De-Liver Me Tour Segue ~ The Visitor ~ January 6, 2015

The results of the endoscopic ultrasound on December 16th confirmed that the mass on the tail of my pancreas is indeed an adenocarcinoma. On December 26th I had a PET Scan to see if the tumor was stable or had metastasized. The good news is that there was no evidence of metastatic disease. 

We went to see Dr. Bolinger, my specialist at Kaiser SF yesterday, and unbeknownst to me she had already set up the surgery appointment for Wednesday, the 7th.  Holy Crap: no time to fret, worry, or think about it. So off we go to San Francisco at o'dark thirty. 

She hopes to remove the tail of the pancreas and my spleen with a combination of laparoscope and robotics (brave new world). Best case scenario I'll be there for 3 days. If it turns into regular surgery, worst case scenario is that I'll be there a week. We're focused on the short term incarceration, even if that means we have go over the Bay Bridge  and Richmond San Rafael Bridge to get home. The Golden Gate Bridge will be closed for modifications from midnight Friday to dawn on Monday. 

I have always believed in signs and the power of animals totem. While I was at my volunteer job this morning Rod happened to look out the window and see a Great Blue Heron glide down the driveway and land on our neighbor's play set (lower left corner of photo). We have never seen one up here in the 27 years we've called this place home. Rod came in and decided to do some research. This is the message that Blue Heron brings, from Animals Speak by T.Andrews

"According to North American Native tradition, the Blue Heron brings messages of self-determination and self-reliance. They have the innate wisdom of being able to maneuver through life and co-create their own circumstances. 

Blue Herons reflect a need for those with this totem to follow their own unique wisdom and path of self-determination. These individuals know what is best for themselves and need to follow their hearts rather than the promptings of others. And, when they follow the promptings of the heart, they are one of the most magnificent when they choose to soar." 

Our Great Blue is here for a reason, it's symbolic attributes weave the tale:

Calm, Grace, Patience, Longevity, Versatility, Tranquility, Intelligence, Determination, Independence and Resourcefulness. 

Once home and secure I update you the rest of the story.