Friday, July 17

We just got home from a follow-up appointment with the neuro-oncologist, Dr. Torres. We have heard wonderful things about him and are very impressed in the two times we've met him. He was very pleased with Mom's progress and kept telling her over and over how great she looked. Aside from the shaved head you'd never know she just had brain surgery ten days ago. We also met with the brain cancer nurse at the cancer center, and the social worker who will be handling our case. We still have to follow-up with Dr. Boling, the neurosurgeon, next week to get the go-ahead for radiation and chemo, but Dr. Torres believes it will be between two and four weeks before we'll begin treatment. The chemo treatment will be a pill, taken once daily. Looking over the paperwork, it seems the side effects may be lesser than that of intravenous chemotherapy. I know every person will respond differently, so we'll just have to wait and see what happens. The radiation treatments will take place at the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center Monday through Friday for four to six weeks. Thankfully, I will still have most of my summer vacation to make those trips with Mom.

We continue to feel the blessings of our friends and neighbors, near and far. Wednesday morning I awoke to the smell of Randy Welch's meatball cooking in our crock pot and Thursday evening we enjoyed homemade chicken pot pie, salad, and cookies from Joan and Eugene Jenkins. Evelyn Lewis also dropped by and delivered a delicious loaf of banana bread! And we would like to say thank you to Danny Miller's C-Crew for the very thoughtful BP gas cards that will come in very useful as we begin radiation treatments. The cards continue to fill the mailbox each day and that has turned into a special time for all of us as we open and read the cards together. Thank you to all of you. Your thoughtfulness and concern for our family has been overwhelming and very much appreciated.

I will leave you with the scripture from my devotions yesterday: The Lord has comforted His people and will have compassion on His suffering ones. Isaiah 49:13 Please know that your acts of kindness no matter how small have helped ease the burden of our situation and brought peace and comfort to our family. Thank you!