Turns out I have been unclear. In my attempts to be artistic and profound, I have been vague. I haven’t really told you exactly what’s been going on in my life. The reason I haven’t been in my anchor chair for past few weeks is because I have brain cancer.
I got the diagnosis a couple weeks ago and have since been living the life of someone who has just found out they have brain cancer. My rockin’ neurosurgeon, Dr. Frank Coufal at Scripps Memorial in La Jolla, removed the large mass of it two weeks ago. I hung around ICU for about a week after that before I was released home. Since then, I have been meeting with the people who will make me all better. If you’re into the specifics of these types of things— it’s a grade 3, primary brain tumor called Anaplastic Astrocytoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer in my left frontal lobe. As a side note: that’s the area that controls speech, not optimum when you make your living as a San Diego Anchorman. Thankfully, I only lost my speech for a short while. The doctors tell me I have between 1 and 3 years to live.
So boo-hoo, poor me.
Oh yeah…I forgot to mention…I’m gonna beat this thing. Radiation starts within the next two weeks, then chemo. In addition to that chemical cocktail, I’ll be receiving treatment through the Tibetan Healing Center. I also bought a motorhome. Susie and I intend to see some of those national parks we’ve been enjoying in your Facebook photos. These will be short trips because I also plan to return to work soon…with a badass “Bond villain” scar on the side of my head.
Thank you guys for all of your support. My family has also been amazing and strong—not without times of fear and doubt, but nothing we can’t handle.
I look forward to seeing you back on Fox 5 News soon.
Loren
P.S. Here are photos of my brain before and after the surgery. Pretty cool, huh?
[Above: Before Surgery/Below: After Surgery]
The Nancarrow Project 
Dear Loren,
You are an amazing and positive person even in the midst of something like this. You’re an inspiration, your positive attitude still shines through. I will always remember the day that I got to chat w/ you at the Del Mar Starbucks. You were in front of me in line and mentioned something about my horseback riding outfit. We got to talking about horses and your family. I left with a spring in my step and coffee in hand thinking about what a genuinely kind and caring man you are. I’ve always enjoyed watching you on the news because of your enthusiasm and knowledge, so meeting you in person was quite special. I’m going to keep you in my prayers and ask the Horizon RSF prayer team to pray for you too. I pray that God will heal you so that you can continue to bless so many others, whether through tv or in person. You are certainly loved by this community. God bless you. Godspeed healing. Keep the faith!
Heidi White
No wonder I couldn’t find you! I have been following you from being a weatherman in Cahnnel 8, Channel 10 & at present as an anchorman with Kathleen Bade I thought I lost you,again! You better not go anywhere or I’ll be lost too. You have a great attitude that can beat all odds. Fight the fight Loren. We love you !😍
Best wishes to you, Loren – you have always been our favorite! we’ve always loved your intelligence and your sweet spirit, and enjoyed your daily deliveries of the news – God Bless you and keep you – have fun in your travels and good luck with your treatment! You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Hi Loren, my husband and I are big fans of your cheerful and straightforward reporting. I am saying a prayer for you, and wanted to give you the following link- you may have heard of Kris Carr, a young woman dx with terminal cancer who is now living past her given date, and who has made a life out of teaching others what she knows about healing. Much love to you and your family.http://kriscarr.com/products/crazy-sexy-cancer/
i use to watchyou all the time on tv and i move a few ago to albuquerque new mexico and i am following you have that god heals you i know he will the power of praying
WOW! live on and document! I don’t know you, but am inspired by your words! In fact i was a bit amazed the similarity between your outlook and Daniel Northcott’s of the BE BRAVE movie-that I had to comment! heard of him? http://youtu.be/QZ4fG9iz6kk
Many have beaten terminal cancer through letting go and living out there true calling and desires and sounds like you’ll be one of them! The author of Luna Yoga is also one of them, if you need a good read along the way! 😉 happy trails! Namaste-
Wow. Intense. Wishing you all the best in recovery.
The pictures are unbelievable! Wow! A photo of the inside of your head, and then the hole inside your head. You are such a talented writer. Maybe you can start a 2nd career when you beat the beast. Our prayers are with you and your family for peace and healing. Velyn & Chris Anderson
Loren–
The doctors say between 1-3 years but the truth of the matter is, none of us knows how long we have–one minute, one hour, one year.one decade. We never know.
The truth is, you’ve been given a gift. You get to burn away all the extraneous bullshit that life hands us all and focus on what truly matters-your family, close friends, the things that add meaning to your life.
While it would be nice to see you back in the anchor chair, I know that there are many of us who will be just as happy knowing that instead of appearing on TV you’re off exploring with your wife and family, watching your son play music or just enjoying a beautiful sunset.
Thank you for sharing what is truly a very personal story. Safe travels to you and your loved ones–wherever this journey takes you.
Loren, I’m in local media (radio) too and think you are quite the talent. You also seem like a really good guy even though we haven’t met. Saddened by your news, yet think you are a big fighter. I send all my good vibes your way in beating this & wish you the best. Can’t wait to celebrate your recovery. Virtual hugs to you and your family.
Get well, Loren!
Continuing to pray for you Loren. One day at a time. Prayers for the family too.
There are those of us who have faced less critical types of cancer and we are thankful for the expertise of those doctors and staff that keep us feeling and working as we can… When a very close friend lost her battle with brain cancer, she was at home with family friends and like you realize that all that can be done will be done. Not knowing your religious beliefs and not to dwell too long on the subject it was of a great comfort to Jacquie to know that the Hope of the resurrection was and has been provision by God for every generation since man was created and failed to honor God… God cares for you and your loved ones and never wanted any one to die… My prayers are with you and family as I am sure everyone who has faith realize the comfort that prayers can bring…
Loren, you’ve got it going on. Sharing your experiences has brought San Diegans together for a (much needed) big ole group hug, and that transcends being a cool TV personality. Hope to see ya soon.
Loren, I am Shawn Styles father-in-law and a cancer survivor. Twenty years ago I was operated on for colon cancer (stage four), underwent radiation and chemo and am with us still. Hang in here young man. I wish you well. John Bowman
Keep all your thoughts on getting better.. Positive thoughts and prayers for you..
A long time fan..
I have this feeling that YOU are going to make it through,be fine,wiser for it.
I met you through my Dad,Frank VanCleave a long time ago.I’ll pray for you now though I’m sure you will prevail.
Nancy
power & peace!
Stay positive. Remain proactive. Never give up hope. Many are praying for you and your family. Miracles happen when we least expect them. May God continue to bless you with strength, loving support, and, ultimately, a complete healing.
YOU kick some serious butt, Loren. You WILL beat this…………I know your doctors are good but one thing I DON’T believe in is telling someone “how long” they have to live. That all depends on alot of stuff that they know nothing about – starting with your strong Spirit, your intense desire to live and your wonderful sense of humor. AND your spirituality, other forms of healing, all of which you “have goin’ on.” The sky is the limit. And BTW, none of us knows how long we will live – LOL. One second at a time. Life is certainly an adventure!!! Plugging for you in all ways, Hugs to you and your family!!! Lisa
Hi Loren:
It’s me Janis from Trumbull High. I don’t know if you knew but I was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer just before our senior year! I missed almost everything senior year, but got myself to graduation. I was given 6 months to a year to live. It was way back when Yale was just starting clinical trials, and I was one of the lucky ones to get involved. Surgery, chemo, radiation and more chemo and surgery and I prevailed!
I just passed 42 years of recovery! You just have to believe! With all your heart!
I wouldn’t let anyone else tell me that I couldn’t make it. I had too much to see and do yet! That’s how I ended up in San Diego. I wanted to live in the finest city in the world, and that wish came true! I’ve always been grateful for the path that cancer put me on, it is an unbelievable ride. Hang on, my friend, hang on!
You will be with me in thoughts and prayers. But just keep believing! You will be back on the air! Speaking as wonderfully as ever! I will be keeping a watch full eye on you! Keep up the same spirit you have now. Cancer can be beaten, and I am living proof of it!
All my love to you, Susie and the rest of your family!
Loren,
This is Uncle Chester, and I just had to provide clarification on a couple of things the Old Bat just sent to you. I didn’t deliver any fudge for two reasons: First, Edna has a habit of baking without wearing her eyeglasses. I didn’t think that you really needed to suffer through a plate of fudge that was made from Hummus and pureed prunes instead of peanut butter and chocolate. Second, I was on my way but stopped in to ask directions at a place called the Cardiff Office. I don’t know how anyone gets any work done there!
Its been great to see the messages from all your friends who once appeared on our old Magnavox with the news! Hal Clement, Doug Curlee, Leonard Villareal just to name a few! Edna used to have the hots for that Curlee, but that is a whole ‘nother tale. I kinda had a thing for Sandra Maas. VaVaVoom!
Good to hear the news that you have a course of action! Go after it with great intention and all strength! Best to you and the family!
Chester
I’m at a loss for words. May the Lord watch over you and continue giving you strength through this process. I hope you will again soon appear on our television screens as we reach for the remote.
Loren. Stay strong, you are an inspiration. I work for a nonprofit in NV (after being born & raised in San Diego County) which supports children diagnosed with cancer & their families. We know that a positive outlook and a strong family can do wonders.
Many years ago, when my son was 12, he had to do a report on tsunami’s. He wanted to talk to you because he watched you every night on television. So, he called the station and kept punching in extensions until someone answered and was able to get his call transferred to you. You were amazing. You were about to go on the air and said you would call back…which you did. You spent about 30 minutes with him on the phone, working out his report. He received an ‘A’ and listed you as his primary reference.
I believe in karma, that good things happen to good people. You are good people and this situation will turn around.
Good luck to you!
Loren, It’s Britta. Not your daughter Britta, the other one (: I wrote an email to Susie at her work. I hope you received it. I am truly sorry this has happened and I wish you a full and speedy recovery. My thoughts are with you and your family during this challenging time. Tell Susie I am thinking of her too. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Love, Britta and the elephants!
Hello Dear! Its Chester and Aunt Edna honey! So glad to see that you are feeling better. Did you get the plate of peanut butter fudge I sent over with Chester? Not sure you did or not, because the Ol’ Coot got lost between Lawrence Welk Village and Cardiff and ran out of gas in the Nash. Doris and Einar Himmelsbach from here in the park were kind enough to go find him and bring him back! The fudge won First Place at last year’s Our Lady of Perpetual Responsibility Basement Women’s Club bake off. Anyoo dear, we are thrilled that you are feeling so well and encouraged that you are going to fight this thing with all your might! Looking forward to your next book too, “Dead Tumors Leave No Rumors”. Hi to Susie and the kids! Loren, if you happen to see Mr. Cookie Randolph, please tell him for us that he still owes us for the carpet cleaning of our trailer home. He was trying to show us how to dance Gangnam style, but he knocked over Chester’s bowl of chili con carne off the TV tray. That stuff will leave a mark, don’t cha know! Ta ta for now!
Aunt Edna
Hello Loren,
My family wishes you the best. My 13 year old daughter Jordan was diagnosed with high risk Medulloblastoma with metastases at age 2. After she relapsed at 3 they said they had no medically documented cases of long term survival. Well, 10 years later they do.
Stay strong and if you ever need a little inspiration from an awesome 13 year old survivor, I’m sure Jordan would love to compare scars.
Take Care,
Guy
A positive attitude, faith and prayer goes a long way in healing after the doctors have done the things they are able to complete. With your attitude, I have no doubts that you WILL beat this. Have fun on your travels in your motorhome while you are fighting this.
Dear Loren,
I, like so many San Diegans, don’t officially “know” you, but we all KNOW YOU! So I am writing this post like a friend. I don’ t know your faith, but I do KNOW with all that I am that “all things are possible through Christ.” I don’t want to get all religious on you, but it is how I live my life. In addition to my faith in God, I believe that the mind is so incredibly powerful ( a gift from God) and that 1/2 the battle is won by THINKING and BELIEVING that it is won! I know there was a famous coach, whose name I don’t remember, who had a wife that got the same “terminal” prognosis. Her husband put a note on the hospital door that said “Do NOT enter if you have a negative thought!” Guess what…they BELIEVED she would live and surrounded her with people that believed the same thing…AND SHE LIVED!!!! Thank you for your bravery and for sharing it with all of us. I will be praying for you and your family, and I will ask my office to do the same. I am also a Realtor like your wife, and I am blessed to work with a Christian company. We believe strongly in the power of prayer, and we will hold you up in that prayer like many others will be doing in San Diego and all over the world. May God continue to heal you and bless you, my friend, and may He give you strength during your weak times, humor during your dark times, and hope to sail you through all time.
Blessings, Connie Malkiewicz
Hi Loren, Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I used to be a Medical Oncology nurse at Scripps Memorial, and the Radiation Oncology. You couldn’t be in better hands! I have seen many miracles in my nursing career and you’ve definitely got the right attitude. Thank you for all you’ve done for our community, and mostly, thank you for being who you are. Godspeed on this journey.
With love,
Deanna Polk RN
I wish u the best Loren. I’ve been through liver, brain and spine tumors that my husband had. Great Attitude is a great way to live!!! Arline
The Tibetan Healing Center is fantastic! I hope that you live a LOT longer than the doctors gave you
simply amazing ….. just beat it !
Wishing you all the best on your journey to healing. Good and positive thoughts headed you way.
You are a brave man Loren Nancarrow….bless you and your family on this latest journey…..love your attitude, thanks for sharing your hopes, fears and life with all of us. We are all human after all, and we will all leave this earth place at some time or other. Much Love, Marla
Loren!
I highly recommend Wayne Dyer’s book Wishes Fulfilled if you want a blueprint for how to beat this thing absolutely and completely. You may or may not know he was diagnosed with leukemia a while back and is now in remission. It is a fantastic and life changing book.
love you always,
Tia
I don’t know you and you don’t know me but I want you to know that I will pray for you.
Mama D Phoenix AZ
Hey Loren ,
Saw the brain scans, looks like high pressure moving out of Canada! I will be doing Cobalt Blue in support as well, glad you were already follicly challenged, so I don’t have to shave my head. Now as always, I love your spirit. You can add my positive thoughts to the thousands you already have. Attitude is everything, and you have the right kind. Truth is none of us know how long we have. Since no one has predicted my span I can’t justify to my wife the purchase of a motor home. Enjoy yours. If I can be of any kind of service please let me know. In the meantime I will quietly follow your road to full health, and be inspired by the fact you are not wasting time feeling sorry because you were selected for this challenge. I also know you will take this experience and turn it into a powerful tool to help others! Oh, one other note, I checked the stock price of Opi nail polish, and it up 14-percent. My brother, you are a powerful force.
Don’t believe the doctors – they don’t know how long you or anybody has… (including my friend who had a 5% chance… but that was 20 years ago, just before he married his chemotherapy nurse – but don’t tell Susie…) Our hearts are with you. Janet and Rob
Loren, I have been watching you on TV for years. With the right mentality (which is apparent that you possess currently), you will beat this! Always remember, you are stronger than you think.
Best wishes!
I use to live in S.D. Sorry to here.. I / we will be praying for you & your family Drs.
Proverbs 3:5 & 6 Trust in the LORD ….
Best of everything! You can beat this thing!
s long a you have the strong belief and conviction that you will beat the blob…I believe you will.. Glad you and your lovely bride are going to see the country..Live life to the fullest! as my old news director Tom Mitchel used to tell us….”Kick Ass!!”
Loren –
YOU ROCK! Your positive attitude along with the prayers of many (and the magic of Gumby) are all going to BEAT THE BLOB! If you have any questions about your chemo, please feel free to call your friend and pharmacist (um, that would be me). I look forward to seeing you IN PERSON and ON TV with your bad-ass scar.
Love,
Kris
look into this as well… I have heard interesting things about the technique…
Best of luck!
http://www.protons.com/protons/index.page
Tony Savarese
Get well soon, I’ve always enjoyed your show.
What a magnificent attitude! Inspiring to say the least. That’s half the battle!!
I am a former deputy Sheriff and was stationed in Encinitas.(1990 to 1998.) My “crush” on you began after a long “stand” at the La Bajada dip when it flooded so badly. You in your Ugg boots with a bright smile…next to you with an even brighter smile…your gorgeous wife!
A year or so later, we met again as I re-directed traffic from a fatal crash on RSF. Again….a bright smile and a friendly greeting….much appreciated after hours of standing in the roadway! This of course was after watching you FOREVER on the news and always hearing about what a blessing you were in San Diego, how professional, kind, and such an integral part of our community.
KNOW that you are being prayed for. KNOW that many of us who only know a little about you, think the world of you. And, KNOW that we are cheering for you. Badass for sure!
Loren, I’m a firm believer in our bodies ability to heal itself. Try EVERYTHING natural. When we worked together at KFMB many years ago I quit due to a back injury that would restrict me for life and they strongly suggested surgery. I opted not to have the surgery, I got acupuncture, chiropractic and herbal remedies and 28 years later I run, hike and do yoga with no back troubles. I have also seen homeopathy to be a HUGE healer as it acts as a kick start for your body’s own ability to heal itself. I will PM you the name of a great homeopath is SD. I have cured many issues using Homeopathy and have seen miracles in others as well…. Best to you, Susie and your kids on this journey. And BTW you married an awesome woman!;-)
After reading your blog and everyone’s comments how can one not believe in miracles? You inspire us all to live life as it should be lived. See the beauty, share the laughter, refuse to be afraid. With you every step of the way.
Dear Loren, Not sure you remember us as a family or not we have met you several places around town and even clear out of town but I’m the Mom who couldn’t come up with a name for my baby daughter about 28 years ago, a name that the family liked a name that fit, so I tune into the evening news like always and remembered the special spirit you had so decided and shared with my husband, that Loren is such a profound and lovely man I think we should name our daughter “Loren” and ever since she has had to spell it for everyone because we even spelled it just like you.(The guy way)
You had a inspired spirit about you back then and you continue to today, you are loved by many and I know it is no accident that you have this challenge to deal with now, just remember where you came from, what your made of and love your way through it, accept all that people have for you right now let then be your strength when you don’t have any. Crazy how tomorrow is never promised and myself and our family “Thank You” for reminding us of that today, stay strong and healing prayers offered in your behalf…