Fenter's Friends and Family: Update 5 -- 97-04-08

 Gail and I were in Dallas March 14 - 27 where Gail took an MRI, had a permanent IV line implanted and began experimental treatments with TNP-470, an anti-angiogenesis drug. (The purpose of this drug is to limit the tumor's ability to recruit blood vessels to feed its growth.)

 The MRI revealed that Gail has a spot in her brain, 6 mm by 1cm, which is located on the periphery of the hole where her tumor was removed. It is possible that this spot is an extra-wide section of scar tissue, or it may be a recurrent glioblastoma. Our decision was to begin the experimental treatments regardless. The study of which we are a part requires a recurrent tumor no larger than 1cm, previous radiation and previous resection (removal of a tumor). Since we fit those parameters (obviously, the oncologists believe the spot is tumerous) we began immediate treatments.

 We had a bit more difficulty than expected with the central line implant. Three incisions were required instead of the expected one as Gail's veins wouldn't stay up. She was quite sore for about a week.

 The treatments take about an hour and a half. The first four were administered in Dallas; the rest have been given in Midland. Basically, Gail is hooked up to an IV machine through her central line. She receives treatments every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. A nurse also draws blood weekly to send for lab work.

 While we were in Dallas we had Saturday and Sunday off. The first weekend we met Norris and Linda Elam (San Antonio) and Barry and Karen Alexander (Austin) in Salado. Both of these couples are dear friends from our earliest days in San Antonio. We had a sweet time just being together, catching up on our kids and not thinking about glioblastomas! (Great friends are those who want to ask a thousand questions but have the intuitive wisdom to give you a break when you need it!)

 The second weekend was our 22nd anniversary. We went to Tyler with John and Kay Featherston (The Colony, Tx [a north Dallas suburb]) to do the Azalea Trail. Gail and I had never been in Tyler before and were taken with the natural beauty of the community. We hit the azaleas at what must have been close to peak. We also hit a flea market or two with the Featherstons. I don't think they were "at peak," in fact, just the opposite. We named one of them _Dante's Market_ (a literary reference, not cinematic).

 While we were gone Marta and Rachel stayed at home. Melissa Herndon, one of our singles at GCR, came to the house and stayed with them. Melissa is such great fun that Marta and Rachel were almost looking forward to having mom and dad out of the way. When we got home we found all of them healthy, somewhat sane and extremely well fed. (Other members brought daily meals). Also, the yard was beautifully done (General and Lea Echols), the house was spotless (Bonnie Sohls) and the refrigerator was full (lots of people; lots of food).

 Gail has continued to work. Our insurance is through her work, and life seems more normal for all of us as long as she is able. However, the treatments do make her very fatigued. The girls and I had determined that mom had washed her last load of clothes and wiped her last dish when I pulled my Achilles tendon away from the bone.

 Rachel and I were "wrastlin' around" when it just popped. No surgery will be required but I will be on crutches a few more days. It soon became apparent that, with Gail's fatigue and my bum foot, we were falling further and further behind with household chores. (During this same time, Marta, our 15 year old, was gone on three school trips).

 Though many in the church would be glad to help with laundry and cooking, Gail has not felt comfortable in letting them. Instead we called my folks and asked if they could come and help until I get off of crutches. They arrived last Tuesday and have been a great help. While they have been here they have stayed with Steve and Linda Denton.

 Like so many others, mom and dad have wanted to do as much as we would let them. Until this week we didn't know how much help two people can be. I guess it was pretty clear to them that we could use some continuing help even when my Achilles heals. So, Saturday they rented a small one bedroom apartment about half a mile from the house. On Sunday I asked the church to lend furniture and dishes. By that afternoon they had everything they needed and more. My folks plan to come fairly regularly over the next few months. They'll be close enough that Rachel can easily ride her bicycle down to see them, and both girls are thrilled about the apartment swimming pool.

 We will return to Dallas in a couple of weeks (April 16) for another MRI and a check up. We'll go back for another check up on May 14, and another one with a MRI on June 11. Then we hope to take an Alaskan cruise June 21 - June 28 when we get our first week-long break from treatments.

 Thank you for your prayers. We depend upon them and upon your love.

 Randy, Gail, Marta and Rachel Fenter