Planning to stay a week in Beverly Hills

We arrived this afternoon, checking into a B & B that we’ve booked for a week.  We’re not far from some streets whose very names convey celeb status: Wilshire, Sunset, Avenue of the Stars.  But we are not here to catch a glimpse of the rich and famous; we chose this place because of its proximity to UCLA, where Jean has an appointment to see the Vice-Chair of neuro-surgery, Dr. Linda Liau, on Tuesday morning.  We are asking Dr. Liau to enroll Jean in one of her clinical trials, which would entail another round of brain surgery, followed by an experimental treatment.  The surgery could even happen this week, which would doubtless extend our stay in the southland

Disappointing MRI, Jean Could Use Some Encouragement

Jean's MRI Tuesday showed continued tumor progression.  The temozolomide she's been taking only slowed down tumor grown, so UCSF is considering stopping her prescription; they will tell us their decision after the tumor board reviews her case Thursday.  At the same time, she will not be able to use the Novocure device until the scars from last week's surgery heals.  That could take a month, although UCSF will re-evaluate her every week. However, there is a very real possibility at a critical time, Jean could go without any treatment from UCSF.

There are other options, both in conventional and CAM (Complementary Alternative Medicine).  In the conventional department, we will be in Los Angeles next week to talk to a UCLA neuro-surgeon about a phase I clinical trial of aCTL and a phase II clinical trial of dendritic cell vaccine, both of which use the body's immune system against tumors cells.  In the CAM department we are looking into hyperthermia therapy and other Gorter-method techniques, available at Dr. Gorter's clinic in Cologne.
  
If you had been thinking of phoning Jean, or sending her a card, now would be an opportune moment.  The truth is she's a little demoralized.  Of course it's hard to know what to say to somebody with a life threatening illness, but one of Jean's wonderful qualities is her ability to receive positive energy from other people.  No matter what you say, she'll know you are thinking about her and wishing her well in a difficult situation, and she will draw draw strength from that.

If you need our full street address or phone number, or want to set up a visit, email us at 1853woodst@gmail.com.  Jean personal email address is rosamundi.jean@gmail.com, and of course you can also write to her there.

Minor surgery does happen

Jean was in surgery for two hours, and emerged with long blue scars marking the outline of where the metal plate was.  And may still be, we have not yet had the opportunity to talk to the surgeon, Dr. Berger.  Jean is in good spirits, with a hearty appetite, and many appreciative words to say about her treatment at UCSF.  Everyone here seems exceptionally kind and competent.

Jean went into the UCSF OR at 4 PT

After checking into the ER on Labor Day, waiting
to talk to a Doctor.  The gave her the mask because
she's taking steroids, which cause immune system problems

They say it's minor surgery, but they will be removing the metal plate they inserted after her craniotomy in 2011.  The reason is an infection on the top of her head that went down so far you could see metal at the bottom of the wound.  They're not entirely sure what they'll find when they remove the plate, perhaps nothing, perhaps more infection. More news in 2 - 4 hours.

Tuesday, September 4, 4 pm, on way to OR