Journal entry by Mary Kassens —
Hard to believe the last post on this site was March, 2023. Steve and I thought it was time for a current update on his health and brain cancer.
Steve received chemo and immunotherapy infusions every 2 weeks from Jan-May in attempts to reduce his brain swelling and reduce the growth of new cancer tumors in his brain discovered in Dec 2022. Progressively over those months we noticed significant fatigue and muscle weakness. One morning while doing our yoga routine I glanced over and during a simple plank his body just shook and he basically lowered himself into prone on his mat saying" I'm so weak." It's hard to watch because Steve has always been so physically strong.
During his May oncology appointment the oncologist educated us that Steve's tumor grade was not really responding greatly to the chemo so it was recommended stopping the chemo and trying to allow Steve's body to rebuild at this time. We agreed with the plan to stop the chemo and keep receiving immunotherapies every two weeks to keep the swelling down in his brain. Also at that time the oncologist said if Steve was onboard to use a device called Optune, now was the time! Optune is a device worn on the head basically 24 hours a day providing waves of disruption to break down the cancer cells before they divide and multiply and cause more cancer. Steve agreed to try any thing that will extend his life. Using Optune comes with a huge commitment. He has to shave his head often, apply the pads with help from Mary and his kids every 4 days. He's getting use to learning to live life in a new way! The batteries only last 3 hours apiece or the unit is plug into wall units. Optune doesn't really like the hot sun or water. He is basically tethered to his Optune device.
I will say at first, seeing Steve wearing his new head device and multiple hats and scarfs made us a sad. it was a physical reminder that things were not as great as they appeared but as he became more comfortable with Optune and never complaining while keeping a positive attitude and rocking his new look and way of life it has helped us all realize Optune is a real blessing!
Steve had a repeat MRI on Tuesday 7-18-23 and the results showed all areas stable! No growth and no new tumors.
Halleluiah!
We continue to appreciate all the prayers of support and healing!
Continue to Let Your Light Shine!!!
Steve received chemo and immunotherapy infusions every 2 weeks from Jan-May in attempts to reduce his brain swelling and reduce the growth of new cancer tumors in his brain discovered in Dec 2022. Progressively over those months we noticed significant fatigue and muscle weakness. One morning while doing our yoga routine I glanced over and during a simple plank his body just shook and he basically lowered himself into prone on his mat saying" I'm so weak." It's hard to watch because Steve has always been so physically strong.
During his May oncology appointment the oncologist educated us that Steve's tumor grade was not really responding greatly to the chemo so it was recommended stopping the chemo and trying to allow Steve's body to rebuild at this time. We agreed with the plan to stop the chemo and keep receiving immunotherapies every two weeks to keep the swelling down in his brain. Also at that time the oncologist said if Steve was onboard to use a device called Optune, now was the time! Optune is a device worn on the head basically 24 hours a day providing waves of disruption to break down the cancer cells before they divide and multiply and cause more cancer. Steve agreed to try any thing that will extend his life. Using Optune comes with a huge commitment. He has to shave his head often, apply the pads with help from Mary and his kids every 4 days. He's getting use to learning to live life in a new way! The batteries only last 3 hours apiece or the unit is plug into wall units. Optune doesn't really like the hot sun or water. He is basically tethered to his Optune device.
I will say at first, seeing Steve wearing his new head device and multiple hats and scarfs made us a sad. it was a physical reminder that things were not as great as they appeared but as he became more comfortable with Optune and never complaining while keeping a positive attitude and rocking his new look and way of life it has helped us all realize Optune is a real blessing!
Steve had a repeat MRI on Tuesday 7-18-23 and the results showed all areas stable! No growth and no new tumors.
Halleluiah!
We continue to appreciate all the prayers of support and healing!
Continue to Let Your Light Shine!!!
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