amigos of dave: June 2010

Sunday, June 6, 2010

MOVIN' FORWARD

L.A Sunset Practice steps, he went on to trek the hills in the background

Sharing some wonderful news...
As of late we have been wrapping things up in L.A. David has reached the threshold for radiation to the brain. His most recent scan showed good results, as in he's responding to the treatment. From my view, being defeated in a number of close chess battles is a sure sign that he's slowly improving. Lets just say he's makin' the right moves. The next gran move will be HOME. Yes we'll be heading home very, very soon. The excitement of being once again, close to our dearest of friends and family is overwhelming. Once home the priority will be to rest, recover, relax and enjoy life. This time will also allow for the radiation to clear as it can effect the quality of his next scan, and in a few months he'll go for another. During this time the radiation we'll keep doing its thing. In the meantime he'll work on other options, mainly working on overcoming the effects of the radiation and the steroids. So plenty of cleansing and rehabilitation.
We'd like to send our warmest thanks and appreciation to the friendly staff at Valley Cancer Institute. Thank you

Daniel

David Montoya

Background:
Feb 2008: In early 2008 Dave was diagnosed with a deep brain tumor- Anaplastic Oligoastrocytoma, located in the right lateral ventrical. David had no signs of symptoms or ill health. The discovery of the tumor was brought about by a precautionary scan, taken after a bump to the head caused by fall from his bmx bike.

Mar 2009: Almost immediately he underwent his first surgery. Ever since then, Dave has been striving to become more informed about his condition, improving his health and in seeking treatments that would improve his chances with this disease. He was able to return to work and continue to pursue his passions.

Aug 2009: Saw the onset of symptoms of tumor growth and was not able to continue to work as his vision and balance were being effected due to the disturbance of the tumor from his first surgery.

Oct 2009: Lacking resources and scared into no other option, David was booked in for a second operation to remove what they could of the tumor.

Nov 2009: This second surgery had also postponed plans for tumor treatment. and due to the location and size of the tumor surgeons could not remove all of it and would now rely on other conventional adjunct thereapies.

David was re-diagnosed with Recurrent Low Grade Oligoastrocytoma and the new growth a Recurrent Low Grade Anaplastic Oligoastroytoma. Furthermore he was also now dealing with post surgery neurological damage which caused partial paralysis to the left side of his body (mainly his foot and some motor skills)

Dec 2009: Not convinced with conventional offerings.

Although most of it was removed, the fact that the tumor had mutated meant that there is a risk of it doing the same again, unless the necessary steps are taken to stop it.

Dec 2009: In between surgeries, David research and resourcing lead him to consider some conventional and non conventional treatments including Low-Dose Radiotherapy with Hyperthermia, and DMSO which are currently not available in Australia. At the moment he’s making good progress and with your help we should be able to realize these goals very soon. Camelot Cancer Care and Valley Cancer Institute are clinics we are aiming for.

Dec 2010: With much support, David was able to reach these goals. While on treatment, they proved effective. Slowing, and at some stages stopping growth while on the treatment. Unfortunately these treatment have their threshold. And it wasn't long before the tumor picked where it left off.

Objectives: To raise a substantial amount of money to help Dave reach his goals. Including travel, treatment and ongoing bills and expenses. As well as to share, teach and learn from ours and others experiences.

Method: Fundraisers, Donations- Direct PayPal into David's account.
godlovesugly@hotmail.com
amigosofdave@hotmail.com

amigos of dave

Dave's Cancer Fund

Sunday, June 6, 2010

MOVIN' FORWARD

David Montoya

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