The first of October I had my 18 month MRI. We scheduled it on a Saturday so Sadie & Gavin could go back. They hadn't been back to Mayo since they said, "See you later." the morning of surgery, a year and a half ago. They weren't allowed in the building the day of surgery but were able to accompany me to the MRI this time. It was a poignant moment and something we didn't know we needed to do. The closure of us all walking into Mayo, hand-in-hand...and walking back out as a family. It is not lost on me how many do not get that opportunity.

I am still in awe that the Lord would choose to allow a wretch like me to live, much less save my life, and pay for my soul with His life. I am acutely aware that I am living on what some call 'borrowed time'. These past few months have been filled with countless, priceless people, places, & events and I have felt the significance, the solemnity and I buried these memories deep within this broken brain of mine. There are no words in any tongue to express the gratitude I have for the numerous men and women who care for me at Mayo.

The appointment with my NeuroSurgeon, Dr. Chaichana, was four days after my MRI and I went through the normal 'scan-xiety' as I waited for my MRI results. He said there are no new tumors and the tumor site is clear. He did say my brain had not expanded back into place where the tumor had been as much as he thought but, that would not cause any issues. He was surprised regarding how tender my scar and surrounding areas are still, after all this time. It is quite uncomfortable, at times unbearable, to lay my head down at night. We have tried numerous medications over the past few months to decrease the pain. Unfortunately, nothing is working.

I will be going "Back to Butler Boulevard" tomorrow to their pain management clinic for a trigger point injection into a nerve at the base of my skull (one that was cut through during surgery). Since there is a sizable gap between my skull bone flap with a portion of my brain exposed, this has to be done under guided ultrasound by a different Doctor. There are no guarantees this procedure will be successful...There is a certainty though that I will get Dunkin' Donuts after I'm done! I will look forward to my iced latte, pretend I'm not about to get a shot in my skull, and pray that the Doctor performing my injection skips Dunkin' in order to have steady hands!