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Posted by: Dan @ 11:35 pm
We arrived in Palo Alto yesterday. Survived the flight from Seattle to San Jose — Sandy hates flying, I mean really hates flying. Also survived a near-miss broadsiding in our rental car by a pickup truck, just 3 minutes out of the airport parking lot. Now that would have been a seriously bad ironic deja-vu way to go (I later put one of my "See Bicycles" bumperstickers on the rental car for good luck). Luckily the hotel we stayed at last night was a peaceful quiet green oasis in this very sprawling urban place. We were both rattled and dazed from the long day of traveling… holding each other… tears in the night.
Today we drove the short (but long) trip to Stanford Medical Center — a surprisingly large, beautiful and peaceful setting with low buildings, parklike grounds, fountains, etc. We felt good energy and healing here right away. We met Sandy’s surgeon for the first time (we had both talked to him on the phone last week). Dr. Chang is a very confidence-inspiring man, to say the least. And not in a brash egotistical way… but a peaceful way. He explained everything step by step, and clearly. And answered all our questions directly. We both immediately loved the guy (though that had already happened on the phone). He is confident that the new active tumor area can be removed with minimal risk. Though of course no guarantees that it won’t recur elsewhere nearby, given the type of tumor that it is. And that’s where the chemotherapy treatments will come into play. [He drew Sandy’s brain and the tumor location on the tissue paper covering the exam table, which we tore off and saved and had a good laugh about later] … More on what he said tomorrow or the next day, it’s getting late…
We then met with Daphne - a great nurse administrator - at the surgical admitting office. She also explained how the surgery day on Monday would go, step by step. She also gave us confidence with her knowledge, warmth and sense of humor. Then a meeting with the director of anasthesiology, and learned how Sandy will be put under, and brought back afterward, for the surgery. Tomorrow we meet with the Oncology staff to talk about possible chemo treaments. But they won’t know exactly what the course will be until after surgery.
So lots of meetings, questions and forms today. But it was a good day and meeting all the people involved instilled us both with a strong sense that "this is the place." All of the people we have met here at Stanford have been incredible, on every level. Sandy feels she is in the best possible place to fight this. Which has been reinforced by even all the great hotel staff people, and our sweet waitress at a wonderful Chinese restaurant (best Chinese food we’ve ever had, thanks to all the nurse’s recommendations) who, after innocently asking us why we had traveled to Stanford and got Sandy’s smiling "to have brain surgery" reply, gave us a big box of fortune cookies for good luck. By the way, Sandy’s fortune cookie read… "Being aware of your fears will improve your life." Yes indeed, I’d say we’re there…
Sandy wanted me to thank everyone for all the love and support coming her way. We rode that wave down here and continue to feel it. I thank you as well. Keep it coming.
Please send us a note if you would like to by clicking "comments" link at each post. Just let me know if you would rather it be private to us and I won’t post your comment for all to see. If your comment is already posted and you don’t want it to be, let me know via comments link.
Good night and love to all,
Dan
October 21st, 2005 at 10:23 am Sandy and Dan, I’m am so glad that you are down in the best hands available. Quiet a trip down there?! What an inspiration you both are. My thoughts and prayers have been with the both of you since I heard the news. I think we have everybody out there praying. Sandy– what a wonderful journal. I stayed up half of the night reading your incredible journey. If there is anything I can do please do not hesitate to call. We will see you soon and thanks for keeping the people that love you at home updated. You two are truly an ispiration. Susan & Katie(the store dog)
October 21st, 2005 at 12:22 pm Dear Friends, I’ve been checking this site every day since Dan set it up - which was kind of silly since you were either getting ready to leave or were enroute for most of this week. After reading Dan’s entry today about your trip it occurs to me that the most dangerous part of this new journey may just possibly be the traveling. I had to laugh when I read how Dan immediately slapped a “See Bicycle” sticker on the rental car after you were nearly run over. If that sticker is a source of immunity to disaster, I’m going to need a few dozen more of them. Sandy, I passed on your website address to my old Enterprise Team members who are coping with the news that one of them was recently diagnosed with a serious (are there any that are not?)cancer. I think your diaries are a great insight into what it’s like living with cancer. And, it is helpful to those of us who are trying to support our friends or relatives who are going through the experience. It’s still amazingly balmy here and the deciduous trees and shrubs have decided to turn an array of brilliant colors after all, instead of shriveling up and turning brown from the summer drought. John and I send you our love and will be directing our thoughts your way as you prepare for your operation on Monday. ~b
October 21st, 2005 at 12:27 pm Hi you guys, Am so glad to hear that you have landed in such a wonderful place with strong healing energy. We are thinking of you often and will send our energy your way over these next few days. We have faith, we send our love. PS. Cody and your pups had a wonderful romp with Susan and Emily yesterday!! We had a great birthday party for Emily who is now officially 6. Bill, Susan, Emily and Cody
October 21st, 2005 at 2:25 pm First of all just want to say we love you guys. I think its incredible that you are able to share so much of this with us. What strength. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
October 21st, 2005 at 2:35 pm Sandy and Dan, It sounds like you have found the right place for your treatment. They all seem so caring–like a family. We are feeling positive about the future and you’ll be home with us soon. Just remember your family loves you very much. Our love to you both, Mother and Dad
October 21st, 2005 at 3:16 pm THE LIGHT OF GOD SURROUNDS YOU THE LOVE OF GOD ENFOLDS YOU THE POWER OF GOD PROTECTS YOU THE PRESENCE OF GOD WATCHES OVER YOU ALL WHEREVER YOU ARE GOD IS AND ALL IS WELL
October 21st, 2005 at 9:28 pm Our Dear Sandy and DanO, Please know that loving prayer warriors from around the nation (both blue and red states) have you in their hearts and souls. The peace and beauty of Stanford is a surprise gift that we were not expecting for you, and I am so thankful for it. Sandy needs to know that you Dan will be well cared for while her body concentrates on accepting the surgery, fighting the cancer and healing. It seems you have found the right place. What a wonderful couple you two are, we are indeed lucky to be counted as your friends. Thank you for all you’ve done for us. We love you guys. Oh, I took Mary Ware and Clover on a trip up the Icicle today. Mary had never seen the western larch up there, today it’s all golden within the deep blue greens. We prayed for you at Ida Creek Campground. I’ll end with this quote from a friend at my “reunion party” — Albert Einstein “that which has lighted my way and given me new courage to face life cheerfully have been kindness, beauty and truth”. Love, Love, Love, Love, Love, Heather & Pat
October 26th, 2005 at 10:12 pm My, how surprized I was to see a note on my screen about Sandy. Moving to an Island can definitly keep you insulated from the rest of reality. I had no idea that any thing had resurfaced and the surgery was a necessary piece for survival. I can’t imagine what you and your family are going thru right now. Know my prayers and energy are being sent your way and I’ll be reading the site to keep updated on the progress. Much Aloha, Terri