FINAL WEEK OF TREATMENT UPCOMING

Week #6 of Radiation and Chemo is now complete. Leif heads into the final week of treatment on Monday.  This final week will consist of 3days of Radiation addressing the remaining tumor in ‘Boost Mode’. Chemo will continue this week also. Following this ‘33’ days of treatment will be a ‘4 week’ break in treatment. At the end of this break Leif will resume chemo [pill form] for 5 days out of the month for the remainder of the year. Leif is feeling the drain in strength [fatigue] which occurs during radiation chemo treatment.  Radiation builds up in your system and takes its toll. Leif has continued to exercise and walk. PT, OT, and ST therapies have continued throughout treatment. Leif is looking forward to finishing the radiation portion of treatment. Strength will return in greater amounts and fatigue will go after radiation. This week Leif has had more discomfort in the head area. This could be a result of the radiation boost mode. Some medications are stopping. The body is now going to have to rebuild Leif’s immune system. The immune system is now suppressed. Blood work and counts will continue this week. Leif’s attitude is good and he is staying hopeful for full recovery. Today Leif went to his church [4 Corners] and then spent the day will his children and sister’s family. Therapy is scheduled later in the week. Leif’s appetite is very good! Leif is including reading, PC work, devotions, and appointments in his daily schedule. Thank God for helping Leif through this struggle.

Blog Readers; Thank you for your steadfast support and prayers. Your prayers continue to announce to our God Leif’s needs. You have come to his aid at a time of great need. Thanks again.

Praises to our God

Written by Pop

Input by Leif

'BOOST MODE' / CHANGE IN TREATMENT FOR WEEK 6

Leif has now completed ‘5’ weeks of radiation/chemo treatment. Leif works hard at staying strong and keeping the right attitude.  Leif continues to eat right and exercise. Walking distances area are now at 1 mile plus. Exercises also are in areas in addition to the physical. OT and ST Therapies help with the adjustments to deficits which remain at this time. Cognitive sharpness and sustained focus are goals of ST and OT Therapy.  Professional Therapy is a big-big plus. Leif’s reaction time continues to improve. [Praises!] Changes are in store for Leif as he goes into week ‘6’ of treatment. The radiation portion of treatment will go into ‘boost mode’ this week. This means that the IMRT Beams Intensities will be increased in specific areas of the brain tumor. These specific targets are located deep in the remaining tumor area. The goal is to ‘knock out’ the ability of the tumor to replicate and grow. Leif has had some stomach pressure of late. Headaches are low grade #1. Incision area pains are present on occasion. We pray that these go in the course of healing. Deficit improvements are our prayer petitions unto the Lord. Blood work is done on Tuesdays. This Tuesday Oncology will check the ‘blood counts’. These tests are indicators of the immune system status. When taking chemo and radiation the immune system is suppressed. Staying healthy during treatment is paramount. Leif feels that he is blessed because of his healthy state at this time during the treatment. Church friends have been there for Leif. Leif attended his home church today and enjoyed the timely message and worship. Leif then spend the day with friends and his family, Abigail and Luke.

Blog Faithful; Thanks for lifting up Leif in your prayers. The battle has been long and you have remained on the battlefield. I and the family ‘Salute ‘your faithful steadfast faith and action in prayer. Praises unto our ‘God and King’.

Written by Pop

[Additional input from Leif]

Motivational MIXTURE

My excitement and motivation grows as next week begins to get closer. Why all the excitement you may ask?

Well, next week I will be doing a series of OT drills as it relates to driving skills and functions.  The Therapy will take place at HealthSouth Outpatient Clinic located at Cincinnati’s Drake Facility. [Main Facility] This has been a large hindrance to my ability to be more independent. I look forward to using Drake’s tools and skilled Therapists to help get safely back on the road again. It motivates me greatly to be able to work on this step of my recovery.

The Lord continues to bless as my most recent ST (cognitive function) session concluded with my Therapist telling me it had been my best overall session yet.  This is not to toot my own horn but to show my humble audience the power of prayer.  The cognitive areas have truly been a struggle for me.  To have this type of outcome really empowers me to continue to stay positive during my recovery.  I have found this to be one of the most important aspects at this time in my life...that keeping a positive attitude can make all the difference.  It also helps me stay motivated to keep pushing through to the next goal.  Please remain in prayer as I begin to move from my apartment to a new more convenient location. This will put me closer to my medical care centers, family, friends, and my ever so helpful church family!!

It should be an exciting time during these next few months.

Sincerely Yours (With Love, Peace and Prayers),

Leif