Today, Diana and I woke up at 2:45am to get on the road to Columbus for her next surgery. It was chilly and dark, but we had done this drive in the early hours so many times that we both seemed calmer (especially me) than past trips. We weren't stepping into the unknown. On the contrary, this was something we knew quite well.
We arrived at the hospital earlier than planned, earlier than the registration office's 5am opening as a matter of fact. So we waiting inside the main, large, entrance of Ohio State University's "James" building.

As we were getting Diana registered, we were informed that we were not supposed to be at that hospital at all! Instead, there is a new hospital a mile away. That's where we supposed to go. Hupsy!

So, we got back into the car and drove to the other hospital and in less than 10 minutes we had arrived (and still on time, I might add). The new hospital was much smaller, easier to register, and almost cozy, dare I say.

Diana got ready and, soon enough, she was wheeled off --see attached photo-- and I was the only one sitting quietly in the waiting room, nerdily testing out some very basic machine learning techniques on several outdoor recordings I had made recently.

Afterwards, I spoke with the surgeon and learned that there is continued healing. Whoohoo!!! Unfortunately, there was one area that hasn't been healing, but with some packing of the area, we're all hoping that might allow it to improve.

So, for now, it's healing and packing for 4 weeks and then a review. Fingers crossed!!! I REALLY want Diana to feel like she's living a "normal" life. She's doing so well on so many other fronts and I know she will really be able to soar if she can get past some of her pains and difficulties.

Having said all of that, Diana is still alive. Stage 4 colorectal cancer is incredibly aggressive and persistent. So we take each day with gratitude.
On the note of gratitude, I would like to give a shout-out to my mother and father. Thank you, Mom, I love you.
And while my dad death from pancreatic cancer hit the 20-year mark last week, his lessons of balance in the face of survival resonate very strongly within me. I am not even remotely close to where he was in that regard, but I keep trying, and I continue to share his light with our kids.

I would also like to say "THANK YOU" to you who have also been with us from day one, so please know that we are so incredibly thankful for you as well. Your words, your acts of generosity, your hearts and comments on Caring Bridge, your thoughts, your light, your energy, and your prayers are all so tremendously appreciated.

Lastly, there are friends who are struggling with their battles with cancer. If you can, send some love their way.

Big hugs,

Andy