And so we begin...

Today I officially became a cancer patient with my first oncology appointment, and I'll continue my journey of endless doctor's appointments with the six set up for me next week. My oncologist, Dr. Ena Segota, agreed with my lung specialist that there is a chance my lymph nodes are not infected with cancer, so she has ordered a biopsy of two nodes on either side of my neck. She also ordered an MRI to see if it has spread to my brain yet. Both of these tests should be completed early next week. If both results are negative for cancer, they will have to biopsy the rest of the lymph nodes that had appeared to be malignant. This is a much more complicated and risky process which will involve an overnight stay in the hospital.

So again, I am thankful for your prayers, and I ask specifically this week that you will pray that my lymph nodes and brain are not cancerous. This could be very good news!

I am fortunate to be so comfortable in the hands of Dr. Segota. She is a delicate blonde from Western Europe who eased my family's concerns as we learned of Teach's cancer. She studied at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, but most importantly, she has a wonderful bedside manner, which caused me to remember her and request her for my case. Proving herself just as caring as I had thought her to be, she remembered me when I entered her office, and asked why I hadn't simply spoken to her about my cancer before. I hadn't because I didn't want to concern Teach with this before his death, but I was grateful God put her in my path so that I could talk with her about it now.

It is good that Dr. Segota is already familiar with my large family. She and the nurses in the hospital commented many times during Teachy's time in hospice on the love and smiles in the room with him. The highlight of every day for Teach was a visit from my granddaughter Addison who was born 2 days after my mother's funeral. A true testiment to the fact that the Lord both gives and takes away. Here are a couple pictures of their favorite "bump" game.