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SUMMARY
As some of you may know, our father Bernie Dehler was diagnosed with a brain tumor (called Glioblastoma Multiforme, GBM) in September 2016. This is a stage 4 cancer, meaning it is terminal with no cure. Median life expectancy is 18 months.
Bernie is seeking an alternative therapy that has potential to eliminate the tumor, but is not covered by insurance. This is under the care of Dr. Burzynski in Houston, Texas. Bernie has spoken with patients of Dr. B who have achieved tumor elimination with his treatment plan for the same type and grade of tumor. We have set up this page for people who would like to show love and support by financial donation.
TIMELINE
•Early (forced) retirement from Intel after 32 years May 2016
•1st Seizure, September 5th 2016
•Diagnosed with brain tumor, September 6th 2016
•Went in for surgery at Kaiser Sunnyside to remove tumor, September 19th 2016
• Transferred from Kaiser to Avamere Rehabilitation of Beaverton, September 23rd 2016
•Discharged from Avamere October 9th 2016
•Started radiation and chemotherapy for 6 weeks. October 19th 2016
•Started simplified regimen of chemo, 5 days a month December 1st 2016
• MRI revealed signs of progression March 1st (Bernie's 55th birthday.)
BIO
Bernie Dehler is a 55 year old Oregon Institute of Technology graduate, class of ’84, who greatly enjoys riding ATVs, spending time with his children and educating himself on a plethora of topics, including philosophy and all manners of science. He has four children: two adults and two teenagers. He also has a 4 year old grandson. Currently, Bernie is on Compassionate Care from Social Security.
DETAILS
Bernie’s surgery was virtually 99% successful in removal of the initial tumor, but this type of tumor re-grows quickly. Following surgery, he completed 6 weeks of chemo and radiaton, followed by monthly chemo. The two MRIs done since surgery show tumor progression, which he has experienced in the form of recent seizures. Treatment thus far has had good insurance coverage, but, moving forward, will only slow progression and not stop or reverse growth.
Bernie has been researching various treatments for GBM. He has investigated Dr. Burzynski’s clinic by interviewing patients, reviewing websites, and reading books and journal articles. Efficacy is difficult to assess because each case is unique. We have recently committed to pursue Dr. B’s alternative treatment not covered by insurance with hope that it may eliminate the tumor.
Bernie and his daughter are currently in Houston, Texas. Bernie will undergo Dr. B’s treatment followed by a repeat MRI after 3-4 weeks to re-assess the status of the tumor. Dr. B has explained that there are many genetic mutations in GBM tumors but that he estimates 80% respond to the drugs in his treatment plan. If there is any response, Dr. B is confident that we will know at the follow-up MRI. Therefore, we will continue on this path if there are signs of regression.
The first month is the most expensive at an estimated $25K for medical care and $35K for pharmaceuticals plus airfare and lodging in Texas. Bernie is planning on staying in Texas 3 (possibly 4) weeks. Kristin is accompanying him for weeks 1 and 2, then Debbie (his wife) will be his support for week 3. Subsequent months depend on response to treatment but will be an estimated $17K for medical care and $20K for pharmaceuticals. If he continues treatment past one month he will be able to complete therapy at home in Oregon. We estimate about $65K in costs for the first month and up to $200K (for the first year), if therapy is successful and completed. This is quite a big undertaking, even if only for just one month, to give it a chance.
Ultimately, this is a difference in approach. Kaiser’s plan leads to slow, controlled death, since conventional chemotherapy has no cure to offer for this type of cancer. Dr. B, on the other hand, offers a potential for very rapid tumor elimination with minimal side effects and a healthy life.
We set-up this page for those who seek to show love and support. We expect nothing but are grateful for everything.
Kristin & Brandon (Bernie's eldest kids)
As some of you may know, our father Bernie Dehler was diagnosed with a brain tumor (called Glioblastoma Multiforme, GBM) in September 2016. This is a stage 4 cancer, meaning it is terminal with no cure. Median life expectancy is 18 months.
Bernie is seeking an alternative therapy that has potential to eliminate the tumor, but is not covered by insurance. This is under the care of Dr. Burzynski in Houston, Texas. Bernie has spoken with patients of Dr. B who have achieved tumor elimination with his treatment plan for the same type and grade of tumor. We have set up this page for people who would like to show love and support by financial donation.
TIMELINE
•Early (forced) retirement from Intel after 32 years May 2016
•1st Seizure, September 5th 2016
•Diagnosed with brain tumor, September 6th 2016
•Went in for surgery at Kaiser Sunnyside to remove tumor, September 19th 2016
• Transferred from Kaiser to Avamere Rehabilitation of Beaverton, September 23rd 2016
•Discharged from Avamere October 9th 2016
•Started radiation and chemotherapy for 6 weeks. October 19th 2016
•Started simplified regimen of chemo, 5 days a month December 1st 2016
• MRI revealed signs of progression March 1st (Bernie's 55th birthday.)
BIO
Bernie Dehler is a 55 year old Oregon Institute of Technology graduate, class of ’84, who greatly enjoys riding ATVs, spending time with his children and educating himself on a plethora of topics, including philosophy and all manners of science. He has four children: two adults and two teenagers. He also has a 4 year old grandson. Currently, Bernie is on Compassionate Care from Social Security.
DETAILS
Bernie’s surgery was virtually 99% successful in removal of the initial tumor, but this type of tumor re-grows quickly. Following surgery, he completed 6 weeks of chemo and radiaton, followed by monthly chemo. The two MRIs done since surgery show tumor progression, which he has experienced in the form of recent seizures. Treatment thus far has had good insurance coverage, but, moving forward, will only slow progression and not stop or reverse growth.
Bernie has been researching various treatments for GBM. He has investigated Dr. Burzynski’s clinic by interviewing patients, reviewing websites, and reading books and journal articles. Efficacy is difficult to assess because each case is unique. We have recently committed to pursue Dr. B’s alternative treatment not covered by insurance with hope that it may eliminate the tumor.
Bernie and his daughter are currently in Houston, Texas. Bernie will undergo Dr. B’s treatment followed by a repeat MRI after 3-4 weeks to re-assess the status of the tumor. Dr. B has explained that there are many genetic mutations in GBM tumors but that he estimates 80% respond to the drugs in his treatment plan. If there is any response, Dr. B is confident that we will know at the follow-up MRI. Therefore, we will continue on this path if there are signs of regression.
The first month is the most expensive at an estimated $25K for medical care and $35K for pharmaceuticals plus airfare and lodging in Texas. Bernie is planning on staying in Texas 3 (possibly 4) weeks. Kristin is accompanying him for weeks 1 and 2, then Debbie (his wife) will be his support for week 3. Subsequent months depend on response to treatment but will be an estimated $17K for medical care and $20K for pharmaceuticals. If he continues treatment past one month he will be able to complete therapy at home in Oregon. We estimate about $65K in costs for the first month and up to $200K (for the first year), if therapy is successful and completed. This is quite a big undertaking, even if only for just one month, to give it a chance.
Ultimately, this is a difference in approach. Kaiser’s plan leads to slow, controlled death, since conventional chemotherapy has no cure to offer for this type of cancer. Dr. B, on the other hand, offers a potential for very rapid tumor elimination with minimal side effects and a healthy life.
We set-up this page for those who seek to show love and support. We expect nothing but are grateful for everything.
Kristin & Brandon (Bernie's eldest kids)
Organizer and beneficiary
Debbie Dehler
Beneficiary