Leman's Brain Cancer Fund

Saturday, November 4th, Leman started experiencing severe headaches, to the point of vomiting. At first he was contributing it to the anesthesia he had in his system from the last foot procedure he'd had done 2 weeks prior. By Monday night he couldn't take the pain any longer, so he went to the DR. They gave him some shots and some IV fluids thinking he was dehydrated from the vomiting. Those measures helped for a short amount of time, but Leman awoke very early Tuesday morning with a severe headache again. He decided to go see his local doctor, Dr. Haganman. The doctor ordered a CT. The CT results showed an unusual spot on his brain. Dr. Haganman immediately scheduled an appointment for the following day, Wednesday, with a specialist at the University of Iowa hospitals. Eve drove Leman to his appointment in Iowa City on Wednesday where they did an MRI and confirmed he had a lesion on his brain. They admitted him to the hospital and scheduled surgery for today, Thursday, November 9th.


The doctors came around at about 10:30 to take Leman for one last MRI before surgery. They told Leman and Eve that the lesion was pressing on Leman's brain stem which was causing the headaches and a few other symptoms. Since the lesion was so close to the brain stem, they said they would likely not be able to remove the entire lesion. The plan was to get as much as they could, send it to pathology and then go from there. 

Leman's surgery went well, however, they weren't able to take as much of the tumor as they had hoped because it's location was too close to the brain stem.  Leman is a fighter and his recovery has gone extremetly well.  The following week, the week of November 13th, they got word that  the tumor in his brain was in fact cancer.  Yesterday, the 17th, they met with the oncologist and found out that the tumor is a grade 4(brain tumors are by grade, not stage) gilioblastoma brain tumor.  The life expectancy for this diagnosis is not good, but Leman continues to inspire us all with his positive attitude and determination to prove those statistics wrong!!!    He says, "I am not done loving my wife.  I am not done raising my boys.  I am going to survive!"

Leman, Eve and their twin boys, Mason and Simon, could really use your prayers most of all.  Prayers for a miracle!  They are hopeful that next week, Leman will start radiation treatments 5 days a week for 7 weeks in Mason City and chemotherapy once every 2 week in Iowa City.  To help cover the out of pocket medical expenses, gas and food, parking and all of the other things that are ahead of them, we would love if you could give a donation.  No matter how big or small, it will be a blessing!