First and foremost thank you for your prayers 
Mark and I felt alot more ‘optimistic’ after this visit. When we arrived they handed me a clip board with questions (like at most doctors visits)- the first question hit me pretty hard- “What type of cancer do you have?” Im not sure how long it will take to get use to all of this.
We met with the Medical Director of Oncology, who was very professional and answered all of our questions honestly and thoroughly. He agree’d with Dr. Cassidy in the fact that he wouldnt recommend surgery- but his reasoning was a bit different. He said he would wait until I showed more symptoms, because of the potential to cause a deficit to that portion of my brain during surgery. Because my tumor is intertwined with healthy tissue, and because of the location (speech, memory, etc) the risk is great- and because I am only showing mild symptoms (speech and memory) he would feel more comfortable doing a biopsy and radiation for the time being.
The good news is that he did say that he didn’t believe it was inoperable- which was huge for me. Not because I want someone cutting into my brain, but because it is one more option for when the time comes.
I feel pretty confident that Mayo is going to say the same thing- although they have more technology available to them than MD Anderson does (in Orlando). He (the doctor we saw today) was very encouraged to hear that we were going to Mayo in MN for an opinion.
Regarding my tumor. He said that it could be one of 3 types. Astrocytoma, Oligodendroglioma, or a mixed glioma (a combination of the first two.) He believes it has been there for several years, and is slow growing. He referred to it as a “low level 2″ glioma. When I asked him what my odds were time wise, and told him the time frame that Dr. Cassidy gave me, his exact words were “I resigned from the practice of prediction along time ago, but with modern medicine, I think you will be amazed”. That made both Mark and I feel alot better.
We talked about treatment. He said dependent on the type of tumor I have, he would definitely start with radiation, and possibly chemotherapy. He said that, if I were his patient through out this course, He would make sure I was on a seizure medication because of the location of the tumor (and the chance of inducing a seizure during radiation).
Over all, he was alot more optimistic- He was clear on what course he would take, and he explained things in a very “direct” manner. I didn’t leave there with any questions unanswered (short of “what caused this”- which no one can answer)
I am still very anxious about going to Mayo- out of the 3 hospitals, they are able to offer the most to me for treatment.
Other than that- I am exhausted and overwhelmed. Those of you who have a medical background of any type will understand what I mean when I say that I feel like I am in “Hurry up and wait” mode.
Im going to go lay down with my amazing husband and watch goofy discontinued sitcoms on television and just let my mind think about anything other than the thing growing in my brain….
You have been on my mind all day…
I pray you feel immeasurable peace…
~L in MI
‘Prayed all day…doesn’t it make a difference when someone is positive? Even better when they’re knowlegable and positive. I’m continuing to pray as I feel I should…Lord remove it, please. May it not show up on the next scan.
I was thinking, have you ever been excited about something and one thing came along and kinda stole the joy? Well I know this one thing is a big deal, but I’m praying that it won’t steal your joy…I’m praying that you will feel a peace that your years will be long and you’ll get to experience the wondrous joy of miraculous healing. I’m asking that in Jesus’ Name…He is able…worthy..faithful and LOVES YOU so very much!
I find that as I pray, I do too and don’t even know you
Love in Him,
Holly
Hey sis, was good to hear from you! I will give you a call back tomorrow. We got home and got busy with the boys!
Hugs all around, and much love!
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. – Proverbs 15 : 30
So glad you were encouraged today.
I’m glad you are feeling slightly more encouraged. I continue to pray.
Go and enjoy your evening with your husband.
I’ve thought of you often today, too. My prayers are constantly with you and your sweet family. I am glad this doctor was more thorough and answered your questions in such a way. I pray that Mayo will be even more helpful and encouraging.
May Jesus allow you some enjoyable time with your precious hubby tonight.
Sending a hug!
I tell you, I have endless respect for a doctor who is able to be direct, honest and compassionate at the same time. This is hugely encouraging.
And it just warms my very heart that the outpouring of love from Boo Mama’s effort is relieving some of your financial stress. Lord knows, you two do not need any more stress.
I’m actually letting my breath out for the first time since we learned of your tumor. This feels very, very encouraging.
It goes without saying that you’re in my prayers.
Glad to hear that this was a better day for you. I thought about you all day and kept looking at the clock to do math to see where you were (going, there or on the way home).
Get some rest. Enjoy the sitcoms. Laugh!
I’ll talk to you soon, I’m sure
Thankful for a good day. Praying for you!
That is very encouraging. Thank you for sharing the news with us so quickly. That was very sweet of you.
Praying for the Mayo visit and of course for you and your family.
Hugs, Michelle
I think it’s great that the doctor was so helpful in answering your questions. I liked that he gave up the game of prediction a long time ago. Our God is an amazing God and He is able to beat all odds!
Great news, all things considered. Grade 2 is hopeful, isn’t it. And it’s always nice to have a plan.
I’m glad you’re feeling slightly better tonight. Sleep, perhaps?
I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Rebecca
I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. It sounds like you have some great doctors there! I hope that you can relax and enjoy your weekend with your husband and family!
Take care!
I am glad you guys are feeling more optimistic now. Will will continue to pray for you and your family.
glad the news is getting more optimistic Heather!
I remember the best advice we got from the geneticist. When asked how long our niece would likely survive, the doctor shrugged his shoulders, pointed up and said: “Ask God.”
Still thinking about you and praying for you. We always expect miracles and amazement!
OHH that sounds like a MUCH better visit – I am so glad! It’s nice to have a doctor “in your area” that you can go to and trust! Though Mayo is probably the way to go in terms of main treatment, it’s always nice to know there’s someone there close that you can trust! From your msg, it sounds like that’s how you felt – A much better place than you were before!
You were in my prayers today, we actually went to see a helicopter at my son’s school today – as I watched the helicopter land and then take back off, a sense of peace came over me – and I just had “that feeling” that things were going “ok”
Your in my prayers – and constant thoughts!
I’m so glad your visit went as well as it did. It has been one of my specific prayers for you that you will have good doctors with whom you and Mark feel comfortable.
I had a cardiologist appt today (here in Orlando) and whenever I felt anxious about it, I remembered you and your appt and prayed for you too.
Continued prayers and love…I am always in awe of your amazing attitude!
I am glad to hear the good report. Laughter with our men is always good medicine.
So glad to read your post tonight…you are in my thoughts…and prayers! Love, Tam
I’m so glad this new doctor gave you a fresh perspective. What a great way to answer your question. When the doctor told us that Merritt may live two years, I made the mistake of believing him. As she now approaches her sixth birthday, I’m amazed that I ever let one person’s opinion, even an educated one, dictate our lives. Often these doctors just don’t have the God factor figured in. Blessings to you.
Kathy
Thought about you a lot today. Glad to hear it went well. Praying…
so thankful it went better today. i keep checking your blog about a zillion times hoping for good news.
and find something funny on tv…you all need the break.
still praying hard!
Prayed every time you crossed my mind today. I’d look at the clock and this morning prayed for you to get rest and this afternoon prayed for peace for you and Mark and around the time of the appointment, prayed for good reports. Get some rest girl! Thanks though for letting us know. I was glad to see this when I thought I’d try and see if you had posted. Didn’t really expect you too, but am glad you did!
((hugs))
This sounds very encouraging. I will continue to pray for you and hope that great news awaits you at Mayo.
I’ve been checking in and am glad to hear your encouraging post. Take care, laugh at the TV like a silly school girl and remember that God and a bunch of people love ya.
OK, someone ate my comment.
Glad to hear you are snuggled in at home and that the day was encouraging. Laugh at the TV like a silly school girl and remember that God and a bunch of people love ya.
Glad you are safely snuggled in at home and that the day was encouraging.
Now laugh at the TV and remember that God and a bunch of people love ya.
Still praying for you Heather…
Yay for optimistic doctors!! Sometimes, I think, they can get so filled with medical knowledge that they lose their optimism.
I’m still believing it’s a cursed thing…and that it just go away in Jesus’ mighty name.
For His Glory!
Prayers going up for ya!
Thank God for even just a little good news. And God bless this Doc, he sounds a lot wiser than the first. Still praying, and hugs to you!
I just want to say, oy vay. My prayers are with you. I hope everything goes okay. I know those are empty words, probably, but God has you and yours in his hands. Just remember that always, as I am sure you already have.
You are unbelievable.
I am praying for you.
Heather, I’m so thankful you received encouraging news today. Praise God. I continue to remember you and your family in my prayers. *Gentle Hugs*
Yet another example of why they call it “practicing medicine”. There are so many ways to look at a situation.
It’s good that you are strong and patient and are getting multiple opinions. And it is wonderful that it sounds like this particular tumor will afford you some time to make informed decisions.
Your positive attitude and spirit will get you through this. The many prayers will carry you when you need to be carried.
I’m inspired by your story every day.
In spite of any medical doctor’s best educated guess, our God is the author of all our days. *He* is the numbers guy. How many times have we heard of some time frame placed on the life of an ill person, only to discover that nope, that time frame didn’t fit into God’s time frame. Praying and asking God to work through your doctors and your specific treatment for the VERY best possible outcome.
I’m so very glad that today was more encouraging as well. A measure of hope was given to you in this doc’s words and I praise God for that. Hope you had a good cuddle with your dear husband. I’m asking God to bond you two together like never before as you work through every emotion that surfaces along the way.
Love and blessings to you,
~Toni~
I decided to come here before going to bed just to check if you were already back from your doctor’s appointment.
I am so glad that you found better news, and I am sure that going to Mayo will get you better ones too.
I’m thankful you’re feeling better tonight–praying for you!!
It makes sense that you’re overwhelmed and exhausted…please be gentle with yourself.
I’m praying you’ll find some distraction in your hubby’s arms, laughing and just being together. And as the Mayo dates arrive that there will be clarity and confirmation about how to proceed.
Again, Heather, thank you for sharing part of your journey with us.
Heather,
You’re in the prayers of my children and myself daily. Praise God for sending you to this doc. What a releif it must be to get answers.
You continue to be an inspiration to me as I carry my own cross. Keep the faith and keep doing what you’re doing!
May God continue to bless you and your family.
In Christ’s Love,
Heather
I would feel tired too, the mental stress alone! I’m glad the doctor’s appointment went well and that the doc gave you straight talk! I would MUCH rather that than not telling you the whole thing. Still praying for you and thinking of you, even though I don’t know you at all. Just glad you’re doing a bit better tonight. Laugh with your hubby. It will feel so good!
Oh Heather, how encouraging! I’ll keep praying!
Sounds like an encouraging and exhausting day. Take time to just unwind and let things settle. God has it all under control. I’ve been thinking about you.
What a blessing to see a doctor who KNOWS he’s not God! I’m happy to hear that you got to have a good day today…
I wish there were something wise & profound I could say, but there just isn’t. So, I’ll just reassure you that I’m praying too.
Hugs from another sister in Christ, Tiff
praying for you, still…
thanks for the update!!
(((hugs)))
Just in case you might be interested in a treatment center which treats more of “the whole person”… http://www.cancercenter.com/. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wow – so glad to hear the optimistic news!!! Wonderful!!!
Hope the sitcoms made you laugh out loud!
Love ya!