Nov. 12th

My dear friends,

I want to give you an update and ask for your continued prayers.

Im recovering well. Im walking around much better. Im stable and able to walk up and down stairs. Yesterday I made the boys eggs! It was the most I have been in the kitchen since my surgery. I went to see my amazing OB who has been with me for all of my babies. It was so nice to see her and talk with her a little.

As far as radiation, I had a consult with the Gamma knife doctor at Hoag last Thursday. A nurse came in and showed us a video. Then the doctor came in explained the procedure and answered our questions. I was still feeling unsure and nervous about everything because of the side effects. He said they were rare, but everything about my case has been rare so that was not comforting at all. The nurse returned and asked ” So are you going to do it, or not?” I felt very pressured and like they had been giving me a sales pitch. They didnt have any other options for me. I said i guess I will do it. Many people were telling me to get a second opinion, but this made me want it more.

Today, I had a second opinion with City of Hope. I want to thank Stephanie for getting me in touch with someone from City of Hope. God paved the way and I was able to get an appointment very quickly. The appt was very good. During the appt. Dr. Schwer asked me who I knew because the Chief officer at City of Hope told her to do this appointment with me today. I was so surprised that someone that high up was helping me when they dont know me. I know the creator of the universe and He made this appointment happen. Both Damien and I were in agreement that we wanted to go to City of Hope for radiation treatment. The treatment is more advanced and you can do it several times which allows for less side effects and more effectiveness than the gamma knife radiation especially since my tumor bed is so large. I feel much more comfortable with this decision. I postponed my gamma knife till December and will cancel it if everything works out with me receiving radiation treatment at City of Hope. She said I will need 3 to 5 sessions because the size of the tumor bed.

My next issue is that I have HMO insurance and also have a claim so it would be difficult to switch networks. I was on the phone with people for a while trying to figure it all out. Decided it would be best to switch to PPO so I can go to Hoag and City of Hope. I got on the phone with insurance and was able to switch to PPO starting 12/1! It will cost a lot more but I know God will provide. God is so good to me and will not leave me.

I have a bad headache right now but I really wanted to update everyone. Thank you to each of you for everything. All your prayers are so efficacious and God is opening doors and giving me peace.

I will be getting an MRI and then meeting with my neurosurgeon on the 18th.

I have another prayer request for my mother in laws long time boyfriend. He is like a grandpa to our kids. We love him and he loves us. He suffered 2 strokes and was in a nursing home. We were not able to get much information from his family. Then we found out he had another stroke, suffered brain damage and is on a ventilator. He is a fallen away Catholic. Please pray for him to make a full recovery and for him to return to the faith. Jesus we trust in you.

I love you all. Thank you for loving us and praying for us.