It is better to be patient, than it is to become one :)

Well this time around there is much to report on the cancer front. As I told you, my chronic neck pain prompted Dr. Segota to request an MRI of my upper spine to check for nerve compression caused by tumor growth. We’ve been aware that I have cancer in my lower spine and pelvic region, but my complaints of neck pain suggested the disease may have spread. The three MRI images taken Tuesday showed no cancer in the area they examined, but raised suspicions about cancer just lower on my spine than the pictures had captured. So I returned for an MRI of my entire spine. After this test, Dr. Segota called me and explained that they haven’t necessarily found confirmation of cancer growth in my spine, but the results they’ve been getting are leading her to ask for even more testing. It is possible that there are free-floating cancer cells in my spinal fluid, so she ordered a spinal tap, which I underwent this morning. She also ordered an MRI of my brain because lung cancer that has metastasized is most commonly first spread to the lymph nodes and brain. When we did the original round of tests nearly nine months ago, my lymph nodes had, in fact, already been infected, but I was fortunate in that my brain had been spared at that point. Dr. Segota ordered the MRI of my brain to see if we are still fortunate in that area. If not, we will have to discuss new treatment options. In addition to all these tests, I also underwent a bone scan and a CTscan to check all the sites of my cancer for changes. We are meeting with Dr. Segota tomorrow morning to discuss the results of the complete set of tests. Please be praying for wisdom and thoroughness in the technicians and doctors who will be deciphering the information they receive. And pray for my family and myself as we receive their reports.

The litany of medical examinations in the past week has been wearing on me, but I think this is the part I find more taxing. I’m not usually characterized as a pillar of patience. I like things to move! I feel very helpless knowing all I can do is wait until God gives me answers about my future at the appointment with Dr. Segota. I am constantly thinking about it. Practically nothing works to take my mind off the impending news, except politics! The two hours I spent riled up in front of the TV during the presidential debate while Mackenzie shushed me every few minutes was a fantastic blessing to me because after it had ended, I realized I hadn’t given a moment’s thought to the results of my tests! I was too busy running the country! But for the times when I’m not prescribing the solutions for all the world’s problems to our political leaders, please pray that God grants me peace, patience, and distractions!

On the family front, Bob and I had a wonderful time of closeness and relaxation in Naples on the Gulf coast for our anniversary. I was able to find an adorable “grandma store” where we bought an abundance of stocking stuffers and charming treasures. When we returned from our trip, Bob and I were finally able to get together with our good friends Bryan and Norma to party! They never disappoint with the amount of laughs they deliver, and I don’t think Bob disappointed with his homemade chocolate cake either. A few days later, I had a five hour lunch date with girlfriends that I have been close with for over thirty years where we beamed and bragged about our grandbabies. It’s amazing to think of the changes in our topics of conversation at these lunches over the past three decades of our lives.

Bob’s mother Bea was able to visit from New York and brought beautiful handmade doilies which are now adorning several tables around my house. She couldn’t believe how much Annabelle has grown and was entertained by the liveliness of Addison and Emma. She asked a few times just how many people actually live at our house!

Shannon and Mackenzie’s grade school alma mater had a fine arts benefit concert last Monday night, and Mackenzie was asked to sing a number for a segment of the show they had entitled, “The Divas of Westminster,” reprising her title role from the school play five years ago, Hello, Dolly! Annabelle loves to see her aunt on stage so Bob and I brought her along for the night to watch Mackenzie flirt with the audience and belt out her song with back-up from the boys of Westminster’s honor choir. Annabelle was star-struck as she watched a talented little girl sing “Tomorrow” from Westminster’s production of Annie, but of course, my unbiased opinion is that Mackenzie was the hit of the show!

Bob and my kids tell me daily about friends who ask about me, and every time I feel encouraged. It is wonderful to know people are still thinking of me. I appreciate your prayers and know God is working through you in my life.