MARCH 4

We are encouraged today after speaking with the neurosurgeon. Although, Gary's type of tumor is rare and they have only used the gamma knife procedure on 7 other Lymphoma cases, they say that generally Lymphoma responds very well to radiation and they were optimistic that it would destroy the tumor. This is the best course of action for Gary. The risk of damaging the nerve that is affected is very low and the chance of Gary getting the feeling back on that side of his face is maybe 30%. They will know soon after if the tumor is destroyed, but the nerves take longer to heal. Since this is the last of the cancer, if this procedure works, Gary will be able to proceed to the stem cell transplant.

If you are interested further in this procedure, you can go to http://www.gammaknife.org/ and on the left hand column, there is a video to watch.

The worst part is putting in a Novocaine type of shot into the head, which they say is pretty painful. This is to allow them to screw a helmet device to his head. Doctor today joked that "it is put on so tight, we could hang you from the deck, but we won't be doing that." I won't repeat the words he used on how much the shots will hurt. *smile*

Gary is very claustrophobic and has to be heavily sedated for any MRI's etc. He was very apprehensive about this procedure, but the doctors assured him they would be giving some good stuff through the IV. Gary feels so much better today than he did a few days ago. Very optimistic that he will be able to beat this. Thank you so much for your prayers!