Day 15-2

Day 15 of my journey, 2nd on my blog. I honestly feel like I received a "get out of jail free" card yesterday. After a long wait in the oncologist's office yesterday afternoon we learned that one of the pathologists at Swedish now thinks the tumor is a meningioma - that is, a mostly benign form of tumor rather than a sarcoma. It will still likely be several days before there are final reports, but the news was enough to lift what felt like a 50 lb boulder from my shoulders since the likelihood of having to have chemo is now greatly diminished, thank God. The plan now is to have the surgery as soon as possible so I hope to get that consult set up even today. This experience has really reinforced the power of networks - how thankful I am that these superb physicians have them! And as John said, how quickly our perspectives can change. Had someone told me two weeks ago I needed major surgery on my face it would have been devastating news. Yesterday it was the best I could have hoped for.

I had the loveliest morning with my Mom yesterday - a quiet walk along the Highline Canal trail off Colorado Blvd - a precious little country oasis in the middle of our big city. So I had time to connect deeply with her, and with my two beautiful daughters (and dear husband, of course) who joined me for the long medical vigil. So it was a day blessed with several of those only-things-that-really-count. Thank you, Lord.