As unbelievable as this is, Lauren's auntie (Hilary's cousin) had an MRI on Monday, which revealed a brain tumor. She underwent a 5-hour brain surgery this morning at Long Beach Memorial. The operation was a success. The neurosurgeon indicated that he was able to remove the entire tumor. I can't describe how utterly shocked everyone is. It's like reliving a nightmare. I am so sad and sorry that she has to go through this. We did mention this to Dr. Finlay who believes that they are too far removed for their tumors to be hereditary and they live far enough apart where it is probably not environmentally related, but he is curious and wants to see the report and MRI to compare with Lauren's. Last night while lying in bed watching TV, Lauren asked granny if she gave auntie her tumor. Granny had to reassure her sometimes these things just happen.

Lauren is still in the hospital. Her count is still zero. But one of the numbers is creeping up, which they said is the first sign that her blood counts should start going up. Of course they've been saying that for four days now. She did get a transfusion of platelets today. Some good news: They unhooked her from the IV pole, so she no longer has to drag the pole everywhere she goes. She is now free to run around without worrying that her tubes will snag on something and be ripped out of her port (which unfortunately I've done before and she won't let me forget it).

Also, our Aug. 21st meeting with Dr. Finlay has been moved up for tomorrow, which is good and bad. Just like in high school and college, I procrastinated and did not finish my homework of reading the Bone Marrow Transplant booklet and do not have my questions ready. I guess I'll be up late cramming for tomorrow's meeting.