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 
Loren, today is a day to focus on LOVE! Let’s all focus LOVE on to you, your brain, body & Spirit as you go ‘head-on’ into this journey! May you feel flooded with loving intention for your healing! Every day I’ll send it your way! Loving Blessings, Sara Gilman
Loren–I’m not from San Diego so I am not familiar with your work, but a group of writer friends of mine in that area say you are the best of the best, and they shared your message above with me. You are a true inspiration to everyone who reads that message. Clearly, there is absolutely no “quit” in you. My friends made my day when they sent me your courageous–and, yes–pugnacious message. Give it hell!
Ed Fitzgerald, Mesa, AZ
Dear Loren,
I love how you have decided you are going to beat this cancer and with that positive attitude I believe you will. I recommend reading the book “Crazy Sexy Diet” by Kriss Carr. This woman was diagnosed with inoperable cancer and decided to become the CEO of saving her own life. Ten years after her diagnosis she is doing amazing and her cancer is actually shrinking. It really explains how a lot of the food we eat grows cancers. I just did the 21 day challenge in the book and at first it is hard but I never felt better in my life! Also the movie Forks over Knives is very educational on how your diet affects your health!
Here is a link to her wesbite:
http://kriscarr.com/
Loren, Back in the day my wife and I lived in Durango where we frequently watched your news broadcast from Albuquerque. We made the move to San Diego about the same time you did so it seems that your smiling face has been has been showing up in our living room for the better part of 35 years. (You might even recall when a group of us past ‘Durangotangs’ accosted you and your wife in a Del Mar restaurant some 25 years ago.) Scary, where does that much time go so fast? Later our son’s were in little league baseball at the same time and I would see you at games when the teams competed. Through email you’ve even responded to explain to me those pesky orange drops that I’m always wiping off the car finish. Indeed, I feel a connection to you although we’ve never ‘officially’ met. Perhaps all said, that is simply what this dream is all about, ‘connection’. So today I subscribed to this blog and I will follow you in yet another direction in this journey. I wish you and yours Peace, Love, Light and a smile. I’m betting on you and will be sending the Mojo. We are all Safe. Be well Loren. From a (connected) friend.
Wow, Loren.. the pictures are extraordinary – but your optimism is incredible! Years of watching you on TV, has made you like family.. Thank you for sharing your life with us in this intimate way. Getting to know you on this level is very special indeed.. Gina Bailey
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2013 02:28:46 +0000 To: girl4prn@hotmail.com
Loren, my thoughts are with you. Keep up the great attitude.
Loren, you’re a good guy and good guys ultimately win! Stay strong, keep being who you are, we are with you!
Chuck & Joan Hansen
God Bless you and keep that positive attitude. It is both healing and inspiring.
Dear Loren, I have known you for years…though we have never met. Your gift as a newsman has blessed my family and I for a very long time. I will be praying for your complete healing and quick recovery as well as for your family.
Blessings beyond measure, Walt
Been watching you since I was a little girl!! Even wrapped Christmas gifts for you at the mall over 16 years ago!! You are such an inspiration and very personable!! Much luck to you and Susie!! Enjoy traveling in your motor home!!
Loren, Rellen and I send our best wishes and prayers for your recovery. We have been following your blog and fondly remembering carpooling Hannah and our daughter, Georgia, to lots of volleyball tournaments a few years ago. Your mention of your new motor home compelled me to let you know that we are now living permanently in Missoula, Montana which is very centrally located between two of the most gorgeous places on the planet, Yellowstone and Glacier. If you need a little respite from the vagabond life and happen to be in the vicinity, we have lots of spare bedrooms and hot showers and could show you around Missoula.
Again, add our thoughts and prayers to the immense flood of goodwill winging its way to you and don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like to kick back in the mountains.
Fondly, Claudia and Rellen Stewart 858-775-1326 Claudiastewart@wildblue.net
Dear Loren, You have been on my mind and in my prayers constantly. I remember the first time I saw you, you were sitting on my sister’s hospital bed holding my one day old niece . You were wearing a yellow shirt and patterned yellow socks that matched. You were looking down at her and smiling and I thought to myself , ” Now there’s a man” True story. I’ve had a soft spot for you ever since ( 20 years ! ) We’ve all loved watching you on tv whether you are talking about the weather, gardening, sports or hard news. You are walking through this with such grace and inspiration… you and your beautiful wife. Thanks to you both for being so open and sharing this difficult time. Keep your eyes towards Christ. He’s right there with you. Love to you both.
Go for it Loren! LOTS of people are rooting for you!
My grandmother lived for over 25 years after life-threatening abdominal cancer surgery in her mid 60’s. And that was back in the 1970’s when the cancer treatments were harsher, the odds were worse, and the medical community was far less wise than today. Key for her, was the same positive attitude you express, so keep it up; we’re all praying for your health. She also had a NDE which even her physician confirmed. She eventually died from old age in her 90’s. Our La Mesa family is praying for your full recovery.
Lauren, I was so shocked to read this today on facebook. I watch you on the news every evening at 10:00. I have missed seeing you at Frogs gym and saying hello and asking how Suzi is doing. The last time I think I saw you guys was at the Del Mar race track while I was working. You have such a positive attitude and the support of your family and friends will get you through this horrible cancer. We never think it will happen to us and when it does I’m sure we look at life differently. I will be praying for you to beat this.
It confounds me how something so tragic can happen to someone so amazing. But as you brighten and inspire, in spite of this, I can only guess that maybe it’s to show us all that life is precious, challenges can be overcome, and attitude is everything. Thank you for your inspiration and optimism, Loren. Love and hugs to you and the family!
Dear Loren,
I too am moved by your courage, drive and resourcefulness! You share your gifts of wisdom and appreciation for living fully every day with all of us in such a personal yet public way!
I am Susie’s friend and with that relationship know how loved and blessed that you are with such a wonderful family!
I too have survived cancer and know the power of living fully and going forth in strength and love each and every day. And I count my blessings daily!
Much healing love and light to you and your family!
Karen
Loren, I too had cancer almost 6 years ago. I was blessed with a strong and supporting family and friends and co-workers who prayed and was there for me. A good friend of mine suggested a product called go-chi juice, all natural from the himalayas. Along with prayers and chemo and radiation I beat this terrible disease. Please stay positive and you too will beat this
Dear Loren,
You are and have always been a beacon of light for San Diego!
Our paths have crossed a few times at the Chula Vista Nature Center over the years, where you have shared our love for nature. Attitude is everything and you have the BEST of all!!
Come on up to our neck of the woods in the motor home. Glacier Natl Park is a hop skip and a jump from us in Missoula. Chillaxing here is the real deal. We can fly fish om our friends Tennesee Walker ranch.
David and Sandy Mirisch
Kick butt Loren !!
Loren. I was sorry to read this post regarding your health. I do love however your positive upward attitude. You have always been my favorite anchor since you arrived on the San Diego news scene. I remember seeing you at la costa coffee many times when I worked in that area and was impressed by your kindness toward people who approached you. I wish you well in the coming cancer free years. Oh……and thank you for helping me get rid of ants. Lol. Love you much.
Loren,
Damn it all! I dont know you personally, but, I feel as though I do. I admire your strength and courage AND yes, you will heal from this..Thank you for sharing the photos of before and after. Now I can visualize the exact spot to help you heal.
God bless you AND your family….there is alot of love there and out here for you!
Monica Way
Loren – If positive thinking cures all you will be fine. I am just so sorry you and your family have to go through this, but knowing you and Susie you will do this in style! Love the RV purchase – how fun! Work hard, play hard, fight hard and know how much you are loved.
Loren, I have so enjoyed watching and following your career in broadcasting and look forward to your return when all the treatments are done. I just finished a 5 week treatment protocol with Scripps for stage 3 lung cancer. Five weeks, 5 days a week, and 2 round of two types of chemo – each round 6 days has knocked my tumor down by 70% and I’m now a candidate for surgery. Scripps is one of the best places you can be for cancer treatment, especially the new radiation center. I too documented by taking photos of my journey and writing a blog so my awesome family and friends could follow me on this journey. I shared my lung Xrays just like you shared your head Xrays and even a photo of what I call; “Larry the Lung” (something I coughed up and gave new meaning to “coughing up a lung”) Develop the “chemo humor” and continue with the open, positive attitude. My prayers are with you and your family. Enjoy the travelling … that is so therapeutic for me too. I’m already planning a trip to London for the premier of KickAss 2 and then a Transatlantic Mom/Daughter cruise in September. Life is challenging, but good! Happy times and healthy healing wishes for both of us!
Your a rock star! With this positive attitude and outlook you will kick this no problem. Have fun going to the parks.. Prayers sent from Cribbs Family here in Carlsbad.. Fox 5 Fans
I love your attitude! Hang in there. Will keep you in my thoughts & prayers.
Kick its ass Loren!
Lauren, you have so many friends, family and admirers on your team, please let all of that strength and prayer lift you up and heal you completely. You are always so warm and nice at Frog’s and wherever else we all see you around town in Encinitas. You are a bright light and a born leader that will keep on shining. Thank you for sharing your story, your strength and your hope. We are ALL with you.
Lots of love and mega positive vibes:)
Loren, you have a fantastic positive attitude! Praying for healing and full recovery with a long life ahead of you! Enjoy your RV trips to see our wonderful country. Keep us in touch with how you are doing! You are truly an inspiration to so many of us over the years! Dotty Metcalf
Oh, and the attitude,,,,,,,,,,POSITIVE is the only attitude to have……..it truly does woek. I know you’ll be “kickin’ cancers butt”!!!!
Loren,
Our prayers in your behalf. Our favorite news fellow and such a great voice cannot yet be silenced. We are praying for you and your family. Namaste.
Loren I have been following your blog via Cathy- just wanted you to know we’re thinking about you. great idea on the motor home – if part of your adventure requires a sail boat-let me know, I have a 55 foot Tayana on harbor island. Always ready for a sail/ whale watching trip.
Brent and Cathy Melbye
Sent from my iPhone
If anyone can beat this, you can! Keep us informed!
Dang, that’s an agressive tumor. With your positive outlook, spirit to live, supportive family and friends and amazing medical staff, I know you will beat this thing. I miss seeing you every night before I go to bed! So let the fight of your life begin, my wager is on you. Happy Valentines to my favorite anchor in the whole entire world.
Cheers,
Ang
Loren, I am a two time cancer survivor,,,,,2006 stage 1-b lung cancer. 2012 we discovered I had stage 4 non hodgkins large b cell lymphoma that had attacked my bones. With the lung, upper 1/3 of my right lung was removed. With the lymphoms I had 6 chemo treatments, and at this point I’m in remission. Both times I was told the devaststing news, I said to my Dr.’s, family and friends that I’m going to beat all of this.
My feeling was…this is NOT the way I’m supposed to leave this world because I’m not done here. I’m going on 73 years old, have .a ton of faith in God and the power of prayer, so I’m putting you on my huge prayer list. T looks like yout tumor has shrunk considerably and is operable, I just KNOW you will be well. I too, have enjoyed watching you on various newscasts.
Godspeed your recovery and Happy Valentine’s Day. Hope you have as much fun as can be had in your new motorhome; travels lift the spirit! Many, many prayers for you and yours-
Loren — you are such an amazing man! If anyone can beat this it is you! I have watched and enjoyed watching you for years! One memory is very significant for me — when my son was in middle school he was working on a project about acid rain. Ross, my son, emailed you with questions and you immediately emailed him back a response. I was SO impressed that such a busy man would take the time to respond to his email so quickly!
My younger sister was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago and kept a blog that helped everyone that loved her get through the battle with her. Thank you for blogging and keeping us all posted on your progress and adventures with Susie!
I will be following your travels and rooting for the Nancarrow Team to beat this illness!
With love and positive prayers to you and your family!
Lori Grundler
Loren,
I have always been fan of yours! I will pray ceaselessly for you!
Remember, cancer does not have any REAL power….
cancer is so limited…
it cannot cripple love
it cannot shatter hope
it cannot corrode faith
it cannot destroy peace
it cannot kill friendship
it cannot suppress memories
it cannot silence courage
it cannot invade the soul
it cannot steal eternal life
it cannot conquer the spirit
You will beat this! When you are back and victory has been declared over this we will all celebrate with you!
God bless you and your family!
P.S. Happy Valentines Day!
As a breast cancer survivor, I like to keep my friends and family “a-breast” of my latest developments. Now you can tell us what lies “a-head” for you! I strongly believe that a positive attitude and a good sense of humor is more than half the battle. Obviously, with Aunt Edna and Uncle Chester in your family, the good humor genes are already present 🙂 It’s funny how many of us don’t really “know” you, but feel we do because you spend time with us every day and are our link to what’s going on outside of our immediate worlds. As my husband said this morning after I read your blog to him, “I always liked him.” You are liked and loved by so many. Let that love surround you and send healing vibrations to your body and spirit, Loren. Here’s to a long lifetime of sharing with us what’s going on in the world!
You have such courage, grace and ATTITIDE! I admire your spirit!!!
What a positive outlook! I will be praying for you and your family!
Loren I miss watching you so very much!! Heal quickly xxoo Liz Butler
I’ve watched and enjoyed you for years..God Speed recovery too you.. Kick that Tumors A$$.. I know you can!
Loren
Papajack here. So sorry for your challenge but happy to know how great your victory will be. Wish we could have dinner some night at Kiyos again, but he moved on. So when you are out for sushi next time let me know.
There is no sickness that faith in your own wonderment cannot cure.
Take care
From one television guy to another, my thoughts and prayers are with you, Loren. We don’t know each other, but I’ve seen your work at those time I’ve visited family in my home town of San Diego. Many blessings to you and your family. I look forward to reading about your progress and will celebrate with you the day you kick cancer’s posterior!
Hi Loren, I have watched you for years and was devastated to hear your (personal) news. I am a firm believer in the power of a positive thinking, for you see, I am entering my 5th year of remission from stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. I too was told I had 2 yrs to live and I firmly said NO to that. I just finished a battery of scans, blood draws, pokes and prods and all show I am still clear and good to go….so I’m going! Leaving for Hawaii in three weeks to learn to surf. Loren, you’ll beat this for sure…no worries my friend!! Gods got your back!
Dear Loren,
You are inspirational and positive, even in the midst of something like this. Your positive attitude shines through, bright as ever.
I was blessed to meet you in person once. You were in front of me in the long weekend line at Starbucks Del Mar. We got to chatting because I was wearing horseback riding gear.,We talked about my horse Jet, horses, and your family. I left Starbucks with coffee in hand and a spring in my step because you had brightened my morning…I remember thinking what a genuinely kind man you are, not only on tv, but even more so in person. I’ve always enjoyed watching you on the news because you are enthusiastic, passionate, and knowledgeable. Meeting you that day was quite special. I will keep you in my prayers and also ask the Horizon prayer team RSF to pray for you. I pray that God will heal you so that you can continue to bless others through tv, and in person, thank you. You are loved by the community and I know we all want to keep watching you on the news for many, many more years to come.
God bless you and Godspeed healing. Keep the faith!
Heidi White