Yes, it is the last week in August but there is still time to go on vacation! This Friday begins our summer vaction! It's a much anticipated, much needed rest and I am so thankful it's finally here!

I had my biannual MRI and neurology appointment last week. Repeating a good idea from last time, I went to my MRI appointment with some girlfriends and then we went out for dinner. It was lots of fun! The next morning, Craig and I went to the Tumor Center. My appointment was at 9am. I wasn't seen until after 1pm. It may have been a matter of bad scheduling but I think it was also that there are so many people coming in with tumors that need lots of time with the doctor.

I am always so affected by the number of people sitting with me in the waiting room. Lots of the patients are waiting with their families and friends. This kind of appointment requires lots of support.  I always try to listen to other people talking while I wait. It isn't any of my business, I know, but I like to find out where they are in their journey. I feel like we're like a fraternity and I am endlessly curious. Every time I am forced to spend a lot of time in the waiting room, I am overwhelmed by the sadness, the hopelessness that seems to be part of this place. I want to hug each person who has tears falling down their faces. I want to tell them that there is hope. Maybe there isn't hope for a complete recovery of their lives before the tumor, but there is hope of eternity that is theirs for the taking. Someday, someday, I will figure out a way to support these people. To show them the silver lining of this cloudy experience.

Well, finally, the doctor came in. He's usually a smiley kind of person and this time his smile seemed a little bigger. He told us there is evidence of the tumor either shrinking or becoming scar tissue. This is very good news! There was no evidence of the tumor being alive. There were no flares coming off of the tumor which says there is no growth occurring. It will take more time and more MRI's in the future to supplement this information but it's a wonderful report anyway! Thank you so much, God!

My feelings are in flux right now and I don't know how to explain them. So, I'll just leave it here and give God all the glory for the great things He has done. Thank you, Lord.

Joyfully,

Elyse