All Clear

MRI today showed no new growth. Dad's in the clear. Dr. said that they're a little concerned about a build-up of fluid around the brain, and will discuss with the tumor board at Barrow. We'll know more about that next week, but she said not to worry about it too much. Rehab staff reports that dad has regressed a bit in the past few weeks. Dr. today said that may be due to the fluid issue. The important thing here is that there is no new tumor. WHEW.

On another note, I feel like my postings are reducing dad to his tumor- meaning I need to honor him for the man he is, not just a brain tumor victim. We all have wonderful stories and memories of dad, so I'd love to share those, if you're willing to share them with me. I'll start.

My dad has always been one of my biggest supporters. Maybe back in the highland dancing days his support came across in a way that didn't really translate well with a child, but as I grew, and we grew closer, he showed me how much he cared for me by caring about the things I was doing - choir, pageants, Irish dancing, PR, PSU, etc. He was my "date" to my inauguration into Golden Key National Honor Society. He wrote me my own rap song and left it for me backstage at Miss Oregon. He came to church (I know!) to hear me sing. He even attempted to learn to dance at one of my Irish dance lessons at the Irish Bank (poor mom!). And once he sent me an email from Tucson after I had a breakup that was a want ad that he wrote for me....to find a new boyfriend. It was really funny, but the greatest part of it was that I could tell that through his humor he seemed to really understand me and was proud of me.

Now I want to hear from all of you. I want to collect thoughts on my dad so Jenny and I can understand him better, and so we can celebrate dad for being more than just the "guy with the tumor!" Email me at darcyrd@hotmail.com.