I spoke with the first California surgeon (Dr. Friedman) yesterday afternoon (10/4.)  His experience, coupled with a balance of confidence and empathy, helped calm the anxiousness I was feeling from last week’s appointments.  He recommended the translab approach and put me at ease regarding the anatomy “challenges” that were brought up at Mayo.  He also has a care coordinator (who had an AN tumor removed 7 years ago) who guides you through the entire treatment if you choose to work with them – I’ve spoken with her twice and she followed up with me via email today just to see how I’m doing with processing everything.  Now I need to get the same documentation mailed to the 2^nd doctor and wait for his call.  If he has a similar recommendation to Dr. Friedman, I will feel much more confident in making my surgical choice and can move on to figuring out a timeline for treatment.

We shared the news of my diagnosis with the kids two nights ago.  Their reactions were unique to each of them and I know they’re all processing things in their own way.  I continue to have good days and sad/mad/frustrated days – there’s no way around it, tumors suck.  I have a feeling that once I pick a doctor, location and set a date, things will really start to get “real.”  I’m bracing myself for another wave of anxiety, but continuing to pray I navigate it with ease.  I still need to be present as a wife and mom to five people who mean the world to me!