The journey continues

Hello friends/family/others,

I recently began a new job search.  This has been a trying time.  Time without benefits to help keep up on health care, and minimal income to sustain myself with.  But this time of being in the furnace has helped further tune, motivate and allow myself to leave behind any dross or slag from the furnace as my 'metal' was tested and purified.  I can't say I enjoyed every minute, but I know for sure I am better for it and can now begin enjoy myself better now that that time is coming to an end.

I't is hard to say this, but I definitely had a spiritually difficult time during this.  I became upset as I felt that I was not getting responses to my intense time of difficulty and calling for help.  It is through this and from the persistence  in pursuing the throne of our God that I found the answers staring back at me.  "Continue to do what is right and I will come along side of you as you find your path."  This process brought me peace as I continued on that path and eventually (in fact, this past week) started a new job.  I am so excited as the possibilities begin to open up in front of me.

These good things will not, however, allow me to take my eyes off the path behind me for stragglers thtat sometimes need to be stopped from following me.  I hope and pray this new job opportunity can continue to bring the blessing I have hoped for.

Thanks for all your love, support and prayers.

Sincerely,
Leif

Time to refine - not always easy to know when or where to start.

Sometimes, we do not get to choose when or how to rifine ourselves.  I learned this recently when I had lost my job of 10 years to a company I had devoted some of my finest efforts to.   Having taken most of the time since october to get unemployment benefits going, I have had to refine a great many things.  Namely, the following:

• My sense of gratitude
• My sense of purpose
• Feelings of contentment, joy and thankfulness
• Forgivenesss
• Feelings of love and relationship provided by my dear girlfriend Sheli who has been nothing but a blessing and encouragement during this trial period in my life.
• I truly feel that I am better off having gone through this and had sheli with me than to have failed to see the benefit of working hard through adversity.

Thank You Lord, for providing a way for me to continually improve myself in this tough time and showing me that you are ALWAYS there, despite my worries and other feelings of insecurity.

Tweaking Results

Greetings All,

A while back, I had posted some information about my nutritional changes during brain cancer treatment.  The linke for that post is here:

http://beatingleifstumor.blogspot.com/2013/02/best-practices-lessons-learned.html

This is something I continue to tweak as I get further away from  conquering my tumor in 2013.
Things that remain in my routine are my green smoothies and regular excercise.  As well as physically, I am very interested in mental and spiritual differences and improving on all fronts.  By all means, I am a christian and follow the Lord as the Bible makes it clear.  I use what I know to form a solid path and philosophy for life.  I've constructed a view for this in the form of a triangle.  One point of the triangle points where your headed in life.  For me this is my spiritual point.  The other two points are physical and mental respectively.  Wherever the spiritual point goes, the other two inevitable will follow.  Keeping this trifecta strong is important.  Put work in on each area daily and lean on your strong point often to keep it sharp and clear to you as the lead.  I'll give you and example:

1. Point - morning devotion and prayer throughout the day (spiritual)
2. Follow - exercise daily in any way you are comfortable (physical)
3. Follow - study something.  I like to listen to podcasts that are informational in some way, like Ted Radio Hour...on the iTunes store offered by NPR.  It's free.  I also try to meditate with my girlfriend every day for 10 minutes. (mental)

See, it's that simple.  It takes time but with consistency you'll feel more balanced and such.

I want to encourage you to create a healthy routine that you can do consistently without adding stress to your life, or others' lives.   I have so much more to say about these things so, if you're interested...just stay tuned.

Peace.Love & Gratitude

-Leif

Hey, Just Surviving

I heard a great speaker several years ago that narrowed your place in life to one of three options at any time:

1. Striving - Working your tail off to keep your head above water.  Barely making it.
2. Surviving - Doing the minimum it takes to survive...treading water.
3. Thriving  - Easily staying afloat with little effort.  This is a place where you're really killing it in life.

Since my hemi-arthroplasty, ( partial shoulder replacement) to my right shoulder, I have been making sure I do what it takes to not only survive, but I know I'm going to thrive and really use this time to get ahead.  A few things have been giving me resistance.  First, a mental/spiritual battle of loneliness.  I have been seeking for a significant other in my life.  I'm trying not to let being alone drive me to a negative state of mind.  Honestly...it has been hard, more so recently since only one person has come to visit me since my surgery. Though many promised.  Not driving or doing much more than reading and physical therapy daily leave me with much time on my hands to do nothing.  I am trying to use this time to make the leap between surviving and thriving.  While I know I am trying, it has been hard to put my finger on the catalyst to effect these changes.  I know the freedom that the full healing of my shoulder and driving freedom will bring me, so I carefully bide my time to that point.  Current Favorite motivational items include "School of Greatness" podcast by Lewis Howes.  The other entertaining podcasts like "How to do everything" and NPR's "Ask Me Another" trivia game-show.  Thanks to my 4 Corners Church friend Doug for those suggestions.  Further ahead on my survival to Thrive stairs is rebuilding something I've lost  since my last major Trial...that is a positive driving attitude to push through emotional and physical hurdles toward my freedom launchpad.  I'm grateful for my parents and kids during this time for the help and joy brought to my life while I'm recovering.

**REMEMBER, Dont just strive, survive...and eventually you can thrive.  each transition takes effort, goals, gratitude and sometimes grace.  But, you can do it.  I know I can.  Surely if I can, you can achieve great things.

Peace.Love.Hope,

Leif

Wonderball

Hello all,

Do you remember the game as kids (or years ago...gosh I'm old) where you would pass a ball around a circle of people singing the song, hoping not to be the one caught with it.  Well as you'd have it, it's a great metaphor for how I feel.  I had some 'stroke-like' symptoms 2 weeks ago and went to the ER.  Currently between my Oncologist and neurologist, they're not sure if it was a stroke or a seizure.  So the wonderball goes round and round from specialist to specialist to see who knows what's happening.  I just hope 'then at last' happens soon...if you get my drift.

REFERENCE:

Specialist 1 - HEMOC(My oncologist).
Specialist 2 - Neurologist (General Neurology)...I think something's wrong upstairs.
Specialist 3 - Epileptologist(Epilepsy Neurologist)


THE CRUNCH:

Oh Yea! I almost forgot, I have a shoulder replacement surgery coming up I need to get cleared for.  The Surgeon wants a neuro clearance for the procedure to rule out any stroke/seizure activity during surgery...good thing!


Anywho, that's my Wonderball World.

Hope you're all doing well out there!!

Sincerely,
Leif

Old roads are notoriously bumpy.  For me my recent quarterly MRI showed a Stroke I had not known about.  In my early brain cancer days, I had to stay at the Drake Stroke recovery and rehabilitation center for a month after my second brain surgery.  For that reason I did not have the best memories of that place.  Sure I did most of these blog posts there, maybe that is why this one seemed necessary.  The staff was nice but general non-staff experience was stressful.  Screams at night ( people are in dementia stages there.  Low and behold my recent stroke has gotten me a visit to go back!  Hooray.  My sarcastic Hooray  is only to note my initial dismay at going back.  While I will not have to stay, I don’t want to go.  My month stay there years ago was overcome with changing my attitude.  Apparently…God had passed it along that another adjustment will be good for me.  I’m game.  Ever-loving a challenge, A lot in my life would benefit from an adjustment right now.  Starting with that.  Getting upset or depressed about it will help it how much?  NONE.  So, get on with it.  As I climb out of my recovery from shoulder surgery, I have already recently made some changes, so a push and tweak to those are in order.  Immersion in the Word of God to just soak in the truth (this will help greatly with defending myself against the deceiver) A bit of hard work to bring on motivation from fulfillment and here we are, on the path to attitude adjustment.

Please pray for good results and prompt healing.  I’ll soon update the community.

Peace, Love, Prayers,

Leif

AVN

Avascular Necrosis, the bone  in my humeral head (bicep bone in the shoulder joint) is common in people who have had chemotherapy or high doses of steroids over a long period (that was me with Dexamethasone during radiation treatments).  Anyway, this has been a growing problem in my shoulders as they deteriorate it is causing me much discomfort; and a loss of range of motion.  Tomorrow morning, surgery is taking place to help stop the collapse of my left shoulder.   If everything goes like it should (it will), There will be bad tissue removed from the humeral head with resurfacing measures and the possible addition of a cap or quarter sized 'button'  to protect the good tissue underneath.  This is outpatient surgery with an overnight into Saturday.  Please pray for Dr. Hasan as his hands are guiding the treatment.  I'm a bit anxious as well so please consider this in your prayers.

I cannot thank you all enough.

Real.Love.Now,
Leif

One is Never Enough...

Hello fellow followers, fans, formal acquaintances, and fractured heart fixers:

A great bunch of events have happened that need your attention, consideration and emotional evaluation.

Let's start at the very beginning (a very good place to start).  One year ago (April 2014) I had a TIA T2 stroke that left me recovering in the hospital for a few days.

Now in the present, I have had another stroke this past Sunday (08-03-2015) and was taken to the hospital by my now girlfriend Niki. She sacrificially gave time to get me there, get me food (aside from the Hospital offerings), and just supported me in my pain and difficulty.

Next we have the final 'prognosis' from the staff involved after bloodwork, monitoring, MRI, MRA, and direct questioning.  The University Hospital in West Chester resolved that a poor/restricted flow in several areas (caused by previous Radiation treatments) caused the transient stroke effect.

Once I was injected numerous times (now bruised) with blood thinners as a precaution, my condition remained stable long enough for me to sneak (check -out) out of the hospital and head home for some real rest.

If that was all the news I had...then there would be joy...but hang in there.

This very morning I had a orthopedic doctor follow-up for some pain and restricted range of motion in both shoulders.  He kindly noted that there was no tendon, muscle or other tears or damage.  However, he then proceeded to tell me that I had a rare condition known as 'Avascular necroses in the humeral heads'.  This is the ball portion at the end of your upper arm bone that is held neatly inside your shoulder socket.  Basically, what the necrosis does is deteriorate the head/ball section of bone until it starts to break down and fail as a heavily used unit until a solution is implemented.

So far, all I have heard is that a rebuild of the shoulder would be the best route.  This involves severing the existing ball of bone material as it enters the shoulder socket and replace it with a metal or otherwise strong replica.  This would also require strengthening the socket area to accept a metal joint instead of bone material.

While I wait for answers from my Ortho as he searches the minds of his colleagues in specialty areas and even in other states, this puts me in a funny place.  Here's what I mean:

Here I am processing my second stroke event and have to unknowingly combine it with a potential double shoulder rebuild that may or may not need regular future maintance.

NOW!  That's a lot to handle.  Even with my experienced past, it is still gnawing at me.  My solution?  I have already began to journal my feelings and discuss how this affects my life and kids with other friends/family and/or people I can trust with that level of vulnerability.  The final step in the 'new walk' is to resolve a behavioral/filtering device in my person.  This ensures challenges and difficulties during this time are met with a prepared, organized, and consistent approach all the while spreading a message of love, learning and encouragement using a filter of hope, love and peace.

Please spread the message of HOPE!!

Stay Strong...Sincerely,
Leif

Love to Love

Hello All,

As if it is not already known, I love to love and serve others if possible.  It is in my DNA and deeper in my purpose as directed by the Holy One.  When I encounter a relationship that allows or desires this, it energizes me even more.

The reason I decided to add this to my Blog is two-fold:

1. Continue to tell the story of hope and contentment that is possible in our lives.

2. Give honor and praise to those who have helped or participated in the process.

What happened to make this post worth sharing?

Glad you asked.

I have been praying, seeking and living in a way that only I, until now, had hoped would align me with an honorable and supportive lady/woman that I can bless and serve as my companion in this adventure we call life on earth.  I knew her (we'll call her Nicole) back in high school. While I have prayed for my future wife many times in the past years, I didn't expect this 'blast from the past'.  Since then, divorce and brain cancer have shoved me down a path I did not desire, with Satan and his minions trying to destroy, attack, and trip me along the way.

Now, with the help of God, Family, Friends and a consistent good attitude I feel like someone has also merged near me on my particular path of life.  This is no coincidence as I see it.  Only what happens when you choose to follow a path that you would like to have your partner align with due to their own individual desires and interests.  With no influence from anyone else, Nicole seems suddenly embedded in the heart of my every thought.  She, and her children, get along wonderfully with my children.  My children also get along with hers with no problem.  Our natural communication and attitudes compliment each other constantly.  

Too good to be true?

Not with truth, alignment of goals, and desire to serve each other.  This experience is a small part of the path I am on.  I know at this point that our direction, attitude and foundations are aligned in a way that will only strengthen our relationship.  I continue to see peace and joy down the road, both near and far.

Should you think of it, I would most desire prayers of protection and joy in our new found relationship.  As Satan desires only to destroy and burn something of this magnitude down.

Thank you all.  I say that because my spiritual sensitivity tells me when others are aligned and supporting my direction.

Now with more fervor...

Thank you all greatly.

Peace, Hope, Love, Prayers,
Leif

Everything

Hey Viewers,

Here's one from my heart.

I was in America's Motor City (Detroit) this past week for work.  No big deal there.  The system I was installing and verifying had several signals that had to be, as the industry calls it, 'wrung out'.

Here is an example of how many signals there are; one signal equals one of the wires on the right side of the actual image below:

Don't worry, there is nothing proprietary in this image.  So to explain a bit here, there are only about 400 signals...some coming in, some being generated and sent out.  Well a circumstance came about that really foiled my nice orderly logical plans.

Personally, I struggle sometimes that there is still something wrong in my brain after all my surgeries and 'stuff' so I sometimes feel that I miss things that I am not aware of.  So when I found a random pattern of signals that were operating strangely, I slightly panicked.  Slightly for this situation means that I was seriously confused, not sure what to do, and not sure if something was wrong with me, wrong with the system I was working on, or both.

The thing that brought me to solace again was this.  My Lord has created everything, knows everything, and is ever-present (hence the name of this post 'Everything').  If I were to just humble myself and allow my wisdom to come from him and not my own understanding...maybe I could see from his well illuminated view and not mine I may see something yet unseen.  So I fasted over the next day and prayed as I performed various tests to find the root issue.  This helped greatly.  If I would have allowed myself to exist in the physical/earthly present, I would have only seen the customer complaining and others pressing me for answers I was supposed to know at the time.

Then it happened.  Using a tester/diagnostic tool, I found a bundle of wires that had gotten mixed up with a different bundle of similarly colored wires.  This, after making the relevant changes, resolved the many signals that had seemed completely hay-wire at the time.

End of story?  Not yet.  I had to first thank God for giving me the clarity to continue in a reasonable manner despite the pressing circumstances.  After this, everything came to a peaceful completion...all loose ends tied up, everyone involved was content and the customer even reached out to my boss in order to express his satisfaction with my work.

I am happy to know that even when or if things are wrong with me, I have someone I can ALWAYS go to that ALWAYS covers/knows EVERYTHING!!

Readers...thank you for continuing to support me.  It means a lot!

Peace.Hope.Love

Sincerely,

Leif

It's Not Over!

What does 'Its not over' mean to you?  If you have ever thought that your time on this earth is at all useless or wasted...please, think again.  In reading yet another great book I've wrestled with the following spiritual truth (i.e. irrefutable truth).  If you are still alive in any capacity, you have not yet completed your purpose for being here.  Regardless of what you believe, regardless of what has happened to you, there is work left to do.  In the case of your life, there is HOPE left.  I HOPE that something even greater than wherever you are at is still possible.  Have hope my friends!  Encourage others!  Allow the thought of your next step being higher than your current level to permeate your being and use that energy to move ahead!

Love You All and I pray for you each day!!

Sincerely with Peace Love and HOPE,

Leif

The Frog

It may seem odd, the title, but believe me...it is a constant reminder of my recent past.  I had my regular quarterly MRI today along with blood-work in preparation for tomorrow's oncology visit.  The MRI itself is no big thing but it shuttles me back to a special MRI I had 2 years back now.  One that allowed the neurosurgeons to properly determine the borders of my tumor.  This was called an FMRI or Functional MRI with tensor diffusion imaging.  Look it up on Google...it is quite an interesting invention.  It is essentially a MRI that involves activities for the patient to do while inside the tube.  During the activities, the scanner is picking up which parts of the brain are used to complete the task.  Thus, the 'functional' area for that action.

As part of  my FMRI experience, I was read a story.  I was told that part of the story I will understand, and part of the story I will not.  I did not know what this could mean at the time so I listened...I listened actively and intently.  The story was pleasant and simple.  it was bout a frog who wanted to explore over the hill.  Along the way he encounters a garden shed and goes in.  Frightened by a small boy who runs into the shed, the frog jumps into a nearby flower pot.  Just then, the narrator's voice went to total garble.  The garble ended and the story was never finished.  On to the next task.  WAIT!!!  I want to know what happened to the FROG!!!!

While I may never know the true destiny of the frog, it does give me an interesting insight.  I am here, I am alive, I am healthy and have now moved on to the monitoring phase of my cancer encounter.  I praise the Lord that he has allowed me this adventure.  To have endured, experienced, and see life through a totally different set of eyes and heart.

I have to thank you all who have prayed (and some continue) as it is your continued petition to the Lord that keeps me engaged in the pursuit of the frog's story.

Peace, Love & Prayers,

-Leif

Perfection is not Coincedence

Hey All!!

Sorry there has been no update here in a while.  Things get busy fast when you are healthy and able to rebuild things in strength and #hope!!  I have heard through the grapevine that many are still praying but haven't gotten an update.  Well...here you are:
1. I have had my most recent quarterly MRI on April 22 to fin that there is no new areas of concern which is an ongoing conclusion through my last several quarterly's...YAY!! Praise Him!!!
2. This past few weeks yielded me a stroke that landed me in the emergency room May 6th.  This was a T.I.A. of the T2 variety in medical terms.  Things are back to normal now as i am living on my own now with my kids here...even now...sleeping soundly:).  Would you believe that I was out of town the previous week (more like the last few months for work off and on).  And was home that week.  What Luck!  The event happened in my home and I was able to get myself to the doctor and was told if it happened again to go straight to the ER.  It did and I did.  My loving mother was with me and thank goodness for her patience as things tend to take a while when the entire neurology staff wants to see you and CAT scans MRI's and other tests are pending.

3. Home from all that I was thinking what a coincidence it was that it happened near home when I remembered a past youth pastor teaching (Jim Peterson) that God exists outside of time and can influence any situation without the constraints of time as well.  So I see now knowing that plus your continued and faithful prayers is truly the real reason I can continue to praise him with both hands high and standing strong!!  It's like every time Satan tries to shut the door on my life and livelihood, our Lord keeps my foot in the door.  Honestly, with him it feels more like keeping my combat boot lodged firmly in the door jam.  Jesus keeps me in the game time after time!!  Please don't mind my bit of humor.  Thank you all!!

4. I do have to ask for something at this point.  Since I have much slower updates going on from here, I need to know if you even want me to continue posting to this blog??  I enjoy it but do not want to let anyone down.  Please respond if you want to see more or not so I know what direction go head.

I cannot thank you each enough.

Peace.  Love.  Prayers,

Leif

Best Practices - Lessons Learned

In the last 7 cycles of chemotherapy, I have been experimenting.  This is because I want to minimize the discomfort, weakness and other mild and moderate side-effects I have experienced with taking a 5 day on, 23 day off maintenance cycle of Temodar for the past 7 months.  Temodar is an Anti-Neoplastic agent.  I may do a more in depth nerd-style posting in the future of things I have learned about this last year.  Anyway...to continue.

If anyone takes Temodar (Temozolomide) and has not been able to minimize the side-effects to their liking, consider the following.  For my 5 days on, I keep a rather strict schedule.  I normally keep a fairly strict schedule anyway, but definitely do not stop during chemo week.  I don't adjust my schedule for chemo week so I don't have anything to re-adjust to something different later.  I just keep my normal schedule:
- Wake up early, eat whole grain cereal and fruit breakfast and go to work.
- Get off work (early evening)
- Get home and immediately go into exercise mode.  Light to moderate weights and cardio...90 minutes of exercise is my ideal goal.
- Finish, shower and eat dinner.
- Right after dinner begin cycle. Anzemet (anti-emetic chemo prep drug) then an hour of no food or drink...then chemo...then nothing for another hour.
- When I can eat again, I like to have a granola parfait with Activia yogurt and fruit.  Making sure to drink plenty of water.  Activia was chosen due to its active cultures.  This can also be helpful as chemotherapy can suppress your immune system.
- When I go to bed about an hour or two after that, I don't feel much different than normal.
Now, rinse and repeat for 5 days...

Anyway, after 7 variations of when to take the chemo, what to eat and when to sleep, this honestly is the best routine I have locked in on...I don't plan on changing anything else now.

I hope this can help someone who may have some difficulty with this type of process.  Please feel free to ask questions or comment as this type of process can be part of a tough time in one's life and you never know when you can help someone else.

Peace, Love & Prayers to you all.

Sincerely,
Leif

More Will Be Revealed

Dear followers devout,

There done aint been much to report or update y'all on thus why the posting frequency has slackened greatly.  Speaking of slacking...I have been doing quite the opposite of  that lately.  With nearly a year, YES I SAID A YEAR,  having gone by now since the discovery of the brain tumor, I feel there is a LOT of ground to make up.

It is amazing that the Lord continues to show me new ways to strengthen myself mind, body, and spirit.  As I continue to press into these areas, I am able to see more of Him.  Now that motivates and fulfills me in an incredible way.  I definitely feel excited to find the next challenge and allow it to enhance this experience of life that we have the joy of sharing together.

I will continue to keep the blog up to date as new information arrives.  Meanwhile, feel free to ask questions, post motivational comments and most inportantly...continue to LOVE one enougher as He loved us!!!

With Sincere Gratitude,
Leif Hyrne

One Day at a Time

Hello all,

My apologies for more than a month since the last update.  Not a lot has arisen with regards to new information about my tumor.  I still believe that the Lord is healing me and this illness will not defeat me!

I will share a bit of a heart issue I have had recently.  I have been trying to get a clear picture of what my life will look like in the coming months so I can plan accordingly.  Well, this has been very difficult as I really have no idea what things will look like.  Based on what has already happened this year, I don't feel any security in defining what to plan on.  Thankfully, David Jeremiah to the rescue again.  His message on the Lord's prayer Friday morning helped me to re-establish my footing.  God gives us what we need for today (our daily bread) and no more is promised.  So I gladly reduced the scope of my planning to just today.  It is actually easier to me to move ahead this way.  I am still working in certain directions (driving, living independently and so on) but can rest easier at the end of each day knowing I have done what I can for today.

Love and Prayers to you all,
Leif

Good News

Good news Indeed.  I have recently had a MRI to see how the radiation and chemotherapy affected my tumor.  After my oncologist reviewed the Radiologist’s report, she told us that the remaining tumor is even smaller than before.   This is good news!!  I now move into ‘maintenance chemo mode’.  That means that I take chemo one week of every month for a year.  Looks like this blog is living up to its name.  My love and gratitude to you as the prayer of many is truly a powerful weapon.  More info to follow as we find out new information.

Love and Prayers,

Leif

RADIATION/CHEMO TREATMENT SESSION 1 COMPLETE

PRAISE GOD ON HIGH!!!  My Chemo and Radiation treatment schedule ended 2 weeks ago this coming Wednesday.  It must have been the Lord’s timing as the fatigue was starting to set in.  I have had time to recoup for the most part and get ready for whatever is coming.  Well…I guess that gives me enough time to get ready for the upcoming race.  WHAT??!!??  Did you say ‘race’?  Yes I did.  One of the major neuro-science and tumor treatment centers in Cincinnati is sponsoring a 5K walk/run on OCT. 28^th.  It is called ‘Race for the Cure’.   For more information about this race, go to the following web address:

 http://www.walkahead.org/

Information on my team, ‘Tumor Assassination Squad’ can be found on the following link:

http://registration.walkahead.org/walkahead/teampage.asp?fundid=2445

This shows me how far things have come in terms of healing and blessings.  I still have many oncologist and therapy appointments left.  These should hopefully be just to verify my health status in their respective areas. 

Blog Supporters: Thanks for the prayer support.

Sincerely Yours (With Love, Peace and Prayers),

Leif

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]