The "mask" process

This is the process for the "Mask". (This picture is not of Jeanine or her techs. It is just an indication of what the "Mask" looks like before it is molded to her face and head.
Bill

Through Memorial Day

God Bless our troops!

Jeanine had kind of a rough day yesterday! She was pretty active Saturday and Sunday, then yesterday, she just felt "kinda puny" all day. During the early evening, we noted that she had some swelling over the surgery area. We elevated her a bit more during the night. She had a rough time going to sleep. Slept well after she did. She awoke this morning, and the swelling was pronounced and very noticeable. Placed a call to Dr. Mickeys office, and at 2:30 pm the call was returned. Discussions indicated again that this swelling is "normal". The area where the scull was removed and replaced hasn't "sealed completely", thus the fluids seep into the area above the scull and below the scalp. Thus, "swelling". Now we did notice, even before the Dr. returned the call, that the swelling has begun to diminish some. She feels less "pressure" than she had last night and earlier today. Thank God, webelieve all is well. I only wish that I knew a bunch more about the things that can be "normal" than I do; but Dr. is good to answer our questions and relive our minds. This afternoon now, she feels good, and is busy hustling about. She has been making calls to various pharmacies concerning the intended chemo drugs. Needless to say, we are shocked at the cost of these drugs, and the relatively small portion paid for by the insurance company. But, that too is in Gods hands, and he will guide. Thursday we will see the radiation specialist for the "mask", and then treatments start June 4. Will post more later, or as anything develops.

God bless you all.
Bill Nichols

Radiation consultation completed today

Hi Folks: Still moving along. Radiation consultation today. Concluded that Jeanine will go back on May 31, at which time they will form a "mask" to her face and head. In its present form, it looks kinda like a white fishing net. The netting is quite close, and is roughly the shape of a head and face. We're told this will be placed over her head, warmed, and it will then conform to every detail on her head and face. Cooled, it will be stiff. This "mask" is then "marked" with the areas that the concentration is to be targeted to. Dr. Chang did an excellent job of explaining that the "microscopic tentacles" that could not be removed surgically are the targets. The Chemo weakens the cancer cells, and the radiation zaps them. Tolerances are very very close, especially around the optic nerve and around the ear. They have to get very "close", but use care not damage those tissues. Back to the "mask" she will be seated in a special chair. The "mask" will be very rigid and is the device that will hold her head perfectly still during the radiation therapy. She should have no pain. Will probably lose a patch of hair, and could have some skin irritation that would be treated with ointments as if for a sunburn. She will go to daily (5 days a week) for 33 days. The chemo and radiation are administered at the same time. Chemo at home each night, (pill form) and radiation each Monday through Friday. She will be monitored with blood work to make sure the platelets and white and red cells stay in the right range. Also, there will be periodic MRI's. We continue to learn just how very serious and delicate these treatments are. We are assured that "she made it through the big one", the surgery. The actual treatments will begin June 4. We are convinced that we have the right medical team, and pray that God guides them along this path. We feel he has already.

Blessings to all, and hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day.
Bill

Invitation to Celebrate Tom Jones' Life

Hello Family and Friends,

I just wanted to invite you to my home Friday, 5/25, after the 2:00 memorial service of Tom Jones. Sandy, nor Tommy, have enough space to gather after the service so I am offering my home for their friends and loved ones to have a place to gather. There will be plenty of food, so please join us to give them your love and sympathies.

My address is: 3108 Andrew Court, Bedford, TX 76021

I will get more information to you regarding how to get to my home. I look so forward to seeing each of you and helping out my dear friend Sandy.

Love and blessings,
Jeanine

Chemo Consultation today

Good evening all:
Chemo consultation went very well. Dr. Maher spent over a hour going over every last detail of the procedure; what to expect, and what to ignore. We are both very comfortable with her and her staff. All of the newest procedures and technics are in play. The chemo will be by mouth, and she will take that at home every night. The radiation procedure will be at Southwestern Medical center (13 miles), and she will do that 5 days a week for about 6 weeks. There will be weekly monitoring of blood and other tests, including periodic MRI. Dr. Maher also indicated that she was prescribing medication for sick-to-the-stomach, and she says it is very effective. Tomorrow we go to the radiation specialist. We're told they will make a "mask" that will be marked for the "target" areas for the radiation.
Anxious to see how that goes. She will lose "some" hair from the radiation. (Only in spots)
That's it for now. More follows tomorrow after the radiation consultation.
Prayers work y'all! Thank you for them!
Bill

Swelling is coming back down!

Hello all: There was a marked improvement in the swelling around her eyes today. We are grateful and much less concerned. Tomorrow is her first day of consultation about the treatments. We are anxious for a better indication of what that will bring.

Until tomorrow.

God Bless.

Bill