Just walked in the house and Dr. Melian called. I was so surprised to hear his voice. The long and the short of it is that there's a bit of lymphoma in my spine and it needs to be radiated. I was sort of disappointed, but he said, "Oh no, this is GOOD news. You could have breaking bones and paralysis." You see, Cancer gives you a whole new perspective on life!!! I tried to squeeze as much information out of him as possible. He is meeting with Dr. Barton tomorrow, and they will plan my future. What this probably means is that I will be in radiation longer than I had first expected. More of you may get that chance to drive AFTERall!! Will learn more next week. Until then, we should all be glad that I am not in pain (the doctors seems to marvel at that)and that I'm going to be treated. Oh my! xoxo   7:25:09 PM    

Ran down to Loyola today for an MRI of my spine. There is SOMEthing at the base of my spine - they are not sure what - maybe just arthritis. It showed up on a CAT scan so then I had an Xray - still no clarification. So maybe this will do it. If it is lymphoma, they will want to radiate it also, as it is a weight-bearing part of my body, and Lord knows it has had to bear weight!!

Next week new CAT scans and MRI's of my head to show any changes since the surgery, a meeting with an Endochronologist to see what's going on with my thyroid, initial blood work-up to check my white & red cell counts, and a meeting with Dr. Barton who will be prepared to answer all the questions I have collected in the past two weeks. Inbetween all this, I am trying to go to work as much as possible - it's a lovely place to be and soooo supportive - and just get my ducks in order before radiation begins on September 3. I just about have my drivers all lined up, and anyone who offered to drive whom I haven't called, I will put you on a "sub" list in case someone needs to cancel, if that's all right with you. If you are working, I didn't ask you to drive. Just remember, I'm going to have this illness the rest of my life. There will be plenty of opportunities for ALL of you!!

So that's it for now. I'll get back to you with any new news, but don't expect any until next week. Love to each and every one of you! xoxo   3:34:12 PM