Medical (non) news

Meg's progress continues to be uneventful - her medical care is in the very capable hands of her neuro-surgeon (Dr. Sarah Jost), her neuro-oncologist (Dr. John Henson) and their physician's assistant Jennifer Wulff.

While we were back east for Nick's graduation we went to the National Institute of Health, and Meg was examined by doctors in the neuro-oncology branch:  a clinical fellow (Dr. Katharine McNicol, examining Meg in the photo) and the  department chief (Dr. Howard Fine). They examined her MRI's from Seattle, remarked on what a good job the surgeon had done, noted that she was probably the healthiest patient they'd see that day, and patiently answered Andrew's many questions. They invited us to keep them updated on her progress, and agreed to be available for consultation, should further treatment be needed in the future.

The Swedish Neurosciences Institute, where Meg was treated, has a brain cancer research and treatment center, the Ben and Catherine Ivy Center, which was the recipient of some of the proceeds from the recent brain cancer walk. Andrew went to a presentation by the director of the center, Dr. Greg Foltz, and met with him this week. Their lab is genetically characterizing Meg's tumor - the information may help guide us if a change of treatment becomes necessary.

On a lighter note, Summer had finally discovered Seattle - we're off to the mountains this weekend with a good friend of Andrew's from graduate school. We'll be hiking and getting fit for the beach backpacking trip that Meg is planning for August (after all her family visits Seattle at the end of this month).