November 17 we had another oncology follow up and were given some news we were expecting, but wasn’t great and two options. Continue to try other treatments or stop and let things run the way they would.
Dealing with this type of cancer and at this level has been very challenging. Especially these last few weeks. Dave’s tumor is still growing, though slowly, it is growing. He has lost functionality of his right hand and arm, and strength is being lost in the right leg. This is both the result of the steroids, tumor and chemo treatments. Long term steroid use as he has experienced eats away at large muscles causing weakness. Chemo creates lack of energy which directly impacts the desire to do anything active and the tumor is growing into the area where movement for his right side is.
His stability has been challenged due to the weakness in the right side. This means that he can’t catch himself as readily if he is falling and getting up, out of a chair or out of bed becomes more challenging daily. I now understand how people feel – I don’t know it as I haven’t experienced it, but I can understand – when their bodies stop working correctly, but the mind is still able to process and is sharp. I wouldn’t wish this experience on anyone, regardless of age.
This news hits a bit harder as we have been trying to be positive that the standard treatments have been working and hoping that they have. However, they haven’t been doing what was hoped. We are now faced directly with Dave’s mortality. If this chemo doesn’t work there aren’t many more options that we can access and eventually the tumor will make it so that Dave can’t do much for himself and for a young person (41 in January) it might be too much.
All of these things chip away at a persons ability to be resilient and bounce back. Our bounce is currently very small, but we are still bouncing. Dave has decided he wants to live so we will try another chemotherapy. This one is a daily dose, and we shall see. He doesn’t want to be done with life, he is afraid of missing out on the kids growing up and all of the other things that we would do as a family.
We shall see. We are currently a bit raw, much like this post. The reality currently is that the tumor is growing and time is becoming more limited and precious. We will do what we can to take advantage of it.
Thank you for your support and following our story.
The Adams-Schlag Family 
Sending so much loving energy your way through this. In a time when there are no easy questions, there are also no easy answers. One day at a time or even one minute at a time. I remember my mom going through her treatments with her tumor – it’s hard. Everyone’s journey with brain cancer is unique … but none of them are good. Wishing you all the ability to try and enjoy each other as much as you can through this.
Sabrina and family. I have no words but my heart is with you fully.
Sabrina, Dave and family,
We are so very sorry you have to go through this. To say it isn’t fair is an understatement. Sending healing thoughts and hope you are embraced by the love of your family and friends.
Judi and Shane Devlin
Thank you for your candor and letting us bear witness to this raw, real, painful, and very human process. It reminds us to love, to reflect, to hold close. I ache alongside you. I wish I could do more. You are in my thoughts.