With a dentist appointment this afternoon, and the year I've had, I just KNEW that I would get bad news from them (even though I haven't had a new cavity in years). Well, sure enough, 1 of my 2 existing fillings came out and needs to be replaced, the other one is being "watched" as it's about to fall out, and I have a tiny new cavity. I KNEW IT. I couldn't help but just shake my head as the dentist was telling me. I cannot catch a break this year. So guess who's getting 2 fillings on Thursday at a dental par-tay?! Holler! And who would rather be dropping $200 on something at Nordstrom than on some stinking fillings?! This girl!
Things quickly turned for the better though, as I met up with my new friend Jess (a fellow tumor dominator) for the first time. And she is AWESOME! We chatted for 2.5 hours, OUTDOORS, and I probably could have kept talking but we needed a restroom and my toes were frozen. We are in somewhat similar situations (grade 2 astrocytomas, no real symptoms from them, discovered pretty randomly, surgery by Dr. S at UWMC) although hers is a bit more serious currently. But man, it is SO GOOD to talk to someone who knows what you've been through, really knows!
Jess is very courageous and strong and is really taking her health into her own hands. While her oncologist is telling her she should start radiation (with really no good reason), she instead is pursuing some alternative treatments that have shrunk tumors in other people. It is so important to be your own best advocate and do what is best for you, not just what doctors say should be done for cookie cutter brain tumor patients. I don't know what I would/will do someday if/when they tell me I need radiation, but the more options for treatment, the better! Jess could be blazing a path that we'll all be walking down someday. Brain tumor patients, I mean...
It wasn't entirely tumor talk though, as we were able to discuss north central WA (she lived in Wenatchee before moving to Seattle recently), her wonderfully supportive hubby (I'm asking Santa for one myself), changes to life plans and perspectives, her half tough/half skittish dog, etc. It is really comforting and energizing and refreshing to share with and learn from someone in a similar pair of shoes.
I had such a great evening, not even the dentist can get me down. :)
Yessss! It was so much fun! You are hilarious and amazing!! If you ever have that nasty little nugget grow, I should have all kinds of information. Think of me as your personal guinea pig! :) I can't wait to hang out again!
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