January 19, 2012

Dear Family and Friends,
As you all know, the past 6 weeks have been trying to say the least. Sarah came home from college not feeling well, with flu-like symptoms. After many tests, a 6 day hospital stay, and a biopsy, Sarah was diagnosed with PCNS Lymphoma, (cancer in her brain). This is extremely rare in someone her age, most patients are over 60. We have been to the Cancer Center at Overlook Hospital, as well as to Sloan Kettering in NY; Doctors at both facilities have recommended a regiment of chemotherapy, phase 1 will last for approximately 4 months. Sarah, Zen and I all feel very comfortable at Overlook Hospital, our experience there thus far has been very positive. It is our belief that Sarah will receive top-notch care in a facility that is close to home. 4-5 days out of every 14 will be spent in the hospital receiving the treatment, and of course there will also be many "outpatient" treatments/tests done there as well. In fact, Sarah starts her treatment tomorrow as an out-patient. Zen or I will be with her at all times. I have perfected the art of "sleeping" in a chair!!!! All of your thoughts, prayers and well wishes have and will continue to keep us strong. Sarah has been amazing, and other than trying to escape from an MRI machine, she has been a model patient through out this ordeal. This all came about so suddenly and unexpectedly that we as a family are still trying to digest it all. Personally, I want to punch someone or something, the anger just overwhelms me at times. I know more about cancer, drug regiments, medical tests, etc. then I ever thought possible. We keep a notebook full of all Sarah's Info. with us for every appointment, it sure is filling up fast! The doctors and nurses are very impressed, Sarah and I want to burn the *#$%^&*!*^%$%! notebook. In fact we plan to do so at a celebration party when the treatment ends. Thank you again for all of your love and support, it really helps. Keep those well-wishes coming, Sarah loves getting e-mails and snail mail!! I will try and update everyone as often as possible.
Love, Maria

my bed for the week!

always in the mood for texting
even after a brain biopsy!

eeg wires

wired!