Update

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f you can't hear my monotone voice, it's because I'm typing and not talking. The sheer volume of information that needs to be assimilated, in addition to the fatigue and nausea of this surreal diagnosis week, accompanied by a nice side of back pain for garnish have rendered me close to comatose. Clark and I went to see another oncologist today--Anne Kanard of something something Cancer associates something something (seriously, who can keep track?!) She was incredibly communicative and a delightful person. She agreed with Dr. Tang's recommendation to commence with hormonal therapy, so we have two opinions for hormonal and one for chemo.

To help anyone who is interested understand, what we think is important to weigh here is that Dr. Kanard seemed to think that if we don't at least start with the hormone therapy, we will have eliminated an entire arsenal of possibility available to us.

At this point we are still being presented to the tumor board at CU Med Center on Tuesday, which will be followed by a follow up appointment with Dr. Tang on Tuesday afternoon. I think this will help us to clarify our decision even better. I have a personal deadline of starting some sort of treatment by no later than Friday.

Also, my Her2Neu test has come back positive, which means that the cancer is more aggressive than if it were a negative result, and that there is a great drug to use when chemo starts, called Herceptin which apparently shows that it fights it well.

The party at the Rio was overwhelming. To be surrounded by such a wonderfully powerful group of women is nothing short of profound. Today, a friend who I haven't been able to connect with much recently dropped off a gigantic pair of red boxing gloves, and they're beautiful symbols of what I am fully planning on doing......as soon as I get some rest and relax for a moment.

Lastly, please remember my dear, funny, delightful friend Gretchen and her family in your prayers and thoughts and offers to help--her home was destroyed today in the tornado that hit Windsor. As I understand it, she and her family are staying with her parents, and are safe. Life is so damned precious, and I can't believe how freaking unpredictable all of this is. Gretchen, if you read this, know I love you so much--your humor and confidence make me feel so at home with you. I'm grateful you're safe. I'm sure I'll have some extra meals to toss your way.

Thanks to all of you for your continued comments and support.

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