Mom at the Mitchell Park Domes with grandchild #4 (Eliana) and #3 (Conrad).

Today our Christmas wish has been granted.

We saw the scans of Mom's brain before the radiation and after. The tumors that were once significant in size and number have either shrunk out of existence or are drastically reduced to pitiful little stumps that hopefully have lost their blood supply due to their radiated blood vessels. The scans of Mom's esophagus continue to show improvement in that the "thickening" that was caused by the cancer and the scar tissue continues to slim. At this time, the tests do not reveal any cancerous areas in her lungs, liver, or abdominal region in general.

Both Mom's radiologist and oncologist agree that we could not have hoped for better test results. Moreover, they said that her overall health is an encouraging sign and reason to remain hopeful. At this point, the doctors' orders are to continue eating well, exercising, and report any symptoms. Mom will not undergo any additional treatment at this time because there is nothing to actively treat. She has another set of tests scheduled for the end of March.

We should be aware, however, that the chance of recurrence is high. It is possible that the tumors that remain in her brain could start to grow again. Or, new disease could emerge, anywhere. We need to keep a close eye on it by paying careful attention to any symptoms and through regular tests. If or when the cancer rears its ugly head, we will have treatment options. Chemotherapy, which is normally not an option for brain tumors because of the brain blood barrier, may be effective in the future because the radiation has likely weakened this barrier. Radiation will remain a powerful tool, as well. Her radiologist said that if tumors start to grow again in her brain they will likely not be so widespread so the radiation therapy would be more targeted. While this discussion does not sound optimistic, to us it is extremely comforting to know that treatment will be available.

While most of my talk today revolves around the medical treatment that my mom has received, I truly believe that there is much more at play here. I have not figured out this spiritual journey that we are all on. But, I am getting closer everyday. One thing I am certain of is that it is not Mom's time to move on. Not now. So, we will continue loving each other and living our lives, being thankful for every moment we are together.

Today as I was sitting in the parking lot at church waiting for my dad to drop Mom off, I saw the most joyful sight—Mom driving herself to church!

I will never forget watching that little Fiat pulling though the parking lot and realizing that it was not my dad, but my mom at the wheel. She drove like she always has, like a woman on a mission. And today her mission was illuminated by a cheerful pink scarf.

It sounds like such a simple thing. But, I cannot describe the joy that this picture brought to my spirit. In fact, I got out of my car, starting jumping around the parking lot and throwing fists into the air. "Yeah, Mom! You Go, Mom!! Woooo Hoooo!!!"

My mother is the most independent, active woman that I have ever known. She has been known to say goodbye to my dad at sunrise and not come back until the sun sets. But, for the past three months, Mom has not driven anywhere. She has had to depend on her family and friends for transportation everywhere. And not once have I heard her complain about this loss of independence. The only thing she has said is that she "feels bad" that Dad has to take her everywhere.

On Tuesday Mom will have her CT and MRI tests run. On Thursday we will meet with her doctors and they will tell us what they find. We don't know what the tests will reveal or how the doctors will respond. But, one thing is certain. Today, December 16, 2012, Marguerite Conrad drove herself to church. And that fact couldn't have made her daughter happier.

Mom continues to be feeling pretty well. She has been completely off the steroids for a little over two weeks and she is not experiencing any new or returning symptoms. Once in a while she feels a slight pain in her head. But, considering that she underwent full brain radiation, that is not surprising. Lack of appetite and a tendency to tire more easily remain part of her daily experience. Nevertheless, she is maintaining her weight and has enough stamina to enjoy her many activities including lunch dates with friends, going to church, shopping, movies, and even yoga and aerobics.

Now that we are into December, we are counting down the days to her next set of tests. On December 18th they will be running a CT scan on her chest and abdominal region and an MRI to determine how the tumors in the brain have responded to the radiation. On December 20th we meet with her oncologist and radiologist to discuss the results of the tests and next steps.

Many people tell me that they are very inspired by my positive attitude. But, I have to admit, as the 20th draws nearer, my anxiety levels are rising. Although my daily experience tells me that Mom's condition has improved dramatically in the past two months, part of me is afraid. We have finally settled into our "new normal" around here. We are enjoying our lives and want to keep this momentum going. In fact, I decided the other day that I would be content in this state of waiting for next fifteen years. I suppose this is what everyone who lives with cancer wishes could happen.

I know that this probably goes without saying, but I ask all of you, as we move closer into this holiday season and closer to December 20th, please keep my mom in your prayers. I would also appreciate a prayer for my family to give us strength so that we can be everything that Mom needs, now and always.

Below is a recent picture that Alicia took of Mom at Barnes and Noble. Doesn't she look wonderful!!