Everybody think good thoughts

We just found out on Friday that Max has a tumor on his spine. It explains many of the problems that he has been having these last few weeks (confusion, pain, etc). His back has been hurting for quite some time now, and the powerful pain medicine that he has been on wasn't enough to stop it... which is nearly impossible, we've been told. The tumor on his spinal column would explain that.

They've begun treatment, of course. First radiation, and today they'll do a spinal tap and replace the fluid around the tumor with chemo.

We've been told that this is a very serious procedure, and has the potential to stop his heart. Anybody reading this who feels even slightly religious, please give a prayer to him that he is going to be ok. It's serious enough that Aubry (molly's step brother) and Brian (her brother) have come in just in case it takes a turn for the worst. Katie and Norma are there, too. Max's sister is driving Max's parents in from Michigan to see him on Tuesday. The doctor said that this treatment has the potential to permanently alter his brain (and personality), so he may not be the same Max that we've all come to know and love after this. There are still a lot of unknowns, but those are the worst case scenario. In the best case scenario they'll get this tumor knocked out, and max will not be in as much pain, and therefore will be able to continue the normal Chemotherapy.. and scheduled to be done sometime in Mid-July... then we assume at least 6-7 months of good life, perhaps more.

Molly's is hanging in there, but is very, very down right now. I'm doing what I can to keep her thinking positively, but it is tough sometimes.

Yesterday we went skiing. It was the last weekend that Mt. Hood Skibowl was open, and therefore was free. It was not crowded at all, and we got 3-4 hours of good skiing in. The snow was pretty much slush, so it wasn't the best conditions possible.

Lastly, I want to apologize to those that have been neglected lately because of all that has been going on. It's not that we've forgotten about you, we just have a lot going on right now.

Thank you all for being such great friends and family.