thank you on behalf of Candace, Tyler, and I for all of the prayers and support that ya'll have given us. Believe me when I say we have felt it and appreciate it. I know God has a plan for my life and it will be the best one. We have just hit a little bump in the road and all I need to do is fight this tumor. I promise you that is exactly what I am doing.

Love,

Scott and Candace

P.S. If you want to keep the prayers coming I won't stop you!!

MD ANDERSON

Today we went to MD Anderson for a second opinion about Scott's GBN Treatment. After meeting with the oncologist, we have decided that that will be our new "home". We had good meeting with the doctor, and as they have all said before, this is the worst kind of brain tumor that one can have because of its aggressiveness and its ability to multiply. We feel that this new doctor has had many experiences with, and is very knowledgeable about this type of brain tumor.

He explained to us that there have been many patients who have gone on to live for many years with this type of tumor. The problem with this tumor is that it never really goes away. It will continue to come back, its just a matter of when it will re-appear. Each person is different, and the Doctor confirmed again that Scott has many things that are going good for him. 1) he has had a terrific surgery/ recovery and 2) he is young. We look at those as very positive things! We are going to pray that Scott is going to be blessed with a tumor that decides not to come back for a while!

We also learned that MD Anderson has many other studies that Scott can participate in, which is a positive thing and another reason why we have decided to switch doctors. To start, they will send off Scott's Tumor to test it for a certain type of enzyme, and we might be on our way into a new study.

So, now we need to pray for a few things - 1) for Scott to qualify for the study (that he will start after the first round of radiation and chemo). 2) his tumor will go away with this first round of chemo/radiation and STAY AWAY for a while. 3) for Scott's health and well being during all of these treatments.

The doctor told us today, instead of asking God why this has happened, we now need to ask him to help heal him of this serious disease! I agree!!

So we ask that everyone keep praying, and pray hard! All of your prayers are welcomed and very much appreciated!

Lots of Love -

Candace and Scott

How it all began...

A few weeks ago, Scott was having some headaches and a little bit of blurry vision. He decided to go to the doctor to get checked out, and she found that his blood pressure was high. She diagnosed him with high blood pressure and prescribed some pills to help lower it. A few days later Scott lost some feeling in the right side of his face. He contacted the doctor to see if maybe it was some sort of side effect of the new medicine. She informed him that it was not a side effect, but she wanted to see him in person to check him out; she feared that it might be a stroke. The next morning Scott went in to the doctor's office and she believed that he was suffering from a case of Bells Palsy (a virus that anyone can catch). Just to be on the safe side, she decided to send him for a CT Scan. Scott and I went to the hospital in Katy to get the scan done a few hours later. On the way home from the scan, the doctor called and said that he had an abnormal scan and that they had found a mass on his brain. She told us to go back to the hospital and check into the Emergency Room, then a few minutes later she called back to inform us that we needed to head to the ER at Memorial Hermann in the Medical Center, because they have a better team of neurosurgeons. At this point Scott and I were completely shocked. We did not know what had just hit us.

After arriving to the hospital in the medical center, we waited in the ER for about 5 hours before a doctor came to speak to us, to explain what was going on. He informed us that Scott would be admitted into the hospital. Scott was admitted later that night and the next day, we finally heard from the doctors. They explained in more detail the seriousness of this tumor. It was in a portion of the brain that deals with vision and some memory and the tumor was so large that it was blocking the fluid pathways in his brain and causing major swelling. The doctor said that if the tumor had gone on much longer without being treated, Scott would have most likely gone to sleep and never woken up. So that being said, they rushed the operation date. Scott had surgery on June 10th. They had Scott in the surgery room for almost 12 hours! The actual surgery lasted for 8 hours. Scott was sent into the ICU unit for a few days, and was discharged from the hospital on June 14th! He has had an AMAZING recovery!!

Last week we met with the Neurology team to discuss the results of the pathology report. Scott was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBN) brain tumor. This is the most aggressive form of cancerous brain tumor that one can have. Fortunately the doctors were able to remove all of the tumor that they could see, which is about 90-95%! The rest will have to be treated with Chemotherapy and Radiation. Scott will start these treatments sometime next week. We will keep everyone informed when anything new transpires. In the meantime, please pray for a full recovery!

Thanks for the love!!

Candace and Scott

This picture was taken right before they took Scott in for surgery...