Sept. 24th

We met with our oncologist a week ago today and we were ecstatic with the report. We knew going in that we were walking into a good report, but it is not until you talk with the doctor and see the MRI scans that you can believe the phenomenal results. The scans indicated a decrease in all spots/white matter seen on the brain. Obviously, I am not presenting the information in proper medical terms. The point is - stable is what is hoped for and any decrease is considered exceptional. Robert is the overachieving patient and is living his life as he has always done - with honesty, integrity, and a dedication & loyalty to the important people in his life. He has the ability to rationalize the lack of control that we ultimately have over many factors in our lives. He has the resolve to face each day with an attitude that 'what will be' - 'will be' and there is no point in worrying about it. We are so happy with the last results and try to hold on to the feeling of relief that has come with the pictures demonstrated on the last set of scans. Wishing everyone well...

Sept. 12th

Our days have been busy and we have managed to keep moving at an energetic level- until 8:00pm. By 8:00 - the boys are in bed and Robert and I are close to it. We went to Ocean City and had a great time. We left on Fri. and returned on Tue. Yes- Tuesday. I had told many people that we would return on Monday and truly believed that this was accurate. It wasn't until we were at the beach that we realized the reservation was made until Tuesday. I had made the reservations and had incorrectly written it on my calendar. Oh well. Robert took and extra day off of work, Bryce missed another day of school, and Trey & I gladly accepted an extra day at the beach.
Since returning- life has picked up the pace and does seem to be moving faster then is possible. Robert has returned to work, Bryce has returned to school, Trey has attended two days at preschool, and I have made two trips to Johns Hopkins - scheduled appointments. Robert had his eyes checked again at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Hopkins. He got another good report. His vision is stable and there were no indicators of pressure on the brain. He will return in another six months for an exam.
As we come up on the 11 month marker of the day that Robert was diagnosed with a brain tumor, we are thankful for the lesson learned, the recognition of love and support, and the understanding that we have been and are blessed with good fortune. This is not to say that we are thankful for the diagnosis, but we are thankful for the increased awareness of the good fortune that still exists in our lives. We have our family and we have love.
It is sometimes difficult to watch our children grow and change and become more independent. I find myself - having to remind myself - that their changing behaviors and attitudes indicate that they are growing and developing as they should be. The fact that they are succeeding in new environments without us, means that they have learned the lessons that we have taught them. The fact that they are growing and changing physically, means that they are healthy. The fact that we are watching them change over time, means that we have had valuable time with them to build memories. I am trying not to hold on to the past or think to far into the future and am trying to enjoy the present. May you all have a great day.

Sept. 2nd

We have received good news today regarding Robert's MRI scans. The oncologist reports that all scans look good. She noted that we couldn't have gotten a better report. We are thankful for the excellent report and for the friends and family that we get to share the news with. We are thankful for the doctors who are willing to listen to us, work with us, and communicate with us in a way that comforts us. We recognize that they are caring for Robert and the family as well. The attention paid to all of us, both physically and emotionally, keeps us strong and ready to focus our attention where it needs to be directed- on living and living well. Thanks.

Sept. 1st

It was great having a long weekend and having Bryce and Robert home on Mon. We had a relaxing weekend and are gearing up for the rest of the week. Which brings me to my reason for posting. Tomorrow, Robert will be having another MRI. As always I will ask anyone who is reading this to please send your best wishes forward and/or pray for a good report. We will not be meeting with our oncologist and will post the results as soon as we can. Hope you all had a great weekend and wishing you the best. Thanks so much.