7 months and counting

It's been 7 months since my surgery and I have become interested in the longevity in the people who attend the Brain Tumor Support Group. It is lead by a gal who is 13 yrs out from her initial diagnosis of brain cancer. So, I thought it was time we went to the Brain Tumor Support Group meeting at St Joseph's Hospital. There were a variety of people there with a variety of diagnoses with a variety of neurological issues. Lanette had just returned from a conference in Florida relating to brain tumor research.

They were very friendly and open. There were a few newcomers in addition to my husband and me. It seems to be a large group (over 100 people) from what everyone said, but a smaller one that night (about 40). I heard alot of different diagnosis- not all cancer, but still all needing surgery and/or treatment of some kind.

We broke up into 2 groups- pt and caregivers. We talked about survivorship and what that meant to us. Lanette had given me a information package to take with me. In it was some information on survivorship. It was written by a Dr who was stricken with cancer and his process towards living with it. I am somewhere inbetween the acute and extended phases. Still seeing the Dr monthly and getting MRI's every 2 months. Responding to treatment, but living with the uncertainty of recurrence. (Still in the initial window of the prognosis of 6-15 months).

Tracy's group talked about the symptoms and what lead to the diagnosis of their loved one.
Overall, he was impressed with the support and wants to go back to the meetings.

I am filled with gratitude that I have the abililty to continue to work and function in a "normal" capacity.

Emily at the Dream Foundation has been in touch with me. She has booked my flights to Boston to see my kids and grandaughter, Marisa in March. I told her that I was in the process of making a quilt, and asked her for something with a Dream Foundation logo. She is sending a tee shirt along in my package to be added to the quilt!! She is also sending a package to Marisa as the recipient of my dream. So far, I am very impressed with them!