Eviction day for Tang

“Time for you to go out go out into the world.  Closing time   Turn the lights up over every boy and every girl.  Closing time   One last call for alcohol so finish your whiskey or beer.  Closing time   You don't have to go home but you can't stay here.”

Today begins what we’ve been waiting for, the eviction of Tang begins – you’ve thrown some unwelcomed parties upstairs and you are no longer welcome here – time to GO!

First dose of chemo this am and first radiation zap at 3pm today. 30 days of treatment, here I come. There has been so much waiting in this process, we are ready for ACTION! I’m so grateful to all of you whom have texted, called, reached out to wish me well today. The science is out of our hands. Brad and I were discussing this morning that the whole battle/fight to which people refer is the mental part and we’ve got that! We are positive and strong and calm and ready. Let’s do it!

Y’all are showing us how to support others in future situations and I appreciate having the lens. Thank you so much!

Brain Games

Yesterday was my 3 hour neuro psych evaluation to create a pre-treatment baseline. As I told my doctor and Psychometrist yesterday, most of the exercises would have been a challenge pre-tumor. The time was filled with challenging activities like recalling lists of words and sequences of numbers - sometimes hours after they were first given. or remembering a sequence of letters after having to count down by 3's from a randomly given number. 🤯They all start pretty simple and get more complicated. The sweet Psychometrist, Michelle, was patient and lovely. Having formerly worked with children, she was pleased that I didn't throw anything or put any of the blocks or props in my mouth - gotta love a low bar!

They compile my "results" and measure among other women in my age group and education level and will review with Brad and me during a virtual visit on Monday. Should be interesting! I believe some of the testing will also influence my occupational therapy plan.

Brain Buddy

Part of the reason that I feel so calm and ready to start treatment today is thanks to my #brainbuddy, Kate, who has bravely been blazing a trail for me. Ironically, a former fundraising colleague from MSU, also named Kate, is on a similar journey but her tumor was found a bit before mine, she’s a few weeks ahead of me in her treatment plan and is forging ahead with grace and strength that’s truly admirable. Like she’s said, it’s a weird club that you wouldn’t choose to invite anyone into, but we are grateful to have a friend going through something similar to lean on. So, whatever your brand of good karmic energy – saying prayers, sending good thoughts and juju… all are welcome – if you’re sending it my way, please add an extra one for my #brainbuddy and her sweet family in Michigan.