Sherri Dean

In mid-March Sherri noticed a little difficulty writing--signing her name, making a grocery list.  We immediately saw a doctor (thinking stroke) and after an exam were  referred to a Neurologist.  The Neurologist did a series of exams but found nothing obvious and decided to do an MRI of Sherri's brain as a precaution, not really expecting to find anything conclusive.


We did the MRI on Saturday, March 30 and received a call from Sherri's doctor that they had found a brain tumor (glioblastoma).  This was devastating news, since there is no cure for this aggressive form of brain cancer.  But with the support of friends, family and medical experts we quickly consulted with doctors at the UCSD's Moores Cancer Center where she was further examined and enrolled in a clinical trial for a new treatment.


The next step will be surgery, hopefully this week, to remove as much of the tumor as can safely be accomplished, and then begin chemo and radiation.  The clinical trial will commence after that.  We consult with the surgeon on Wednesday.


Meanwhile Sherri's condition has deteriorated.  She has lost the use of her right arm, which was her dominant side.  But her spirit remains strong and in turn gives me the strength to take care of this wonderful woman, mother and wife of 46 years.  She is, and always will, be my rock.  She has already made remarkable progress learning to be left handed.


And we must also acknowledge the tremendous outpouring of love and support from friends and family.  It is beyond humbling the way so many have stepped in to help.  We will definitely need it in the days, weeks and months ahead.  In particular, I want to thank Bob Sheldon, who has been our conduit to the rest of the world and who set up this Caring Bridge portal for us.  And his wife, Denise, as well who is willing to drop everything to help out.


There are many others, of course, and we look forward to hearing from everyone through Caring Bridge.  Bob offered to create this so that we may receive the comments and well wishes of all.  And I want all to know that even though it is not practical to respond in real time to everyone, we will be following the comments and please know that your well wishes and kind thought are immensely appreciated.  They help give us the inner strength that will be as important as all the medical treatments as we begin this journey.


Steve and Sherri