Day 1389: Best news ever!

No more cancer!  Mary's pathology reports contained all good news.  No cancer in the lymph nodes, no cancer in the margins and the .8 mm tumor gone.  All three of us cheered when the PA told us and Mary and I teared up.  Thank goodness for a skilled surgeon and early detection.

It was shocking to us that the American Cancer Society today announced a new recommendation for women to get mammograms beginning  at age 45 till they're 54.  Then after 55 they should move to every other year.  The original radiologist said if Mary had waited two years between mammograms, the cancer would have been into her chest wall.  I also think about all the younger women who have suffered and died from breast cancer.  The insurance companies must have pressured them into that position.

Her next appointments will be a meeting with the medical oncologist and the radiologist.  In a few weeks, radiation treatments will begin.  From now on, it's all about healing.

This morning was our talk with the Cassadaga eighth graders.  From the minute we walked into the building, the atmosphere was welcoming, positive and encouraging.  A gentleman met us at the door and walked us to the office where the principal, Josh, welcomed us warmly.  He shook our hands and told us how glad he was to have us.

Then Kelly, our teacher liaison, met us and took us to the auditorium where all the AV equipment was set up.  There we met Phil, the AV manager, who helped us get the DVD running and had microphones in case we needed them.  He stayed for the presentation in case we needed him.

Then the eighth graders came in with several teachers.  They were respectful, curious and really interested.  They asked great questions and made no snarky comments about the phones or going potty in the woods.  The superintendent also attended and made sure to greet us and thank us for coming.  We never see our superintendent.  During the two years at Silver Creek, we've never met a principal or superintendent.  It's interesting how different the school environments are.

It was truly impressive and we felt so appreciated.  In Fredonia, no one has ever helped with the AV equipment.  In fact, we've had to buy our own projector to show the videos.  There is very little interest among the faculty although they've pretty much stopped throwing up obstacles.  The whole staff takes us for granted.  The program has run so smoothly for so long that they just ignore us and assume we will always be there.

Again the question of the future of Quest arises.  What will happen when we decide to retire?

Mary's morning glory