An Update on October 12, 1999
This is a further update to Terence's family, friends and many well-wishers throughout the world, from Terence, Dennis, and Christy.
Terence successfully completed the second phase of his treatment at UCSF today. He had a craniotomy, followed by additional gene therapy. The surgery was a success by all measures. According to the surgeon, Dr. Berger, all visible traces of the tumor have been removed. It will take some more time to assess whether the gene therapy has been effective, but even if it has not, Terence has benefitted from the surgery. He is now recovering on the Neuro ICU unit at the hospital. As far as anyone can tell, he is the same old Terence; sense of humor fully intact, bemused perspective fully functional, and no obvious impairments of speech, cognition or movement.
So, for now, it seems that an important phase of Terence's treatment has been completed. With a bit of luck, the gene therapy will prove effective and may actually amount to a cure, although that is a word we do not use lightly around here. What is important, for now, is that these procedures have bought more time--possibly much more time--while not diminishing quality of life.
Terence will remain in hospital until the end of the week, and then will stay in the SF area for about another week. Then, if all goes well he can return to Hawaii and try to rediscover what normal life is like.
No words can adequately express the appreciation we all feel for the love and support we have received from family and friends; we could not have done it without you! And, please, keep sending it. We are not out of the woods yet, and although we have turned a corner, or perhaps started a new chapter in Terence's fight for life, we still need your love and support.
And for our part, we send our love and humble thanks to one and all.