An Update from Dennis McKenna on December 12, 1999
"Here's what we know now: Terence had his month after checkup just before Thanksgiving. A good report. The tumor is gone, and there's no sign of regrowth so far. The brain is normalizing; swelling has gone down, the midline is where it should be, ventricles no longer compressed, etc. So its as good as we could hope, but its also only a month after the surgery. A clearer picture of what is really happening should come with the next MRI and checkup scheduled for late January. If there is going to be regrowth, it *may* show up by then. We are keeping our fingers crossed and hoping the gene therapy will be the ace in the hole. They are not very clear about how they determines if the gene therapy has worked or not. I guess if you don't die, that means it worked.
"Terry is doing fairly well, but the big problem now seems to be he is experience some serious side-effects from the long-term use of the steroids (anti-inflammatories). He's having "steroid myopathy", basically a deterioration of muscles and of strength in his legs, especially on the left side. Makes it difficult to walk any distance and to climb stairs. Its also painful, he says, especially at night.
"He's doing what can be done for symptom relief. He is now off the steroids (you have to taper off slowly) and, they tell us, this condition should start to reverse, slowly. Terry feels that it is slowly getting better. Still, its a bummer. Its really unfortunate that he has to go through all this. I feel for him and feel helpless to "do" much.
"Hope all is well with you and your family. All best for Christmas and the coming "end of civilization" (yeah, right).
Best
Dennis
An Update from Dan Levy on February 20, 2000
Greetings,
As you may already know, Terence McKenna has been battling brain cancer since last May. He has had the gamma knife procedure, radiation, a successful craniotomy, and gene therapy. He had two MRI exams that were free of tumor evidence. The most recent one, however, suggested that he still has a battle ahead. This long and arduous process of treatment has left him very weak and unable to work.
Terence is currently on the mainland receiving medical and aternative treatments such as massages, acupuncture, and vitamin therapy. His medical insurance does not cover alternative care nor does it cover car rental, housing, travel, phone bills, or organic food.
He needs our help. Please take this opportunity to support him with this greatest of life challenges. We would greatly appreciate your donation sent to:
Terence McKennaPlease forward this message to anyone you think might want to support Terence.
PMB 238
369-B Third Street
San Rafael, CA. 94901-3581
An Update from Christy Silness on March 28, 2000
To Our Dear Friends and Family,
On behalf of my partner Terence and myself, I want to express to you our deepest thank you for your support during these challenging times. Your letters of kindness and best wishes, beautiful artwork, and financial support are a continual source of inspiration to keep living and staying positive.
We feel very protected and are so very grateful for the love that surrounds us.
Terence's energy is quite low these days, but his eyes are brighter than ever. His spirit is strong!
Please know how fortunate Terence and I feel to have such an extended family.
All our Love and the very Best,
Christy and Terence