THANKS, PEZ AND FISH...AND AN UPDATE ON MIL

Pez, your comment on my last blog entry made a lot of sense. I'm usually the one of the siblings who physically jumps in to help everyone, and I guess I never realized that I do the same thing emotionally, as well. Hugs to you, as you do seem to know how I feel.

Fish, I've pencilled you in. For sure. Please do call.
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Hubby's mom: She will be receiving much-needed "expedited treatment" (my SIL's words) at the best hospital in Houston through two avenues: one, the chairman of hubby and SIL's company*, who sits on said hospital's board, and two, SIL's friend's Dad, a physician who has been very open and generous in talking to the family - a nice change from the very loud silence of Mom's original (and fired) doctor!

The physician agrees with the report that the tumor is an ependymoma tumor and that Mom will, therefore, need a cranial surgeon. He spoke with a cranial surgeon at the above-mentioned hospital, who is also the head of neurosurgery, and he said he can get her in this Friday. Thank God for that, because after Mom told him her symptoms (she is not feeling well today; has been hearing loud ringing and her balance is off), he said she needs to get in immediately. The report also indicated the tumor may have calcification, which he said generally indicates a benign tumor, which is encouraging. However, you are not in the clear just because it's benign - if the tumor has grown into a delicate area of the brain, it can be just as bad.

Please pray that the surgeon is able to get her in this Friday, that he correctly diagnoses her, and that he provides the best treatment plan for her. Please also pray that her tumor backs off for a bit so that she is able to make it in before it's too late. Feel free to add more prayers too!
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*Hubby and SIL both work at the same place; I don't know if I've mentioned that before. They both started there last October.