How can I even begin to say....

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!

I've been thinking a lot about the last 6 months of time since I was told that my tumour was starting to become very aggressive and things were not looking too good. So much has gone through me physically, mentally, emotionally, logically and everything else that you can think off, that it hasn't really allowed me to sit back and say THANK YOU to every single person out there that has helped us.

Helped by supporting us financially, with continuous blessings and prayers, love and everything else that we have received. It truly confirms how beautiful this world is and the people that live here.

I have had many moments of fear that the "airplane I'm flying" is not going to get through this storm. As confident as I do feel that I will get through this challenge, knowing that I have the amazing support that I have makes me that much stronger to prevail.

I send my love, joy and happiness to everyone out there along with the biggest possible hug.

THANK YOU!!!

2 dogs to give away

Unfortunately I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place regarding the 2 great dogs that we have. Due to the amount of fatigue that is really hitting me and the fact that I can't drive after all of the seizures that I had, our 2 dogs Sterling and Maysi are not getting the attention that they need and deserve.

We've decided that it's in their best interest to be owned by someone else. We're really hoping that they can be kept together. They're best friends!

Please send me an email at ryan.westerman5@gmail.com if you or someone you know is interested. I've attached a couple of pictures. Both Sterling and Maysi are turning 6 this year.

Round #4

Wow, this Avastin/chemo combo must be in my brain working hard. I'll gladly take on the fact that I'm starting to get really tired (one of the side effects) all the time to ensure that the tumor is being destroyed.

Was at the Tom Baker yesterday for my 4th round of Avastin. Only takes about 30 minutes now that my body is used to it. Makes me feel pretty mellow afterwards.
They've also lowered the amount of Dexamethasone (lowers brain swelling) from 16 mg to 4 mg which is really good to see. That might be another reason I'm mellowing out more as this is a steroid. Another sign of confidence that things are going well.

Still waiting to see if they want to do the next MRI in one month or two. Will let you all know as soon as I find out.

Hope you're all enjoying the day. It's gorgeous out!!!

Quick update.

Hi everyone,

In tomorrow for bloodwork and a checkup. Shouldn't be any issues to get in the way of the Avastin treatment on Wednesday. One thing that I'm really noticing now is the overall side effects of the Avastin and VP-16 chemo pill. Huge lack of energy and stiffness in my upper legs. Something to be expected from the Avastin. Guess it confirms that it's doing its job.

I must say that I feel kind of bad that I haven't really updated my Blog that much lately due to the fact that my life is getting pretty boring. I could go deeper into philosophy but I probably wouldn't make a lot of sense. :)

Hope your weekend was great!

Ciao for now.

MRI results...

Good news!

The Avastin is definitely doing the work that we were planning for. It's reducing the swelling around the tumour and by doing so, the chemo will be more effective on taking care of business.

The tumour itself is still the same size, however that is also good news as it shows us that the aggressive side of the cancer has slowed down and are hoping that it is no longer growing!!!

As I mentioned in my last blog, I've been surfing a huge wave of emotion over the last few days. What is very interesting is that when I woke up this morning, I felt very much at peace. The fear and doubt was gone. I also felt that all morning and could feel the good vibe the minute I saw my doctor. Was so happy to see the smile on her face after showing us the MRI.

Will be staying on track for the Avastin treatment next Wednesday and will have the next MRI booked soon.

Definition of huge relief = how I'm feeling right now!

Hope you have all had a great day too!!

Quick update on everything

Good morning,

Hope everyone is well.

Went in on Tuesday for my bi-weekly update regarding bloodwork and how I'm feeling. All is well. No issues to be concerned about. Was good to go for the Avastin treatment on Wednesday.

Where the nervousness comes into play.......MRI I had on Wednesday morning. Won't know the results until this coming Tuesday, March 10th. Trying to stay as positive as possible and wear a smile, however in the back of my mind is that "itch on your back that you just can't reach" regarding the mass growth Tash and I saw between the September, 2008 and November, 2008. I still feel very confident that this latest MRI will not be bad news. My expectations is that it will be our good "blueprint" for future comparison.

I guess the flashback of the incredible growth we saw in November, 2008 is obviously in my subconscious. I've always been so laid back about my MRI's from the 40 plus that I've had over the last 11+ years. I think that this is the first time that I have truly been concerned.

Surfing a huge wave of emotion!!!

Will post the results on Tuesday.

Hang Ten!!!!

Time flies!

I can't believe that it's already been almost 2 weeks since my last update. Does anyone remember February?

Other than lack of energy and a bit of a chest cold, I definitely can't complain about how I'm feeling. I wouldn't complain anyways even if I wasn't feeling well. What good would that bring me?

Something really cool happened last week. I was given the opportunity to participate in the annual Calgary Flames Charity Poker tournament. I got to sit beside Todd Bertuzzi and chat with him a little bit. What an honour. I've attached some pictures to my blog regarding this.

I'm in tomorrow for a blood check and meeting with one of my awesome doctors. I've got my first MRI since November, 2008 when we saw the significant change in growth. Would love to say that I'm going to see the tumour shrink significantly but this is mainly going to be used as the basis for future reference. Tash and I will meet with the doctors on Tuesday, March 10th to review the MRI and will be extremely nervous. To have your future potentially hanging on the results from this upcoming MRI is an understatement.

Let's stop and think about that for a moment. How many people are diagnosed daily with life threatening disease, in car accidents where they don't live through them, etc.? A LOT! Who am I to complain about the situation that I am in when there are so many other people out there that are in a far worse situation? I'm not saying that what I'm going through is a walk in the park. All I'm saying is that when we are given challenges (part of our "life contract"), would it be better for us to be negative and complain about the situation or try our best to look on the "bright side" that there's a very good potential that there are others out there in a potentially far worse situation. If we had no choice other than "pick the challenge", which would you take?

I've got my 3rd round of Avastin tomorrow afternoon. Now that my system is getting better at absorbing it, it is taking less time for them to inject it. Only takes about an hour now.

I've also attached a report from the US regarding a man who has been dealing with a Grade 4 very aggressive brain tumour who is using the Avastin for his treatment. HUGE INCENTIVE FOR ME!!! All of my energy will go into the potential success that using this will help me. Is the glass half full or half empty?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIy1HoSI51s&feature=related

Peace, love and happiness.