Road Map

Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Subject: For the wonderful NCB staff

Thank you all so very much for the collection you took for me. Bridgid arranged an on-line gift certificate to one of my favorite stores and it was such fun to pick out some nice treats for myself. And, since it was my birthday, it was especially fun!

In brain news, I actually spent a good piece of my birthday having a Functional MRI. I don't think too many people can say that! This test gives my brain surgeon a "road map" of my left temporal lobe to help him decide how to treat me. The left temporal lobe is responsible for speech, language, and—to an extent that is difficult to measure—memory. This test will give him a better idea of how my brain works and more specific information about the risks of surgery. The test will take about a week to be fully interpreted, and I will then meet with the neurosurgeon next Thursday to find out how they think we should proceed. The doctors yesterday called it a "tumor," so I am now calling it that, too. I don't believe that is necessarily a bad thing, just a more accurate description of what we are (probably) dealing with.

As you can imagine, we are tired, frustrated, and emotional. It has been three weeks, we still don't know what it is or what to do, and it will be another week before we learn anything else. I can't tell you enough how much we appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Just knowing that I have a huge group of people who want me to get better convinces me that this is all going to be alright. I really believe that thought and prayer create reality, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me get better.

Love, -Kristina