The BIG visit and some pre-Turkey Day fun

After having a very enjoyable wait at the Sisters' convent at Rose Court, we went back over to UCSF for our 4:15 pm consultation with Dr. Will Ryan.  He gave us one whole hour of his time.  He was patient, kind, intelligent, informative, supportive, .........  All in all - we were impressed with both the doctor, his staff and the Helen Diller Family Cancer Center.

Dr. Ryan had very similar opinions about Mom's cancer as the doctors here in Napa have had.  The differences were minor, however it was clear to us that the UCSF facility does have more resources than our wonderful community hospital, Queen of the Valley.

Mom's case will be presented by Dr. Ryan to the UCSF cancer board next Wednesday, December 1st.  This will be a review by many specialists in the field of cancer.  The doctor will come back to us with his recommendations.  He also suggested that we consult with their radiation oncologist, Dr. Jeanne Quivey.  We are waiting to hear back when this appointment will be.

So far, next week we have three appointments on the calendar:

• Tuesday - Dr. Mirda; the Napa medical oncologist
• Wednesday - Dr. Manubens; the Napa cardiologist
• Friday - Dr. Knister; the Napa radiation oncologist 

On a fun note, today has been spent preparing for tomorrow's holiday.  Mom had her weekly hair appointment with Lisa Christianson at Shine salon downtown on Clinton St. (the site of Bertain's Napa Steam Laundry)!!

Mom and Lisa today after getting her hair done

After we got back to her house, Mom had to get baking.... preparing cakes to take to Tom's house and my house for Thanksgiving.  Her Angel food cake is the traditional cake she makes with her grandmother's special chocolate frosting!

Preparing the cakes for tomorrow!

Mom has always enjoyed a full house ..... to be expected when you have six children!  Margaret's son, Joe and my daughter, Sara have been here this afternoon visiting with their grandmother.  While Mom has been in the kitchen, they have been doing chores and playing games!


Joe watering Sara....Sara watering plants!

Not sure who is winning here - Joe or Sara?

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to express our THANKFULNESS to all of the family and friends who have shown such love and support to Mom.

We pray that you and yours, have a very blessed Thanksgiving.

Love,
Pattie