laura's back in the real world

hello everyone - my mom was discharged from st. mary's rehab center on New Year's Eve day. it's been wonderful to have her (and us) out of the hospital. she and bill have been staying at andra and bill's again, in berkeley. we are so grateful how much they have opened their home to us during this time. in some ways, it's been just like regular times. movies. dinners. shopping. hanging out. and, of course, doctors. she's continued with occ. therapy and physical therapy. my mom's balance is so much better the physical therapist has said she doesn't need to continue with pt. more and more she is becoming her old self. each day we say more and more of laura.

we had another MRI done this week. it looked just like the MRI post surgery, which is great news. we also met with a radiation oncologist here. our plan is to set up a consultation at md anderson in houston (hopefully next week) before we make any decisions about treatment. we also have a consultation set up with a gyn oncologist here in san francisco for next wednesday. once we decide which way to go with radiation, my mom and bill will probably head home to begin treatment. hopefully this will happen by next weekend. my mom is so eager to be home and see her dog and smell the air and look at the sky and sleep in her bed. it's been a long time....

this new year's eve i spent a little differently than usual - i went to a yoga class, and spent the rest of the evening thinking about what i want for this year - for myself, and most importantly, for my mom.

so this prayer is a little different. and is directed towards her.....

mom, may this new year serve as a time to promote total healing for you
may this new year be a time where you let go of all that no longer serves you
may this new year be a life of renewed health
may this new year be a marker in your long continuing road of life
may this new year be a time of vitality, joy, and peace.
may you be free from pain and suffering
may your brain and body heal completely
may you be cancer free forever
may you be happy and free

and for us all... may this new year be a reminder that we should never take anything for granted in our lives
may this new year be a time that we are thankful for all of the blessings in our lives