We wanted to drop in quickly with an update on Darlene's third cancer diagnosis.  We found out Friday, April 5, that surgery would not be possible this time.  This tumor is aggressive and rapid growing.  Not the news we were hoping for, not at all.  

We learned today, April 9, that she may be eligible for a newer form of radiation, PROTON THERAPY, but there is a process in getting her approved through the proton team and getting the insurance to approve this treatment as well.  The Dr is hopeful she will qualify, so we were able to schedule an appointment for Friday afternoon to get the mapping started, "fit" her for the face mask and get the plan in place so once approval comes in, we can start right away with this proton therapy.  It is supposed to be much more accurate and have less negative side effects for the patient, which we were relieved to hear, given the history of radiation from 20 years ago.

We also have an appointment Friday, before the "fitting" for the proton therapy process, with the chemotherapy team to try and navigate getting at least a round of chemotherapy started, while waiting for other approvals. 

So, some not so great news to end last week, but possibly positive news to start this week....we are grateful for that!  

Please keep Darlene in your thoughts as we navigate this.  She is a fighter and is ready to fight again.

She tires quicky and easily being on the phone, so text messages with words of support are truly better.

I will do another update after Friday, once we hear more and have a better "plan of action".