Sandy Beardsley
Living with a Brain Tumor
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05/10/06
It’s Another Day… at the Medical Center
Filed under: General
Posted by: Dan @ 4:32 pm

Updated at 10pm…

Today we were at the medical center for a few hours for Sandy’s pre-operation meetings. The Gnome went with us of course, and rested on the exam table while we waited for doctors. He was a big hit with the staff, and even Sandy’s neuro-surgeon liked him. He asked if he had a name and suggested “Dr. R****” - Sandy’s neuro-oncologist. “Yeah, I think he looks like him…” he laughed. We talked about the surgery scheduled for Monday. He’s very confident that it will go alright, with about the same amount of risk as the last surgery. Sandy is scheduled as his 2nd surgery of the day, so she asked him if he was going to get lunch first. “Are you buying?” he joked. “Definitely.” she replied.

We then went to the surgery admitting office, and then to the anasthesiologist nurse to talk about the process some more. They drew some of Sandy’s blood to run baseline type and tests on.

All of these pre-op meetings with doctors and nurses were so much scarier the first time around in October. But since we have been through it all before, we know what to expect and know the process. It’s of course still intense and took us one more big step toward the reality of Monday and beyond, but we were actually joking with her surgeon and the nurses. I don’t think we did too much of that last time.

One of our favorite staff people at the surgery office suggested a mexican restaurant she loves for lunch. We found it, tucked into a beautiful tree-lined neighborhood on the edge of downtown. It was indeed a great place with great food…

…the perfect place to celebrate being released from the exam rooms of the medical center.

Tonight we went to a very special place… the Labyrinth at Stanford church. Once a month the labyrinth is laid out inside the church below the main altar area. We really didn’t know a lot about labyrinths before this, and it turned out to be a very special experience. This labyrinth is a “portable” one, laid out on a large piece of vinyl that you walk on. See this Stanford Labyrinth article for a better description. This is what the style of the Stanford Labyrinth looks like…

12th-century stone labyrinth installed in the floor of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Chartres, France

It’s not a maze, as you enter and exit by the same path. It’s a very calming and meditative experience. And to experience it inside this beautiful church, with candles surrounding the labyrinth and the setting sun illuminating the stained glass windows, was a wonderful experience. A perfect end to a day spent walking the straight halls of the medical center… to end the day slowly walking the peaceful arcs of the labyrinth…

Again, thanks for all the thoughts, prayers, and love. We are so blessed.

Good night,
Dan

6 Responses to “It’s Another Day… at the Medical Center”

  1. Caryn O\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Says:
    May 10th, 2006 at 7:41 pm Hi, you two. You are making this journey so very special for all of us who are privileged to be a part of your lives. I they don’t make a movie or book of this “adventure” the world will be missing a fantastic story. Love and prayers to you both. Mom in Waldport
  2. pk Says:
    May 10th, 2006 at 9:15 pm Good day and good night S&D. Carrying you with me in thought and prayer. Went birding down at Waterfront Park today. Heaps of wonderful sights and sounds. One of the fun things I got to see were a pair of Canada geese with their 16 goslings. When I first saw them they were across the river in a field of tall grass. The goslings are a good size. Then soon after, the adults and youngsters were in the water, one adult in front followed by the goslings in a fairly constant formation of 2×2x2×2x2×2x2×2 and then right behind them, the other adult. I was quite thrilled. Also, I’ve been taking my lunch break at Sleeping Lady on the level bench of ground which sits just below where you got married. It’s a lovely spot that is generally absent of people with a lovely view of Icicle Creek and a direct view up the valley and looking right at the Sleeping Lady. The energy there is quiet and peaceful and soothing. It is a special place. I enjoy it too as I can feel even closer in soul and spirit to you. Thank you both so much for the energy you are putting out to keep us all up to date. Very, very special. With love and friendship, Patty
  3. Susie Archuleta Says:
    May 10th, 2006 at 9:47 pm Hi guys, Hey Sandy, I was looking at the picture of you in front of the mexican restaurant and I think I saw the little gnome taking a peek up your skirt. You better keep an eye on him Dan. Wally, the girls and I saw Jason, Allen and Chris tonight at our high school. Jason was running the 100m hurdles at the league championships. There was about 10 school district’s competing. He is so awesome to watch. He came in 1st in his heat, but reinjured his hamstring. Allen and Chris were bummed, but not half as bummed as Jason. He seemed to get over it faster as the cute girls started sitting around him. No day is a good day for brain surgery, but Monday the 15th is Rylee’s 15th Birthday and…well…you know me, I see something positive here!! As she is blowing out those candles and making that wish, we will all be wishing too. Magic dust, miracles, love and the power of prayer. You and Dan are so inspirational. I am so proud to be your cousin. Keep sending us pictures of your beautiful smile. I guess we should thank Dan for those. Love, Susie, Wally, Rylee and Hailey
  4. Bill Gaines Says:
    May 11th, 2006 at 6:32 am Hey you three (had to include the gnome “Dr. R****”)!!! Reading through the past few days is both very emotional and incredibly inspiring for us here on Wilson Street. Can tell you how often you have been in our conversations and thoughts. Came in early so I’d have some time to write a note but got so engrossed in ready your stories from the last few days that it ain’t so early any more!! Wilson Street is doing fine, though missing you. The dogs get regular visits from their buddies Cody and Emily. Today the sky is covered with high clouds but it remains quite warm with a nice breeze. My parents are arriving tonight for a short visit which means some frantic house cleaning this afternoon. They are coming to watch Emily in the “three piggy opera” on friday morning. Am proud to announce that “my” daughter will play the part of the pig that builds the BRICK house, such a wise child!! Well I really better get to work!! Our thoughts, prayers, love and healing energy is going your way. Love, Bill,Susan,Emily, Cody
  5. Cork Says:
    May 11th, 2006 at 7:52 am Good Morning you two caring, wonderful, special people. Reading your diary and notes received is one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve ever been a part of. Thank you, thank you. We’re thinking of you so much during these days. I know Sandy’s strength and willpower will continue to prevail as long as Dan’s lovin’ arms are wrapped around her. You two (and, of course gnome makes three)are a shining example of what marriage and friendship can be. Love, Cork and family
  6. Shirl Says:
    May 11th, 2006 at 1:02 pm Sandy, I’ve been tossing around some names for your gnome in this big empty head of mine. Since he’s gone everywhere with you, and met everyone of importance, I vote we call him Mr. Gno It All Gnome. Stay strong. Love, Shirl

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