Happy 10 months to me. We’ll be counting in years soon! Thank you Lord for another year! I know today was not promised and here i am!
MRI results came in on the 31st evening with the help of amazing people in my life who helped facilitate the reading with kaiser. It hasnt been reviewed with me by any of my oncologists (all 3 from 3 different healthcare systems not just Kaiser are on vacation). But at this point im knowledgeable enough to know what it sort of means and what are the possibilities of whats next and what can possibly happen. Thankfully Francyn and I were not alone when the results came in and we were with her family who came from far to visit and help us. The timing couldn’t be any perfect as it isnt the best news. Also most importantly i currently do not have any symptoms.
As the MRI does show progression. Thankfully its still small. Also, thankfully its still on the same side. However it has extended to more eloquent parts of my right temporal lobe (corona radiata and frontal operculum). Areas that can affect speech and motor function. And thats okay! We keep going! If its Gods will that I loose it. I will still continue to love Him and will continue to keep going. Keep living, loving and worship! We will not be afraid and keep trusting
2 Corinthians 12:10, where Paul states, "when I am weak, then I am strong," delighting in hardships because God's power works best in human frailty.
Lord, Thy will be done!
Hi! I am Eusebio Dan Lopez but most people call me Dan or Danbee. Im a 34 year old nurse practitioner with kaiser who was diagnosed with glioblastoma on March 2025. Since then iv survived 2 craniotomies (i needed a second one to clean a cyst that formed due to the radiation effects). 6 weeks of oral chemo and radiation therapy (greatful to add that my wife and i got our marriage validated by the catholic church the day before my chemo/radiation journney started) and then was placed on 5 months of oral chemo. I was also started on a device called optune that i wear about 22 hours a day on average) Francyn helps me shave my head and put the device on.
Im now on my 10th month in this journey and its been confirmed that i have my first recurrence. Thankfully its still on the same side. Right temporal lobe but has involved some more eloquent areas of the area. I remain strong symptomatically. Ive always had some left side weakness from my first surgery. Developed seizures as well but stable on medications.
my main caregiver is my hero, miracle and angel of a wife Francyn. I will not be here today if it were not for her.
also, I thank God everyday for my friends, wifes family, neighbors, co workers who have stepped up to help me and continue to do so at my lowest. People who have become family to me.
I am entering a clinical trial at hoag orange county which uses a new drug called Anktiva with avastin and optune. And UCSF is another clinical trial that is also in consideration and even a fall back should i need surgery. Some of the funds will be used for any unforeseen expenses related to the trials. Or things not covered by insurance if any. I will be paying out of pocket for the first visit for the clinical trial as Kaiser is experiencing delays in approval. Costs about 6686 ( receipt attached). Also used for lodging (were probably going to book hotels for convenience and comfort sake, will aso help with healing. and food (Francyn has me on a strict clean keto diet and avocados and good quality eggs can add up in grocery bills.) its for without purpose, studies show a ketogenic diet shows promise in glioblastoma.
Most of the funds will be saved for possible more expensive bills such as COBRA (which im trying to delay with the help of donation of hours from co workers) COBRA costs about 2000/ month.or any costs kaiser wont cover in regards to the clinical trial. If we end up at UCSF later on so alot of it will go to travel and lodging. Hoping and praying the clinical trial at Hoag keeps me strong and vibrant for many years and wouldn’t need another trial. Till the years turn to decades.
Now, i will keep going for as long as there is life in me and for as long as Gods plan for me.
His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8)
Plans He has for us are plans to prosper us and not to harm us to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)
But if God calls for me sooner in this journey, any remaining unused money will be donated to the non profit brain tumor network and st jude to help children with cancer as well.
My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever psalm 73:26
Even when i walk through the darkest valley i will not be afraid for You are close beside me. Your rod and staff, they comfort me (psalm 23:4)
Do not feel pressured to give money. Even more valuable than money are prayers. Please keep Francyn and I in your prayers.