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 
Nothing hotter than a baldie with a bad ass scar! Can’t wait to see you back on the air. Sending positive vibes your way.
Hi Loren,
First off, you have always been one of my favorite news people on the air in SD. Thank you for so many years of wonderful service.
Second, I am glad you are receiving both Western medicine and alternative means of help. Western medicine has made amazing progress in treating the symptoms of so many maladies and you definitely have had a doosey. But, depending on the doctor(s), they tend to treat the symptoms and skip/ignore/don’t know what to do about what caused the issue in the first place, often attributing it to genetics or just “labeling it with Latin” calling it idiopathic… meaning they don’t know. Eastern/alternative medicines view pain in general as the body’s way of telling you that something you have been doing is not what your body wants or needs. Translation – please try changing your life. Change your diet, change your thought patterns, change some of the people you deal with that don’t make you feel good, change your sleep patterns. The body has amazing powers to heal itself, but it does a much better job of this when you are free from stress. Thankfully, stress can be controllable. In the beginning though, it helps to be in the proper surroundings with minimal external stresses, but eventually with practice you can learn to choose to be stress free, choose to be happy even in the presence of external stress.
I thought I’d share an inspiring story of another (now-ex)broadcaster that is here locally in SD. Here is a 40 min video
or you can check out
http://ginsengsandiego.com/bhavaram.html
or
http://www.prana.com/life/2012/07/23/get-up-daddy/
or from TEDx http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_4QiaTyuQU&feature=youtu.be
All of my best wishes for a full recovery,
Bruce
PS. Oh yeah, and stop watching that TV thing… it’ll kill ya 😉 JK… sort of
I have lived in sandiego since 1956.. And have watched ur career from the beginning. Have always admired you and ur reporting. I am so sorry for ur news. I have 2 friends who had brain cancer diagnosis. One had ignored her symptoms for several years so she didnt make it …but the other, an older guy was given 6 months to a year and is now in year 4 and has been in remission. His tumor literally disappeared. So there is hope my dear and traveling is what he and his wife did right after he was diagnosed. They took train trips all ovr the place and continued in the craft business making things and doing shows and had the most positive attitudes that i truly feel that is what has been a huge part of his story.
I wish u the best.. Look forward to seeing uback on tv and will think good thoughts for u and ur family. Keep good thoughts .. Laugh as much as possible… And really do go out and smell the roses.
With affection and respect
Chris Baker
Loren, I love that you are beating this thing! Because you can! Check out Wayne Dyer and see what he did to beat cancer. Amazing!!! You are inspirational!!!
Big hugs and kisses from San Francisco! Sue
Hello Loren,
Your job, if you chose to accept it is to get out there and pack in as much fun as you can stand. Now Get To Work!
…the hell you say!
I, too, have been a fan of yours for years. Always wondered why a Mom would name her son Loren. Now I know. A man like a ‘Loren’ has to be positive & tough. To share your temporary medical condition with all of us brought us closer to you in a good way. Hope your body is ready for all the tremendous power of prayer that’s coming your way. The very best to you!
Hi Loren, I don’t know if you remember us but your son was on our Pop Warner football team with our son many years ago. I remember you and your family as all such warm, fun people and I’m truly sorry to hear about what you are going through right now. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Take care and keep fighting!
Loren, I too have been watching you for years and have particularly loved watching you continue to thrive with your segments on gardening and saving our planet. You have always been such an inspiration and a joy to watch every night. My family wishes you bhe best and will keep you in our prayers. I’m sure your positive energy, great disposition and faith will see you through this difficult time.
I will keep you in my prayers! You will beat it!
Dear Lauren, My Son Scott is a 2 time brain cancer survivor, grade 3 Astrocytoma in 2001 and 2007. He had radiation and chemothreapy(Temodar) for 6 weeks and then chemo 5 days a month for 12 months after the 2nd surgery. The best medicine we could have been exposed to was the San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation, They have a support group that meets the first Tues of each month. You get first hand experience and info from patients and support that can’t be matched.. We would love to have you and your family join our support group. Check us out at http://www.sdbtf.org or call 619-515-9908
Hi Loren,
Called Fox News today to see just what the heck happened to my favorite anchor man! I too like many of your fans have been watching you faithfully since the ’80s when you were on channel 8. Also, when I lived in Boulder Creek CA, I watched you on channel 5 and once saw you once crossing a street in downtown San Francisco in the ’90s and was star struck! My prayers will be with you daily!
Be well, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Keep up the good fight~! You will beat this, I have no doubt. Have the best times visiting our good ol’ USA parks in your motorhome. You certainly deserve all the best, and you’ve certainly given US the best of you! ❤
Prayers to u
Believe it and it will happen!!!
You have many people cheering for you, Loren…Best wishes for a full recovery…
Your entry is inspiring and I am proud to be a fan. I will pray that you are right and that you will beat the cancer. However, in the off chance that you don’t, know that there are many special people waiting to see you on the other side. Whatever your journey, please be safe and enjoy the time you have here.
Been watching you for years, you are a inspiration! I have high hopes for you and so many prayers you will beat this! Hugs, love, healing strength and so much more!
Kristin
Some of us still can read between the lines without you having to be blunt…
I appreciate your candor and including us on your journey. Our Encinitas family
will be sending you positive energy your way ~The Kelly Family
Your’s is a point of view where real intelligence shines through.
Loren, Thank you for sharing your story here. Having grown up most of my life in San Diego, I watched you reporting the news. You are one of the few who’s names I recall while growing up and watching local news in San Diego. Much healing energy to you. Your light brings joy even now. Be safe and I look forward to hearing more from you here.
With love from, Sister Ida @}– (@SisterIda)
We are praying for you! We have loved watching you on TV for years. I have your books on gardening and can’t wait until you are back on Fox again!
Loren, put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ. I’m praying for you. Enjoy every minute with your family. You are so blessed.
Hey Loren, I had Level 4 melanoma that had metastasized into my lungs and scalp! That was 2003 and I’m still kickin’….don’t worry, you can beat this. Keep up the good fight!
Loren, sorry to hear of your diagnosis! We have enjoyed watching you for many years on the different networks ! We will be praying for your recovery. Continue with the positive attitude and enjoy every moment in your travels.
looking forward to seeing you back at work! May God bless you and your family.
So….we used to share the anchor desk a long time ago…But that’s the great thing about friendship…it endures….no matter what happens…it endures…
LOVE to you and Susie and the kids…WHATEVER YOU NEED….
Xoxoxo
Schmick
Sending good thoughts your way. I absolutely believe that your determination will be stronger than the disease.
hey sir..dont know how or why I came across this but I KNOW that God does not do coincidense so know that He, your creator can and will heal you if you believe..sorry TIbetan healing, Jahovah Raffa is the only true healer
Loren, Never give up the fight! The last time that I visited with you was when you did the piece on the Border Crime Prevention Unit. As I recall you just had some knee surgery. Thank you for your good work. We will be praying for your comeback.
Hi Loren..I always like watching you on the news. You will be in my prayers and hope you are back with everyone at the newsroom real soon. You definitely have the right attitude to get you thru this..take care!!
I left beautiful San Diego and live in Texas now. When I saw your name I felt a tug at the heart. You still rock!! Enjoy the RV and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You all deserve a break today!!
Have always enjoyed your positive presence and energy on tv…..prayers and Reiki coming your way. ❤
Sending love, healing and strength to you and your family, Loren. I have faith in your ability to beat this. Medicine is great, but so much more limited than the universe is. Eat life all up!
I pray in agreement with you that you have already won this battle. I look forward to seeing you back on the news!
your positive attitude alone will help you beat this… all my best
Loren, I had stage 4 in my lymph nodes, had 14 removed I am 8years out so Hanb In There!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had five weeks of radiation so if you need a shoulde just let me know…………..
Hey Loren and Suzie . Kick some ass. It’s what you’ve been doing your whole life. Take a break from media for a while and just enjoy your family. The best medicine . Love from North Dakota to the Nancarrows..
i am praying for you
Shelly and I are thinking of you and yours , Loren. We talk about you every night and are praying for the best . You’ve been a big part of our days in Encinitas. Kick some ass.
Long time follower. Still use your Christmas Tree solution! Thanks for sharing your love and knowledge for our planet. Your positive attitude will get you through this. Enjoy the parks and PLEASE take time for family, friends, and the many wonders in our fine country. Love the Blue nails!!!
Hey boss. Cantore was sporting some purple nail polish the other dayat the UT and the topic got around to you. Keep up those irreverent thoughts I expect from you and let me know when we can get together for another photo shoot. Your personal photographer John
Loren, I am so glad that traveling is one of your priorities, Yellowstone, Capital Reef, Yosemite, Sequoia etc. enjoy your travels…Happy Trails!
Loren, God Bless you and your family
Loren, you rock. We cannot choose what happens to us, but we can choose how we react to what happens to us. And you my man are a shining example. Awesome! Make every day a winner. No one is guaranteed tomorrow, we can’t be reminded of that enough. So thank you for the reminder.
You Will Beat This! It is your positive attitude that will get you through this. I’m also happy to hear that you will also do holistic treatments as well. Something to be said about ancient eastern medicine…..it works, hence, why it’s been around so long. 🙂 anyway, my thoughts and prayers , along with those from your fans, are with you and yours.
Godspeed,
Nina
Your Albuquerque fans are also sending you good thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery! You have a fabulous attitude!! Best wishes, Loren!!
Ditto for everything Gordon expressed, above. Wow – you’re a strong man! I shall keep you in my thoughts and will look forward to your return to TV. You ARE “San Diego”. 🙂
Hey Loren!
Although I moved from Sandy Eggo about a year ago, I heard about your situation through friends that are still living there. My heart, prayers, and energy go out to you buddy! You are without a doubt my favorite newscaster ever. I’ve been watching you for longer than I can remember. You seem very genuine and a truly nice guy. I have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated your gardening tips and love for the environment. I can not wait until you’re healthy and back in action.
I hope you enjoy and cherish your trip to the parks. My parents and I visited all of them this side of Tx when I was 12 and it is a memory that will last forever..
~Lance Bennett
I love your positive outlook! I am going to try and copy you and also have a positive outlook on my cancer diagnoisis! I will keep you in my prayers.
Loren, I am saddened to hear your news. Our kids were all friends in elementary school at OPE and I don’t know if you remember, but my oldest had a brain tumor when she was barely 11 years old. She had difficult brain surgery, but a wonderful outcome. She will always need meds and scans to watch it, but at age 21 now, she is living life with a long prognosis. It was not the same type of tumor, but just to give you added hope that no one knows the future except Our Lord and Savior. You and your family will be in our prayers. Wishing you the best, Jane
Thanks so much Jane
From someone who has watched you with pleasure for so many years and whose stories have touched me in so many ways… If you say you will beat this, I believe you!
Hey Loren. We have been watching your shows since the early days. We send our best wishes for a full recovery! Your positive outlook on life, strong family and legions of friends like us will carry you through! Consider this time away from Fox5 as a vacation! Enjoy your rest! We are standing with you!
Fondly, Gordon and Carolyn Hoard, Carlsbad