Update as of August 30th......as of right now, all reports, records, and MRI slides have been delivered to Dr Friedman at Duke University. We are currently waiting on them to finish reviewing and to decide if they will accept my case. If they choose to accept, then they will tell me when to be there for the evaluation and Kandi and I will be on the road to Durham, NC. Once there, they will develop a plan of action for my local oncologists to execute. My oncologists, which I have two, one for radiation, one for chemotherapy, talked very highly of Dr Friedman, and the entire staff at Duke University. As it stands now, my radiation oncologist has made my plastic mask that will completely immobilize my head during radiation treatment. This will allow them to pinpoint the concentrated radiation to the tumor, and control and limit the exposure to parts of the brain that are nearby. They did state that there may be microscopic infiltration of the cancer into the brain, and they will gently blast that to make sure it is fully treated. Between the radiation and chemotherapy, they are confident they can “get it all” with very little nausea and weakness. They cautioned me about doing research on the internet, stating that most of it is outdated, and that new treatments, advancements and discoveries are made every day, and the internet can’t keep up. My oncologists stated I couldn't be in better hands with Dr Friedman and his team. What an answer to a prayer that was. Kandi and I were very stressed about making the right decision. Between my brother-in-law, Mario's research, and now talking with my doctors, and knowing that I have God in my corner, Kandi and I can sleep peacefully at night. I still need your prayers, as the battle has just begun. There is always the possibility that once finished, the tumor can re-grow, and we will have to start over, including another surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy. I believe strongly in my heart that this will not happen, as I have experienced too many miracles in the last 3 1/2 weeks for God to allow his work to go to waste. I ask everyone to pray for strength and wisdom for Kandi and I, as this battle will be not be easy. I can't thank everyone enough that attended my Celebration of Life party on Saturday. I have never felt more loved in all my life. You don't realize how short life really is until you face a crisis like this. I plead with everyone to make sure your loved ones know how much you truly love them, and enjoy life to its fullest. Life is so much sweeter, if you fill your heart with love to the point there is no room for hatred and bitterness. I know, I sound a little sappy, but I can't help it, I am very emotional now days. I get overwhelmed at times, to the point where it feels like my heart is about to explode. I try to push it down, but it becomes impossible, and it fills up and overflows through my eyes as tears. If you witness me crying, please understand that I am not sad, just overcome with extreme happiness through witnessing something beautiful and loving, (that has been happening a lot lately...).
With Love,
Bill Patterson
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