What I know so far...

Thanks all for your comments! I am super excited for Mom to read all of these things and see such wonderful things you all have to say!
*****

For those of you who haven't heard - Bonnie has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Basically, since she retired, my Mom has been a little 'off.' She wasn't as quick as one would expect and was getting distracted easily. No one in the family was quite sure what was going on - but were we all watching and waiting to see if it would pass. Last week while getting some crackers, she fell (and sat on the floor eating crackers with Emma the dog) and combining that with a bladder problem - my dad's concern heightened.

So, on Thursday, Sept 10 - Bonnie visited a gynecologist. While talking about the problem, Mom was leaning a bit to the left and the doctor noticed and mentioned she thought all the problems were neurological or related to having small strokes. She was given a CT scan which showed a mass in her brain. She was transferred to Virginia Mason and given an MRI which showed the mass was a tumor and due to the aggressiveness nature of it - most likely cancerous.

She stayed overnight, but Friday was allowed to come home until surgery which was scheduled for Monday. Things were mostly normal over that weekend. She returned to VM on Monday - had the surgery which went well. The surgeon said they got a 'pretty good amount' of the tumor but not all. Since being located in the brain - aggressive removal of tumors can lead to loss of normal functions and no one wanted that.

Since the surgery, Mom has been playing musical floors at VM. She started in ICU - stayed there for 2 days - moved to the oncology floor for another day and now has settled in on the Rehab floor.

Her 'wiseass' doctor - an Irish redhead :) - explained to me a few nights ago that they were still testing the tumor to see which type of cells it was composed of and therefore the best way to treat the cancer. As far as I know, the plan is still going to be targeted radiation at her brain. Her first appointment is scheduled for the 30th of September, but maybe be postponed depending on her strength. We are not sure when she will be coming home, but it looks like a few more days for sure at the hospital.

Phew! I think that is most of the information I know. Again, thanks very much for all your well-wishes and support. She has been entertaining lots of visitors (Mr. Peterson came by today) and is cracking jokes and had real pizza today! (thanks Sasha!)

So, overall - things are okay. Everyone is keeping spirits up and keeping her entertained. She is our priority and we all very much appreciate the cards, phone calls, emails and the comments. We are very lucky to have such amazing friends. Thanks!