Life suddenly changed for a wonderful person, my husband Tito Gomez.

It was a warm afternoon in September 2005, the 27th to be exact, when my cell phone continued to ring but I did not have it with me. Then my friend's cell phone began to ring. When I checked the message I was told Tito was in emergency at Loma Linda Hospital. My heart sank as I thought  "Was Tito involved in a traffic collision?", "Did he fall and injure his body?" or worse "Was he involved in a shooting?"  I rushed to the hospital and was told he had a siezure and the doctors were going to conduct a CAT scan to ensure everything was alright.  Based on the reading he would be able to leave after further evaluation.  Never in a million years was I ready for the doctor's diagnosis.

On October 4, Tito underwent a craniotomy where the doctors obtained a sample of the tumor from the least intrusive area, the frontal lobe.  We were advised that Tito had Glioblastoma Multiforme Grade 4, located on the frontal lobe and left temporal lobe.  The suggestions were many: do nothing (live life while you can), radiation and chemotherapy, or craniotomy to remove as much of the tumor and follow up with chemotherapy, with a life expectancy of 6 months to a year.  Tito suffered multiple seizures during the months of October thru December and we were continuously in the hospital.  Tito received proton radiation for about 13 weeks and oral chemotherapy with Temador.  He lost some ability to speak and his passive demeanor became very aggressive.  Tito later lapsed into an almost lethargic state and did not communicate.

It was in December that Tito suffered massive seizures and later agreed to surgery where a portion of the tumor on the left temporal lobe was removed.  He lost more of his ability to speak and had little movement on his right side.  He was able to return home, started more radiation, and was never able to return to work.

By God's grace, we were introduced to Laura Miller and the foundation on April 28, 2006.  Dr. Duma first saw Tito in a lethargic state and immediately stated, "I would not have conducted a craniotomy.  I would have used Gamma Knife radiation. Where there is Hope there is Life." Our treatments changed in June of 2006.  Tito began a round of Tomatherapy radiation and chemotherapy with Tarceva.  Tito was less lethargic and began to move a little more easily (still not speaking).  In August 2006, Tito had the Gamma Knife radiation and appeared to be doing well.  He was walking better and moving a little better. He was able to tell me if he was going to have a seizure or not feeling well.  This was a miracle. He was able to enjoy his daughter's third and fourth birthdays and a night out on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2006.  Tito smiled and lit up the room, oh the joy and love in his eyes. 

Early in 2007, I noticed Tito's ability to move was becoming more difficult and his motor skills were diminishing.  He began occupational therapy and physical therapy.  During another follow-up visit with Dr. Duma it was discovered that his tumors were spreading.  Tito underwent another round of Tomatherapy radiation.  We would meet with the doctor one month and the tumor was not growing, the next month there was more growth, and so on.  The roller coaster ride finally led to the bad news that the tumor spread to Tito's cerebellum.  Chemotherapy, radiation, and craniotomy were no longer an option.  It was then that Tito was taken home where he passed away on September 24, 2007.

My heart felt prayers and many thanks to friends, family, and Laura for all of your help. 

~ Lorena Gomez