Dilantin is history!

We have spent the last two days meeting with doctors and getting Keith's treatment plan in place.

First, we have swapped out a lot of medications - all theoretically for the good. The headline news is that Keith has been able to replace Dilantin - an anti-seizure medication - with a newer medication - Keppra - hopefully eliminating a few very unwanted side effects. Those of you who have had a chance to see him over the last few weeks know that he has been very unsteady on his feet. This was not a byproduct of the tumor, but rather a side effect of Dilantin. He should now be able to pass the "walk the line" portion of the sobriety test....

Second, we are preparing for the radiation treatments. The process involves creating a "mask" which is customized for Keith and his tumor. This mask will help position Keith so that the beam can be localized to the tumor area. Our radiation course will be 5 minutes each day for 5 days a week for 6 weeks (30 treatments). We will probably start the week of the 23rd as they prefer to give the surgical site a good amount of time to heal before they start irritating it again.

Third, we have sent a sample of the tumor to UCLA for a pathology review. They may (or may not) be able to give us more insight into the specifics of Keith's glioblastoma.

Finally, Keith has had no side effects to date from the Temodar. His scar is healing nicely and he was finally able to wash his hair today. (Another Halloween possibilty down the tubes. With a comb forward, he had potential as Napoleon Bonaparte.)