I am ashamed to say that I went to the hospital today expecting bad news.

Mom had a scan scheduled at ten this morning, a meeting with her oncologist to discuss the results, and then (depending on the results) a round of chemo. "You should bring a book. Here, take my book. Do you want to go in at the gas station and buy a magazine to read? It'll be a long day..." Mom rambled. I used my time of waiting to think, to reconcile myself to the impending bad news.

Her doctor came into her room with her results and said around a smile, "I think it's about time you had a good scan, don't you?" We're stable, the tumors are stabilizing. The growth hasn't stopped completely...but this is good. This is really, really good.

Mom says she's "guardedly" optimistic...she's always preparing herself for the worst case scenario next time around. I'm not so guarded. I am going to spend all the weeks between the scans feeling grateful, feeling full, feeling blessed. I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful Thanksgiving gift.