for Dale's Prayer Warriors

HISTORY: Dale had lost the upper lobe of his right lung to cancer in 1977. He noticed increased shortness of breath late in 2004. An extensive battery of tests in 2005 disclosed "pleural effusion" (an accumulation of fluid) at his left ("good") lung. Large quantities of pleural fluid were extracted in August and October, and again during thorascopic surgery on November 3, at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center at the Univ. of South Fla. This surgery included talc pleuradesis ( to prevent future fluid accumulation) and tissue biopsy which, upon pathologic examination, confirmed the earlier diagnosis of (epithelioid) malignant mesothelioma. Dale and 'Von were then told  that the "median life expectancy" for his condition was six months without treatment, and eighteen months with treatment. (The 18-months were passed in April, 2007.) Although the surgery was eminently successful, the tumor itself is inoperable and "incurable". Dale underwent a series of four chemo-therapy treatments (Alimta & Carboplatin) from December 2 to February 9 (2006). The tumor's growth was arrested, but then periodic CT-scans in mid-2007 disclosed renewed tumor growth, requiring a new round of four chemo-therapy infusions.  These were completed October 3. The oncologist had stated there was only about a 25% chance the treatment would be effective again this time....but God's will and your prayers prevailed, and the tumor actually RECEDED.  The doctor recommended a follow-up regimen of a lesser infusion of chemicals (Alimta only) each three weeks for a year.  

The continued chemical infusions began to wreak havoc on Dale's system, and had to be discontinued in January of 2008.  Then a May 8 CT-scan showed new tumor growth, and lymph node involvement.  Although two successive scans confirmed accelerating disease progression, no treatment was begun, because Dale's blood count had eroded to a level so low he would not be able to tolerate treatment.  After a colonoscopy, an endoscopy, a bone marrow biopsy and various other tests, Dale was given a blood transfusion (two pints) on August 25.  After four months of rampant, untreated disease progression (see "life expectancy" above), this transfusion raised the blood count sufficiently to qualify him for participation in a new experimental phase II clinical study of Milataxel (TL139).  Dale received his first (oral) dose on August 29.  The morning following his second dose (September 19) he was struck with heart arrhythmia, and hospitalized at Moffit Center for four days.  While there he received another blood transfusion which boosted his hemoglobin count from 7.9, to 9.7, as well as other supplements and medications.  Diet supplements, prayer and an Aranesp injection every three weeks kept his blood count near 9. CT-scans in October and November indicated that tumor growth had again been arrested (Praise God!)  Dale received his sixth and final Milataxel treatment December 16, 2008, and periodic CT-scans showed no new growth until May, 2009.  But meanwhile his anemia worsened, due to continued bone marrow destruction.  His hemoglobin count plunged to 8.2, and he has suffered several episodes of heart arrhythmia.  He was transfused with two units of blood, and is taking a low-dose heart medication.  When the tumor again resumed its growth, a new regimen of Alimta was begun May 18, 2009.  The growth was again arrested.  On the advice of his oncologist, he continued a "maintenance" infusion of Alimta each three weeks.  This was discontinued after the February 5 infusion, when the tumor began to grow again.   He has since been screened for, but failed to meet the criteria for two phase one studies.

Although he hasn't regained his strength, until recently he's been able to eat  enough to maintain a good body weight.  Since the May 23, 2009 update, Dale has had another bone marrow biopsy, and been hospitalized twice  more: once with a fever and blood pressure that plunged  to systolic 42, and again due to an episode of heart arrhythmia.  He has been put on a bi-weekly resumption of Aranesp injections (a heavy-duty med) and his list of conditions now includes "pre-leukemia" and an unfriendly bouquet of chemo side-effects.  He now rarely drives, and his legs have difficulty carrying him.  He makes occasional use of a wheel-chair or walker. The coughing spells continue to leave him exhausted.  The GOOD news is that he is not nauseous, has had only two heart arrhythmia episodes since August, 2009, continues to be upbeat, and some few foods actually taste good.  He praises God each morning for bringing him to another new day.

Radiologist's Report on March 3 CT-scan:  Tumor has resumed growth.
CURRENT: Today's CT-scan revealed accelerated tumor growth, but no metastasis.  The original chemo treatment (Alimta and Carbo-platin) will be resumed next week, despite concerns over his general weakness and mental fatigue.  He feels he has hit the "slippery slope".
He is now working and praying toward a new treatment protocol, freedom from mucus-driven coughing spasms, and recovery of his physical strength and singing voice, so he can maximize his ministry through music and perhaps even rejoin the church choir.  Although he had lost nearly 50-pounds, he has recently regained a few of those.  Dale continues to add music to this website, and make edits to existing music.  A new site, www.STRUMandSING.com has been launched, offering lead sheets with guitar chord accompaniment.  Additionally, some of Dale's music is being marketed by the E-Publisher, HolyMeasures.com/daledeblock.

We are seeking God's will, as well as His care, all the while praising him for his mercy and sustenance.

FUTURE: While there is no known cure for mesothelioma, some very encouraging clinical trials are ongoing, all around the world. And while Dale is watching expectantly for another miraculous delivery, he plans to remain under the care of the staff at Moffitt Center.

Your prayers and support are appreciated beyond words. And your prayers are working!