John Thompson

Welcome to our CaringBridge site. We've created it to keep friends and family updated. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement during this time when it matters most.

As most of you know, as John finished his recovery from his May, 2015, hip replacement he began to have some balance issues, and eventually some memory and other concerns.  During his annual check-up Dr. Peck referred him to a neurologist.  At that June 1 visit, John was scheduled for an MRI June 7, where a brain tumor was discovered.  John was admitted to Strong Hospital the next day and most of the tumor was removed during a 5 hour surgery the following day.  John's tumor, an "atypical pilocytic astrocytoma", is believed to be benign, but very aggressive and rare, with little research available.  Hence, it will involve a very aggressive treatment plan.  What we know so far is that he will have radiation 5 days/week, along with oral chemo, for 6 weeks, then a month off for some recovery, then 6 months of oral chemo.  Little did we know that traveling during retirement meant this! 

John came home June 16, and has done okay, but the fatigue just did not go away, despite the efforts of Nurse Ratchet, and his two brothers, Steve and Bob, who came from Chicago and Sacramento for a week to help.  On July 1 he became more lethargic and the next morning was confused, too.  So back to Strong we came.  Luckily, he waited to have a seizure until we got to the waiting room of the ED, instead of on the highway!  And we are still here.  We have never been home for 4th of July - why start now?

Thank you for all the love, support, prayers, chants, thoughts, and positive energy you have sent our way.  Also, thank you for all the delicious meals AND desserts.  Betsy, the dog, says thanks so much for the walks and the mid-day visits.  Thank you, especially to Erika, who has held down the fort doing all the extra chores (groceries, dishes, lawn, garbage & recycling - John's chores) cheerfully!!!