3/24 Update

Dear friends,

Praise to you Lord, Jesus Christ. My Lord and my God has greatly blessed me. Thank you all for the outpouring of love, generosity, and support. It is supernatural.

I have decided against posting my reflections post at this time. My emotional state is in a bit of turmoil and my perspectives may be skewed and taking away from the glory of God. Once I can parse through and navigate them better, I may try again.

Friday 3/20 I had 2 long appointments for radiation prep. I thought the first CT scan, simulation and making of mask would be the harder appointment, but it wasn’t. Everything was fairly smooth and quick. The making of the mask was a bit painful when they molded it around sensitive areas. Other than that it was fine.

My 2nd appointment was the brain mri. This ended up being the longest and most difficult mri I have had so far on this journey. It was over an hour of loud noises, laying flat, and not feeling well. The radiation tech was very kind. Her name is Wendy. She had to pull me out a few times for contrast and to stick a sticker on my right forehead and temple area. Im not sure why but this caused the scan to take about 20 min. Longer than expected. Wendy made sure I was OK and talked to me through everything. Im very grateful for her.

I came home Saturday evening! It has been difficult but good. The kids are doing better having Damien and I home. It can be overwhelming and over stimulating, but I know it is best. It is easier for Damien to be with me and kids. He is not torn in so many directions.

Yesterday 3/23, I had an appointment in City of Hope Duarte with a neuro oncologist. I really liked him. He was thorough, tried to get to know us a little. Made sure all our questions were answered. He discussed the focal seizures and his concerns about them increasing during radiation. Damien and I feel he is the best choice for me. He did say no to the cruise we had planned in May. We are in process of seeing if we can postpone to the fall.

Radiation is officially starting March 26th for 6.5 weeks, Monday through Friday in Orange. Please pray this goes well, with least amount of side effects. Praying this works and cancer does not return, if this is God’s Will. All Glory and Honor to God.

God bless you all,

Ashley Dennis