Originally posted on Sunday, December 5, 2004

Hi Everyone,
Mom and I are back from Duke, and the tumor is stable. That is great news. They have increased the steroid for swelling again to hopefully stop some of the symptoms she's been having. She had an appointment with a neuro-opthamologist to check her eyes since she's had trouble with her eyes and hasn't been able to read or see very well. Thankfully she just needs new glasses, and it's not related to the tumor. The steroid can change your eye prescription because it affects glucose levels.

We went to Duke Chapel and saw some of a performance of The Messiah. It is such a beautiful old church. We'll be back at Duke in three weeks for her next treatment, and that's the week of Christmas so we will celebrate there. It will be wonderful to spend time with family coming in. My brother will be in from Seattle, and mom's brother, sisters and their families will be there, so we are really looking forward to spending time with family again. We are going to make it just like home with a suite decorated with a little tree, Christmas music, and home cooked food. We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!! Thank you all for your love and support. Bracelets for brain cancer awareness are now available from the ABTA (www.abta.org). They are like the Lance Armstrong yellow bracelets, but they are gray and say "Sharing Hope"
Love,
Amy