A long-delayed post, hampered partly by my limited mental/physical energies during this time of recovery from my brain tumor-removal surgery (hampered partly by tech issues).  Last week, I had my follow-up appt. with the doctors at University of WA, where we discussed the results of the biopsy of my tumor.  While I was hoping to hear that the tumor was fully removed and was fully benign, and that I’d never have to worry about this kind of thing again, turns out it wouldn’t be that easy. 

The biopsy revealed my tumor (which was essentially fully removed) to have been an Grade III astrocytoma, an aggressive type of malignant tumor which is very likely to reoccur.  (more info here)  The better side of that news out of that is there aren’t any reoccurrences right now, and tumor types go up to grade IV.  In the meantime, I’ll be meeting with a radiation specialist later this week to start mapping out a process of radiation therapy over the next few months.

At this point, there is no reoccurrence of the tumor, and the surgery was essentially successful (but, when you’re talking cancer cells, they never really disappear, they just go into remission).  There are a lot of scary numbers and such about this kind of tumor out there, but the way I see it, I’ve got options at this point (something many with this affliction simply do not have).

Disappointing more than anything, yes.  A bit scary.  Definitely frustrating.  But many of you have survived worse, and I’ll be fine, too.  Just a bit balder and skinnier.  

Here’s how I’m looking at this:  I kicked brain surgery’s butt.  I am currently kicking rehab’s butt.  If radiation (plus possibly chemo) want a piece of me, too, they can get in line.  I don’t plan on letting this thing get to the point where I don’t have options, but feel confident (buoyed by a tremendous support community, and by a comforting and strengthening God), that I can tackle whatever is coming my way

It’s a strange thing knowing how many have been praying for me, yet not seeing the results we’d been hoping for.  All I can do is trust that God’s saving the best part of this story (whatever form that takes) for the days ahead.  While I would obviously wish for quick and complete healing, sometimes that might not be the best thing for the bigger story.  We’ll just wait and see…

At this point, as appreciative as I am of all the encouragement I’ve received from so many of you, I think you’ll understand my wanting to keep to a minimum my emailing & phone calling on this topic (both for time & energy considerations, but also just to keep from overloading).  I’m very interested in hearing from any of you who have gone through this specific type of situation, but am not really prepared for a lot of general cancer information or discussion right now (that’s a hard request to make, knowing that you all have nothing but the best of intentions).  And, more to the point, I definitely do not need sympathy notes, as I’m not sick at this time, nor do I plan on getting sick.  This is just one more hurdle before moving on. 

I’ll have more info after upcoming doctor consults.  Thank you all for your prayers and support: in the coming weeks, I may have tangible needs, such as transportation to dr. visits, but am quite OK now.  I look forward to sharing more of the story with you as it plays out.