Friday, September 5, 2008

The Scene
Specialist #5 is THE neurosurgeon in L.A. Comes recommended by at least six very different people in our lives. He's at the hospital closest to where we live. And we also hear he hob nobs with the likes of Oprah and Denzel. Humph :)

He recommends surgery. He says they will have to leave a part of the tumor behind. It is dangerously close to an important vein. After she recovers from the surgery, they will then radiate what is left of the tumor. The other surgeons who advocated surgery recommended the same one-two punch.

Specialist #5 parades a team of about half a dozen people in to talk surgery and radiation and costs and timeline. For two hours. All of a sudden, this is very real. I break down. Then my mom does. Everyone is kind and patient and reassuring.

In addition to feeling real, suddenly everything feels clear. We like the surgeon. We like the Gamma specialist. We like their staff. We like the facilities.

At one point, I realize it's a month to the day that we found out about the tumor (or "the meatball" as my mom now calls it!) Feels like all roads have led to this. Feels like this is the right decision.

Have to work out insurance and timing but I think we are doing this. This is happening. Here we go...


The Outfit
Ann Taylor tank
Marc Jacobs skirt

The Accessories
Forever 21 bangle
Louis Vuitton earrings
Me&Ro necklace
DKNY shoes
Marc Jacobs Irina bag

The Face
Exhausted

The Grade
Pass

The Commentary
Didn't sleep very well last night. Too anxious. So wasn't in the mood to be creative with the outfit today. Resorted to this go-to look.

Wore essentially the exact look back in February. The only difference today was that I tucked in the tank. Tried to wear the skirt a little higher. Make it more high waisted than it actually is, more on trend. But alas this is a tough look on me of the no-waist. Boo.


Reminded me of this flirty high-waisted Phillip Lim skirt that just tickled my fancy. Trying to get more into brocade. It's all over the runways this season, according to Couture Carrie







Jean Bean has loved it since college. She wears it with enviable panache. But I always fear it's too-TOO on me. With my skin tone and hips and hair and Guatemalaness. Maybe I'll start with a jacket...





Earlier this week, Jean Bean actually sent me a brocade skirt conundrum:

DKNY sent me this difficult skirt. Requires tights, balancing the volume, toning down the shine, etc. It has crazy volume, like people can probably see my ass ifI walk upstairs. That's why it needs tights, a long layer to hold it down,etc. I hate things that depend on other things to work.


I hear you, sista, on simplicity and verstaility. But I'll take Donna Karan sending me frocks to wear - no matter how difficult - any day :)

17 comments:

WendyB said...

You're always looking great despite all the stress. Love the skirt. Well, all your research paid off. It seems you finally have someone that has a handle on your mother's case. I'm glad!

Morgan said...

Hi! I have been reading your blog for awhile now and love it!

I have a friend that was in a similar situation as your mom. She had a brain tumor (and also two little boys). She did the surgery - about a year ago- and it went great. She, also, had radiatio They still monitor her periodically, but for all I know she's doing 100% fine.

A BIT COQUETTISH said...

you look so lovely! =) best of luck with everything. i'll keep you & your family in my prayers.

thanks for linking me! i hate to be a pain, but im switching my blog over to http://lacouturiernyc.wordpress.com; would you mind fixing the link? =)

Jean Bean said...

Well you LOOK footloose and fancy-free. Full speed ahead...Kisses...

Jean Bean said...

P.S. I like the redesign.

weezermonkey said...

Cook that meatball! We are glad to hear that things are becoming clearer.

Nice new template.

Sable Crow said...

Hi! I´ve missed you AND your blog for a week now. I crashed the VIP lounge at Lima International (NO ONE crashes a VIP line like Sable Crow!) and I´m my purloined time to write to you and tell you I love you and I'M HOME TOMORROW MORNING. Can´t wait. I come bearing a third-world present for my Diabolina.

Most of the girls on the SC alum trip to Peru were fashionistas, and all of our Prana (yes, it´s spelled that way) was BRAND NEW. So naturally, I taught them two things: seek out Diabolina´s blog; and the meaning and precise usage of the exclamation: F! By the end, we were all using it on the bus to the airport.

It´s a new trend, and it´s yours. Credit here first.

I miss you, I love you, and I´ll be home soon--just a fast as my sleek black wings will get me home.

J

Jen said...

Just catching up on your blog. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, but it sounds like she is getting good treatment and has a great daughter to support her.

dapotato said...

i like the new look.

i like brocade sometimes. on walls. or as curtains.

so glad you guys finally found a place that is comfortable as can be in this sitch. good thoughts going out to you and your mommy.

~kelly marie~ said...

Thank you so much for the comment on my blog. I am glad that my words could help you some. After my Mom's second bout with breast cancer she is doing really well. It is amazing the strength that one woman can have. I am so glad that you are feeling good about this specialist. That is so important to trust the person caring for your Mom. We learned that the hard way. I am glad you are going with your instincts on this one. You have so much strength. It is really admirable.

Thank you also for writing your wonderful blog. I absolutely love reading it. I am Cuban, so I often connect to the stories about your heritage. :)

I wish the best for you and your Mom and will be sending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way.

Muchos carinos,

Kelly

JillFantastic said...

There must be some relief in having a plan. I'm glad you feel comfortable with it, and it sounds like you and your mom are in good hands.

Despite being exhausted, you look cute as a bug's ear! My Poppa always says that - so bizzare.

tam pham said...

i'm so glad things are becoming clearer for you and your mami! let's get this sucker outta there! kiss kiss. ps. the template is so pretty and fun!

Jadelily said...

Good luck! I'm glad you guys were able to make a decision with #5. Sending good vibes your way!

Glam said...

Relieved you've found some clarity and a doctor you both trust. Also so glad you're both very proactive about getting the best possible treatment--that is half the battle. I supported my mother through breast cancer treatment in 06-07 and it was the most difficult year of my life. So I have some inkling of what you might be going through and my heart really goes out to you and your mother. Wishing you both all the best.
xxxx

amber said...

i'm so happy to hear that you like and feel comfortable with this new surgeon. much love and lots of prayers to you and your mom. {{hugs}}

Lynn Tran said...

Glad to hear that the last specialist gave you clarity. Big hugs. Continuing to pray for you and mamacita.

MissJordyPants said...

Beyond happy to hear that you have gained clarity with the situation and that your mom is in good hands!

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