Well here we are again. A smaller room this time but back to the hospital it is. Allow me just a moment to say: Damn! And things had been going so well.
Here’s the timeline:
January 27, 2013 — Discovered brain tumor.
January 31, 2013 — Surgery to remove bulk of tumor.
February 1, 2013 — Tumor whisked away to a pathologist’s office.
February 11, 2013 — Pathologist’s report not good. Grade III Anaplastic Astrocytoma (brain cancer).
In the following days all that medical jargon began sinking in. The message was loud and clear: shelf life diminished. Since then, we’ve had some awesome days. Bought an R.V. and have had lots of great beach nights with bonfires, music and the loves of my life. I also endured chemotherapy and radiation.
Here’s how we got to where we are today and this smaller hospital room: I just finished my first round of treatments last week. I was told to expect to feel crappy for a week or so after radiation. But what I was feeling brought crappiness to a whole new level. Couldn’t get out of bed, my supply of smart ass comebacks was running low and the right side of my body was getting noticeably worse in terms of numbness from head to toe. So last night, Susie and I showed up at the hospital again with our best Oliver Twist voices—“Can I have some more sir?”
I only expected to have an MRI and a return trip home. Instead, back upstairs and news that I’d be cut open again. The neurosurgeon tells us that some sort of fluid has replaced the tumor and needs to be removed and analyzed. So now they’re going in a second time to remove the latest intruder. The good news is that it will be quick—-and I’ll still be smarter than you (that’s for Kathleen Bade and Hal Clement).
So, this is going to go well and should only delay the start of our first big road trip by a couple of days. I’m looking forward to sharing some of my road stories on Fox 5 San Diego and I hope you’ll watch.
By the way, in an earlier post I mentioned my bad-ass Bond villain scar. Apparently, someone told the surgeon that I’m extremely vain. So, what I got instead was an artful and nearly invisible scar (even on a bald man). But in all seriousness, I have learned that so many of you are suffering with stuff I can’t even imagine. Illness. Loss of a child. Wondering how you’re going to take care of your family. And I’m beginning to understand that my list of troubles is small by comparison—but I’m with you. I write as therapy and I hope you too will find some small thing that will see you through the roughest times as well.
Thanks for being here during my rough times.
Loren
The Nancarrow Project 
Hang tough Loren. I’m looking forward to your smart ass comebacks returning to full throttle.
Darnit! We are so sorry to hear of this latest detour, Loren. Keeping you close in our hearts and prayers. And of course, your sweet wife and family too. Chet & Shari
Oh gosh darn it! I am so sorry Loren, I will continue to pray for you and your family. Stay strong! Hugs Lisa
Hang in there Loren. All your friends out here are here for ya pal. Sending my best to you. Be well……….
Prayers and positive thoughts are with you and your family.
Sorry you have to be back in the small room :). I’m thinking of you and your family. Prayers are with you! You need to get out of there and smell the sunshine even it’s a walk down the hall to some outside doors! But I know, you know. 🙂 A fellow gardener! Love and hugs to all, Janie Kein
Loren – your words and actions are such an inspiration. You and your sweet family are in our hearts and prayers. Hang tough…and hope the Blob gets what he deserves in surgery…a good whoopin’ May God’s light shine upon you…
My Prayers are with you
HANG IN THERE LOREN.. SO MANY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.. AND BLUE NAILS. TOO…
Loren, As I’ve said before–you are SUCH a big part of San Diego. We embrace you! (corny, huh?) Regardless, I think a great quest would be to change those drab green gowns. When my friend was battling a rare cancer, and after many trips and overnighters at the hospital, I dread seeing that green gown. I am on a mission to at least have a different one for each floor! Can’t wait to hear about your road trip. My husband always says life is short but making the best of it and enjoying it when you can makes it all that much better!!
And yes, when your comebacks are that of lack luster, I’m glad Susie is on it. Keep the fight going and we are fighting with you!!
Wow what honesty my heart and compassion goes out to you!
Our family misses you on tv, we have followed you through the years, we are praying for you and your family, xo the. Kennistons
I hope you’re well enough to go home again very soon. Kia Kaha
I am so very sorry. I pray this is just a very short glitch on the road to recovery ~ full recovery.
Loren- Did anyone tell you that you are dashing in your baldness and an inspiration to us all… You made my day once upon a time and it’s been a gift that I’ve treasured a hundred fold… And I’m pretty sure you do it for everyone. Peace Bruddah…
Wishing you the best my prayers are with you
LOVE YOU Loren…your awesomeness showed when you shared your compassion for other people’s sufferings, in a time when most people could think of nothing but them selves. See ya back in the saddle soon!
Hi Loren, my prayers are with you and your family. I know what you are going thru because my mom was diagnosed with leukemia 2 yrs ago and its a battle but we are making it with positive thoughts and lots of love and prayers. So I wish for you the best, take care and God Bless
Sending prayers and hugs your way. Your positive attitude is amazing!
Cruddy news about the short hospital return……but the Road Trip awaits! So glad you have that adventure to share with us. and thanks for being you…along the way.
Hospital stays and the reason for being there are a definite downer, but it sounds like the people who’ve been crossing your path, and your family, and your friends are wonderful creatures! I hope you’re feeling much better soon.
I could only hope to have half the courage you and your family do in this kind of situation. You face it bravely, and I know I probably couldn’t.
It’s hard to find the right words, but I think I can confidently speak for the city of San Diego when I say, we love you.
Cancer just SUCKS! But you’ll make it over this latest speedbump and onto the other side like you did the last one: with bunches of love and humor and positive energy. Keep on rockin’ it, Loren!
We are collectively thinking of you and praying for you, Mr. Nancarrow 🙂
Dear Loren. So sorry to hear that you had to have more surgery. Hopefully all went well and the fluid was drained and you can start your roadtrip. You are always so upbeat in your blogs but I know how hard this must be for you, You have so many unknown friends out here pulling for you and praying for your complete recovery.Your blog does wonders for all who read it. You are affecting so many people. Hope that we are having some good effect on you also. Keep the faith, whatever that might be. Jackie
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Hey Loren –
Just wanted you to know that I am reading your posts and although we don’t know each other, I am hearing you and thinking of you. Light and love to you.
You are so loved and such an inspiration. May you go on without pain and allow your path to be chosen for you.
Hang tough Loren! You are such a good man with a fantastico family! Hope your road trip is the best. Lots of prayers for all of you!
Hi Loren,
I’ve been following you on the news for as long as I can remember and just recently found out about your cancer diagnosis. I know you will get through this hard chapter in life as you are a true fighter and inspiration for all in San Diego. You have a beautiful family and fans all over the city who are rooting for you every step of the way. You are a fine example of courage under fire.
Sending you warm well wishes and virtual high fives from Rancho Bernardo
-A. Ngo
Loren, We feel your pain, I feel your pain …. You are not alone, you are in our thoughts and prayers …and many people are also battling along with you ! Thank you for giving us courage and inspiration.
God bless you Loren and thank you.
I am hugging my monitor and returning your heartfelt (and just a little bummed out) stare. My mother is on a parallel path (her brain tumor also discovered on 1/27/13, her surgery 1/30 at which time grade IV GBM declared). We brought her back into the hospital three days ago. I feel you with me… US… everyday! And we are with YOU!! Thank you for continuing to be such an inspiration!!!!!
You know Loren, I’ve always loved watching you on the tube. You have always been a real solid guy with a great attitude. I’ve been reading all your posts and sharing on FB for a couple months now. On one hand it breaks my heart because you are (to me, now very apparent) a very loving guy. Not to say that I thought otherwise but, just that I hadn’t realized.
I went through a major heart issue in 2001 and almost didn’t make it. Doctors were amused because I was benching 230# and playing racquetball 5x/week… with about half my heart gone. Making it through that really changed my life in a lot of ways – especially in how I saw others and how I saw I was relatively selfish about everything I wanted. That experience has helped me open up a lot.
What’s weird is I’ve wanted to stop reading your posts because I felt like I’ve been getting closer to you even though I’m only a TV fan. Your writing this post reminded me how much I am endeared to you and hope that you know you are inspiring a lot of people – even ones you don’t know – and that we’re all rooting for you (praying even!) 🙂
Bless you and your families’ hearts.
Bet you had no idea that you had all of San Diego under your spell. We love you. I am praying that you kick this tumor’s ass! And I think you will. God Bless you dear man.
sending blessings light & love your way!! ♥
p.s. my roses are lovely thanks to you!!
It’s only a bump in the road buddy.
Thanks for sharing your journey Loren…..lotsa love and prayers to you and your family…..let the road trip begin!
Loren, you never cease to amaze me with your ability to endure this DAMN thing with your infectious humor. Good luck and best wishes man. Love and hugs to you and your family!
Your attitude will get you through this. Have fun with the motorhome trip. I’ll never forget my last MRI I had after 14 months of treatment. They put on country music for me and Trace Atkins starts singing “You’re gonna miss this, you’re gonna want this back, you’re gonna wish these days hadn’t gone by so fast, these are some good times, so take a good look around, you may not know it now, but you’re gonna miss this”. I started giggling and the tech reprimanded me that I had to lie still. That made it worse and I laughed again…too funny.
You are so right, Loren. When my grandson, Taylor, was diagnosed with Leukemia, my friend told me that I would be thanking God that it was Leukemia and not brain cancer like so many children have at Rady’s. Guess it just shows us that it can be worse. Please know that I am praying for you and your complete recovery.
Jack is now under HOSPICE care…failing every hour more and more…spent some good times with you Loren….great talks you both shared on ORGANICS……..you are in our thoughts…….Love from Jack and Bonnie Shoultz………..organicjack as he is known in the organic world especially ROSES………………keep us posted on your progress for sure.
Bonnie and Jack,
Please let Jack know you’re both in my thoughts. I figure between the two of us, we’ve taught the next generation of organic farmers. It’s time to rest. Love you man.
Loren.
Good luck. I love your attitude. Great attitude begets great attitude. You have much to give.
UGH CANCER, go away!! So very sorry such a nice and kind guy has to go through this. Praying for you Loren and your family !!
Hang in there Loren, you are an inspiration to anyone that has cancer, I know the positive additude can turn to gruppyness, at times but I admire your determination. God Bless and continue to be strong.
I hope you know we love you more today than yesterday, and we’ll love you more tomorrow than we do today!!!
Praying for you…. I watched you on 10News when i lived with my parents on into my adult life. This saddens me that you are going through this. I read your story and continue to pray.
🙂
Hang in there, Loren! At least this time it sounds like a fairly quick fix. Love your posts. 🙂
Love the photo and really have to imagine the scar. Your smile is still there, at least long enough for the camera to click. You are an inspiration to so many and I find myself encouraging others using your fine example. None of us know from one day to the next what sufferings others have. Keep on keeping on.
Dawn
Prayers and Love and Positive thoughts Loren.. Us fellow cancer fighters have to stick together… I’m praying for you!!1
You are on my prayer list Loren…As is the entire family…I still fondly remember the holiday party at your home and us disagreeing over who would make a better standing rib roast…as I recall, I won… 🙂