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 
Loren – I always admire you and your gardening knowledge & talent! I wish you the best and I do miss running into you at Solana Beach Starbucks! Take care and xoxo from my family to yours!
My prayers are with you Loren…you are a man of great strength and faith.
Lorne, you are just the best! Galen always told me that you and Susie would be a favorite for me, of his friends parents and he was right. I thank you for including Galen in family trips and times at home. He always enjoyed it a lot. I wish you all the best and that you get in those amazing road-trips with loved ones!
Catherine
Hi Loren: I don’t live in San Diego anymore but I did for 31 years and always loved you on the news. I hope that you stay strong and fight this. I will be sending my good juju your way.
Hi Loren: It’s been a long time since we’ve communicated, but think you will remember a Christmas when you requested a career change guide dog . It was to be a Christmas gift. I think the dog’s name was Gloria ??? You were to be married or had just recently gotten married and were very excited about getting this dog and getting married. A few years later you got another dog and time rolled on. You became more famous and talented in the TV world and I worked harder to get more qualified 4-Her’s in the Guide Dog program. During the years since we talked, I, too, had cancer and with GREAT care and 3 years later was determined cancer free.
Thank you for taking the time AND energy to keep in touch with all the folks who admire you and are rooting for you. My prayers and admiration, Fondly, Donna Zick of Ramona
You are an inspiration to others that are facing such adversity. Stay strong! Your faith and great sense of humor will see you through this. I have always enjoyed your reporting and coverage of local events. Fight this like a BOSS!
Bill and I have you in our prayers every day. Hang in there. Kathleen also keeps us updated – glad the surgery went well and hopefully you are off on your road trip very soon. We have a friend in the desert who is from the San Diego area and her son sent her the interview with Kathleen. He has followed you since you first started in San Diego – a real fan. So you were the topic of conversation the other night!!
Take care –
Jere and Bill Bolitho
Hang in there, my thoughts and prayers are with you
Hey Loren, all of at the RX are pulling for u! Anything we can do let us know. Miss seeing you. Keep putting positive energy out there. All our love, Vons Pharmacy Staff
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Loren. Here is to a speedy recovery and an amazing road trip. We all can’t wait to hear about it!!
Dear Loren an Family,
My Father told me of your illness -rocking our whole family. You, the only celebrity we know! More than that, a real person we lived by. A nice family, living life. Now, as we all age, illness touches our lives. It’s touched yours..I started to follow your treatment-blue nails and all. My heart, aches with purpose-prayer, for you, your family. Each day each movement in the day. It’s all I can do for you all. I hope for you, give thanks for the experiences you have. Life changing to read- a new perspective on illness-treatment- what it’s really like walking through this journey of yours. What I’m trying to convey—your not alone, you have touched our lives..forever
Thank You, you have made us better people.
Loren…I believe with God all things are possible! Remember, no two stories are the same and this one is all about you. Fight hard and make it a good one. Now is your time to shine! May God bless you and your loved ones during this difficult time!
Loren,
Sending heartfelt prayers and positive thoughts that you will kiss this things ass!
Keep smiling!
You like a very honked off Mr. Clean! Hang tough dear friend.
Doubt if you remember me..met you while in SD @ KSON. Please know that many of us at K-LOVE and across the K-LOVE Network are praying for you and your family. Stay the course my friend. You rock!
I am with you and your family. My husband
And I are battling cancer and share our perseverance and faith with you
Your travel through your maze of radiation, chemotherapy, hospitals, diagnoses, and family love are difficult, but you are a strong and determined person. Your blog is helpful, not omnly to others , but also to you. Keep it going. You wil win.
Prayers for you and your Family….
I am sooooo sorry for this set-back. There may be a few more to overcome, but with the love and support from everyone may it give you the strength to “stay calm & carry on”.! xo
Hang in there. God is watching over you.
Loren, you’re one of the best damned writers on tv… I think that NOW, when I read todays posting, and I ALWAYS thought that when I worked tv in the same market with you.
Our family keeps the Nancarrow’s in our daily prayers. Your blogs are so inspirational I read them several times over to remind me of what is important in life. Thank you Loren for your honesty, openess and sharing with all of us.
Well you know hang in there is the word of the day. But even though you do not know me I have been praying for you and know your up coming road trip will be wonderful. BTW my nail polish remover still left my toes with splatters of blue so as I pop on a pair of sandals you pop in to my mind.
Your thoughts are so inspiring and encouraging! Met a woman yesterday who said her husband was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer, went through chemo and radiation and is now cancer-free. It CAN happen, and with your positive outlook and so many praying for you, I know it will. Bless you, Loren!
we love you loren! love you for your news,but, especially love you for being such a” human” human, you are a spirit that will keep on keepin on! thank you for your letters, they are so inspiring, especially in this sorted sad world that continues to show evil, you have taken your journey and are helping others, for sure! praying for you daily! hang in sir!
Your kind words, thoughts, sharing, are an inspiration. Thank You!
Speedy recovery from this bump in the road and can’t wait to see you on the “boob toob” (as my mother calls it) again!!
My best thoughts and hopes go to you! My mom endured two brain tumor surgeries. Hang in there, write your thoughts and push forward!
Loren…..you will get through this….just a little bump in the road…..love, strength and prayers go out to you!…DSB baby!
Can’t help myself. I am such a huge fan of your strength. you have mucho “Superness” (A phrase my Niece and I use for each other is now yours too!) Much love, Tracey n John.
May Gods grace be upon you Lauren. Love your blog, keep writing!
San Diego transplant to Montana-always enjoyed your tv presentations, admire your honesty and humor in trying times-go for it bubba, Montana is beautiful in the summer!
You are an inspiration to so many. Do well, Loren!
An inspiraton for your light hearted and positive outlook. Stay strong and keep the future within your reach!
WE ARE WITH YOU AND SUSIE…..you will sail through this with you amazing attitude. Love to you both, Robin and Roy
Robin
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“Changing the future of medicine one relationship at a time”
Robin Toft, President & CEO
Sanford Rose Associates – San Diego
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Direct: 760-788-6010 | Office: 858-546-4801 | Mobile: 760-792-6468 | Fax: 855-815-8635
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Thoughts a prayers to you and your family…..I lost 2 brothers to brain cancer. Enjoy your family…but then again you already know this.
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