Monday 9/22/08

Hello Friends & Family,

We had a family meeting today with Jerry's regular Oncologist (Dr. Greenwald) and Pulmonary Physician (Dr. Belkin) now that it is Monday and the regular weekday doctors are back! Dr. Greenwald met with a board of physicians at UCLA this past Friday specifically going over Jerry's case and has been on the phone with them even over the weekend with their Pathologists. They feel they have now determined that Jerry has "Germ Cell Tumor" - which is linked to what Lance Armstrong had. It is a germ cell that you are born with, but lies dormant in your body (usually in male testes) and then for whatever reason becomes active at some point. Ironically he said it is seen more often in avid bicyclists (which Lance Armstrong was of course, and Jerry is a bicyclist - but I don't think he could quite be compared to a Lance Armstrong...don't tell him I said that!) Dr. Greenwald also stated that it is very uncommon that Jerry's "germ cell tumor" didn't originate or show itself in the testes, but in his arm and then metastasized to his lungs. EVERYTHING about Jerry's cancer is rare, still has uncommon factors surrounding it and is unusual. However, Dr. Greenwald and UCLA are comparing notes daily and we are extremely confident that he is getting the absolute, best possible care. He is still on a ventilator, completely sedated and critical, BUT Dr. Greenwald and Dr. Belkin gave us a glimmer of hope today in that they are not giving up quite yet and are willing to try to do everything they can. Jerry's lungs have filled with fluid again and as of right now the plan is to place tubes on either side of his lungs that will stay in place and keep the fluid drained off so it won't continue to build up. The chemo has not shrunk or eliminated any of the tumors in his lungs, in fact they have grown and spread more, but his doctors don't want to give up just yet. I am so happy that we prayed for a miracle and some hope for today (which we have definitely received) and didn't just "give up" after the weekend doctors told us what they did yesterday. Jerry's White Blood Cell count is dropping, which is normal after having chemo, and he is now prone to infection easily. Only the family may see him and only if we do not have any illnesses whatsoever, not even the slightest cold. Pray his White Cells will replenish and build back up as quickly as possible and that he won't get any infection -- especially during this procedure to insert the tubing to keep the fluid drained from his lungs. Everything is a risk, and again the doctors reiterated that his condition is still very critical, but we have a renewed hope with each new day that God gives him!

Both mine and Jerry's parents are with us along with Jerry's siblings. Several friends have asked to come out...please understand that it's not that we don't love you, but we are overwhelmed, have plenty of local support as it is, and only family can be with Jerry anyway, and we feel you can best serve us by praying. Thanks!

Candy