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Rick L
Trad climber
El Dorado Hills, CA
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Topic Author's Original Post - Jun 21, 2008 - 03:11pm PT
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As some of you know, Vern was diagnosed with a brain tumor in the Spring of 2004. The diagnosis was a Grade II Oligoastrocytoma. He underwent surgery at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center and received follow-up chemotherapy and radiation. The 9 hour surgery is a whole separate odyssey as he was awake for the entire procedure. Since that time, Vern was able to, for the most part, lead a very active life- a blend of family, photography and, of course, his beloved Sierra. I saw him in Mammoth this Spring and he looked lean, tan and in the best shape I have seen him in years. Since the initial treatment, he has returned periodically for monitoring and, until recently, things looked pretty good. On May 9th a MRI revealed some new growth and an "aggressive treatment" plan was recommended, beginning with a course of chemotherapy. A follow-up MRI on June 4th revealed that the rate of growth had slowed as a result of two cycles of Tremador but the recommendation was to proceed with Gamma Knife Surgery on June 13. A "Gamma Knife" is a radiosurgical treatment that delivers a dose of gamma radiation to the target with surgical precision.(www.gammaknife.org) I was able to be with Vern and Margaret through the rather amazing process and am attaching (with Vern's blessing) some photos. He was first fitted with a "helmet" that is held in place via 4 small screws. The vast majority of the remaining time was then spent "mapping" the coordinates to hit the target area. The actual procedure lasted about 30 minutes.
Here is Vern with the helmet waiting for the mapping to be completed
Vern with one of his doctors
About to begin
Once the session was over, the helmet was removed and we all walked out together. Pretty amazing.
Vern is now going through another course of chemo and will then be re-evaluated.
I have to tell you I have never heard Vern utter one word of complaint, "Why me?" or any other form of self pity through this entire ordeal. He has approached this ultimate challenge with the same strength and focus that he demonstrated throughout his stellar climbing career. I imagine the entire experience feels much like it felt standing on Tuolomne crystal, miles above the last pro, trying to drill. His sole focus is on healing and taking care of his family. I have been fortunate to count Vern as a close friend since his high school days at Indian Rock and I remain humbled by how he has dealt with the most difficult issues life can offer- including this ultimate challenge. I know he has many friends- close and far- who would want to wish him well, so I asked Vern and Maragret if it would be OK to post on Supertopo. For more information or to contact him directly, his website is www.vernclevenger.com.
My Best to All
Rick
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dolomite_said
climber
the real
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Jun 21, 2008 - 03:21pm PT
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sorry he's back in the hospital . just seeing him around town etc i got alot of respect for all his credentials : family-man , business-man , athlete , artist .
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F10 Climber F11 Drinker
Trad climber
medicated and flat on my back
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Jun 21, 2008 - 03:31pm PT
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I had thought things were going ok. As I walk through my house I am reminded of him through the various photos I have from him.
I will have to take an extra minute and wish the best for Vern and his family.
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Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
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Jun 21, 2008 - 03:32pm PT
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Thanks for the update. Best wishes and Blessing for Vern.
peace
Karl
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Double D
climber
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Jun 21, 2008 - 03:36pm PT
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Thanks for the update Rick. Please say hi to Vern and Margaret for me. Vern will be in our prayers, that's for sure.
Dave Diegelman
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bob d'antonio
Trad climber
Taos, NM
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Jun 21, 2008 - 03:41pm PT
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The best to Vern and his family...he is one of the nicest people in the climbing community.
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Jun 21, 2008 - 04:40pm PT
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best wishes to Vern
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Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
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Jun 21, 2008 - 05:41pm PT
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Vern was always both tough and bold, and that will never change, apparently. That we can all be as courageous as Vern!
JL
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Jun 21, 2008 - 05:50pm PT
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Best wishes Vern
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Jun 21, 2008 - 06:01pm PT
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Well said John, I'll just go with that!
Best wishes (prayers) to Vern and his courageous family.
Peace
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Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder Colorado
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Jun 21, 2008 - 06:41pm PT
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RE:
"That we can all be as courageous as Vern! "
sheesh, no doubt.
My sincere wishes for full and speedy recovery.
Ray
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L
climber
Eating sand on the shores of Malibu...
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Jun 21, 2008 - 10:38pm PT
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Your amazing photos have been an inspiration to me (and countless others) for a long time, Vern. And I think you have many decades of vision left to capture and share.
Hurry up and get well so you can get back to it.
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jsavage
climber
Bishop, CA
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Jun 21, 2008 - 10:41pm PT
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Vern you are heroic! Looking forward to some more powder days with ya!
Jim
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Jun 21, 2008 - 10:51pm PT
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hey there rick L... say, just a few nights ago i could not get vern off my mind... it was right after i wrote an email to my brother....
say, thanks for the update, as i had been praying and wondering how he was doing... i reckon it was just time for us to know.... and by your kind hand... thank you....
say, his website, used to have nice updates that were very open shares, so his friends would feel free to stop by and read....
HEY THERE VERN... say, not sure if you remember me---chappy's sister, me, neebee.... i wrote you a few times...
hope this will get you "back in the saddle" soon...
god bless to you and margaret and your whole family, work, and all.....
ps. i will send a note chappy's way, too... he sure would like to see how you are doing... last check has was very happy to see you a while back, at a party....
once again, god bless....
-----
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nita
climber
chica from chico, I don't claim to be a daisy
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Jun 21, 2008 - 11:15pm PT
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Hi Vern & Margaret,Sending Prayers and positive thoughts for a speedy ...Full Recovery.
Much Love ..Nita & Andy :-)..... Salud..
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JEleazarian
Trad climber
Fresno CA
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Jun 21, 2008 - 11:40pm PT
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Many payers and much support, Vern & Margaret.
John
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chez
Social climber
chicago ill
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Jun 21, 2008 - 11:48pm PT
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Just saw Vern yesterday and he looked great.
He'll come out of this just fine i'm sure of it.
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martygarrison
Trad climber
The Great North these days......
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Jun 21, 2008 - 11:52pm PT
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Vern, gods speed! You won't remember but we did gold rush around 76 and you taught me how to extend my thumb so my small hands could fist jam that thing. I used the lesson many times. Thank you!
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Anne-Marie Rizzi
climber
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Jun 22, 2008 - 12:19am PT
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A new growth? So sorry to hear about this but hoping for the best outcome.
Vern and Margaret, hope you stay optimistic and continue to love your family and friends.
Anne-Marie
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10b4me
climber
sous le toit
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Jun 22, 2008 - 12:42am PT
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best wishes for a speedy recovery
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