A Day Unfolded

Friday, March 24

Yesterday, unfolded marvelously for Laurie and I!

We had driven to Portland the day before via Salem, where Laurie passionately testified to a group of Oregon State senators for the passage of Senate Bill 892. We arrived Portland in time for a festive Swiss dinner put on by Manfred and family, which lasted well into the evening. It was especially good to visit with Julia, Diana, Eric etc. and share in the stories and lives of these fabulous, fun-loving, adventurous friends – young and older.

Thursday morning started early – 7 am liver biopsy appointment at OHSU. By noon I had taken my final pain pill and was preparing to be released. The biopsy itself was challenging, as the lesions were small, deep, well hidden and very close to my kidney. Eventually the team of two doctors decided to go in through the ribs with an 11 cm. needle. They were able to extract 3 cores, not the six they would have liked, but sufficient for me to qualify for the immunotherapy trial. There seemed to be no complications whatsoever – once again a credit to the entire staff at OHSU.

Laurie and I experienced a shared joy and relief – something we have felt over and over again on this journey. We bonded deeply over this as we drove back to Eugene, until the drugs finally put me into a deep, restful, recuperating sleep.

The day culminated for me, as Lana and her partner, June arrived at our front door for a four-day visit. I was so excited to see Lana and have not been disappointed! Visiting with her always makes my heart soar, rekindles timeless memories and fosters laughter at every turn! I retired early and exhausted. I feel asleep with gratitude for how my day had unfolded!