Old Enemy

Spent a long day at the hospital yesterday on top of driving two three-hour commutes in Boston's rush hour, and got some tough news at Audrey's dilation. She is still stricturing. Dr Manfredi gave her another round of steroid injections yesterday, sent us home with a swallowed topical steroid med intended to coat the esophagus, plans to probably give her another round of chemo injections next week at her next dilation, and then the following week if she has continued to stricture he will recommend major surgery, a second resection of the esophagus to improve blood supply to the beleaguered area. He did say that the stent had left her esophagus in a much smoother hourglass shape, for which we were happy-- we are debating our options on asking for more endoscopic treatment before consenting to major surgery, including asking for more time, but of course every choice has its pros and cons. At the very least I want to schedule it for after the family goes home, so that we can spend Christmas and New Year's together. Was happy to come home to the loving arms of my family last night, and this morning Justin is stringing lights up on our tall borrowed Christmas tree!  She is grinning and giggly this morning, and toddling around holding a piece of garlic toast that she's been nibbling on. I think our main job right now is focusing on every blessing in the moment.