low WBC, more research and meetings

We recently found out that Mark's white blood cell count was a bit lower than desired, probably due to chemo (temodar). The doctors had him refrain from taking the drug last night and another blood test was taken today.
We're waiting for the results to determine what to do next.

In parallel with this initial standard therapy (radiation/chemo), "the team" is doing lots of investigating to find out what are the best steps to take after we're done with radiation. We've been reasearching different philosophies of different doctors and are trying to narrow in on who we'd like to follow. We've been reading testimonials of long term survivors as well as talking to others that are going through the same fight. So far, it seems that there are some conflicts between the various philosophies of doctors and research centers.

UCLA's arsenal consists of the following: single agents - CCNU, carboplatin, etoposide or combo agents - Avastin/CPT-11 (combo) and possible clinical trials
DUKE's arsenal consists of the following: single agents - CCNU, tarceva(if tumor's molecular makeup qualifies testing v3, ag3 and p10) or combo agents - Avastin/CPT-11 (combo) and possible clinical trials

There seem to be several similarities as well as differences between these two. Over the next few weeks we will be ironing out the specifics on how these approaches differ. We'll also continue to research and see what else is out there that seems to show some success and is not too risky. We know that there is some sort of personal vaccine trial going on at UCLA that we will probably qualify for and are getting in touch with all of the right parties now. We have done research on other things as well, like monclonal antibodies, but since radiation has started, this is not an option for Mark (according to Dr. Friedman @ Duke)

We've also been reading a book by Dr. Paul Zeltzer that outlines alot of basics and helps you figure out what questions to ask. We've checked it from the library and are digging through it. Lots of the info is stuff that we've already discovered on our own, but there are some new eye openers in there as well. He is also UCLA-related and we're going to try and meet up with him as well.

We've still been digging through the nutritional packet that we received from Dr. Wallace in UT. We've been formulating a whole list of questions and will have our consultation next week.

We also have our post-surgery follow-up meeting with our neurosurgeon (Dr. Martin). We're hoping he gives Mark the go ahead to drive 'cause he's had just about enough of all these women behind the wheel! ;)

In a few more weeks, we also have our first followup meeting with the oncologist after starting radiation/temodar.