Hello friends, not much has changed since my last update. I did have one visit to the radiologist for my “simulation” appointment yesterday. Using the mask they made on my previous visit, they set me up on the table for the final alignment and preparation for my upcoming treatments. The visit was short and relatively simple for me. I will be starting my chemo in the next few days and I anticipate starting radiation treatments next week.

Whenever I get anxious about upcoming treatments, I just remind myself that God already has this all planned out and I just need to go along with His plan. “Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

The continued support from all of you has been amazing and I could never thank all of you enough.

Keep up the prayers. God is answering them everyday!

Hello Friends! Today was filled with doctor appointments at USC. First was a CT scan of my head to generate a computerized map of my brain and tumor location. Second was mask making time. A mask was formed to my face which will later be used to lock my head in place during my radiation treatments. Third and last appointment of the day was an MRI of my head which will be used along with the CT scan to pinpoint the radiation treatments. As always, the staff at USC was great. They are informative, friendly, and take the time to answer any questions Julie and I have. We are truly blessed to have been placed in their hands. It looks as if I will start my radiation and chemo treatments on Monday March 2nd. I have one scheduled appointment next week on Tuesday which is a simulation appointment for the radiation. With the scans and mask they made today, they will set me up for the radiation and perform the final preparations for the treatments. I am feeling better than ever and I have been enjoying the time I have to spend with Julie, Kayla, and Natalie. I am so blessed to have my beautiful wife by my side through this journey.

Good Morning

First, I have to say how loved Jeff, Kayla, Natalie, and I feel from all of you who care so much and read our updates. We are blessed to have you in our lives. Your prayers have truly helped us stay positive and in good spirits.

For those of you who haven’t been able to see Jeff, he is doing so GREAT! Our high school friends Rex and Chris visited yesterday, and they commented that besides the lovely question mark shaped scar by his right ear you wouldn’t know Jeff had brain surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago. Jeff has really had minimal effects from the surgery and we are so thankful.

We are still waiting for the appointment to get the CT/MRI that will show Jeff’s brain in 3D to map out the radiation treatment for Dr. Pagnini. Our hope is that all of the prep work will take place this week and radiation and chemo can start by next Monday.

Kayla and Natalie are doing well and life at home is still full of laughter and silliness. As for me, 5% of the time is not so great, however 95% of the time the Lord is keeping me strong – the glory goes to Him because this strength is definitely not my doing.

So many of you are asking me how you can help. I wanted to let you know that our friend Sheri from The Rock is organizing a fundraiser to help off set the substantial financial impact this is going to have on our family. At this time the fundraiser is in the beginning stages and the date is unknown at this time. We will let you know when and where it will be. The Talbert Family Foundation (which is a non-profit organization that helps families dealing with cancer) has already set up a fund in Jeff’s name. We are using this foundation so all donations from the fundraiser are tax deductible and 100% of the donations come directly to us.

His fund name is “Jeff’s Journey to Victory” if you go on their website www.talbertfamilyfoundation.org you will see Jeff’s fund in the scrolling marquee.

We take each day as it comes, and as Jeff pointed out, all he can do is what the doctors tell him to do, pray, stay positive, and the rest is up to God.

All our love – Julie

Hello all. As many of you know, I went to see my neurosurgeon today (Dr. Chen) to get the results of my pathology and to have the sutures removed from the side of my head. The results of the pathology were pretty much what Dr. Chen thought they would be. The tumor they removed was a stage 3 / Glioblastoma. My specific tumor did not meet all of the classifications of a stage 4 (which is the glioblastoma), but due to certain factors Dr. Chen felt it was better to classify it as a stage 4 Glioblastoma which qualifies me for some clinical trials that have been highly effective in the treatment of this form of cancer. The treatment plan remains the same for now. I will begin radiation and oral chemo most likely this week. They are testing my tumor to see if it carries a specific protein which would make me eligible for a vaccination treatment that would coincide with my other treatments. While this diagnosis is not the best, I remain ready and willing to fight this in every way possible. I do not believe in statistics. Dr. Chen is putting me in contact with one of his patients that has my same diagnosis and is similar in age and demographic. This patient was diagnosed and operated on over five years ago and is still doing well.

I will not limit God’s ability to heal my body. I know that His plan is at work and He has already been pouring out His blessings on me and my family through this tough situation. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” ROMANS 8:28 I continue to feel better everyday and Dr. Chen is very pleased with my progress. I plan to start getting out more and getting back to normal activities as each day passes. I will be meeting Wednesday February 11th with a big smile on my face and I can’t wait to begin the next 40 years!

Thank you all so much for you prayers, love, and support. I am truly blessed. Jeff

Hi Guys

We got an update from the doctor yesterday. Jeff’s tumor is a stage 3 (out of 1-4). Not the best news, but certainly not the worst either. Because of the stage 3 diagnosis Jeff qualifies for new drug trials. We will get more info on Monday at our appointment.

OK I am not superwoman, yesterday was hard for me. This morning at 4:00 I couldn’t sleep so I curled up with a big blanket, my dog, and my Bible. The Lord reminded me who He is and gave me such peace again. Jeff and I know this diagnosis is not good, but we also know to not limit Gods ability to heal and His ability to bring good through tough situations. Really.

Jeff is continuing to sleep better every night. He is very sweet and chit chats with me all day long, where before he was kind of a quiet guy. See?…Blessings!

As far as the girls go Natalie rocked it out last night at the school talent show! And we received a letter from Kayla’s school saying she is on the honor role!

P.S. Jeff’s 40th birthday is on Wed the 11th and he is seeing the radiologist – not quite the birthday we were planning so I know he would appreciate some happy birthday wishes.

All my love to you – Julie

Good Morning to our amazing supportive freinds and family 

Jeff and I met with Dr. Chen, Jeff’s neuro surgeon yesterday. Although the specific pathology on his tumor is not known yet, the doctor feels stongly that it was a cancerous tumor. We are not surprised and feel blessed that the doctors did remove the tumor. However Jeff will undergo radiation and chemo to kill the cells that aren’t visible on the MRI. We will meet the radiologist, Dr. Pagnini, next week to get the game plan underway. 

Jeff is in good spirits because he feels one of the toughest parts (surgery in general) is behind him and he is eager to continue to fight. With everyday he feels stronger and more like himself. 

Jeff is my favorite, favorite, favorite person to spend time with and I am so thankful for this time we get together and for my nursing education that has, and will come into use. Kayla and Natalie are doing well and again the time the four of us get to spend together is such a gift, they are such awesome daughters. 

We continue to trust our Lord and know He is with us every second of everyday.

Jeff is recovering well at home. Slept great last night. He is feeling better and stronger everyday. Jeff wants you all to know how thankful he is to each one of you. The support and prayers keep us lifted up, so thank you. Jeff is ready for quick visits, but it might be a good idea to call me, in case we aren’t here. We don’t want to miss ya.

Jeff and I will be going to see the neuro surgeon this afternoon. He will possibly have the pathology report, we hope. I will keep you posted. A bit nervous but we know God is in control and won’t give us more than we can handle. 

Jeff and I are amazed and our hearts are so full of joy because of the support we have from all of our friends and family. We are so blessed.